London wears its pub history on famous streets. Fleet Street has literary haunts near St. Paul’s. Borough High Street holds a rare coaching inn, and Holborn hides snug rooms near the Royal Courts. Along the Thames, you find Wapping Wall and Narrow Street in Limehouse with creaking floors and river views. Multiple places claim to hold the title of the oldest pub in London. The Prospect of Whitby dates to the early 16th century and calls itself the oldest riverside tavern. However, a few inns around Holborn and Ely Place reach back to the late Tudor years as well.
There is even a pub that is 1000 years old, but the answer sits outside London. The Bingley Arms in Yorkshire claims roots from the 10th century, although the current building is later. Clearly, London boasts many historic pubs, but we have narrowed it down to our top 20 favourites that you should not miss!
Key takeaways
- London is home to historical pubs on Fleet Street Borough, High Street, Holborn, and the Thames that showcase centuries of stories.
- Among the most famous historical pubs in London, the Prospect of Whitby from 1520 claims to be the oldest pub in the city.
- Visitors can enjoy historical pubs in London such as Ye Olde Mitre, The George Inn, The Spaniards Inn, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Blackfriar, The Grapes Limehouse, The Mayflower, The Old Doctor Butler’s Head, The Seven Stars, The Dove, The Lamb and Flag, Princess Louise, The Old Bank of England, The Grenadier, Ye Olde Watling, The Hoop and Grapes, The Old Bell Tavern, The Wrestlers, and The Footman.
- Outside London, the Bingley Arms claims to be the oldest existing pub in England as it opened its doors in 953.
Top 20 Historic Pubs in London
The Prospect of Whitby
Opened in 1520 in Wapping, The Prospect of Whitby is often cited as London’s oldest pub. Inside, you find a bar covered in tinned decorations and low beams that speak of sailors and merchants. A noose hangs by the river as a stark nod to Execution Dock lore. The menu covers British classics along with seasonal specials. This pub was initially known as the Pelican and later as the Devil Tavern before gaining its current name in 1777.
Ye Olde Mitre
Ye Olde Mitre was founded in 1546 in Ely Court as an inn for the household of the Bishops of Ely. Oak panels, cask ale, and snug rooms create a time capsule for the drinkers. There is a slice of an old cherry tree that stands inside, which holds a legend that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around the original tree in the yard!
The George London
Rebuilt in the late 17th century, The George Inn is now the last surviving galleried coaching inn in London. Timber galleries surround a historic courtyard that once welcomed horse coaches. Order a pint in the Parliament Bar, then explore the period rooms upstairs. Charles Dickens knew The George and mentioned it in his writing, which adds literary sparkle to every visit.
The Spaniards Inn
Dating to 1585 on the edge of Hampstead Heath, The Soaniards Inn features low ceilings, dark wood, and fireplaces that frame a storied interior. The pub carries classic drinks, and the kitchen is known for hearty roasts and traditional puddings. This inn has connections with the legend of highwayman Dick Turpin, and also features in works by Keats and Bram Stoker.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, Yi Olde Chesire Cheese is part of the Fleet Street maze of bars and cellars feels unchanged by time. There are four bars in the Inn: Snug bar, Johnson bar, Cheshire bar, and Cellar bar. Find the board in one of these that lists every monarch since the pub reopened for a quick history lesson between your sips!
The Blackfriar
The Blackfriar was built in 1905 near Blackfriars Bridge. It is celebrated for its shimmering Art Nouveau stonework and mosaics. Carved friars smile from every corner in a wedge-shaped building that glows at golden hour. Back in the 1960s, an English poet named John Betjeman helped save the pub from demolition, which preserved one of the city’s most ornate interiors.
The Grapes Limehouse
A tavern has stood on the same location as The Grapes Limehouse since 1583, while the current narrow building dates to the early 18th century. Expect a classic bar menu with fine fish and chips at this traditional pub. Interestingly, actor Sir Ian McKellen is a leaseholder and keeps a theatrical spirit alive, while the pub also appears in Dickens scenes set along the river.
The Mayflower
The Mayflower is in the heart of Rotherhithe, and opened its doors back in the 16th century with a proud connection to the 1620 voyage. It is the only pub licensed to sell US & UK postage stamps, and the descendants of Mayflower passengers can sign a special book behind the bar, creating a memorable keepsake.
The Old Doctor Butler’s Head
The Old Doctor Butler’s Head is named after William Butler, the court physician to James I, whose medicinal ale was once famous. Dr. Butler promoted a purging brew that he claimed could cure many ills, which made the name a lasting curiosity. The pub’s name dates to 1610, and the present building reflects post-fire rebuilding.
