Explore the city,
September 13 2024
Some of the best stories start in the pub – and with all the historic pubs London has to offer, the legends go back hundreds of years. Though the City of London is famed for its landmarks, there is plenty to learn from its nightlife.
The Big Smoke is home to more than 2,000 pubs, from mediaeval taverns and coaching inns to modern gastropubs. Today, you can still find Anglo-Saxon style alehouses or layouts honouring Roman tabernae. Of course, today the pubs have modernised hand-pumps, but they stay true to their roots. Step back in time with our historic pub crawl London guide.
For a true time warp, you can choose some of London’s oldest pubs, which date back to long before even the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603). The oldest active pubs in London include:
Though the present-day restaurant opened in 1952, Mayfair’s original Guinea Inn opened in 1423. You’ll find it within a stone’s throw of Hyde Park and Green Park.
Based in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, this is the city’s oldest riverside tavern – dating back to 1520.
You’ll need to be sharp to find this one tucked away in an alleyway in Holborn. But with stories going back to 1547, it’s more than worth it.
Like The Prospect of Whitby, The Mayflower is on the River Thames. It dates back to 1620, and the original mooring point of the Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower ship can still be seen today.
With its timber-based décor, the Hoop and Grapes is famous for its wonky design. Even more famously, it survived the Great Fire of London in 1666. You can find it on Aldgate High Street.
Speaking of survival, this dog-friendly pub is London’s only surviving galleried inn. Built in 1676, it’s situated on Borough High Street, just three minutes’ walk from the famous market.
Unlike the Hoop & Grapes, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street was rebuilt in 1667 when it perished in the Great Fire. It originally formed part of a 13th century monastery and has since welcomed patrons such as Charles Dickens.
With so many to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 for you to enjoy a great historic pub crawl in London.
The Spaniards Inn can be found on the aptly named Spaniards Road in Hampstead. As a Grade II listed pub, it was founded by two Spanish brothers in 1585– just three years before the ill-fated Spanish Armada.
It was named after the Spanish Ambassador to James I of England, the king who succeeded Elizabeth I. The pub is perhaps most famous for its links to Dick Turpin. The notorious highwayman was rumoured to have been born on its grounds, while his father was landlord of the pub in the 18th century.
Today, you’ll find the classic period features and wood panelling from days of yore. On top of its stunning internal décor, there’s also a charming terrace, perfect for looking out over Hampstead Village and Parliament Hill.
Keep an eye out for a few famous folks too. The haunt is a hit with celebrities, who particularly enjoy the pub garden. As one of London’s most historic pubs, The Spaniards Inn has always welcomed big names. Famed writers including Keats and Dickens were regular visitors – Dickens even mentioned the pub in his novel The Pickwick Papers.
You can enjoy cask ales, fine wines, craft beers and classic gastropub fare at The Spaniards Inn.
Holborn’s Seven Stars pub claims to have been visited by William Shakespeare himself. Another in a long line of famous old London pubs, The Seven Stars was founded in 1602, and still carries its 17th century charm.
A pint in The Seven Stars is not for the faint-hearted. Prepare to make your way up steep stairs and walk over authentic weather oak floorboards. But the pub’s true pièce de resistance is its owner. Known by some critics as the ‘Alewife for the Ages’, publican Roxy Beaujolais is known locally for the ‘sparkle’ she brings to the pub.
If Roxy doesn’t give you a warm welcome, the themed interior will. The Seven Stars is known for its connections to the British justice system thanks to its location. You’ll find it just behind the Royal Courts of Justice on Carey Street, and today, it’s a prime spot for lawyers to celebrate winning cases.
Next door lies Thomas More House, home of the west wing of the pub. This is affectionately known as The Wig Box, and is Grade II listed, just like The Seven Stars itself. If you love regularly updated menus, quirky scenery and a good old-fashioned London welcome, pop in.
Few pubs can get away with being nicknamed the ‘Bucket of Blood’ and still be popular. But The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden has achieved just that. While it was originally built in 1638, the bloody moniker came to be in 1679. At the time, punters would regularly engage in bare-knuckle fights.
In the same year, power John Dryden was attacked by assailants hired by the Earl of Rochester. Today, it has a far less violent reputation and has gone through many renovations. It officially became a pub in the 18th century when it was known as Coopers Arms. Now, it holds the accolade of one of the Evening Standard’s top London pubs.
While it’s beloved for being one of the best traditional pubs in London, it manages to combine past and present. Those with a keen eye might notice the 1950s brickwork that hides its older 18th century structure – another renovation in the 17th century original.
Visit The Lamb and Flag if you love a seasonal menu, modern craft beers and friendly service. There’s even live jazz on the last Sunday of every month. You can find it on 33 Rose Street, right in London’s famous Covent Garden.
One of the best-known historic City of London pubs is The Old Doctor Butler’s Head. You’ll know it straight away thanks to its plush red leather seating and wooden interior.
As for the name, the pub is an homage to King James I’s court physician Dr Butler. Famous for his unconventional treatment methods, including dunking patients in the Thames, the doctor also favoured ‘medicinal ale’. It’s no wonder he had a pub named after him – and his story is just one of many in the establishment’s 400-year timeline.
Like many historic pubs in the City of London, The Old Doctor Butler’s Head has connections to the Great Fire. Originally established in the early 1600s, it was rebuilt following the fire. Today, the pub is popular thanks to its cask ales and warm hospitality.
From the outside, you’ll be greeted with a Stuart era façade including swan neck lamps. But on the inside, it’s a far more modern affair – playing sports games and serving classic British pub grub.
A trip to The Old Doctor Butler’s Head promises to be lively, nestled away in the Moorgate alleys at 2 Masons Avenue. Join city folk for world wines and beers, in or outside.
Out of the city in West London’s Hammersmith, The Dove is one of the most famous heritage pubs in London. Like The Lamb and Flag, it also takes pride of place in the Evening Standard’s top London pub list.
Come to The Dove if you like feeling cosy. It’s home to the world’s smallest bar room, as certified by the Guinness World Records. You can see this for yourself on the wall plaque, which marks a flood height in 1928.
The pub has seen many famous visitors since it was established back in the 19th century. Both Charles II and Nell Gwynne have stopped by, while it was also named in A.P. Herbert’s novel, ‘The Water Gypsies’.
Of course, the novel wasn’t the only work inspired by the pub. James Thomson wrote the poem ‘Rule Britannia’ there, while it’s also played host to William Morris and Dylan Thomas. If you’re looking for a name check, be sure to check out the list above the fireplace in the lower bar.
Today, the pub is under the ownership of Fuller’s, serving real ales and traditional pub food. Explore the wine list by the fire or enjoy the views over the riverside terrace.
After a long night exploring the best historic pubs London has to offer, you’ll want to rest up and relax. With seven locations across Central London, you’re guaranteed to find a spot at Thistle Hotels – so book a room with us today.
