london pub history tour

Join us for a walk through London’s infamous liquid history...

PURVEYOR OF LONDONS FINEST PUB TOURS

With over 3000 pubs in london, we handpick the best of the bunch for a leisurely stroll through the heart of london’s liquid history..

Believing small really is beautiful we maximize our group sizes to just 14 clients, helping us to explore the road less travelled and share some of London’s quirkier history along the way.

Whether you are a first time visitor to the city or lived here all your life, our local guides will open your eyes & ears to another side of London whilst sharing a drink or two with you along the way.

Andy, USA “This was our first time in London and we had this pub tour on our first day. It very well may have been my favorite experience during the entire trip! Our tour guide, Dave, was fantastic - funny and very knowledgeable.”

Peter, UK “There was an engaging mix of pubs visited, from a rare old boozer with regulars firmly entrenched, to bustling gin palaces, and it felt like our guide was adapting the route as we walked along, according to the group’s interests, weather, opening times etc. Highly recommend this tour whether you want to experience more of London, pubs, beers, or just have a fun day out.”

Teresa, Canada “It's the perfect mix of history, pop culture, beer and fun. We learned some interesting information, met some really nice people and enjoyed some great beer. You will have a blast on this pub tour!! 100% recommended!”

Rob, Nottingham, UK “The relaxed pace and style of the tour was brilliant. Learned so much about the city and it's history, in spite of having been several times before. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes history and a pint of ale!”

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we organise private tours too

Ideal for birthdays, celebrations and any other special event, you can experience London with your family, friends and work colleagues with a tour tailored to your interests.

“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.” Dr Samuel Johnson

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Liquid History Tours

Founded by local Londoners to celebrate the quirkier side of London life & history. Perfect for the culturally curious, our small group walking tours delve into the road less-travelled. Escape the bustle and join us as we dive into the heart of London’s liquid history.

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London Historical Pub Walking Tour

Our London pub tour takes you to some of the most historic pubs and watering holes in the city. It’s a great way to get a feel for one of Britain’s most famous cultural pastimes. You’ll get to visit London’s most famous pubs & ale houses on a guided afternoon walk. Your entertaining guide will share infamous stories about London, as you pass some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

London Pub Tour:

• Visit some of the oldest pubs, alehouses and taverns in the city! These ancient hidden gems will be brought to life by your guide
• You’ll visit at least 4 of London’s oldest inns, taverns and gin places
• Drink along “The Street of Shame”, following in the footsteps of Dickens and Shakespeare
• Hear stories about London’s most ghostly pub and learn lots of fun, interesting facts from your friendly guide
• Enjoy classic London sights including St Paul’s Cathedral as you walk through narrow cobbled streets
• At the end of the tour, why not enjoy some pub food like fish & chips?

Why take this tour?

English is famous for its drinking heritage, and London has long been associated with its many pubs and taverns. It’s a long-standing British tradition to enjoy a few pints of beer and this tour will give you a taste of this culture. You’ll get to see some of London’s most famous watering holes, with plenty of stories to keep you entertained along the way. A great way to spend 3-4 hours in the city!

Tour Includes:

• Professional tour guide
• Walking tour

Tour Excludes:

• The food and drink are not included in the tour price. You will need to bring some cash so that you can buy your own drinks.
• Meeting point: Outside St Paul’s Underground Station (Exit 2)
• End point: Close to Holborn Underground Station (at approx. 5-6pm)
• The tour lasts 3-4 hours
• This is a small group tour that operates with a maximum of 14 people
• You must give 72 hours notice of departure in order to cancel this product
• If you appear to be under the age of 25, you need to bring photo ID
• Its strongly encouraged for you to have some lunch before the tour, as there is not time to have lunch during the tour.

Tour Booking

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Historic London Pub Tour

Tour Information

Historic london pub tour highlights.

Join us on the City of London pub tour to see the most; iconic, historic, and unusual pubs in London.

You will get to experience London like a true local visiting some of London's best traditional pubs and hidden gems with an entertaining local guide.

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Click here to view our full selection of free London walking tours .

We will explore secret alleyways and hear Tales from some of London’s greatest pubs, from where people have imbibed for over 500 years.

We will learn about the origin of London's famed Gin Palaces of the 19th Century as we wander through streets that would have been home to beggars, thieves, and vagabonds.

We'll discover five iconic watering holes visited by some of London's most infamous characters, each with a history to tell.

These include some of the best-preserved traditional pubs in England.

Each pub we visit will have a very different atmosphere and history but all share a fine offering of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a wonderful building.

Highlights:

• Visit pubs frequented by London's most famous poets, writers, and free thinkers!
• Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I and visit the hardest-to-find pub in London.
• Explore parts of London as a local and get away from the tourist crowd.
• Drink in a pub that has actual jail cells in the basement from medieval times.
• See the first Irish Pub outside of Ireland.
• Hear the tales of and visit some of the famed Victorian Gin Palaces!

What else you should know

It's a walking tour, but there's not a lot of distance involved.

Having said that, the alleys can be very narrow and there are a small number of steps to climb throughout. Wear comfortable shoes! 

