I like exploring London on foot. Thatโs notably true within the Metropolis of London, the place slim passageways and historic lanes make for nice discoveries. Additionally they reveal among the UK capitalโs oldest and most atmospheric pubs. For those who love walks and watering holes as a lot as I do, learn on for my Metropolis of London pub stroll. Thereโs a map, too.
Metropolis of London Historic Pub Strolling Tour
Proper within the coronary heart of London, the Metropolis (aka the Sq. Mile) has among the richest architectural historical past and lots of of an important heritage buildings within the UK capital. A few of them are pubs.
From centuries-old numbers to Victorian extravaganzas, the pubs on this a part of London are price seeing. And given theyโre additionally price popping into for meals and drinks, my favourite strategy to expertise them is on a stroll (these energy arenโt going to burn themselves, proper?).
Whether or not youโre focused on haunted pubs with ghost tales, Nineteenth-century gin palaces, or heritage buildings with distinctive structure, thereโs one thing for everybody on this A Girl in London strolling tour.
London walks
For those whoโre focused on different routes (together with my common Metropolis of London stroll), you may see all my free self-guided ones on my London strolling excursions weblog put up and my London strolling map.
There are different walks within the ebook Londonโs Hidden Walks, too. You will get it right here. There are further concepts in my London strolling books put up as nicely.
For those whoโre on the lookout for a guided tour, you may see choices and ebook one right here. These pub walks are nice methods to see the realm with an skilled native.
Earlier than You Go
However again to this stroll. My self-guided Metropolis of London pub stroll will take you on a visit by way of the previous. It can lead you from pub to pub through massive sights and hidden courtyards, historic lanes and medieval streets.
Earlier than you do that stroll, make certain to examine opening hours of the pubs alongside the route. Some are closed on weekends or on sure weekdays, so that youโll wish to be ready.
Moreover, keep in mind to tempo your self. There are a variety of pubs on the route, and thereโs no have to eat and drink in all of them (they usually all serve mushy drinks). You may even break up the stroll and do it over a number of days.
Iโve additionally included some non-pub websites alongside the way in which to provide you a while to digest between taverns. From iconic landmarks to vital church buildings and well-known legal courts, thereโs loads to see alongside the way in which.
London Pub Stroll Route
This most historic of London walks begins at Financial institution station. Itโs served by a number of tube traces and native buses. It’s also possible to arrive on foot or by bicycle or scooter from different components of the town.
Financial institution station is surrounded by historic buildings. One is the Financial institution of England. One other is the Royal Trade, which has has a wonderful inside thatโs price popping in to see earlier than you begin off.
Again outdoors the station, head west on Poultry, passing The Ned lodge (itโs an excellent place to remain if you wish to base your self within the space). Keep on Poultry because it turns into Cheapside.
If you attain Queen Avenue, flip left. After passing an Edwardian pub referred to as The Golden Fleece, flip proper on Properly Courtroom. This slim passageway will lead you to Bow Lane, a historic pedestrianized avenue in London.
Williamsonโs Tavern
Flip left on Bow Lane, then duck into Groveland Courtroom in your proper. This skinny alley will lead you to Williamsonโs Tavern. Solely open on weekdays, this pub is steeped in each historical past and ghost tales.
The unique constructing dates to the Seventeenth century, when it was the residence of a number of Lord Mayors of London. It was largely reconstructed within the early twentieth century, and the pub has Thirties-style interiors.
In accordance with an indication on the pub, King William III and Queen Mary II dined on the premises when it was the Lord Mayorโs residence. The Grade II-listed wrought iron gates on the finish of the courtroom are mentioned to have been a present from them, they usually characteristic their royal monogram.
Williamsonโs Tavern is assumed to carry the oldest excise license within the Metropolis of London. The pub additionally claims to be situated within the precise middle of the traditional Roman metropolis of Londinium. Legend has it that thereโs a stone on the ground to mark the spot (itโs coated by a carpet).
Moreover, itโs rumored that some historic Roman bricks or tiles have been included into a hearth after they have been found throughout the Thirties rebuild.
On prime of all that, Williamsonโs Tavern is haunted. Itโs mentioned that thereโs a resident ghost named Martha, who’s a poltergeist.
Marthaโs presence has allegedly led police canine to growl and refuse to return nearer as they cross the top of the lane. Lengthy-serving workers say theyโve seen a portray of Martha in varied components of the pub, however no such portray exists.
