London – home to monarchs, pigeons, and 9 million people who mutter under their breath at anyone who dares stand on the left side of an escalator. It’s also home to some really old pubs. We all know London is old—like, really old. And the pastime of drinking beer is also really old. So it makes sense that there are some really old pubs around.
We took one for the team (you’re welcome) and scouted out London’s oldest pubs using our pub finder. They all serve Neck Oil – so you can enjoy a pint with your history lesson (if you’re into that). And they don’t all start with ‘Ye Olde’.
1. The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping (1520)
Address: 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH
Tube station: Shadwell, Wapping
Fun fact: Old barrels and ship masts are built into the structure – keep your eyes peeled.
If you ever fancied yourself a pirate, The Prospect of Whitby was a local haunt of the Thames’ most questionable characters – we’re talking smugglers, pirates, and thieves. And a few famous authors, apparently, too. Not to sound like an estate agent, but this waterside pub has all its original flagstone floors. And if you look carefully there are old ship masts and barrels built into the structure. Pretty cool. Plus, they serve Beavertown.
2. Ye Olde Cock Tavern, Holborn (1549)
Address: 22 Fleet St, Temple, London EC4Y 1AA
Tube station: Temple
Fun fact: Makes an appearance in the Virginia Woolf novel Orlando
Despite its dubious name, Ye Olde Cock Tavern is a bit of a hidden gem. Apparently, it’s London’s narrowest pub (not that size really matters), and it has roots dating back to 1549 (but has been in the current spot since 1887). A bunch of London’s famous authors from back in the day used to come here for a beer, so you should do the same (Neck Oil). And if you’re feeling peckish, they’re serving up typical pub grub too.
3. The Hoop and Grapes, Aldgate (1596)
Address: 47 Aldgate High St, Greater, City of London, London EC3N 1AL
Tube station: Aldgate, Aldgate East
Fun fact: The oldest licensed house in the city of London –or so they say.
Apparently, this is one of the only timber buildings to have survived the Great Fire of London – the fires stopped just 50 yards away. And it’s got all that old pub charm – low ceilings, timber beams, and not a single 90-degree angle to be found. They say they’re ‘purveyors of the perfect pint’ and with Beavertown on tap, we’re inclined to believe them.
4. The Nell Gwynne Tavern, Covent Garden (1667)
Address: 1 Bull Inn Ct, London WC2R 0NP
Tube station: Charing Cross
Fun fact: An actor called Willian Terris was murdered outside the building in 1897, so it might be haunted.
The Nell Gwynne was named after the famous actress and infamous mistress of Charles II. It was built in 1667 – so took advantage of everyone who was left beer-less after The Great Fire of London. The compact interior means patrons end up spilling out into the alleyway in warmer months, which is just how you know it’s got a good vibe. Plus, they serve charcuterie boards instead of pub grub – sign us up.
5. The George, Southwark (1676)
Address: 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH
Tube station: London Bridge
Fun fact: London’s only surviving galleried inn – balconies on the upper floors.
The famous coaching inn The George is the only galleried inn left in London. That basically means the bedrooms upstairs had long balconies out the front. This is a great spot to go if you’re tired of the crowds and overpriced strawberries of Borough Market. And they have Beavertown on tap, so you know it’s gonna be a good time.
6. The Grenadier, Belgravia (1720)
Address: 18 Wilton Row, London SW1X 7NR
Tube station: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner
Fun fact: Used to be the mess hall for senior soldiers in the infantry
A hidden gem that serves up more high-brow fare. This 1720 building is kind of like pub royalty in London. It’s a bit more fancy than some of the others on our list. But that just makes the pint of Beavertown taste all the better. Very British. Have the Beef Wellington. Apparently, it’s famous.
7. The Red Lion, Mayfair (1821)
Address: 2 Duke of York St, London SW1Y 6JP
Tube station: Piccadilly Circus
Fun fact: It survived The Blitz completely intact
When you’re done shopping down Regent Street, and your stomach is roaring for food (and a pint), check out The Red Lion. It’s an archetypal 'old man's pub' – a true classic but very cosy, perfect for escaping London’s drearier weather. Plus, it’s dog-friendly. Pampered pooches are welcome!
8. The Pineapple, Kentish Town (1868)
Address: 51 Leverton St, London NW5 2NX
Tube station: Kentish Town, Tufnell Park
Fun fact: Named after the fruit. Which used to be so expensive they were seen as a status symbol.
The Pineapple is proof that just ‘cause something’s old doesn’t mean it’s uncool. It’s older than your nan (by at least 50 years) but doesn’t act its age. The vibes are lively and it serves top-notch Thai food. Plus, they love dogs and serve Beavertown – would you like a pint with your order of belly rubs?
Obviously, this list isn’t all of the old pubs in London but if you want more, you can go do your own research. If all this pub chat has whetted your whistle and you’re looking for somewhere to dash the second the sun dares to show its face, check out London’s best beer gardens.