Pubs will accept cash or card payments for drinks as you prefer. You will need to pay for your own drinks during the tour!

This is a tour for guests aged 18 and over only.

What to bring : Photographic ID (18 years and over only) .

Where: Outside The Blackfriar Pub (opposite Blackfriars Station - North of the river Thames). The tour finishes near Holborn Station.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 - 3 Hours

When:  Wednesdays at 16:00 Book online HERE .

Cost: This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone's budget.

The average cost of a pint is £7.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Historic Pub Tours

The fun way to experience london, explore ancient laneways and amazing pubs and hear tales of naughty, crazy music legends, famous actors and infamous criminals., virtual experiences.

Bringing the best of British pub culture through this hilarious interactive virtual experience, and all from the comfort of your own home or office.

Perfect for drinks with friends, team building or a gift that's outside the box.

We're a collection of local and veteran entertainers, history buffs and musical guides, who've come together to show you the hidden depths of London and its secret venues and best locations. 

Experience London like a true local, in the company of a true local. 

Historic Pub Tours

Click the link above for more information

London has been home to some of the greatest musicians, artists, actors and criminals in history, from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix to Karl Marx, George Orwell and Shakespeare.  

Come visit the same venues, pubs and areas that they all frequented, partied and played.

Want to visit London's most iconic landmarks and Old City sections, but don't want a regular boring tour? 

Why not discover and explore London, while taking regular breaks to enjoy a drink at some of London's grandest and most historical pubs too!

Your personal London travel guide

Suggestions.

Historical Pub Walking Tour of London

Experience a Historical Pub Walking Tour of London on this afternoon pub crawl. Accompany your guide on a fun and educational tour in and around the city, where you’ll visit at least four historic pubs and taste different brews (own expense). Pop into centuries-old ale houses, see literary haunts favoured by writers like Charles Dickens and learn about local drinking culture through the ages.

Historical Pub Walking Tour Highlights:

• Visit four traditional London pubs in London Bridge, the City of London, Fleet Street, and Holborn
• Discover what a real London pub looks like on a visit to an alehouse in Blackfriars
• Sit down in a pub once frequented by Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle
• Small-group tour with a maximum of 14 people ensures a more personalised experience
• Duration of the Tour – 3 to 4 hours Approx.

What’s Included in the Pub Walking Tour

• Local guide
• Food and drinks

Book this Tour

Departure & Return

Departure point.

30 Newgate St, London EC1A 7HL, UK. Please check below for the Google map. Your guide will see you outside Cafe Nero on Panyer Alley.

Departure Time

Return details.

Kingsway, Holborn, London WC2B 6AA, UK

What To Expect from the Historical Pub walking Tour

Your afternoon pub tour begins at St. Paul’s, where you will meet your guide and set off for the first stop of your tour. As you walk, check out city attractions like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the bustling Fleet Street. Pass the site of a Shakespearean playhouse, then pop into the Art Nouveau Pub at Blackfriars for a drink. Grab a pint (own expense) and enjoy colourful stories from this neighbourhood’s banking community.

Next, head down Fleet Street, flush with pubs and gin palaces to service the journalists and literary greats of the day. Stop at a proper London boozer for a civilised drinking experience. Buy yourself a delicious local ale (or two), admire the authentic medieval decor, and enjoy the buzz as regulars and newcomers fill up the wooden tables surrounding the horseshoe bar.

Continue along Fleet Street, the former stomping grounds of Charles Dickens, who once resided in Furnival’s Inn (now Holborn Bars). Visit a 17th-century pub that was a favourite of Dickens and fellow writers Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Sip on a delicious beer and cider (not included) and soak up the literary history of the place.

Your tour ends at the edge of Covent Garden with plenty of time (and insider information) to continue the fun at another local pub. Don’t miss out on this great weekend tour. Quench your thirst this summer, and enjoy a historical pub walking tour of London.

Itinerary of the Pub Tour

Pass By: St. Paul’s Cathedral

Enjoy fine views and the quirky history of the area.

Stop At: Blackfriars Bridge

Visit London’s finest art nouveau pub

Duration: 15 minutes

Admission Ticket Free

Pass By: St Bride’s Church

Hear the tale of the “Wedding Cake” church

Pass By: Fleet Street

Explore the “street of shame” and visit a number of historic pubs

Pass By: Dr Johnson’s House

See the home of the famous wordsmith and meet his favourite cat Mr Hodge

Pass By: Prince Henry’s Room

See a building dating to 1610 and the gateway to the Knight’s Templar

Stop At: The Old Bank of England Pub

See London’s finest banking hall, and now a pub

Duration: 20 minutes

Admission Ticket Free:

Pass By: Royal Courts of Justice

Listen to the legal tales and enjoy the majestic architecture

Pass By:  Lincoln’s Inn

See London’s oldest tailor and traverse the heart of legal London.

Pass By:  Sir John Soane’s Museum

Be inspired to return to this exquisite collection.

Stop At  Princess Louise We sometimes stop for a drink in this fine Victorian gin palace-style watering hole.

