Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s nothing quite like having a drink in a historic London pub. Walking across the creaking floors, with a glass of wine, to a cozy corner, is my idea of heaven and is one of the best ways to experience history within the city. There are many historic pubs across London, each with their own authentic charm. Below I’ve listed 5 great historic pubs for you to check out while visiting.
1. The George Inn (Southwark)
The George Inn (also known as just The George) is one of my favourite pubs in all of London because of its delicious food and historic atmosphere. Located in Southwark, the original pub on site was named the George and Dragon, and is believed to date back to at least Elizabethan times. The current pub was built in 1677 and became a coaching inn for travellers coming in and out of London. Today, it is the oldest surviving galleried coaching inn within the city. The George is also said to have been frequented by Charles Dickens, who actually names the pub in his novel Little Dorrit. There are so many interesting historical connections to this place and it’s always somewhere I took guests when visiting.
2. The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead)
The Spaniards Inn (also known as The Spaniards) is located near the beautiful Hampstead Heath and dates back to the year 1585. The charming building, with its roaring fire, has a number of historical connections. Its most famous association is with legendary highwayman Dick Turpin, as his father was the pub landlord during the early 18th century. Some say Dick was born here, others that he frequented it as a result of the family connection. The Spaniards also has a connection to Charles Dickens, as it is mentioned in his novel The Pickwick Papers. The pub is also believed to be the place where John Keats wrote one of his most famous poems, Ode to a Nightingale. Today, The Spaniards Inn is a great place to grab a drink, relax and try some traditional British pub food.
3. The Dove (Hammersmith)
The Dove is another one of my favourite London pubs because of it’s beautiful location on the banks of the River Thames. The food here is also some of the best pub food I’ve had in London. The Dove is super cozy and one of the bar spaces inside actually won the Guinness World Record for the smallest bar room in the world. There has been a pub on site here since the 17th century and it also has a few claims to fame. In the 1600s, it’s believed Charles II took his mistresses, Nell Gwynne here, away from the eyes of the city centre. It’s also where James Thomson is said to have wrote the famous British poem (then to be song), Rule Britannia! in 1740. Like I said, the food is amazing and I highly recommend trying the fish and chips for a real taste of London!
4. The Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden)
The Lamb & Flag was originally named The Coopers Arms and dates back to the year 1772. In 1883, the pub changed its name to The Lamb & Flag and today is still a popular place to go for a drink in Covent Garden. The brickwork on the outside of the pub is from the 1950s, but it’s believed to cover up an 18th century building frame. The area used to be a bit of a rough one, and the pub was known for holding bare-knuckle prize fights in the early 19th century, for which is gained the nickname, “The Bucket of Blood“. Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Lamb & Flag is also believed to have been frequented by Charles Dickens (the man certainly liked his pubs, didn’t he?). Today, it’s a popular place for both locals and tourists to stop for a pint.
5. Ye Olde Watling (City of London)
After a day exploring historic central London, Ye Olde Watling is the perfect city centre location to stop for a drink. The pub is located on Watling Street, which is actually an old Roman Road. The original building burnt down in the Great Fire of London but was rebuilt in 1668 by the famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren. He is most famous for designing St. Paul’s Cathedral and it’s said that he actually drew up the plans for the famous London landmark right in the pub’s dining room! Today, the pub has a great mix of traditional British food as well as seasonal favourites. And you really can’t beat the atmosphere in this historic area of the city.
This article’s information was last updated in October 2022.