Have you ever wondered about the history behind London’s oldest pubs?
I had the exact thought while exploring London’s historic spots and realized, “Why not check out the oldest pubs in the city?”
After hours of searching and chatting with locals, I found some of London’s most legendary pubs, each with its slice of history, character, and—yes—haunting stories too.
Today, I’m diving into a list of the 10 oldest pubs in London, each one a unique landmark, just waiting to be discovered by history buffs, casual visitors, and anyone curious about experiencing the city’s centuries-old drinking culture.
So grab a seat and join me on this journey; let’s step back in time and uncover the charm of London’s oldest watering holes.
Contents
- 1 Oldest Pub In London: History Unveiled
- 2 Ten Existing Oldest Pubs In London
- 2.1 1. Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, London
- 2.2 2. The George Inn, London
- 2.3 3. The Spaniards Inn, London
- 2.4 4. The Prospect Of Whitby, London
- 2.5 5. The Lamb And Flag Inn, London
- 2.6 6. The Mayflower Pub, London
- 2.7 7. The Old Bell Tavern, London
- 2.8 8. The Seven Stars, London
- 2.9 9. The Blackfriar, London
- 2.10 10. The Cittie Of Yorke, London
- 3 Why You Should Visit These Pubs?
- 4 FAQS
- 4.0.1 1. Is an advanced reservation needed to visit the oldest pub in London?
- 4.0.2 2. How to travel from one pub to another in a hassle-free manner?
- 4.0.3 3. Does the oldest pub in London organize any festival?
- 4.0.4 4. Can a historian accompany me to the pub?
- 4.0.5 5. Can I take photos inside the oldest pubs in the city?
- 4.0.6 6. Do these pubs sell souvenirs or model decor of the pubs?
- 5 Conclusion
Oldest Pub In London: History Unveiled
London’s oldest pub dates back to medieval times, likely the late 17th century, serving as a gathering space for discussions more than just a drinking spot. Beer or wine was enjoyed, but intellectual talks were the main focus.
Interestingly, alewives often managed these pubs, offering a resting spot for the weary and a safe place for legal transactions.
The Great Fire of 1666 marked a turning point, leading to renovations in pub architecture.
By the 18th century, pubs had evolved into social and political hubs with cosy, wood-decorated interiors that fostered strong community connections.
Ten Existing Oldest Pubs In London
1. Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, London
This is one of the oldest pubs in London and is situated in Holborn.
The labyrinthine structure of this pub is quite amazing and its associated historical significance can’t be underestimated. The pub building was established in the year 1546 (sixteenth century) at a mysterious alley.
Many famous personalities have visited this pub. The pub is enriched with the footprints of the famous writer, Dr. Samuel Johnson, and many others.
People who were close to the queen of that time and her secretaries used to visit the tavern and enjoyed their conversations within the beautifully decorated oak-beamed interiors.
The pub was then famous for its antique wooden panels, fireplace, and cherry tree, which used to remain standing in its courtyard silently.
Visiting this place gives the tourists an unparalleled experience as they get to know about the history of the place along with the unconventional traditions of that time and see all the minute architectural details.
2. The George Inn, London
Love to visit historical places that attract you with their timeless charms?
Well! The George Inn located in London, which was built in the seventeenth century, is one such place.
The inn was well-known for its unique courtyard that was filled with various pictures forming a gallery.
Also, the traditional coaching inn architecture of the building is worth watching.
As you visit this place, the worn cobblestones, the wooden beams, and the low-ceiling warm interior decoration will keep you immersed in its history.
You will experience the nostalgia of the old-world London standing there.
Once various renowned patrons like Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, etc used to visit this place and glorify it with their intelligence.
Dickens got his inspiration for “Little Dorrit” seeing and feeling the pub’s atmosphere.
These iconic figures have left such an indelible mark in this pub, that keeps this pub glowing with full vigour even today.
3. The Spaniards Inn, London
Here’s another oldest pubs in London that you might find interesting to know about. The pub is situated in London’s Hampstead Heath.