Pass By: Covent Garden

We finish our walk on the edge of Covent Garden with more pubs and restaurants a short walk away.

Additional Tour Info:

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• The minimum age is 18 years
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travellers

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Art Nouveau Pub
• London pubs
• Walking Tour

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Historic Pub Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

Drinking in London’s History on a Historic London Pub Tour

By Jennifer Dombrowski 11 Comments

One of the best ways to learn about London’s history is by literally drinking your way through some of London’s oldest pubs. No, seriously! We learned more about the Great Fire, wars and London’s literary links on a historic London pub tour than on all of our previous dozen or so jaunts in to London combined.

A London Historic Pub Crawl through the City of London

A first little fun fact about London: the metropolis is made up of 33 districts and the City of London, or simply “the City” as it’s known by locals, is the oldest part of London. Though these days some of London’s most famous modern skyscrapers call the City of London home and its known as the financial and business center of London, its history goes back to the Romans forming a settlement there in 1AD.

As the City of London is the oldest part of London, it should come as no surprise that some of oldest pubs in London can also be found there. And it should also be no surprise that some of the finest short term apartments in London can be found nearby. If you’re going on a London pub crawl and don’t want to tote around all your stuff with you, you can find some convenient luggage storage in London nearby while you enjoy the tour.

Fittingly, we met our guide Nigel at St. Paul’s Cathedral to begin our tour of historic London pubs. The pubs we’d be visiting all have a story to tell, and most have links to the Great Fire of London in 1666. City of London pubs also wouldn’t be the only sights we’d see. We’d not only get a few pints of beer, but a London history tour along the way.

This one square mile in the center of London was once home to a whopping 140 churches and a mind blowing 3000 pubs and bars. But when the Great Fire of London swept through for nearly five days in September of 1666, it consumed over 13,000 houses and buildings and burned 87 churches, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. By the time the fire was finally extinguished, it had gobbled up a third of London.

We say our pub tour fittingly began at St. Paul’s Cathedral because it was the architect Sir Christopher Wren who not only rebuilt the cathedral, but much of the City of London after the Great Fire. St. Paul’s Cathedral was already in a state of disrepair prior to the fire. Only one week before the Great Fire was kindled on Pudding Lane, a plan was agreed upon for Sir Christopher Wren to restore St. Paul’s and add a dome to it.

After the Great Fire, Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt 52 churches in the City of London, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Completed in 1710, the cathedral is considered Wren’s masterpiece. St. Paul’s also became the symbol for the Church of England and a renewed capital.

The Great Fire wouldn’t be the only event in history to drastically change London’s cityscape. Nigel pointed out the National Firefighters Memorial as we walked south from the cathedral toward Knightrider Street and some famous pubs near St. Paul’s. Though the memorial depicts three firefighters in action at the height of the Blitz, it is a reminder of all the firefighters killed in the line of duty throughout the United Kingdom.

The Centre Page , formerly the Horn Tavern, has been standing since the 1660s. It’s recorded in writings as early as April 1663 when Samuel Pepys wrote about it in his famous diaries The Complete diary of Samuel Pepys . It not only survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, but managed to stand through the German’s air raids on London from 1940 – 1941 during WWII.

The Centre Page is also one of the most famous dickensian pubs. Charles Dickens mentioned the Centre Page, known at the time as the Horn Coffee House, in his first novel The Pickwick Papers .

The Centre Page is known for their cask ales, and as with all the stops on Walks’ historical pub crawl, half pints were passed around to enjoy.

Wandering through the tiny lanes of the City of London, we came to one of the infamous backstreet boozers: The Cockpit. It gets it name from its sordid history of the cock fights that took place there. Looking at the surviving gallery, it’s easy to imagine a time when Londoners whooped and yelled from the high galleries around the pit while throwing back booze and gambling as feathers fluttered up toward the 18-foot high ceiling.

One of the more interesting pubs in London, it dates back to the 1800s. The Cockpit wasn’t likely the site of bloody battles between cockerels for too long though, since cock fighting was banned in 1835.

But the history in this building wasn’t always so fowl (see what I did there?). Before it was a pub, the building is said to have been owned by William Shakespeare himself two centuries before cock fighting took place here.

Today The Cockpit is known as one of the best pubs in the City of London. You’ll find a good selection of draft beers and a friendly and warm atmosphere.

One of the newer pubs, at least in terms of London history, we visited was the Blackfriar Pub . Nigel also proclaimed it to be his favorite. And of all the pubs near Blackfriars, it’s also many a local’s favorite watering hole while waiting on the infamously delayed transportation at Blackfriars Station.

Built in 1875 on the site of a 13th century Dominican Priory, we’re lucky to have this beautiful pub left in London today. It was nearly demolished in the 1960s, but it was saved in a campaign led by the poet Sir John Betjeman. It’s now a Grade II-listed building.

Over half pints of the seasonal cask ales available on tap that Nigel selected for us, we heard a bit more about the Dominicans whose long black robes earned them the name Black Friars. In homage to the Black Friars, every where you look the pub is decorated with wooden panel reliefs, statues and even stained glass windows depicting jolly, smiling Black Friars. It’s certainly the atmosphere that makes Blackfriars one of the best pubs in London.

