It seems like our penchant for a pint is nothing new, Londoners have been sipping beer since what seems like the dawn of time. From former banks through to Grade II listed neighbourhood haunts, London is full of historical pubs, brilliant for getting to know this city, its ales and its architechture better. We've done our history homework and found London's oldest pubs, read our recommendations here.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 12th September 2024
Dating back to 1825, The Northumberland Arms is a brilliant boozer for all your drinking needs. Known as the 'The Cornerstone of Fitzrovia', the venue offers classic pints, alongside delicious pub grub - think British chicken pies and mushy peas.
A hidden gem in the heart of Rotherhithe, The Mayflower is one of London's oldest pubs and dons gorgeous views of the river. Sit outside or dine in as you enjoy traditional pale ales, local gins and the finest wine.
Famous for its previous clientele and literary guests, The Spaniards Inn isn't just historic in interiors, they're known to have seen the likes of Keats and Dickens through their doors, with even highwayman Dick Turpin getting a look in.
Ranelagh Bowes Park is a welcoming British boozer that dates back to the 1800s. In keeping with tradition, you'll find a range of top-drawer drinks behind the bar. Plus, now there's regular quizzes, live music, Sky Sports and pub grub to boot.
Crutched Friary is a City of London pub that boasts a traditional vibe with lovingly updated interiors. Make your way over to revel in authentic British food paired with tasty tipples galore, including 2-4-1 cocktails from Mondays to Wednesdays during happy hour.
Housed in beautiful Victorian building dating back to the 1800s is The Brownswood. Head to the Finsbury Park gem to uncover a gorgeous beer garden and beautifully restored interiors, alongside a choice of real ale, craft beer, artisan spirits or classic British grub.
A real oldie, but a goodie, The Alexandra has been around for 150 years and has gained quite a reputation. Step inside this traditional drinking den, where you'll be met with exposed beams and wooden features, alongside a delicious drinks menu.
Harking back to 1729, The Lamb doesn't do mod cons, instead the pub chooses to maintain a sense of tradition. There is no music or TVs, the pub is Grade II listed and many of the old features remain, just what you need for an after-work pint in a historical London drinking spot.
Tapping into Britain's nautical history, this Grade II listed building has a truly unique atmosphere to it. With carefully crafted cocktails nodding to the days of spice trading, craft beers, ales and cider on offer, as well as a stunning selection of gins, there really is plenty to wet the whistle.
Despite its brightly coloured and quirky furnishings, stylish design and cool atmosphere, The Devonshire in Balham is a pub with a traditional history in London. Now serving homely British food and local craft ales, The Devonshire hasn't got rid of its historical features, instead combining modern with old for a gorgeous drinking setting.
One of London's most historic pubs, The Camden Head lies on Camden High Street. You'll find everything from stand-up comedy and club nights to the usual drinks and tasty bites from Smoke 'n' Buns at this north London boozer.
Just two minutes from Highgate High Street, you'll find The Wrestlers - an old pub that's stood on the same site since 1547. Its original fireplace, wood-panelled walls and stained glass windows make it a traditional boozer packed with old school charm.
Founded in 1851, The Prince Alfred is a fantastic watering hole to visit if you're in the Paddington area. Along with endless pints of lager and ale, you and your mates can settle into this old boozer for traditional British classic dishes.
Nestled in one of the city's oldest districts and standing tall since 1772, Lamb and Flag is packed full of history, including being one of Charles Dickens' favourite boozers. While it's not the same bare-knuckle fighting spot it used to be, it's now a cosy drinking den with scrumptious menus to boot.
You want old London pub, you got old London pub with The George IV in West London. Wetting Londoners' whistles for more than 200 years. It may now be more known for its craft beer and British menu, but the pub was one of the first places to start a coaching service for patrons wishing to head into Central London - take that UBER.
The Duke's Head in Putney has earnt its stripes as one of London's historical pubs with a Grade II listing and Victorian credentials. The South London spot is no old codger though, the various rooms have all been styled in an individual way, from an American glitzy and gold bar through to a gorgeous dining room.
Chelsea is full of London's historical pubs and The Hollywood Arms is no exception. Close to Harvey Nichols and other London landmarks, the pub has been a West London stalwart for more than 150 years; head there today to try gastro dishes and a great selection of wine.
If you like your boozer with a little history, then The William IV London - Kensal Green is a great choice. With stained-glass windows and a bar that dates back to 1837, this fabulous venue offers fascinating interiors. As for food? They have a menu curated by Greg Weaver for that.
Spanish Galleon in Greenwich is a historic boozer located in a 19th Century building, serving up a range of ales and lagers, alongside expertly crafted cocktails. As for the menu, you can expect pub classics like Sunday roasts, sausage and mash or cottage pie.
First opened in 1865, People's Park Tavern is an iconic East London pub that frequently wins 'best beer garden' competitions. The old pub is situated right next to Victoria Park, contains a microbrewery and has a great roster of events which includes crazy golf and regular comedy evenings.
If your love of London pubs extends to those tucked behind alleys, decked in dark wood, teasing with vintage tankards and boasting a dubious history, you wont many better than Ye Olde Mitre in the City of London.
Londoners have been enjoying pints and British grub at Lamb Tavern for more than 200 years and the Leadenhall Market spot shows no sign of slowing down. A historical London drinking spot, Lamb Tavern retains a sense of the past with old photos, chandeliers and rickety wooden tables.
The Bell has to be one of the oldest pubs in the City of London, dating all the way back to the 16th century. While surrounded by wooden rafter ceilings, ornate mirrors and retro artwork, get stuck into delicious food from Pieminister paired with tasty tipples aplenty.
First opening its doors in 1729, Punch Bowl is a historic pub situated in the heart of Mayfair. This Grade II listed venue touts dark wooden tables, quirky wallpaper and ornate chandeliers, with plenty of delicious dishes up for grabs too - from poached corn-fed chicken to smoked chalk stream trout and shepherd's pie. On top of all that, you can enjoy pints of real ale and lots of premium whiskies too.
Steeped in history, The Britannia is an old London pub in Kensington. The boozer has been around since 1834 and while it still has many interesting historical features, bright blue walls, arty prints and a selection of craft beers stop it from feeling stuffy.
Open since 1738, The Running Horse is one of the oldest pubs in London, and the oldest functioning pub in Mayfair. Serving up innovative cocktails under the masterful eye of former Sketch bars director Dom Jacobs, this cool Central London watering hole is the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary.
With links to Jack the Ripper and most recently Jamie Oliver, The Ten Bells has more stories to tell than many old pubs in London. The East London boozer is set across three-floors and includes a quirky cocktail bar upstairs, while downstairs there is a more informal pub setting.
An old-school gem hosting literary legends and rock gods through the ages, The Flask is a classic North London hangout, older than your granddad's stories. Nestled in Highgate with a straight-out-of-a-Dickens-novel type vibe, it's not just any old pub - It's a beer lover's paradise, offering a bunch of Fuller's ales and a rotating selection of guest brews.
Located near London Bridge and one of the oldest pubs in the city, The Leather Exchange is a fabulous watering hole. Eat everything from scrumptious burgers and halloumi sandwiches to sweet waffles and scrumptious salads, alongside freshly pulled pints.
Having served as inspiration for the likes of George Orwell and Michael Powell, The Newman Arms really is a pub that's stooped in history. Experience the 17th century haunt for yourself and you'll get to sip on a wide range of modern and traditional beers in extraordinary surroundings.
