london's most historic pubs

“When you have lost your inns, drown your empty selves, for you will have lost the last of England."
~Hilaire Belloc (1912)~

Pubs are one of London’s most unique and historic institutions that have provided a meeting place for people to gather, drink and shoot the breeze throughout the centuries. The capital has plenty of pubs to choose from - almost 4,000 in fact. Hidden within this crowd of watering holes are pubs that have quite a story to tell, some playing pivotal roles in history. Our selection below celebrates some of these historic pubs and the stories they have to tell.  

---

Lamb and flag

​​33 Rose Street, London WC2E 9EB

This hugely popular pub is often claimed to be Covent Garden’s oldest watering hole. It’s easy to miss, tucked down an alleyway – which was once notorious as the site of bare-knuckle fighting. Historic patrons include Dickens, and the 17th-century poet John Dryden. Happily, it has still got a lot of character and traditional charm. Often packed with raucous revellers, we suggest you use the narrow wooden staircase to escape the crowds!

6 Belgrave Mews W, SW1X 8HT​

The star tavern

​The Star Tavern was built in the early 19th century and sits in the sophisticated borough of Belgravia. It unwittingly played a vital role in the Great Train Robbery - one of the most colourful and notorious moments of the 20th century.  In 1963, the robbers hatched their plan in the upstairs room for the £2.3m heist. The Star has cleaned up its act since them - it’s now a grand, welcoming place with a good selection of Fuller’s beers.

ye olde mitre

Ely Court, Hatton Garden, Holborn, London EC1N 6S

​Built in 1547, Ye Olde Mitre is traditional to it’s core and will most certainly not be screening any sports matches. The pub is famous for having a cherry tree, that Queen Elizabeth once danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton! 

49 Dean St, W1D 5BG

the french house, soho

This Soho institution has been a major player in 20th century history. During WWII, the pub was used as a meeting place for members of the French Resistance, including General de Gaulle. As a nod to it’s illustrious past - the pub even serves alcohol in French measures. Akin to Ye Old Mitre - the French House is proudly traditional - there is an absence of a television and there is a mobile phone ban!

The Grenadier

18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR

Built in 1720, the Grenadier was originally used as an officer’s mess (for the military to live, eat and drink). It became a pub in 1818, and it is thoughts that the Duke of Wellington used to pop in for a tipple or two. The pub’s quirky and comfortable feel remains gives it the feel of retaining the identity of a traditional English pub. Many of the staff also speak of Cedric, the ghost who haunts the Grenadier- a former soldier who was savagely beaten to death by fellow officers after cheating in a game of cards.