Since medieval times, Fleet Street, named for London’s famous buried river that runs beneath it, has been known for its copious amount of pubs. So it’s no surprise that several of the most historic pubs in London can be found on Fleet Street. And that’s precisely why we headed off toward Fleet Street.

Nigel snaked through the back lanes for a look at another of Wren’s masterpieces first. Though a church has stood on the site of St. Bride’s Church since at least the 7th century, the current one was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1675. It’s Wren’s second tallest church, with only St. Paul’s standing taller.

The church looms over another building Wren designed: the Old Bell Tavern . It was established in 1670 and is the second oldest pub in London. There had previously been a tavern that stood in same the spot, but it consumed by the flames of the Great Fire. Wren rebuilt the pub for the masons working on rebuilding St. Bride’s Church after the Great Fire of London. At one time, one of London’s first printing presses even operated here around 1500.

The Old Bell quickly became the Fleet Street pub of choice among the many printers and journalists working nearby. Hanging near the bar a framed copy of the Daily Mail, which was published the morning after the Blitz, proclaims “St Paul’s stands unharmed in the midst of the burning city”.

The best seat in the tavern is at the front at the tables near the stained glass window, where a kaleidoscope of colors dances on the floor.

Less touristy and frequented than another of London’s oldest taverns, the nearby Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, the Old Bell Tavern is known for its craft beers. The ales change seasonally and Nigel selected two for our small group to try.

It’s also worth nothing that the Old Bell Tavern has a long history of not only attracting drinkers, but foodies too. It was recommended as far back as 1815 when the pub appeared in London’s first ever good food guide, The Epicure’s Almanack of 1815 . It’s no wonder The Old Bell Tavern is known to be among the best old pubs in London.

Our pub crawl ended just a short walk down Fleet Street from the Old Bell at another of the famous pubs in London. The Tipperary was built with stones taken from the Whitefriars Monastery in 1605, and the pub managed to survive the inferno of the Great Fire of London in 1666.

It was originally called The Boar’s Head, until it was purchased by Mooney’s Brewery of Dublin in 1700. The name was then renamed to The Tipperary to commemorate the Great War song.

As proclaimed by a sign outside, they claim to be the first Irish pub in London and the first to sell Guinness in England. Whether or not the claim is actually true is debated, but there’s no denying they’re proud of their Irish heritage. Shamrocks abound in the mosaic tile floor and Guinness is on tap.

While you could go on your own pub crawl of these City of London historic pubs, you’d be missing out on the hidden sites and interesting facts we learned along the way by taking a guided tour.

At around $22 per person (the average cost of a pint of beer in London is around £5 or about $6), it was well worth it for the good beer and entertaining history lesson. Leaving in the afternoon, it’s the best pub crawl in London if you want something a little more low-key, want to learn some interesting history of London and are looking for recommendations of the best pubs in London.

Know Before You Go

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About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

July 20, 2019 at 11:56 AM

This looks like such a great tour. I’m not a beer drinker but love how the Brittish pubs also have cider on tap!

Juergen Klein says

July 21, 2019 at 1:42 PM

I don\’t know if for me a Historic London Pub Tour would be the best way to learn about the city. I\’m not a beer drinker and I never drink before the evening… In any case, I would assume that alcohol would probably cloud my memory of all the facts to remember from the tour. I was surprised to read that the Old Bell Tavern, established in 1670, is the second oldest pub in London. In small villages of the UK you can often find historic pubs dating back to the 12th, 13th, or 14th century.

Jennifer Dombrowski says

July 22, 2019 at 10:30 AM

You can enjoy a beer or a drink without getting drunk. With walking and taking time between each of the pubs to see little known about sites in the City of London, everyone from our small group enjoyed and remembered the tour.

Small villages in the UK didn’t have the Great Fire that basically obliterated London. The City of London is the oldest part of London and the fire ravished it. Over 1/3 was destroyed. So it’s really not surprising that the Old Bell is the second oldest pub in London.

Hannah says

July 22, 2019 at 10:29 AM

I can’t believe the Blackfriar pub was nearly demolished! The 1960s have a lot to answer for architecturally! The Old Bell used to be our “local” near my office, so is a favourite of mine. I don’t drink beer, but enjoyed Thistly Cross cider amongst other tipples!

July 22, 2019 at 11:28 AM

And the funny thing is after looking at this post… I drank in all of the pubs! 😀 Black Frair is my favorite, I love the architecture there and they serve my favorite craft beer. Not bad food in there either 🙂

Linda (LD Holland) says

July 23, 2019 at 8:26 AM

We are in London in August. So maybe we will follow you on a pub tour! Hubby does love his thick stout beers. Great to get a little sightseeing and history on your pub tour too. Although by the end of a pub crawl I might not be remembering much. We will definitely want to visit the Cockpit if it is one of the best pubs in London. Interesting that the Old Bell Tavern was rebuilt by Wren after the Great Fire.

sherianne says

July 23, 2019 at 3:10 PM

I love how ornate the pubs are in England. I did a DIY pub crawl through London’s Fleet Street and I see now that was a mistake, the history provide on a tour is what brings these places to life

Chris Bloomfield says

July 23, 2019 at 5:50 PM

The Blackfriar Pub sounds like a church where you can drink beer and that is pretty cool! The Old Bell Tavern must be doing something right in the kitchen, since it has been recommended for more than two hundred years! I love history, so this walk sounds like something I would love to do.