The place was a favourite of various famous literary figures such as John Keats, Dickens, etc. The rich literary lineage associated with this pub makes it one of the oldest pubs in London that is termed immortal.
The environmental elegance and rural attraction of this inn became inspiring for many writers as they plotted their write-ups based on the pub’s romantic essence.
Keat’s “Ode to a Nightingale” is the result of this inspiration of the pub. The pub for these writers was a milestone for their sparkling creativity.
Apart from this, the place has a rumour of being haunted by the ghost of Dick Turpin, a disreputable man of that time.
Besides, this place was thought to be inhabited by various phantoms and mysterious creatures.
If you are a lover of thrilling experiences, this pub is just ideal for you.
4. The Prospect Of Whitby, London
Wanna visit London and sit on the bank of the Thames? Then, don’t miss the chance to visit this famous and antique tavern in London.
It was built in 1520 just beside the river bank of Thames and has witnessed the time flow of many years along with the up-tides and down-tides of the river.
If you visit this pub, you will find that the pub wall of the pub along with the weathered wooden beams shouts the history of the pub’s time.
The panoramic elegant views that this pub’s outdoor terrace gives along with its natural antique interior decoration will make you speak out – “Now I understand, what is the oldest pub in London”.
The pub, like other antique pubs, is not without a mystery. It was once called the ” Devil’s Tavern” because of the notorious executions of various criminals that used to go on inside the pub.
This grim historical significance of the pub makes it one of the famous oldest pubs located there.
5. The Lamb And Flag Inn, London
Also known as “The Literary Pub”, The Lamb and Flag Inn of the 19th century may be considered one of the ideal places for the writer’s societies.
Numerous renowned writers like Dickens, J.M.W Turner, etc used to come here to gather inspiration from this club for their ideas and creativity.
It is a cultural touchstone exhibiting the vigorous scholarly terrain of the city.
Situated in a hidden alley of Covent Garden, this tavern is an authentic piece of history that possesses the allure of the old world.
Its low ceilings, intimate nooks, and wood-made furniture are something worth watching.
6. The Mayflower Pub, London
Just like The Prospect Of Whitby, The Mayflower pub is the oldest pub in London that gives you a spellbinding view of the river Thames.
This pub used to be a historical hub for pilgrims who made their night lively there before sailing for their destination the next day.
Built in 1620, this inn used to have various seafaring connections and its interior decors reveal the same. The exposed beams along with the decors related to the seas and sailing of this pub are attractive enough to keep the visitors submerged in them.
7. The Old Bell Tavern, London
This oldest pub in London is enriched with Victorian charm.
The inner atmosphere of the pub is quite tranquil. The wooden panels are dark inside the pub.
You will see dim lights flickering within the pub. The pieces of furniture of the pub are wooden and they embody the antique culture of the pub.
Everything in this pub will remind you of the aura of the novels, written by Charles Dickens.
Not only Dicken but various other intellectuals of the 19th century were frequent visitors to this pub.
The walls of this tavern still reflect the lively conversations sparked by those intellectuals.
8. The Seven Stars, London
Another oldest pub in London, The Seven Stars holds its vintage sign of the 7 stars, which used to guide the illiterate patrons of that time to choose this pub, thinking it as an epitome of luxuriousness.
It is this signage of the pub that makes it stand apart from the others and verify its historical authenticity.
The signage of the seven stars of the pub along with its quirky and vintage-themed decor and furniture used to attract the visitors with all their charm.
The patrons used to love the delightful and fascinating atmosphere of the pub and so they used to gather here to taste the honey of luxuriousness.
9. The Blackfriar, London
Situated in the central part of London, this pub is praised for its grand and spectacular Art Nouveau architectural designs of Herbert Fuller-Clark.
Also, there is no less contribution of the artist, Henry Poole in making intricate and graceful designs on the walls of the pub.
His art on the walls ranges from flower designs and streaming lines to other detailed nature-inspired works.
The Blackfriar, other than its craftsmanship, is also famous for its beautiful and secured wrought-iron gates.
Besides, the mosaic panels found inside the pub are also creative masterpieces of the skilled architects and artists of that time.
