Pubs with History: 9 of London’s Most Unusual Drinking Dens

Pubs with History: 9 of London’s Most Unusual Drinking Dens

 

London is a city soaked in centuries of stories, and some of its best tales are told within the walls of its historic pubs. From the haunts of literary giants like Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare to centuries-old gin palaces and secret taverns, London’s drinking dens are as rich in character as they are in history. If you’re after a pint with a side of legend, here are 9 of the most unusual and historic pubs to explore.

1. The George Inn, Southwark

Dating back to the 17th century, The George Inn is the last remaining galleried coaching inn in London. Owned by the National Trust, it was frequented by none other than Charles Dickens. With its timber-framed gallery and cobbled courtyard, it’s easy to imagine horse-drawn carriages and cloaked travelers sipping ale here centuries ago.

2. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, this pub is a true time capsule. A favorite of Mark Twain and Charles Dickens, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese boasts low ceilings, winding staircases, and a maze of snug rooms that whisper secrets from centuries past.

3. The Spaniards Inn

Built in 1585, this pub was mentioned in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers and reportedly haunted by highwayman Dick Turpin’s ghost. The cozy wooden interiors and roaring fireplace make it perfect for a traditional pint steeped in lore.

If it was good enough for Keats, it’s good enough for us.
Tucked on the edge of Hampstead Heath—one of London’s wildest and most scenic green spaces—the Spaniards Inn is both legendary and delightfully cozy. Just a short stroll from poet John Keats’ former home, it’s said he often popped in for a pint between writing his famous odes. Literary icons like Byron and Dickens were also reportedly regulars. While its slightly remote location makes it feel like a hidden gem, the Spaniards Inn is well worth the detour, whether you're on a walking tour or exploring solo.

Insider tip: After a refreshing walk on the Heath, warm up with one of their famous Sunday roasts and relax by the crackling fireplace—especially inviting during the crisp autumn and winter months.

4. The French House

A beloved Soho gem with a French twist and a storied past
The name says it all: The French House is anything but your typical London pub. This charming Soho staple radiates continental flair, where wine flows as freely as beer, and every brew is served in elegant half-pints instead of hefty British pints. Rich in history, it even played a role in World War II—General Charles de Gaulle is said to have mapped out part of his resistance plans right here after escaping to London. Over the years, the pub has drawn a creative crowd, including the likes of Dylan Thomas and Sylvia Plath. Whether you’re touring Soho or hopping between historic watering holes, The French House is a must-visit for a unique sip of the past.

5. Ye Olde Mitre Tavern

Follow in Queen Elizabeth I’s (possibly dancing) footsteps
When a pub begins with "Ye Olde," you can bet it comes with centuries of stories—and Ye Olde Mitre doesn’t disappoint. Tucked away down a hidden alley in Holborn, this historic gem dates all the way back to 1546. Originally built for the servants of the Bishop of Ely, it has an almost secretive charm. Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around a cherry tree in the yard—whether or not she truly twirled here, the tale adds a royal touch to an already enchanting spot. Stop in for a quiet pint of real ale, and soak in the rich history that lingers in every creaking floorboard.

6. The Ten Bells

Famous for its eerie connection to Jack the Ripper, this pub was reportedly frequented by some of his victims. With ornate Victorian tiling and a haunting past, it offers a fascinating, if chilling, drink with history.

Jack the Ripper’s (possibly haunted) local
A key stop on most Jack the Ripper walking tours, The Ten Bells in Spitalfields is steeped in eerie Victorian history. This centuries-old pub is famously linked to several of the Ripper’s victims, who were known to frequent the establishment—and some believe their spirits still linger. It’s even rumored that the killer himself may have been a regular. Despite its chilling past, The Ten Bells has held its place as a beloved East End pub, now buzzing with life and energy. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or just after a memorable pint, it’s a fascinating spot to begin a night out in nearby Shoreditch.

7. The Blackfriar

An Art Nouveau masterpiece disguised as a pub
If you’re a fan of ornate design and hidden history, The Blackfriar is sure to impress. Built on the grounds of an old Dominican friary and just steps from the River Thames, this pub is one of London’s most visually striking watering holes. Its Art Nouveau interiors were crafted by celebrated figures like sculptor Henry Poole and architect Herbert Fuller-Clark, resulting in intricate mosaics, stained-glass windows, and detailed metalwork throughout. From its decorative façade to its opulent interior, The Blackfriar feels more like a gallery than a pub—though you’ll definitely want to stay for a pint once you’ve finished soaking in the surroundings.

8. The Viaduct Tavern

Once a Victorian gin palace, The Viaduct Tavern retains its ornate 19th-century décor and hidden prison cells in the basement—yes, real ones! It's a rare place where you can sip craft gin in the shadow of a darker past.

A former gin palace with show-stopping interiors
Long before beer became London’s drink of choice, the city was swept up in the 18th-century Gin Craze—and the elegant Viaduct Tavern in Holborn stands as a dazzling remnant of that era. Originally one of London’s historic gin palaces, this stunning pub lives up to the name with its ornate red ceilings, carved wood paneling, and vibrant stained glass. Step inside and you'll be transported back to a time when gin was sipped in serious style.

Insider tip: Prefer a G&T over a pint? You’re in the right place. The Viaduct Tavern honors its gin-fueled legacy with an impressive menu of customizable gin and tonic options, complete with hand-picked garnishes and premium spirits—making it a must-visit for any gin lover.

9. The Mayflower

Named after the ship that took the Pilgrims to America, The Mayflower is a riverside gem that dates back to the 1600s. You can even stand on the same jetty where the ship set sail. It’s a stunning, story-filled spot for a pint or traditional British meal.

Where Pilgrims (possibly) raised their last glass
It might seem ironic that the Puritan Pilgrims, bound for a stricter New World, paused for a pint before their voyage—but at The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe, the legend lives on. Nestled along the Thames in a neighborhood rich in maritime history, this charming pub stands near the very spot where the Mayflower ship is believed to have set sail. Whether or not the Pilgrims truly toasted their departure here, the pub’s old-world atmosphere and riverfront views make it feel entirely plausible.

Insider tip: Have ancestral ties to the original Mayflower passengers? Bring proof, and you can sign the pub’s official Mayflower Descendants book—a unique nod to your family’s place in history.

Published: 07 May 2025