Rosemary says

July 23, 2019 at 10:10 PM

Even though I’m not a beer drinker, I do appreciate exploring a place through a historical food or drink. The pubs you visited each have an amazing story to tell. The decor in the Blackfriars is quite impressive and it is no wonder it is so popular. What a fun and unique way to explore London, while drinking and tasting the local culture.

Tami Wilcox says

July 26, 2019 at 6:42 AM

3000 pubs and bars! Oh my gosh! I’m always up for a good historic tour, and I’m actually headed to London next month, so this was very intereting to me. There’s so much to do and see in London, I’ve been challenged narrowing it down, but I will check into this!

July 29, 2019 at 2:59 AM

I have been lucky enough to visit London on business and was taken to pubs after work, it is such a unique and fun culture! I love food and beverage tours, so doing one on pubs would be a lot of fun!

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Oldest Pubs in London (With A Map And Top Tours)

Oldest Pubs in London

Guinea (mayfair).

The Guinea, located in Mayfair , may have a building that dates back to 1720, but its roots trace even further, with an inn standing on the site since 1423. This longstanding history earns The Guinea a notable place on our list. Beyond its excellent beer selection, The Guinea is renowned for its grass-fed Scotch beef steaks, earning it the title of ‘London’s original steakhouse since 1952’.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by London Pub Explorer (@londonpubexplorer)

Location : 30 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6NL

Ye Olde Mitre (Holborn)

Hidden away in Holborn’s narrow alleys, Ye Olde Mitre is a true relic of the past. Dating back to 1546, this cozy pub has welcomed patrons for centuries. With its ancient oak beams and snug atmosphere, stepping into Ye Olde Mitre feels like entering a time capsule. Legend has it that even Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed a drink here, adding to its historical allure.

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Location : 1 Ely Ct, Ely Pl, London EC1N 6SJ

The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead)

Nestled near Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn has been a local favorite since 1585. This picturesque pub has a fascinating history, with tales of infamous highwaymen and literary legends who once graced its halls. With its classic decor and inviting ambiance, The Spaniards Inn offers a quintessential English pub experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Spaniards Inn (@thespaniardsinn)

Location : Spaniards Rd, London NW3 7JJ

The George Inn (Borough)

Located close to London Bridge, The George is a majestic landmark dating back to medieval times. With a history dating back to 1583, London’s last remaining galleried inn, The George, has hosted countless notable figures. Shakespeare was among its frequent guests, and his plays graced the courtyard stage for many years. Its impressive courtyard and timbered facade evoke images of Shakespearean England, transporting visitors back in time. Once a bustling coaching inn, The George retains much of its old-world charm and remains a beloved gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Living London History | Jack Chesher (@livinglondonhistory)

Location : 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH

The Prospect of Whitby (Wapping)

Overlooking the River Thames in Wapping, The Prospect of Whitby is London’s oldest riverside pub, with origins dating back to 1520. With its maritime-themed decor and panoramic views of the river, this historic watering hole has long been a favorite haunt for sailors, smugglers, and adventurers. Today, it continues to charm visitors with its timeless allure and sense of maritime history.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Prospect Of Whitby (@prospectofwhitby)

Location : 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

Hoop & Grapes (Aldgate)

Distinct from its namesake in Farringdon, this pub holds its own unique history. As one of the rare timber buildings to endure the Great Fire of 1666, its survival story is remarkable. Legend has it that the flames halted a mere fifty yards from its door, suggesting a touch of divine intervention. Beyond its resilient past, the Hoop & Grapes is celebrated for its seasonal beer offerings and delectable cuisine, making it a destination worth indulging in.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Hoop and Grapes (@hoopandgrapes)

Location : 47 Aldgate High St, Greater, London EC3N 1AL

The Lamb and Flag (Covent Garden)

Tucked away in Covent Garden , The Lamb and Flag is a cozy pub steeped in history. Dating back to the early 18th century, it was once known as “The Bucket of Blood” for its rowdy past as a bare-knuckle boxing venue. Today, it exudes a more relaxed atmosphere, inviting patrons to enjoy a pint in its charming surroundings. With its literary connections and warm hospitality, The Lamb and Flag remains a cherished part of London’s pub scene.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by VisitEngland (@visitengland)

Location : 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB

The Seven Stars (Aldwich)

Nestled in the heart of London’s legal district, The Seven Stars is a historic pub that dates back to the 17th century. Tucked away on Carey Street, this charming watering hole has retained much of its original character, with cozy nooks and crannies that beckon patrons to settle in for a pint. Over the years, The Seven Stars has welcomed many famous faces, including Charles Dickens, who is said to have frequented the pub during his time in London.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by London Pub Map (@londonpubmap)