If you wish to cease right here for a meal whilst youโre in your stroll, the pies at Williamsonโs Tavern are well-known.
Ye Olde Watling
After seeing or exploring the pub, head again out to Bow Lane and switch proper. Quickly youโll attain Watling Avenue, which was a part of one of the vital historic Roman roads in Britain.
On the other nook of Bow Lane and Watling Avenue, youโll discover Ye Olde Watling. This pub is claimed to have been rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren (architect of close by St Paulโs Cathedral) in 1668 after the Nice Hearth of London.
Itโs believed that Wren rebuilt the pub to accommodate his employees and provides them someplace to drink. The pub additionally claims that the plans for St Paulโs Cathedral have been drawn up in what’s now the eating room.
Ye Olde Watling is made from previous timbers from ships, and inside youโll discover traditional interiors with darkish wooden and dim lighting galore. If you would like a meal or drink, this place is thought for its pies, cask ales, and intensive whiskey and gin choices.
St Paulโs Cathedral
After Ye Olde Watling, proceed your pub stroll by heading west down Watling Avenue to get to St Paulโs Cathedral. Designed and constructed between 1675 and 1710, the cathedral is known for its beautiful dome (which has nice views) and breathtaking interiors.
One of the crucial vital church buildings in London, St Paulโs Cathedral has been host to the whole lot from the the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer to the funerals of Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill. You may tour it if you wish to (ebook tickets right here), or simply admire it from the skin.
If youโre completed, proceed your stroll by heading west down the road referred to as Ludgate Hill and turning left on Creed Lane. If you attain Carter Lane, youโll see the historic facade of The Rising Solar pub to your proper.
Proceed your stroll by heading south down Burgon Avenue to the left of The Rising Solar. This passageway is lined with colourful shopfronts. It can lead you to Eire Yard, the place youโll end up in entrance of the distinctive facade of The Cockpit pub.
Flip proper on Eire Yard, retaining straight on the lane because it turns into Playhouse Yard. If you attain Black Friars Lane, flip left and comply with it all the way down to Queen Victoria Avenue.
Flip proper on Queen Victoria Avenue and stroll beneath the railway bridge. If you emerge on the opposite aspect, youโll discover the putting flatiron facade of The Blackfriar pub in your proper.
The Blackfriar
The Blackfriar is without doubt one of the most stunning pubs in London. A Grade II-listed Artwork Nouveau constructing, this place dates again to 1875. Itโs identified for its beautiful design and decor.
The pub was constructed on the location of a medieval Dominican friary. It was redesigned by architect Herbert Fuller-Clark originally of the twentieth century, and far of the decor was finished by artist Henry Poole and sculptor Frederick Callcott. All three males have been proponents of the Arts and Crafts Motion.
Inside youโll discover decorative balconies, sculptures, reliefs, stained glass, mosaics, and a well-known black friar standing guard above the entrance door. Theyโve earned it a spot on the Marketing campaign for Actual Aleโs Nationwide Stock of Historic Pub Interiors.
The Blackfriar was saved from demolition and redevelopment by Sir John Betjeman within the Sixties. If you wish to increase a glass to him, you may go inside and take a look at one of many cask ales. The pub is at the moment present process a refurbishment, and itโs set to re-open by April 4, 2025.
The Previous Bailey
From The Blackfriar, you may proceed your pub stroll by heading north up New Bridge Avenue. If you attain Ludgate Hill, flip proper, then make a fast left on Limeburner Lane.
This curving avenue will take you previous trendy buildings as you make your strategy to Previous Bailey. Flip left if you get there and comply with the road north previous the historic Central Felony Courtroom (nicknamed the Previous Bailey after the road itโs on).
The Previous Bailey is probably the most well-known legal courtroom on the planet. Thereโs been a jail and/or courtroom on this web site since a minimum of the top of the twelfth century (together with the notorious Newgate Jail).
The present constructing was designed by Edward Mountford and opened in 1907 by King Edward VII. Thereโs deeper historical past right here, although. A piece of the traditional Roman Metropolis wall remains to be preserved within the basement, and throughout the road youโll see a fountain that marks the spot the place executions have been as soon as held.
Well-known trials which have taken place within the Previous Bailey embrace these of Oscar Wilde, Dr Crippen, William Joyce (โLord Haw Hawโ), John Christie, Quakers William Penn and William Mead, the Krays, and Peter Sutcliffe (the โYorkshire Ripperโ).
