London has a rich and vibrant history that doesn’t only extend to old Kings and Queens, or the Tower of London. You might be surprised…you might not, but our London has quite the boozy history too! Some London pubs have stood strong for as long as our many castles have, and their beer selection is as impressive as their age.
So, here are 6 historic London pubs that you NEED to visit, if not for their great range of spirits, then for their great stories that date back centuries! Read on for more.
The Spaniards Inn
Located in the wonderful sprawl of Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn is a don’t-miss for your historic London pub crawl. Dated back to the 16th century, there are rumours that this inn was owned by Dick Turpin’s father! The feared highwayman is said to haunt this pub still. Pay The Spaniards Inn a visit, and Dick Turpin might just show himself for you!
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Deceivingly small on the outside, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was established in the early 16th century and rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666! A vast spread of cosy cellars and an expansive “chop room” with fine pub grub can be found here, secluded from the hustle and bustle outdoors. Samuel Johnson and Arthur Conan Doyle are both known to have visited here.
The Ten Bells
The Ten Bells has a gruesome history – Jack the Ripper was supposed to have frequented this East London spot, and one of his victims, Mary Kelly, was seen here no more than an hour before she was murdered! If you’re a big fan of gothic London, and the beautiful cityscape of Whitechapel, don’t hesitate to visit The Ten Bells.
Ye Olde Mitre
Ye Olde Mitre is one of the oldest historic pubs in London, and one of the smallest! In fact, this pub is that old, for centuries it wasn’t considered a part of London – it was part of Cambridgeshire! Find Ye Olde Mitre hidden away in an alleyway just off Ely Place, a historic street in its own right.
Elizabeth I reportedly danced around a cherry tree here, with one of her beloved courtiers, Sir Christopher Hatton. Visiting Ye Olde Mitre is like visiting royalty!
The Prospect of Whitby
The Prospect of Whitby is one of London’s finest riverside pubs, dating all the way back to 1520! Once upon a time, this pub would have been a melting pot of sailors, pirates and smugglers. The questionable characters that would’ve dined and drank here might’ve met quite the gruesome end at the nearby Execution Dock, where criminals were executed for crimes at sea.
The Seven Stars
Curiously nestled in London’s legal district, between the Royal Courts of Justice and Lincoln’s Inn Fields, The Seven Stars is too often overlooked by pub goers in London. Admittedly, this pub is a little odd! You might find it decorated with a menagerie of stuffed animals and out-there knick-knacks. The Seven Stars was built in 1602, and if you love quirky, old pubs, this is the one for you.
Choose the right hotel for your London visit
Aldgate is a great location for a hotel, and the exact location you should choose when beginning your London pub crawl! Aldgate is central to many historic pubs, local amenities and famous attractions in London. There’s no better place to stay for holiday goers and pub-crawlers alike.