Location : 53 Carey St, London WC2A 3QS

The Mayflower (Rotherhithe)

Located on the banks of the River Thames in Rotherhithe, The Mayflower is steeped in maritime history. Dating back to the early 17th century, this pub is named after the famous ship that set sail for the New World in 1620. With its rustic decor and nautical theme, The Mayflower offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of modern London. Visitors can enjoy a pint while taking in views of the river and imagining the adventures of seafaring explorers.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Michael Sparrow (@sparrowinlondon)

Location : 117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF

The Blackfriar (Blackfriars)

Situated near Blackfriars Bridge, The Blackfriar is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture and one of London’s most iconic pubs. Dating back to 1875, this historic establishment features ornate carvings, stained glass windows, and decorative tile work that harkens back to a bygone era. The Blackfriar’s unique design and rich history make it a must-visit destination for pub enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Blackfriar (@blackfriarpub)

Location : 174 Queen Victoria St, Greater, London EC4V 4EG

The Old Bell Tavern (Fleet Street)

Located in the heart of Fleet Street, The Old Bell Tavern is a traditional pub with a history dating back to the 17th century. Frequented by journalists, lawyers, and literary figures over the years, this historic watering hole exudes an atmosphere of old-world charm. With its wooden beams, open fireplaces, and hearty pub fare, The Old Bell Tavern offers a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Beautiful Boozers (@beautifulboozers)

Location : 95 Fleet St, Greater, London EC4Y 1DH

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Fleet Street)

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a Grade II listed building that traces its origins back to the 1500s. However, it faced reconstruction after the Great Fire of London devastated the old city in 1666. With its gloomy ambiance and minimal natural light, the setting is ideal for immersing oneself in the atmosphere of a Victorian crime thriller.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Skye O’Neill | London (@skyeoneill)

Location : 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BP

The Cittie of Yorke (Holborn)

Tucked away on High Holborn, The Cittie of Yorke is a sprawling pub housed in a Grade II listed building that dates back to the 1920s. However, the pub’s history stretches much further, with its origins tracing back to the 15th century. With its labyrinthine layout, dark wood paneling, and traditional ales on tap, The Cittie of Yorke offers a unique glimpse into London’s pub culture through the ages.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Will Scott (@willscottphoto)

Location : 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BN

The Grapes (Limehouse)

Originally known as The Bunch of Grapes, The Grapes has proudly stood along the pebbled Limehouse Reach for close to five centuries. With its enduring presence, this historic establishment weathered the storm of the Blitz bombing during the Second World War. Today, it remains a beloved gathering spot for Limehouse residents, maintaining its welcoming ambiance where both locals and visitors are embraced in its bars and upstairs dining room.

Location : 76 Narrow St, London E14 8BP

The Viaduct Tavern (The City)

As a Grade II listed establishment, this pub stands out among London’s historic inns. Its distinctive rounded exterior and intricately decorated interiors make it one of the city’s most impressive historic inns. What many may not realize is that The Viaduct has a peculiar past – once serving as a jail and later transforming into a renowned gin palace.

Location : 126 Newgate St, London EC1A 7AA

Map Of The Oldest Pubs in London

To explore the pubs mentioned in the article on your own, simply access the interactive map below to find the nearest spots nearby. Whether you’re craving a pint in a medieval setting or seeking a riverside retreat with views of the Thames, this map will guide you to these historic establishments that have stood the test of time.

Top Historic Pub Tours

Would you prefer to explore the historic pubs of London with a group that shares similar interests? Consider joining this Soho Music and Historic Pubs Walking Tour , which takes approximately 2.5 hours to visit four iconic pubs in London’s famous Soho area. By booking this experience, you’ll see where legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe, and more all hung out. To discover the heart of Central London through its historic pubs and taverns on a 3.5-hour tour that also offers you the chance to explore hidden backstreets and hear quirky facts about local history, consider this Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour . For a 2-hour tour complete with a complimentary half-pint and the opportunity to become acquainted with London’s oldest drinking establishments as you explore the winding streets of the historic city center, join this 2-Hour Historic Pub Tour .

The oldest pubs in London are more than just places to grab a drink; they are living relics that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. From hidden gems like Ye Olde Mitre to iconic establishments like The Spaniards Inn, each historic pub has its own unique story to tell. Don’t forget to use the map provided in this article to find them or join one of the tours mentioned above for a fun experience in London. Cheers to embarking on a journey through the oldest pubs in London!

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Money latest: Jaguar Land Rover offers to pay £150 a month to cover insurance

Jaguar Land Rover is offering £150 a month towards the cost of insurance to help drivers cope with rising premiums amid a spike in thefts. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance below - and leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering.

