The Most Amazing Historical Pubs In London
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London is a city that is full of rich history. Even something as common as a London pub can be home to some iconic historical moments. A visit to any one of these pubs is an insight into how old this city really is, as well as the stories that come along with that. Links to true crime, literary history, and even buildings that are hundreds of years old; everything is covered here. I have tried to include a number of pubs that lie in central London or near to other sights so that you are able to drop in easily. Some are pubs to go to for a drink, others offer a great Sunday roast. Hopefully, I’ve included enough variety for there to be something for everyone.
Otherwise, read on, and discover the amazing historical pubs of London!
The Blind Beggar
The Blind Beggar is a pub that has been around since 1596. It is one of the oldest pubs in London, and it’s located in Whitechapel. If you want to enjoy a pint with a view, this is the pub for you. The Blind Beggar is located at 337 Whitechapel Road. It has an olde worlde vibe, with tables and chairs that date back to the 1600s. You can also enjoy breakfast here, including pancakes, sausages, and more. It’s a great pub for a date, as well as for meeting your friends for a drink.
This pub has a long history. It is particularly linked with London’s gangster history. Many gangsters of old have roots or are associated with this pub. Most notoriously, gangster Ronnie Kray shot one of his rivals here. Luckily, it is now a popular and safe tourist spot! It is now mentioned in many books and films which maintain its legendary status. As well as enjoying food and a pint, you are able to take tours around the pub to discover it’s iconic history.
The Crown
There are a number of pubs called The Crown in London, however, this one is particularly special. It’s located at 64 Brewer Street. This is another pub with a rich history. It is built on the old location of the Hickford Rooms, which used to be the most prominent concert hall, especially during the mid-1700’s. Its biggest boast is that Mozart once played a concert here. It’s filled with dark wood, character, and a cozy atmosphere. This is a great pub to enjoy a pint, or to meet your friends. They specialise in selling good real ales and traditional English pub grub. The Crown is near many other bars, including some of the best in Soho. It’s easy to get to from most of the pubs in Soho, and you can also walk to other areas of central London, including Mayfair and Covent Garden.
Ye Olde London
Ye Olde London is another London classic. It’s a bright pub with a traditional design, located at 42 Ludgate Hill. Ye Olde London has great food and is a great spot to go to fill up on lunch or dinner. It is said to have been built on the spot of an old London coffee house. This would have been one of the spots where intellectuals would come to spend time and discuss the new ideas of the era. It is near to St Paul’s Cathedral, so if you’re visiting his iconic landmark, make sure to stop off at this nearby iconic London pub. The nearby St Martin’s church is a hidden gem that is also nearby and worth a visit, so make sure to stop by if you’re in the area.
The Queen’s Head
The Queen’s Head is another London pub that has been around for a long time. It’s located at 66 Acton Street, in Kings Cross. The Queen’s Head is a pub with a rich history. It is a small, quaint pub that dates back to the Victorian era. It’s also a great place to enjoy a pint of beer, renowned for it’s wide selection of drinks on offer. It has been named one of the top spots for craft beer, and is also popular with cider drinkers. It offers food in the way of nibbles, but is more a drinking pub that an eating pub. A highlight of the pub is the music it offers. It hosts piano players regularly and often hosts live jazz evenings as well. If you’re in Kings Cross, make sure to stop by this unique, small London pub.
The Nell Gwynne Tavern
The Nell Gwynne Tavern is another older pub in London. It’s located at 2 Bull Inn Court. The street was named as such due to the old Bull Inn that used to stand where the Nell Gwynne Tavern stands now. It was surely frequented by actors of the time, and is now named after one of England’s most famous actresses. Nell Gwynne was not only an actress, but was also the mistress of Charles II.
The Nell Gwynne is a great spot for ale lovers and gin lovers. They even host events based around these drinks, so make sure to check these out if you’re especially passionate. Foodwise, they don’t do main meals, but you can enjoy if you’re peckish. A highlight is their jukebox, filled with classics, as well as their jaunty singalong evenings. This is a great place for enjoying one of London’s best pubs. It’s close to all the action of theatreland and makes a perfect stop before or after you go to a show – especially with it’s links to a famous British actress.
The Lamb and Flag
The Lamb and Flag is an old London pub found in the hub of Covent Garden. It’s located at 33 Rose Street. The Lamb and Flag is a cozy pub, that has roots that date back to the 1700s. It’s brickwork contains a frame that is over 300 years old, and may have been an old house. However, we do know that it became the site of a pub by the late 1700’s. In the 19th century, it gained a reputation as a bare-knuckle fighting pub. It was also the scene of an attack on the poet John Dryden.
This is a great pub for enjoying a pint, or for meeting your friends. It’s menu is particularly good for traditional British meals, and is a great spot to head for a Sunday Roas. It’s near many other bars in Covent Garden. Plus, it’s near central London, meaning it is convenient for your evening pursuits.
The George
The George is one of the best literary pubs in London. It’s located at 75-77 Borough Street in London Bridge. The inn that stood here before was burnt down in the Great Fire of London, before being rebuild in the 1600’s. The George is a pub that has been around for more than 300 years. It is mentioned in Charles Dickins’ novel ‘Little Dorrit.’ It is also supposed to be one of the pubs that William Shakespeare used to frequent. It is said that his works may have been performed in the courtyard, which still stands today.
It’s a pub filled with classic English style. It’s a perfect spot to head to on a summer day, due to it’s large and beautiful beer garden. This is a great place for meeting your friends, as well as for dating. Not only is a good place to head for an outside pint to cool down, but it also serves a wide menu of food. It’s near many other bars, while being close to central London.
The Grapes
The Grapes is another one of the best pubs in London, with a great history as well as modern features. It’s especially iconic for literary and film nerds like myself. It’s located at 76 Narrow Street in Limehouse, on the banks of the River Thames. It’s a beautiful, small pub with a cozy atmosphere. It’s a pub where Charles Dickins used to drink, and one he went on to describe in his novel ‘Our Mutual Friend’. It is now owned by actor Ian McKellen. The best time to go is definitely on a Monday evening, as this is the day that he often hosts a popular pub quiz. A great pub for both drinking and for a good cooked meal, all while enjoying beautiful scenery, this is the place to head.
Happy Drinking!
The best historical pubs are a great place to head to gain an insight into the past of the city. It’s a great way to spend some time in some more unique spots too. You can also enjoy a delicious pint, or to meet a date. There are a wide variety of options, in lots of different areas so you are able to head into one wherever you are. Whether you prefer a quiet drink or you want to meet your friends, the best historical pubs in London have something for everyone.
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations, and you get to visit some of them on your next visit. Feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you think, and make sure to sign up to my newsletter.
Ta-ta for now!
