Table of Contents
London’s oldest pubs that you can visit today and still get a great pint
1 Introduction
When the subject of pubs comes up, we are asked about the food in pubs and how we can experience a traditional and historical London pub.
The truth is London is stuffed full of good food pubs and so many historical drinking houses pre-dating the great fire of London (1666). So, we made our old London pubs list.
So join us in the oldest pubs in London pub crawl as we uncover the stories behind these centuries-old establishments that have weathered the test of time.
If only the pubs could speak, what intresting stories they could tell of days when Londons pubs where not places for the faint hearted.
So get your comfy drinking boots on, and let us get started and take a look at Londons oldest pubs
The Oldest Pubs in London
2 The Spaniard (est. 1585): Hampstead Heath’s Literary Oasis
Located within the picturesque Hampstead Heath area, The Spaniards Inn is a quaint pub that has been serving patrons since 1585. It is a popular spot amongst literary luminaries like Keats and Dickens and is steeped in folklore, including stories about the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who was believed to have been a regular at The Spaniard; I wonder if Dick Turpin paid for his pint.
The pub’s rich history, distinctive character and charming beer garden make it a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience a glimpse of London’s past.
Spaniards Rd, London NW3 7J
3 The George Inn (est.1583) The Last remaining galleried coach inn in the city
The present-day building dates from 1676 and is the last galleried coaching Inn in the city. The building is Grade 1 listed.
Only a third of the original building remains, but standing in the courtyard, you can picture the scene where horses would be stabled overnight while their owners enjoyed refreshment and a room for the night.
Dickens would pop in for a pint on his way to visit his father in prison in Borough High Street.
Nowadays, the popular pub is a resting place for visitors and locals alike and a handy resting place if you are visiting the very popular Borough Market across the road.
75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH
4 The Guinea Grill (est.1720) Mayfairs Foodie Paradise
Regular readers of the MayfairFoodie website will know my passion for The Guinea Grill.
The Guinea Grill has been an inn since 1423, with the current building dating back to 1720. This historic pub deserves a spot on any list of great historic pubs and is one of most famous pubs in London.
The pub serves an excellent pint of Guinness with great pub food. However, you can go upstairs and enjoy a fine dining experience; booking is essential, and a large wallet is required but the food is exceptional.
You might be intrested in reading a full review of Lunch at the Guinea Grill.
30 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6NL
5 The Mayflower (Est. 1550)
The Mayflower gets its name from the famous ship, which moored next door before sailing to the New World. The pub was originally called the Spread Eagle and was renamed The Mayflower in 1957.
The Mayflower Descendants Book is available upon request to those who can prove a family connection to the original Pilgrim Fathers from The Mayflower 1620 voyage. You are invited to share your details and sign their book.
6 The Prospect of Whitby (est. 1520): Maritime Marvel in Wapping
Head east to Wapping, and you’ll encounter The Prospect of Whitby, a pub that proudly claims to be London’s oldest riverside inn and maybe oldest pub in London, dating back to 1520. Overlooking the Thames, this maritime marvel has played a pivotal role in London’s seafaring history. From smugglers and pirates to literary legends like Charles Dickens.
The infamous Judge Jeffreys was a local and would have watched the final moments of those condemned to death at the Execution dock; it is rumoured the poor victims would drink a quart of ale before their demise, scant consolation, I think.
117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF
7 Lamb & Flag (est.1774) A little oasis in Covent Garden
A spring chicken of a pub compared to some of the others on the list. Another Dickensian waterhole and former bare-knuckle boxing venue.
The former poet laureate was beaten to within an inch of his life on the pub’s doorstep.
However, that was all in the past, and nowadays, the Lamb and Flag is a popular sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden. The oldest pub in Covent Garden is hidden away from the hoards of visitors to the area.
33 Rose St, Covent Garden, WC2E 9EB.
8 The Old Bell Tavern ( est. 1678} Wrens Mini Masterpiece
Sir Christopher Wren is probably Britain’s most famous architect. who built many of our most famous buildings, including St Paul’s cathedral; he also built St Bride’s church and the Old Bell tavern next door. I’m not sure if Sir Christopher liked a drink, but he would often build a pub near a church,
Both are located on Fleet Street, and both would be frequented by local hacks who would no doubt be repenting in one build and imbibing in the other.
95 Fleet St, London EC4Y 1DH
9 The Wrestlers (est. 1547)
The Wrestlers is a well-liked pub in the area that offers a charming outdoor space for summer drinks and a warm fireplace for winter get-togethers. The pub has been around since 1547 and still practices certain ancient customs, such as Swearing on the Horns, which was created for patrons to pledge their commitment to revelry and fun.
98 North Rd, London N6 4AA
10 The Grapes (est.1583)
Located in what was once the commercial centre of the British Empire, Sir Walter Raleigh is known to have embarked for the New World just below The Grapes. Dickens and Pepys all frequented The Grapes, with the former having a passion for table dancing in the snug.
Other famous writers have been fascinated by Limehouse: Oscar Wilde in “Dorian Gray”; Arthur Conan Doyle, who sent Sherlock Holmes in search of opium provided by the local Chinese immigrants; and more recently, Peter Ackroyd in “Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem”.
Sir Ian McKellen is co-owner of the The Grapes.
98 North Rd, London N6 4AA
Ye Olde Mitre Tavern (est.1546), a hidden gem near Hatton Garden
It is also the hardest to find as well as one of the oldest pubs in London, but it is worth the effort. The pub was built for the servants of the Bishop of Ely. The Ye Olde Mitre is famous for having a cherry tree, now supporting the front bar that Queen Elizabeth once danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton.
Now a popular haunt for workers in the Jewellery location of London, it’s worth noting that the pub is closed at weekends.
1 Ely Court, Ely Place, London EC1N 6SJ
12 The Seven Stars (est. 1602): Riverside Inn Along the Thames
The Seven Stars is a beautiful pub located on the banks of the Thames, with a rich history dating back to 1602. It is right next to the renowned Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and has welcomed a diverse range of patrons over the years, from sailors to actors. The pub’s low ceilings, wooden beams, and unique character make it a charming getaway that takes you back to London’s maritime and theatrical past.
53 Carey Street, Holborn, London WC2A 2JB
13 The Footman (est.1749)
Another spring chicken of a pub is just 274 years old, only a century younger than some of our other selections.
The Footman is one of London’s oldest pubs, with a history dating back to 1749. Initially named The Running Horse, it was a popular meeting place for footmen working for the Mayfair households. The footmen cleared a safe path for their master’s coaches by running ahead. As the profession of footman became less popular over time, one of them decided to buy the pub and renamed it The Only Running Footman after himself.
Nowadays, The Footman is a busy pub with a fine-dining restaurant upstairs and a lovely bar to drink in.
5 Charles St, London W1J 5DF
I hope you enjoyed reading our Top Ten Oldest Pub in London. The keen-eyed amongst you would have counted eleven pubs on my list. I can only say I got carried away with the volume of historic London pubs. I hope this has inspired you to visit some of the pubs on the list and soak up a little piece of London’s history.
14 Conclusion
London has a rich history, and its oldest pubs serve as more than just landmarks. They are living artefacts that connect us to the past. Each pub, from the hidden gems in Holborn to the riverside retreats, has a unique story.
So, when you’re in London, take a sip through centuries of tradition and tales by stepping into these historic hostilleries.
Let’s raise a glass to the enduring spirit of London’s oldest pubs!
If you like traditional London pubs, then you will like my article on Best Pubs in Mayfair and pubs in Shepherd Market. Also, Best Pub grub in Mayfair is a good read.
