Bars
The Oldest and Most Historic Pubs in London
Sawdust floors, smugglers' bars and rooms where Dickens drank: the London pubs that have been pouring pints since before the Great Fire.
In short: our top picks are Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Prospect of Whitby and The George Inn. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London wears its history in its pubs better than in most of its museums. These are not themed reconstructions; they are working taverns where the floorboards genuinely creak under four centuries of drinkers, where Dickens ordered chops and sailors plotted worse. We have skipped the places trading on a vague old-timey feel and kept only the pubs with a real, documented past and a decent pint to go with it. Come for the history, stay because the beer is properly kept and the fires are usually lit.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese | City of London | ££ |
| The Prospect of Whitby | Wapping | ££ |
| The George Inn | Southwark | ££ |
| Ye Olde Mitre | Hatton Garden | ££ |
| The Lamb and Flag | Covent Garden | ££ |
| The Spaniards Inn | Hampstead | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Why we pick itRebuilt just after the 1666 Great Fire, its warren of dark-panelled rooms over four levels once drew Dickens, Twain and Dr Johnson.
historic tavern
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The Prospect of Whitby
Why we pick itLondon's oldest riverside pub sits on a 400-year-old stone floor, with a pewter-topped bar and Thames views once sketched by Turner and Whistler.
Worth knowingFills with tour groups photographing the beams, the food is fine rather than a reason to travel, and the nearest station is a walk away in Wapping.
riverside tavern
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The George Inn
Why we pick itThe last galleried coaching inn in London, rebuilt in 1677 after fire and now National Trust owned, with a huge cobbled courtyard for summer pints.
galleried coaching inn
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Ye Olde Mitre
Why we pick itFounded in 1546 for the Bishop of Ely's servants and hidden down a narrow alley, it is built around an old cherry tree still glazed into the front bar.
hidden historic pub
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The Lamb and Flag
Why we pick itDown a tight alley off Rose Street, this 18th-century pub earned the nickname Bucket of Blood for the bare-knuckle prize fights held upstairs.
traditional pub
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The Spaniards Inn
Why we pick itDating to 1585 on the edge of Hampstead Heath, it drew Keats, Byron and Dickens, earns a mention in Dracula, and keeps a big dog-friendly garden.
historic tavern
Before you book
Most of these cluster around the City, so a single afternoon walk can take in the Cheshire Cheese, the Mitre and the George without much effort; Blackfriars and Chancery Lane are your nearest stations. The George Inn and Prospect of Whitby reward a booking at weekends, especially if you want a courtyard or riverside table. The Spaniards Inn is dog-friendly with a large garden, ideal after a Hampstead Heath walk.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is our editor's choice: Rebuilt just after the 1666 Great Fire, its warren of dark-panelled rooms over four levels once drew Dickens, Twain and Dr Johnson. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Prospect of Whitby and The George Inn lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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