If you ever visit this place, never miss the creativity of those skilled persons, and be sure to peek at every cosy nook, intricate carvings, and crannies.
10. The Cittie Of Yorke, London
Last yet not least, meet the timber-framed oldest pub in London that was built in the fifteenth century.
London is rich in architectural heritage and this pub is proof of it.
This three-storied pub has a timeless appeal. Its gabled ceiling, leaded windows, and other historical architecture are enough to attract tourists to the spot.
On the pub’s outside wall, you can see many minute and detailed designs and cravings like ornate carvings.
Also, the enclosure of the pub is quite absorbing and mind-blowing. Like many other oldest pubs of this city, the Cittie Of Yorke is not without a mystery.
An interesting secret of this London pub is its private cellars. The cellars were then used for multipurpose things.
Some were used to store the wealth of the traders and merchants. Whereas, still others were there where different merchants or other influential people used to meet secretly.
There are mazes in the passages of this pub and it’s hard to get out of them if you don’t have any idea about them from the beginning.
The vaulted ceilings inside this pub are also masterpieces that will keep reminding every tourist about the history of the pub.
Why You Should Visit These Pubs?
If you are an adventure-seeking person who lives to travel to the past through a time machine and explore all of the social and historical significances of an antique place, then the oldest pub in London is the ideal place for your exploration.
The low ceilings, screaming floorboards, wooden carvings, and the comfortable nooks of these places will heighten your excitement more and more. All these things will keep you reminded of the history of that time
FAQS
1. Is an advanced reservation needed to visit the oldest pub in London?
No, you don’t have to make any reservation if you visit the pub at the normal time. The staff of the pubs will welcome you whenever you visit.
However, if it’s peak time or any festival time, the pubs are expected to remain overcrowded with visitors. The pubs usually organize special functions or programs related to entertainment during such times.
So, reserving your seat at those times or on the weekends will be a good decision on your part.
2. How to travel from one pub to another in a hassle-free manner?
You can travel from one pub to another on foot if it is within walking distance between two pubs. The leisure walking through the roads surrounded by these rich heritages will help you refresh your mood and make you acquainted with the other historical architectures, secret lanes, thrilling streets, etc.
However, if you’re not comfortable exploring the pubs by walking or the pubs are situated far off from one another, there are always alternate options like buses, underground passages, etc. Rising bikes or cycling is also a good option to visit the oldest pubs in London.
3. Does the oldest pub in London organize any festival?
Yes, these pubs always organize programs at different festivals and events. These programs used to be superhit and a great source of entertainment for the tourists. The festivals include Christmas, New Year’s Eve etc. Also, the pubs’ historical celebrations call for big-themed nights and celebrations with music, costume dances, quizzes, dinners, etc.
4. Can a historian accompany me to the pub?
Of course, you can take a historian along with you to these pubs. It will not only save you from feeling lonely but also help you acquire all historical, cultural, and architectural knowledge about those places. With him, you will feel everything realistic in the pubs, as if you’re standing in the medieval English period now and experiencing those things.
5. Can I take photos inside the oldest pubs in the city?
In general, the oldest pubs in London don’t have any restriction on clicking photos. However, every pub is different and their rules may be different. So, before clicking a photo in a pub, it’s always a great idea to ask the inmates of the pub about the rules of their pub.
6. Do these pubs sell souvenirs or model decor of the pubs?
Yes, nearly every oldest pub in the city sells souvenirs or model decor of the pubs for the interest of the tourists. The souvenirs include t-shirts, historical pamphlets, showpieces, wall hangings, pub miniatures, glassware, etc.
Some souvenirs even come with the pub’s logo. Choose the souvenir you want to purchase, pay for it to the staff, and acquire it for a lifetime. Purchasing souvenirs with pub logos is a great idea as it will in future make you remember your visit to the pubs.
Conclusion
So, are you dying to dig through these pubs at the earliest? Then, why wait? Pack your rucksack and get set to go for the journey. Your experience will be so remarkable that you will cherish its memories forever.