The Seven Stars
A tiny survivor beside the Royal Courts, The Seven Stars opened in 1602. Think chalkboards with a few classic menus, wooden benches, and a short bar that give it the feel of a living museum. There is a resident pub cat that often wears a ruff that matches the Elizabethan era, which adds a playful nod to the pub’s age.
The Dove
The Dove is a part of the Hammersmith riverside neighbourhood, dating back to the 17th century. There is a terrace that looks across the Thames, and a side room once held what was listed as Britain’s smallest bar. The kitchen serves refined pub staples, perfect to pair with a chilled pint.
The Lamb and Flag
The Lamb and Flag was licensed in 1623 in Covent Garden and is rich in tales. Bare-knuckle contests in the 19th century earned the pub the nickname “Bucket of Blood”. Today, low beams and wooden partitions frame an atmospheric interior, and a plaque recalls the 1679 attack on poet John Dryden in the adjacent alley.
Princess Louise
Princess Louise opened in 1872 on High Holborn and is famed for one of the most complete late Victorian pub interiors in London. Mirrored partitions and a showpiece island bar create elegant snugs. A fun fact from this pub is that its gentlemen’s toilet features remarkable marble urinals, which became a talking point among architecture fans and even helped secure a listing.
The Old Bank of England
The Old Bank of England opened its grand space on Fleet Street in 1888 as a bank branch that later became a pub. Chandeliers, ornate plaster, and long counters set a dramatic scene for pies and pints. The address sits near the legends of Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett, which adds a theatrical edge to any visit.
The Grenadier
The Grenadier has been a public house since 1818 in Belgravia, with earlier life as an officers’ mess from the 1720s. Low ceilings creak with age, and the menu leans British with notable steak pies. Legend has it that the pub’s name originates from a young soldier called Cedric, who was caught cheating at cards. People assume he was beaten to death in September, as ghostly happenings occur during that time of the year. Visitors pin money to the ceiling to pay his debt and end this horror! Perhaps check this place out if you are spending Halloween in London.
Ye Olde Watling
Rebuilt in 1668 near St. Paul’s, Ye Olde Watling is tied by tradition to Sir Christopher Wren. Many say drawings for the cathedral were sketched upstairs while masons drank below. Also, the narrow timber frontage gives a rare glimpse of post-fire rebuilding in this district. Expect cask ale and pies in a cozy city setting.
The Hoop and Grapes
A timber-framed survivor near Aldgate from the 17th century. Thankfully, the line of the Great Fire stopped close to the building, which saved it for future generations. The Hoop and Grapes has a catchy name that reflects how they serve both beer and wine, which was a practical draw for merchants. Inside, you see age in the beams and in the lean of the upper floor.
The Old Bell Tavern
The Old Bell Tavern is on Fleet Street with late 17th-century roots and a strong connection to St. Bride’s Church. The bar serves cask ale and classic British comfort food. Back in the old days, printers once made this a regular stop, which ties this historic pub in London to the street print heritage.
The Wrestlers
Highgate’s favorite pub, The Wrestlers, has been on this site since 1547. The current structure reflects later work yet retains a welcoming fireplace and a strong sense of age. The menu mixes traditional homemade food with extravagant Sunday roasts. Old photos show wrestling and community events that inspired the name that kept village traditions alive.
The Footman
The Footman’s doors opened in 1749 on Charles Street in Mayfair. Today, it spans three floors and offers British steaks, scotch eggs, seafood starters, and fine wines. This historic pub in London was once known as The Only Running Footman, ranking as one of the longest pub names in London.
Conclusion
From riverside taverns to snug city corners, these 20 historical pubs in London bring history to life in a glass. If you are visiting London and are craving a day with historical tales, exclusive beer tastings, and effortless travel between venues, join an Amitylux private tour in London. Our team will design a customized route around these historic pubs with unforgettable moments you’ll look back on years later. You can customise every detail and also add a calm browse at the oldest bookshop in London for a perfect finish to your historical day! Hungry for more? Explore the best burger options in London or the top 10 cafes in London for your next meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most historic pub in London?
Many point to the Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, which dates to 1520. Others highlight Ye Olde Mitre, founded in 1546, and the Seven Stars from 1602. Each carries different stories, such as riverside lore, ecclesiastical links, or rare survival before the Great Fire.
What are the most iconic pubs in London?
The George Inn, The Mayflower, and The Prospect of Whitby are some of the most iconic pubs in London.
What is the actual oldest pub in England?
There is no single confirmed answer. Guinness retired the category and records are patchy. The Bingley Arms in Leeds, claims to have opened in 953. Also, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, which claims to be from the 12th century.
What is the 1000 year old pub in the UK?
The Bingley Arms in Leeds claims a founding date around 953, which would pass 1000 years. The present building reflects later work, yet the legend remains powerful.