Wednesday 8 May 2024 15:22, UK

• Free childcare applications about to open for new age band
• When will interest rates be cut?
• Jaguar Land Rover offers £150 towards drivers' monthly insurance costs
• New mothers forced to return to work early

Essential reads

• Downsizing your home could unlock more than £400,000
• Iconic tea brand enlists Top Boy star for £12m ad to revive fortunes - but poll suggests Britons prefer rival
• Cheap Eats : Chef at Tom Kerridge pub picks Buckinghamshire spot
• 'We should charge more': Chef justifies £320 menu as he teams up with Uber Eats for 'cheap' delivery
• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews

Ask a question or make a comment

If you earn significantly more or less than your partner, how do you split payments for things like housing, food, household essentials, entertainment and holidays? 

Do you both pay equally, do you split costs according to income, or do you have another method? 

Get in touch with an outline of your situation in the  box above or:

• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

Jaguar Land Rover is offering £150 a month towards the cost of insurance to help drivers cope with rising premiums. 

The company announced the initiative will help those who own cars covered under its in-house insurance division that are registered between 1 May 2023 and 30 September 2023. 

In order for it to apply, the vehicle cannot be worth more than £150,000. 

If your car is eligible, Jaguar Land Rover has said it will make the contribution for up to three years. 

It comes after the company launched Land Rover Insurance in October after reports suggested car thefts were pushing up the costs offered by mainstream providers. 

"Customers of luxury cars and other luxury items are experiencing an increase in thefts due to organised criminal activity in the UK," a spokesperson said at the time. 

"The desirability of our luxury vehicles, coupled with concerns around thefts, has recently led to challenges in obtaining insurance cover for some clients." 

An airline entirely dedicated to dogs is arriving in the UK next month - but it will cost you more than £6,000 for you and your pet to enjoy it.

Bark Airlines will start by flying two routes - from London to New York and New York to LA. But it is hoping to add more to its roster soon. 

During the flights, your pooch will be given free access to roam the plane and will be provided with treats, as well as a beverage of their choice during ascent and descent to help with the change in pressure. 

On its website, Bark Airlines brags about being the first of its kind due to it being built "from the ground up" for dogs. 

The experience is very high end, with a concierge greeting you and your dog before the flight, a free pass through security and only 10 people per flight. 

The cabin also comes prepped with pheromones, music and lavender scented towels to help keep the beloved pets calm. 

A "just in case" bag is provided too, filled with leashes, poo bags and snacks. 

However, it comes with a hefty price tag of £6,400 for a one way ticket and under-18s are not allowed on board. 

Money struggles are forcing more than half of new mothers to return to work earlier than planned, according to a survey. 

Weekly statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance are now worth less than half the £400.40 minimum wage for a working week. 

Maternity Action, which spoke to more than 1,000 new mothers, found 62% rely on credit cards or borrowing from friends when pregnant or on maternity leave. 

Meanwhile, 59% have either returned or are planning to return to work earlier than preferred after the birth because of money worries. 

At least one mother described how it would take "years" for her to recover financially from the cost of maternity leave. 

Just 13% of women on maternity leave benefit from employers' occupational maternity pay schemes, down from 44% in 2008, according to government research. 

Some are unable to claim statutory maternity pay due to self-employment. 

Ros Bragg, director of Maternity Action, said: "The low levels of maternity pay and benefits come as a huge shock to many trying to start families. 

"We've heard from women skipping meals, relying on food parcels and becoming anaemic because they can't buy healthy food."

The French capital is about to raise the cost of public transport - impacting any city-breakers or those heading to the Paris Olympics this summer. 

Metro ticket prices will rise by more than 85% from 20 July, jumping from €2.15 (£1.85) for a single ticket to €4 (£3.43). 

The price for a city bus ticket will double from €2.50 (£2.15) to €5 (£4.29). 

It comes into force six days before the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and will remain in place until 8 September. 

The price of transport passes will stay the same, meaning regular travellers such as residents should be unaffected. 

To avoid the extra cost, you could buy a weekly travel pass. 

These are priced at €30.75 (£26.39) for zones 1 to 5 while a Navigo Day Pass costs €8.65 (£7.42) to travel across two zones. 

Tourists can also buy a Paris Pass which is aimed at people travelling for the Olympics and Paralympics. 

 The banking group has said some of its branches will close starting in September and continuing until May next year. 

Job cuts will be in the fraud operations department of the bank, central operations and staff who work at the branches earmarked for closure.

After this round of closures, TSB will have 175 branches across the UK. 

It announced earlier this year it would make cost-saving plans including cutting jobs and closing branches.

Trade union Unite said the decision by the UK high street lender was a "grave mistake".

"The decision to close a branch is never taken lightly, but our customers are now doing most of their banking digitally and we need to move to a better balance of digital and face-to-face services," a spokesperson for TSB said. 

"We remain committed to a national branch network and through innovation and integration with video, telephone, digital, branch and other face-to-face services TSB customers have more ways to bank with us than ever before."

See the list of closures here ...

A new savings account is offering customers a rate of 5.2% AER - making it a market leader. 

Raisin UK has partnered with Al Rayan Bank to offer the one-year Fixed-Term Deposit account. 

Those who deposit £1,000 can expect to have £1,052.00 in their account by the end of the year. 

The minimum deposit is £1,000, while the maximum is £85,000. 

Customers will not be able to withdraw from the account for the year. 

