London's historic pubs are living museums, where centuries of history lurk in dark corners, low beams, and weathered bar tops. In a city constantly reinventing itself, these establishments offer a rare connection to London's past—places where Shakespeare might have enjoyed a pint, where Dickens found inspiration, or where notorious criminals plotted their schemes.
Beyond their architectural charm, these pubs tell the story of London itself: surviving the Great Fire, the Blitz, and countless social transformations. Join us as we explore the capital's most storied taverns, where you can literally drink in the history.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Fleet Street)
Rebuilt immediately after the Great Fire of 1666, this labyrinthine tavern on Fleet Street has been serving patrons for over 350 years. Hidden down a narrow alley marked by a simple hanging sign, stepping into this pub feels like traveling back in time. Its dark paneled walls, worn stone floors, and vaulted cellars (which date back to the 13th century) create an atmosphere of bygone London.
The pub's rich literary connections are its crowning glory. Charles Dickens was a regular—so fond of the place that he mentioned it in "A Tale of Two Cities" and gave his favorite seat by the fireplace. Other literary giants like Dr. Samuel Johnson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and G.K. Chesterton all drank here, perhaps finding inspiration in its gloomy, atmospheric interior.
Don't miss the magnificent open fireplace in the downstairs dining room, which has been warming visitors since the 17th century, or the opportunity to sample traditional dishes like steak and kidney pudding with a pint of Samuel Smith's beer.
The George Inn (Southwark)
The last remaining galleried coaching inn in London, The George Inn in Southwark stands as a magnificent example of medieval hospitality architecture. Dating to at least 1542 (though an inn has stood on this site since medieval times), its imposing structure with wooden galleries overlooking the courtyard offers a glimpse into how Londoners would have experienced travel and entertainment in Shakespeare's day.
Shakespeare himself likely drank here, given its proximity to the Globe Theatre. Charles Dickens definitely did—even mentioning The George in "Little Dorrit." Now owned and preserved by the National Trust, the pub retains its historic grandeur while serving as a functioning tavern.
Visit in summer to enjoy the courtyard, which gives the best view of the building's remarkable galleried structure, or warm yourself by the massive fireplace in winter while imagining stagecoaches arriving with weary travelers centuries ago.
The Prospect of Whitby (Wapping)
Claiming to be London's oldest riverside tavern (established around 1520), this Wapping pub offers spectacular Thames views alongside a colorful history. Originally called the Devil's Tavern due to its reputation for harboring smugglers, pirates, and thieves, it later earned the nickname "the blood tub" because of violent crimes committed on its premises.
The pub's sinister connections include notorious hanging judge George Jeffreys, who would watch executions at nearby Execution Dock from the pub's window. Today, a noose hanging outside serves as a macabre reminder of this grisly past.
Despite this dark history, The Prospect charms visitors with its gorgeous riverside terrace, original stone floor, and a pewter-topped bar worn smooth by centuries of use. Look for the original ship timbers incorporated into the structure and the 400-year-old flagstone floor.
The Lamb and Flag (Covent Garden)
Tucked away on Rose Street in Covent Garden, The Lamb and Flag has been serving drinks since 1772. However, a tavern called The Cooper's Arms had occupied the site since at least 1623. During the 19th century, the pub earned the nickname "The Bucket of Blood" due to the bare-knuckle prize fights held here.
The Lamb and Flag boasts illustrious literary connections—most notably the poet John Dryden, who was beaten by thugs hired by the Earl of Rochester in 1679 just outside the pub. Charles Dickens was also a regular visitor.
The narrow, wood-paneled interior maintains its period charm, with historical portraits, low ceilings, and worn wooden floors creating an authentic atmosphere. The upstairs room offers a quieter space to appreciate the centuries of history within these walls.
The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead)
Perched on the edge of Hampstead Heath since 1585, The Spaniards Inn offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a historic pub in a semi-rural setting. Its remote location on an old toll road has preserved much of its original character, making it one of London's most atmospheric taverns.
Literary connections abound—the pub features in Dickens' "The Pickwick Papers" and is mentioned in Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Romantic poet John Keats allegedly wrote "Ode to a Nightingale" in the garden, while highwayman Dick Turpin supposedly used the inn as a hideout (his father was rumored to be the landlord).
With its dark wood interiors, multiple fireplaces, and delightful garden, The Spaniards offers a perfect combination of history and comfort. The narrow road outside still has the original tollbooth arch, where horse-drawn carriages would have paid to pass.
The Mayflower (Rotherhithe)
Dating from 1550, this riverside pub in Rotherhithe sits just meters from where the Mayflower ship departed for America in 1620. As the only pub licensed to sell both British and American postage stamps (a nod to its transatlantic significance), The Mayflower celebrates its unique place in history with colonial-era decor and memorabilia.
The pub's rickety wooden jetty extends over the Thames, offering spectacular views of the river—especially at high tide, when water slaps directly beneath the deck. Inside, crooked floors, dark wood paneling, and maritime artifacts create a suitably historic atmosphere.
Visit during a high spring tide to experience the unusual sensation of the Thames flowing right beneath you as you enjoy a pint on the deck, or come at sunset to see Tower Bridge silhouetted against the sky.
Ye Olde Mitre (Holborn)
Hidden down a narrow alleyway so secluded that many Londoners don't know it exists, Ye Olde Mitre was built in 1546 for the servants of the Bishop of Ely. The pub's curious history includes a cherry tree that Queen Elizabeth I allegedly danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton.
Technically, the pub once stood in Cambridgeshire, not London, as it was part of the Bishop of Ely's estate and therefore considered part of that county—an administrative quirk only resolved in the 1990s.
The tiny interior features several small rooms with period furnishings, royal memorabilia, and a polished cherry tree trunk preserved in the front bar. Finding this hidden gem is part of its charm—look for the subtle sign on Hatton Garden or Ely Place.
The Old Bank of England (Fleet Street)
While not as ancient as others on this list, this spectacular pub occupies the former Law Courts branch of the Bank of England (1888-1975) and sits on a site with a gruesome connection to London's past. The pub stands between two locations central to the Sweeney Todd story—the demon barber's alleged shop and Mrs. Lovett's pie shop were located on either side.
The pub's interior is arguably the most magnificent of any London tavern, with soaring ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and an impressive central bar where bank tellers once served customers. The original bank vaults can still be viewed in the basement.
Visit to marvel at how public houses can repurpose grand buildings, preserving architectural heritage while creating convivial spaces. The outside terrace offers views of the Royal Courts of Justice across the street.
Tips for Enjoying London's Historic Pubs
- Visit mid-week: These famous establishments get extremely busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. A Tuesday or Wednesday early evening visit offers a better chance to appreciate the historical details.
- Try a historic pub tour: Several companies offer guided walks between historic pubs, providing deeper historical context and ensuring you don't miss hidden architectural details.
- Respect the buildings: Remember these are fragile historic structures—many with protected status. Treat the furnishings and fixtures with appropriate care.
- Sample traditional ales: Many historic pubs serve traditional cask ales, often from independent breweries. These hand-pulled beers offer a taste experience connected to centuries of British brewing tradition.
- Check opening hours: Some historic pubs, particularly in the City of London, close on weekends when the financial district empties out.
London's historic pubs offer more than just a place to drink—they provide a tangible connection to the capital's rich past. In these centuries-old establishments, you can sit where literary giants found inspiration, notorious figures plotted schemes, and countless ordinary Londoners sought respite from the city's demands. Each tells a unique story about London's evolution from medieval town to global metropolis, one pint at a time.