The Viaduct Tavern
When youโve admired the Previous Bailey, preserve strolling north till you come to Newgate Avenue. Throughout the highway youโll spot the eye-catching facade of The Viaduct Tavern on the nook.
This pub dates again to the late Nineteenth century, and its interiors have been reworked across the flip of the twentieth century. Named after the close by Holborn Viaduct, The Viaduct Tavern is the final remaining instance of a Victorian gin palace. It even had an opium den on the primary ground.
An unique toll sales space remains to be right here, too. Legend has it that the owner offered beer tokens from the sales space to maintain the cash away from his bar workers.
There are previous jail cells within the cellar (though itโs debatable whether or not theyโre genuine). A portray within the bar has a gap in it that was apparently constituted of the bayonet of a soldier who acquired in a struggle right here throughout World Conflict I. Itโs rumored there are ghosts as nicely.
Holy Sepulchre Church
Leaving The Viaduct Tavern, make your means west down Holborn Viaduct. Quickly youโll cross the Seventeenth-century Holy Sepulchre Church, the biggest parish church within the Metropolis of London.
The Grade I-listed Holy Sepulchre Church is known for a number of issues, however two stand out for me. The primary is that it’s the burial place of Captain John Smith of Pocahontas fame. He was buried right here in 1633, and he’s commemorated within the south wall by a stained-glass window.
The second is the bells. The bells of the church are referred to within the well-known nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons because the โbells of Previous Baileyโ. Given its proximity to Newgate Jail, sure bells right here have been rung to announce executions.
St Etheldredaโs Church
After taking within the church or going inside to see the interiors, proceed strolling west down Holborn Viaduct till you attain Holborn Circus. Flip proper on Charterhouse Avenue (or stroll by way of the little park in your proper), then flip left on Ely Place.
This historic avenue in Holborn is dwelling to St Etheldredaโs Church. Relationship again to the Thirteenth century, itโs one in all solely two surviving buildings in London from the reign of Edward I.
St Etheldredaโs Church was initially constructed to be the chapel of Ely Palace, the London residence of the Bishops of Ely. Itโs an vital piece of architectural historical past.
You may go inside to see the beautiful stained glass and historic partitions, or proceed your pub stroll by heading by way of the thin Ely Courtroom, a tiny passage that connects Ely Place to Hatton Backyard.
Ye Olde Mitre
Right here youโll discover one of many oldest pubs in London. Ye Olde Mitre dates again to 1547, and itโs one in all my favourite watering holes within the metropolis.
With a collection of small wood-paneled rooms, it’s going to whisk you off to a bygone period. Ye Olde Mitre has featured in well-known London films like Snatch as nicely.
You may pop in for a drink or meal if itโs a weekday (the pub is closed on weekends), or proceed your stroll by heading out to Hatton Backyard. That is Londonโs diamond district, and also youโll discover an abundance of jewelers on this avenue.
The Previous Bell Tavern
Flip left on Hatton Backyard, heading again all the way down to Holborn Circus. Cross over and proceed south on New Fetter Lane earlier than turning left on St Andrew Avenue.
Comply with it because it turns into Shoe Lane, and veer left because it turns into St Bride Avenue. Ultimately it’s going to take you all the way down to Poppinโs Courtroom. Veer proper and stroll the brief distance down Poppinโs Courtroom to Fleet Avenue.
If you attain Fleet Avenue, youโll discover the Victorian-era Punch Tavern in entrance of you to the left, and The Previous Bell Tavern instantly in entrance of you. The latter has been licensed for greater than 300 years.
The Previous Bell Tavern has a longstanding affiliation with printing, as one of many first printing presses operated right here round 1500.
The present construction of the pub was constructed by Sir Christopher Wren to accommodate his masons throughout the rebuilding of close by St Brideโs Church after the Nice Hearth of London in 1666.
If you wish to go inside for meals and drinks, The Previous Bell Tavern is thought for its vary of pies served beneath pastry or mash. It additionally provides craft beers and an intensive vary of gin and whiskey. The Metropolis of London Gin distillery is across the nook, and the pub serves a wide selection of it.
St Brideโs Church
After The Previous Bell Tavern, proceed your pub stroll by heading west down Fleet Avenue. In your left youโll see St Brideโs Church down St Brideโs Avenue.