It is operated under Shariah principles, meaning interest cannot be earned but some of the profit the bank earns will be returned to you - meaning you can grow your savings without earning interest. 

Anna Bowes, co-founder of Savings Champion , tells the Money blog...

"It's good to see that although the markets are expecting the base rate to fall in the near future, the anticipated date for this keeps being pushed back, and this seems to have stimulated a little bit of competition among some savings providers – in particular fixed-term bonds - pushing rates upwards.

"This latest increase from Al Rayan Bank, available both directly and via the Raisin UK cash platform, is exactly what we like to see, and hopefully it will create a little more competition from other providers - pushing rates further in the right direction."

Anna points out this rate can be beaten with shorter fixes but in that instance "you'll need to find another home for your money on maturity, so fixing for a bit longer could actually realise more of a return in the end".

A district council in Prague is looking at banning "silly costumes" worn by stag and hen party groups. 

Officials from the Prague 1 area, which is largely a UNESCO World Heritage site, have said the ban is aimed at clamping down on noisy and drunken tourists. 

The area has long struggled with tourism focused solely on nightlife activities, including bar crawls. 

Local news outlet Prague Morning said the proposal was made by councillor Bronislava Sitar Baborakova, who argued the costumes exceeded acceptable social norms and were negatively impacting residents. 

However, another councillor said the proposed ban on "silly costumes" seemed "excessive". 

Prague 1 has previously implemented a nighttime ban on non-delivery vehicles in part of the area, although the measure was swiftly cancelled after criticism. 

The struggles of fast fashion retailer Boohoo continue with news this morning that revenue dropped 17% in its financial year compared with a year earlier. 

The company, which also owns the PrettyLittleThing and Nasty Gal brands, had pre-tax profits of £58.6m in the year up to February.

That's down from £63.3m the year before as online retailers struggle with the comedown from COVID-19 pandemic era highs. 

Boohoo has faced increased competition from the likes of Chinese rival Shein and had more returns. Its share price is down 4.3% following the announcement and a fall of 20% since late December. 

Meanwhile, oil prices are now at their lowest since mid-March with a barrel of Brent crude oil - which is the pricing benchmark - costing $82.22, down from highs of $91 a barrel at one point last month. 

For one pound you can buy $1.2476 and €1.1613. 

 PG Tips has launched a high-budget advertising campaign after falling behind Yorkshire Tea, Twinings and Tetley. 

It's the tea maker's first campaign in eight years - and there isn't a chimp (or knitted chimp) in sight.

The ad is titled "Rock Solid" - it cost £12m, stars Top Boy actor Ashley Walters, has a soundtrack by Ezra Collective and is directed by Oscar-winning Steve McQueen. 

Those behind the ad, which you can watch in the embedded tweet below, say it is an attempt to appeal to a new generation.

Karen Owen, global senior marketing executive at Lipton Teas and Infusions, which owns the brand, said: "We separated the tea business from Unilever just under two years ago. PG Tips hasn't really been invested in for many, many years. So, we said no, this is the nation's tea. It is the nation's favourite tea."

In the 70-second clip, Walters can be seen coaching himself "out of the doldrums" over a cup of PG Tips.

On the concept, Ms Owen continued: "When you look at Gen Z culture, there's a real fear of burnout. They are not interested in coffee because that's burnout culture; it's pushing the problem down the road. They are much more about recovery and reconnecting with their self."

PG Tips lost £2.8m last year - and our social media polls suggest it's well behind Yorkshire Tea in terms of popularity.

This is how our LinkedIn followers have been voting in our ongoing poll ...

And it's a similar story on Instagram...

Previous PG Tips adverts starred comedians Peter Sellers, Bob Monkhouse, and Johnny Vegas.

This one is the brainchild of indie agency Calling, which is making a name for itself by modernising heritage brands.

It appears to be the first in a series.

"We don't know quite what's going to happen next but what we do know is it's going to be about progress. And Steve, when I was with him last week, he's said, 'So, what are we going to do next?'" Ms Owen said. 

The brand has invested £40m in new machinery, training and blends at its Trafford Park site in Manchester as it attempts to turn around its fortunes.

Here's what some of our LinkedIn followers and Money readers have been saying:

None of the above. Your poll is flawed. Other brands are available. Ray K

None of these... Tick tock organic rooibos tea 🍵 Fay Still

If you ain't drinking Punjana you are missing out.  Stuart Elder

Sainsbury's red label is by far the best tasting tea and has been for decades… and is almost half the price of Yorkshire tea! David100

Tetley one cup all the way , hate strong tea 🤮 Mark Osborne

Unpopular opinion but Yorkshire tea is 🤮🤮 Jo Humphrey 

I ONLY drink tea, ONLY ever pg tips :) Jason Prout

Have to admit I buy Yorkshire Tea by Taylor's of Harrogate (as I live in Bristol, the Hard Water blend if I can) or Twinings Breakfast or Strong. PG Tips and Tetley always seem to wishy washy to me. Chinks

Why do you not mention Waitrose Gold Blend tea? By far the best! Carol Waugh

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