Step into the storied past of London through six of its oldest surviving pubs, each steeped in centuries-old charm, eccentric tales, and legendary patrons. Dating back to the 1500s, these historic inns and public houses have witnessed everything from clandestine royal romances to whispered plots and literary inspiration. With their uneven floorboards, hidden alleys, and timeworn beams, they offer more than just a pint—they pour out centuries of character. Pull up a seat — if you can find one — and drink in the history of the oldest pubs in London you can still drink at.
The Prospect of Whitby
The Prospect of Whitby claims to be the oldest riverside pub in the country, dating back to 1520. Its 400-year-old stone floors have played host to movie stars, dock workers, smugglers, thieves, and even pirates. Today, it welcomes visitors and their dogs with drink specials and wifi, along with sweeping views of the Thames. If you’re interested in its maritime history, don’t miss the rare pewter-topped bar and barrels and ships masts built into the structure. It’s the perfect preservation of the old and the modern conveniences people expect today.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese proudly states that it was rebuilt and refurbished…in 1667. Originally the site of a 13th century Carmelite convent, it has been the site of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub since 1538. It burned down in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was rebuilt in 1667. What you see today is that same structure.
A favorite of the literary class, Cheshire Cheese appears in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and was a frequent haunt of W.B. Yeats, Mark Twain, and Dr. Samuel Johnson. Today, it is a labyrinth of rooms, each of which shows its history and character. Find it on Fleet Street in the publishing district.
Ye Olde Mitre
We love Ye Olde Mitre because it is located in an alley, adding to its mystery. To reach it, in Ely Court in Holborn, pass through the arched opening to find this adorable pub. Ye Olde Mitre first opened in 1546 for the servants of the Bishop of Ely, and legend has it that the old cherry tree still supporting the front of the pub was one around which danced Queen Elizabeth with a commoner who caught her eye, Christopher Hatton.
Today, there’s not a lot of room for dancing at Ye Olde Mitre, but its charm and obvious history welcome visitors and make it a favorite among history lovers.
While there, head around back and take a peek at the statue of Hodge, the beloved cat of Ye Olde Mitre patron Dr. Samual Johnson. The statue sits outside Dr. Johnson’s House, a museum to writers and an exceptional example of a 17th century house still standing in the City of London, the oldest part of London. During his residence from 1748 to 1759, Dr. Johnson paid an annual rent of £30.
The Spaniards Inn
Aptly named for the two Spanish brothers who built the pub in 1585, The Spaniards Inn today boasts a beautiful garden with outdoor seating — and a haunted past as a frequent stopping point for highwayman Dick Turpin, who is said to haunt the inn today. It was also a favorite of the literary class, hosting Shelley, Keats, Byron, and others.
The Inn has a cameo in several works of fiction, including The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The Spaniards Inn benefitted from its location at the toll gate where Highgate meets Hampstead Heath, and even hundreds of years later, both the Inn and the toll gate remain.
The Mayflower
American history lovers won’t want to miss The Mayflower, which is the oldest pub on the Thames. It dates to 1550, when it was known as The Spread Eagle, and sits in Rotherhithe at the mooring point for the Mayflower ship, which would depart in July 1620 to take the first English settlers to America.
Today’s patrons who can prove a lineage to Mayflower passengers can sign The Mayflower Descendants Book and leave their own mark on history. Even those who cannot sign the book can peruse the many families that can trace their history to this very spot.
Ever a sucker for quirky history, we love that The Mayflower is the only pub in London licensed to sell postage stamps – both US and UK versions. This bit of history dates back to the 1800s, when sailors had little time on shore and wished to get something to drink as well as buy a stamp to correspond with loved ones back home. Ask at the bar to pick up your own stamps.
The Hoop and Grapes
Luck was on the pub’s side when the Great Fire of 1666 stopped just 50 yards from its door, leaving The Hoop and Grapes as one of the only surviving timber buildings of its time. Built in 1593, it remains the oldest licensed public house in the City of London – a distinction it gets since Ye Olde Mitre was technically considered part of Cambridgeshire until the 1960s. Originally named Hops and Grapes to show that it sold both beer and wine, the pub has lost some of its charm in subsequent renovations over the centuries, but still offers visitors a hearty sense of history with its heavy beams.
A 1936 book titled “A Camera on Unknown London” says, “The massive door, carved doorposts, floors, beams, and wainscotting are all made of good old English oak, while the bar counter is one solid slab of elm. You can see in the cellars a gleaming row of copper drums used by river pirates for the conveyance of smuggled liquor.” Pop in for a visit yourself and see if you can hear the whispers of pirates past.
Cheers to History
These 6 pubs offer history, fires, pirates, authors, a stuffed parrot, an old cherry tree, and modern conveniences — something for everyone. Wander through 700 years of history on your next stop. With these pubs, you get a whole lot more than just a good pint! When you’re well-rested, check out the best private tours of London to keep discovering more of this incredible city.
