The Best Self-Guided Walking Pub Crawl
On your next visit to London, make time for the best self-guided walking pub crawl! Make sure you save an afternoon and evening to check out some of the amazing pubs in London. On our last visit to London I made sure I balanced my love of royals and history with my husband’s love of beer and taverns! So while we spent a concentrated afternoon and evening of ONLY pubbing, we frequented others when needed. You know, you do need refreshments on vacation! I would say the pub was my husband’s equivalent to those chairs they put in the middle of malls while the wife is shopping!
If you decide to stay close to these iconic pubs, the Apex Temple Court Hotel or St. Martin’s Lane London are both exceptionally rated. Both are gorgeous hotels with great food options and amenities.
Read on to learn more about the historical pubs of London on a fun pub crawl. Learn facinating facts as you give yourself a self-guided tour to compare and contrast some of their amazing features! Helpful hint . . . eat when you can and know that many of London’s pubs don’t serve food after certain hours! Americans may get caught a little off guard with this since drinks & bar food go together in the US.
Here’s the list of where to go:
- The Prospect of Whitby
- The Ten Bells
- Ye Olde Mitre*
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese*
- The Old Bank of England*
- The George*
- The Seven Stars*
- Cittie of Yorke*
- Lamb and Flag
We stayed in Mayfair at the JW Marriott. From Mayfair, take the bus or taxi to your first location. The starred pubs are all just minutes away from each other so the walking tour part happens in the middle of this collection of establishments.
The Prospect of Whitby
The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is London’s oldest riverside pub dating back to 1520 (Henry VIII). This pub was named after a ship moored nearby. It has a replica of scaffolding that lurks nearby at the Execution Dock. Many a pirate were hung here. It has amazing views over the River Thames. Old barrels and ship masts are built right into the structure. The place also has rickety stairs, off kilter doors, skulls and crossbones that add to its allure. Famous customers have been Charles Dickens, artists Whistler and Turner, Judy Garland, Paul Newman, Princess Margaret, Richard Burton, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Frank Sinatra.
The Ten Bells
Follow this visit in a taxi or 1 1/2 mile walk to the 1750 Ten Bells (George II). This watering hole is in Spitalfields. It is named after the bells from the nearby church. Ten Bells was Eight Bells Alehouse at one time until Christ Church changed its number of chimes to ten. The pub was then renamed Ten Bells. It is famous for its sinister connection to the Jack the Ripper victims, Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly. They were said to have supplemented their income as prositutes and picked up on the pavement outside the pub after a drink or drinks. These victims were never seen alive again.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Another taxi or 30 minute walk past St. Paul’s Cathedral will bring you to this very unique pub that was established in 1538 (Henry VIII) and rebuilt in 1667. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a labyrinth of 10-12 rooms that spread over 4 or 5 floors. It is dark and gloomy, making you forget it is daylight outside. Some areas are subdued with quiet conversation while others are buzzing with lively tales. Larger groups surround bigger tables under low hanging walls that read “mind your head”. Click here to see a food & drink menu & more!
Ye Olde Mitre
A short walk will get you to Ye Olde Mitre which was established in 1546 (Elizabeth I) This is a delightful find down a narrow little passageway. Surprisingly it was once the site of a lavash palace and extensive garden. Christopher Hatton was a favorite of Elizabeth I and it is said she once danced with him around the very cherry tree that supports the front of this pub. Click here for a food & drink menu and book a table.
Keep reading for the best self-guided pub crawl in London.
The Old Bank of England
While not quite as old, the Old Bank of England was built in 1886. The vaults below were said to have held the country’s gold bouillon, as well as the Crown Jewels for a time. It has been a pub since 1994 and run by the McMullens who are 6th generation local brewers. The pub is decorated in a magnificent Italianate style with large chandeliers and lavish seating all over the place. For us it was a respite from all of our walking and had a delicious menu. I enjoyed the Chicken and Leek Pie and my husband always has to try the fish and chips. Several pints were ordered and we were thoroughly satisfied.
The George
The George on the Strand is a beautiful 18th Century Public House that also advertises live sports. It prides itself on being a hub for political social, cultural and social movements in the late 18th centruy. It has been home to writers and poets in the 20th century and now a favorite of locals and travelers alike. Enjoy Guinnes, cask ales, craft beers, seasonal cocktails, an extensive wine list and food served all day.
The Seven Stars
The Seven Stars is one of the few pubs to escape the Fire of London and was established in 1602 (Elizabeth I). Originally, a port side pub due to its proximity to the Fleet when it was a navigable river. Today, it is a rather eclectic establishment that is host to the legal goings on of its surroundings, as it is near the Royal Courts of Justice. Interesting posters adorn the walls with characters such as John Cleese. The narrowest of stairs takes you to the single loo which apparently was only added about 20 years ago. The mascot of the place seems to be a black and white cat who wears a ruff.
The history is facinating on this amazing walking pub crawl around London.
Cittie of Yorke
Cittie of Yorke may not be the oldest pub, but sits on a site that has seen pubs built and rebuilt since 1430. Although the current pub is “new” and built in the 1920’s, the entire establishment is decorated with relics of its past. The swinging copper sign in front tells you you are in the right place.
Fun Fact: the history of pub signs in the UK is a fascinating one dating back close to a thousand years.
One particularly interesting law (which is still technically legal) dates all the way back to the 14th-century. It says that, by law, places that sell ale must hang a sign above their doorway so that ale inspectors might easily establish and check up on the quality of the beer…
This pub also boasts the longest bar in England and Victorian wooden cubicles, which were both written about by Poel and Dylan Thomas. The cubicles remind me of a Catholic confessional booth and were constructed so that nearby lawyers could discuss matters privately with their clients. Hmm. I love learning interesting little facts like this!
Lamb and Flag
We loved the Covent Garden Lamb and Flag which has been around since 1623 though it was then known as The Coopers Arms. A favorite watering hole of Charles Dickens, this pub also acquired some noteriety for its bare knuckle brawls. It became known as the Bucket of Blood in the early 19th century. Poet John Dryden met his end here, possibly due to writing one too many satirical lampoons about Charles II’s and his mistress. You’ll love how cozy this pub is on the inside and bustling with festive customers on the outside. The Lamb and Flag is also flanked by its notorious dark alley. So spooky!
The Best Self-Guided Walking Pub Crawl is full of so much interesting history!
London has so many interesting pubs to offer and would take you more time than one vacation! Enjoy the best self guided walking pub crawl on your next trip to London. I’m sure it will give you a wonderful flavor of many of the historic and interesting pubs this city has to offer. Try it!
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