This home of worship was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672. Legend has it that the churchโs tiered spire was the inspiration for the normal marriage ceremony cake. You may go inside to see the inside if you wish to.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
After seeing St Brideโs, proceed strolling west down Fleet Avenue, taking within the historic buildings as you go. Donโt overlook to show round for nice views of St Paulโs Cathedral behind you, too.
Quickly youโll see the historic Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub in your proper. One among Londonโs final remaining Seventeenth-century chophouses, this pub has a protracted historical past.
The positioning was initially a Thirteenth-century Carmelite monastery, and a pub was constructed right here in 1538. It burned down within the Nice Hearth of 1666 and was rebuilt in 1667.
Historic figures like Dr Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, W.B. Yeats, and Charles Dickens all frequented the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. Itโs even alluded to within the novel A Story of Two Cities.
Entry is thru a slim passage off Fleet Avenue. As soon as inside, youโll discover a warren of wood-paneled rooms and cellars, to not point out legends of ghosts and tales of a parrot named Polly.
For those whoโre hungry, the signature dish right here is Ye Olde Steak & Kidney Pudding. If not, itโs nonetheless price getting a drink and exploring the totally different areas right here.
Ye Olde Cock Tavern
Leaving Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, proceed your pub stroll by strolling west down Fleet Avenue. Simply outdoors the Sq. Mile (and proper by Temple), youโll spot the thin facade of Ye Olde Cock Tavern in your left.
Relationship from 1549 (and rebuilt on this web site in 1887) this place is Grade II listed and is claimed to have the narrowest frontage of any London pub.
Describing itself as a โfashionable gin palaceโ, Ye Olde Cock Tavern is a superb place to soak up historic interiors. Theyโre thought to incorporate work by grasp wooden carver Grinling Gibbons, who left his mark on Windsor Fort, Hampton Courtroom Palace, St Paulโs Cathedral, and different notable buildings.
Whereas a hearth within the Nineties destroyed among the unique interiors, a trustworthy restoration introduced it again to life. At present guests can get pleasure from meals and drinks right here whereas taking within the ambiance that was as soon as loved by Samuel Pepys, Dickens, and Dr Johnson.
The Seven Stars
After leaving Ye Olde Cock Tavern, proceed your stroll by heading west down Fleet Avenue and turning proper on Chancery Lane. Stroll as much as Carey Avenue, flip left, and stroll till you attain The Seven Stars pub in Holborn.
The Seven Stars is without doubt one of the oldest pubs in London. It dates again to 1602, and itโs thought that some inside beams survive from the unique building.
Whereas neither the outside nor the inside are notably noteworthy from an aesthetic standpoint, this place remains to be vital for its heritage. You may pop in for a chew or a tipple if you wish to, then proceed your stroll.
Previous Financial institution of England
Retrace your steps by heading east down Carey Avenue, then flip proper on Bell Yard. Comply with it all the way down to Fleet Avenue, flip left, and also youโll end up in entrance of the Previous Financial institution of England pub.
This place opened in 2013. Earlier than it was a pub it was the previous Financial institution of Englandโs Regulation Courts, which operated from 1888 to 1975.
For those whoโre accustomed to Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Avenue, the placement is claimed to be instantly between Sweeney Toddโs barber store and Mrs Lovettโs pie store.
The Previous Financial institution of England has one of the beautiful pub interiors in all of London. With excessive ceilings, tall home windows, and tile flooring, youโll really feel the historical past as quickly as you stroll in.
The George
If you depart, proceed your stroll by heading west down Fleet Avenue. Keep on it because it turns into Strand, veering left because the highway splits to make means for the Wren-designed St Clement Danes Church.
After passing the well-known Twinings tea store, youโll come to The George. Established in 1723, this historic pub began life as Georgeโs Espresso Home.
Its half-timbered facade is sufficient to attract most individuals in, and its historic interiors are befitting of a pub of its age. You may pop in for a chew or a drink to soak up the environment.
Your pub stroll ends at The George. Youโre not removed from Temple station if you wish to decide up the tube, and there are many native buses close by. It’s also possible to proceed your stroll additional afield if you wish to.
London Pub Strolling Tour Particulars & Map
London Pub Stroll
I hope youโve loved this stroll and that my weblog put up has impressed you to get out and comply with the route your self. Itโs a good way to get some train, see a few of Londonโs most well-known historic pubs, get pleasure from conventional English meals and drinks, and delve into the townโs previous.
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