Discover London’s Oldest Pubs

The title of London’s oldest pub is a much-disputed accolade. The city is home to hundreds of historic watering holes, yet many have been rebuilt and renamed over the years. Therefore, tracking exact timelines and dates spanning several centuries poses a challenge. While some patrons focus on the age of the building, others prioritize the date of the pub license. Consequently, if you wish to explore London’s oldest boozers, embark on a pub crawl to check off various contenders in one outing. Cheers to that!

The Dove: Hammersmith

This historic riverside pub in Hammersmith has been welcoming patrons since the 17th century, including renowned writers like Ernest Hemingway and Dylan Thomas. Order a seasonal ale along with classic British bar snacks, and choose a cozy spot under the building’s original ceiling beams or enjoy the riverside terrace. Interestingly, the pub’s front bar is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest public bar in the UK.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: Fleet Street

Regulars at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese included literary giants such as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. This iconic pub has documentation showing its existence since 1538. It was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, while its vaulted cellars are believed to originate from a 13th-century monastery. Although the entrance is somewhat concealed in a narrow alley, the interior features dimly lit, wood-paneled rooms that provide a spacious yet intimate atmosphere.

The Spaniards Inn: Hampstead

Established in 1585, the Spaniards Inn lies at the edge of Hampstead Heath and serves as a notable literary landmark. It’s mentioned in works by both Charles Dickens and Bram Stoker, with many claiming it to be the site where Keats composed ‘Ode to a Nightingale.’ Its charming wood paneling, inviting fires, cozy nooks, and pet-friendly garden make it feel more like a country retreat than a traditional pub.

Lamb & Flag: Covent Garden

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Lamb & Flag has functioned as a pub since 1772, originally opening as The Coopers Arms. Known for attracting the creative crowd due to its proximity to the West End, it was once dubbed the ‘Bucket of Blood’ for its bare-knuckle prize fights. Today, the pub maintains a classic decor of brass and dark wood, with patrons often enjoying their drinks in the courtyard on sunny days.

The Ship Tavern: Holborn

Tracing its roots back to 1549, The Ship Tavern in Holborn formerly offered sanctuary to Catholic priests during the English Reformation. Today, it features a Dickensian-style first-floor dining room, illuminated by candlelight. An extensive collection of over 60 gins can be found in its impressive gin cabinet, located downstairs.

The Mayflower: Rotherhithe

Visiting The Mayflower pub allows you to step back into 16th-century London. Standing on the original site of The Shippe pub, which dates back to 1550, visitors enjoy the cozy ambiance provided by dark wood paneling and low ceiling beams, magnified by candlelight every Sunday night. Pair a traditional pie with a pint of ale or opt for an American craft beer to commemorate the Pilgrim Fathers’ departure from this very location on the Mayflower ship in 1620.

Ye Olde Mitre: Farringdon

Ye Olde Mitre is a hidden treasure located in London’s jewelry quarter of Hatton Garden. Originally constructed in 1546 for the servants of the Bishops of Ely, this quaint pub showcases various architectural styles, including Victorian wooden booths and a Georgian fireplace, amidst its historic charm. Although rebuilt in the 1920s, the site has served as a pub since 1430, welcoming patrons like Dylan Thomas, who penned poetry about the establishment during its previous incarnation as Henneky’s Long Bar.