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    What Are the 10 Oldest Pubs in London? Let’s Explore

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    Oldest Pubs in London

    Visited the city of London and had a fascination for exploring the oldest pubs in London.

    Are you eager to learn everything about London’s oldest pub culture and those aged pubs that despite many odds have still managed to continue their journey even today?

    Then, know that the pub culture of London is the timeless culture of rich people that blends history with diverse settlements.

    Each oldest pub in London at that time used to imitate the luxuriousness of the Victorian age and lighten up the rooms with timber beams or candlelights. People used to stop there to spark conversations on important topics.

    As they talk, the sound of their glasses used to get increases.

    The oldest London pubs used to be the epitome of culinary delights. With each bite of the food by the customers, the pubs used to absorb many secrets of theirs.

    In the oldest pub in London, traditional beauty meets modern liveliness and that’s the speciality of these pubs. So, what is the oldest pub in Londen?

    The oldest pub in London is a historical landmark that is an emblem of London’s cultural heritage. This pub is proof that history still exists.

    It contains the footprints of various famous historians and other scholars, who over a glass of wine, used to indulge in their interesting conversations.

    Want to delve deep into the oldest pub in London and understand it from a social point of view?

    Well! Here we go…keep reading to meet all the ten oldest pubs in London City.

    Oldest Pub In London: History Unveiled

    The origin of the oldest pub in London can be dated back to medieval times (probably in the late seventeenth century).

    The pub or public house was then a communal space for gathering and discussion on various topics more than just a drinking place.

    Yes, people used to drink glasses of beer or wine during their conversations but, it was only of secondary importance.

    Their primary focus always used to be on intellectual discussions.

    Another interesting thing about those oldest pubs was that they were usually run by alewives (ladies).

    Third, these pubs used to provide a resting place for those people who were super tired after everyday activities.

    Also, people used to find comfort in doing legal transactions under their roofs. 

    An important landmark in the history of London pubs is the Great Fire Of London which occurred in 1666.

    It resulted in an evolution and renovation of the pub buildings. The archaic architectural designs of the pub are a must-watch. 

    The 18th-century pubs acquired a somewhat different look and became a social and political hub with wooden decorations for politicians and other people.

    The cosy environment within the pubs resulted in more and more social connectivity among people. It boosted social connections among people of that time. 

    How We Selected The Best 10 Oldest Pubs in London?

    By the oldest pub in London, what we understand is a social place that has a deep association with the past.

    Many of the oldest pubs in this city are still existing in all fervour and we selected the top 10 pubs in the city after deep research and investigations.

    “What is the oldest pub in London” – has always been a topic of discussion among various scholars and according to them, it’s not so easy to figure out the best ancient pubs in London.

    The process involves deep research on the history of various pubs and their architectures and also a serious go-through of the documents (for example, their archival records, license papers, etc) of such pubs.

    Also, it’s important to assess if the pub culture of such pubs managed to survive by overpowering time or not. After going through all these scrutinies, here’s our result for the ten of London’s oldest pubs:

    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. 

    How Are People’s Experiences After Visiting These Pubs

    People who visited these pubs experienced a composite beauty mixed with conventional and historical elegance.

    The fragrance of the savoury food items coming out of the pubs is quite tempting. The fare of most of these traditional pubs is usually affordable for mediocre people as well.

    The pubs are not only good for food but for music and entertainment too. The sound of the music used to be so vibrant that the visitors automatically get attracted to their allure.

    Some patrons visit pubs for pub games like darts, pool, etc.

    And the oldest pubs in London never forget it while designing their evening programs.

    They still abide by the oldest traditions of London and people even today visit these pubs to discuss their ideas with each other over glasses of wine and toasts. 

    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  

    The Ways To Explore These Pubs

    To explore these pubs in the easiest way, it’s a great idea to take the help of a travel guide, who will keep you covered with all the oldest pubs of the time very smoothly and effortlessly.

    A travel guide will also explain to you the history and cultural significance of the places in detail so that you can relish the places remembering the way they were setup.

    However, if you want to travel on your own independently and want to make your tour a self-guided tour, set the tour according to your flexibility of time and go for it carrying a London map in your hand that depicts all the oldest pubs in the city.

    To add a unique dimension to your tour, you can also enlist your name in a pub crawl. Visit the pubs in the late afternoons when everything is quiet surrounding these pubs or take a chance in the early evenings and the solitude of these pubs will amaze you with their historical beauties. 

    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 doesn’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.  

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    Niki Goraai's dedication to her craft, coupled with her passion for all things fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, continues to captivate and inspire her audience, making her a leading authority in the UK's vibrant fashion and lifestyle scene.

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