What Are the Best Historic Pubs to Visit in London?

London is a city steeped in history, with its winding streets full of historic iconic buildings, monuments, and monuments in the form of pubs. With such a rich heritage, it’s only natural to want to peer into some of the many layers of history on tap at London’s famous pubs. Pubs in London have been some of the most enduring symbols of British life for centuries, serving up not only drinks but also camaraderie, gossip and good cheer.

When deciding which of the hundreds of pubs to visit, many people are uncertain as to what historical significance these establishments possess. Most likely you will come across some establishments which stand out from the rest with interesting stories, age or location. Here we run down five of the best Historic Pubs to visit in London for a genuinely unique experience that combines beer, history, and old-fashioned London charm.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a timeless establishment located in the heart of London in Fleet Street. The pub has been a fixture in the city since it originally opened in 1538 and retains much of its original charm and character. Renowned as one of London’s oldest pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has managed to keep much of its centuries-old character still intact, and it is definitely worth a visit for both beer fans and history buffs alike.

As you enter, expect to find a vintage atmosphere with low ceilings, wooden beams, and red velvet booths, taking guests back centuries in time. The pub has several levels or floors, each with its own unique offerings to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Choose from a vast selection of local and international beers, wines and ales, as well as typical British pub grub served from lunchtime through to dinner.

While having a pint or a bite is part of the allure of this historic pub, it doesn’t hurt that some very famous authors have come into the pub over the years, such as Rudyard Kipling and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who even set a few chapters of the Sherlock Holmes stories here. It’s definitely worth dropping by to take in its character even if you don’t stop for a drink.

The Viaduct Tavern

Just around the corner from Ye Old Cheshire Cheese lies the Viaduct Tavern, another Fleet Street classic and contender for one of London’s oldest pubs with an equally long and illustrious history storied by patrons and drinkers since 1864. Located beneath an eighteen foot arched railway viaduct built by the famous London architect John Robertson Bingham in 1864, it’s been open ever since.

The pub features stained glass windows and large mahogany bars where soccer fanatics can cheer their favorite teams on TV screens. As it also has outdoor seating available all day long every day of the week, it’s perfect to stop by on a sunny summer day when out exploring the city – or during a drizzly afternoon when you just need to take shelter inside and sip on some boozy refreshment.

The Viaduct Tavern has stood witness to more than 150 years of London’s history and remains just as popular amongst locals and tourists alike today as it was at its inception the 1800s. Its historic appeal plus an expansive beer menu makes it well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of the sport.

Ye Olde Watling

Right next to St Paul’s Cathedral lies Ye Olde Watling, one of the oldest pubs in London with a long history dating back over 150 years from when King Charles II brought coffeehouses to cafes across the city in 1663-4. The King was one of the first customers at Ye Olde Watling when it opened in 1667, making it one of the earliest coffee houses in London! Today it’s been modernized but still retains its old charm and eye-catching interior with wooden flooring and panels, beer barrels and wall decorations drawing visitors from all around to experience this incredible part of London’s past.

The iconic Ye Olde Watling also offers great food, a wonderful selection of quality beers and wines, as well as delicious ales from microbreweries across Britain! With several cosy areas to choose from – as well as outdoor seating – this classic boozer is a unique place to come for a tasty pint or two not just for historically inquisitive types but locals looking for somewhere close by to pop-in for lunch or dinner too.

The Prospect of Whitby

The Prospect of Whitby can be found just next door to another historic pub located at 57 Wapping Wall – The Town of Ramsgate! Now don’t be fooled by its seemingly small stature, as when you walk through the door you’ll get to experience one of the oldest pubs along The Thames. Located by Wapping Stairs since 1520 when The Mayflower ship was still setting off on its famous journey across the pond, this place has been plying its trade in quality ales, traditional foods and entertainment long before East Enders were even walking around these parts! A great spot for an authentic East London experience including an Evensong Mass or Trafalgar Chapel Service every Sunday at 4:15 pm.

beers are served in half pints so you can quench your thirst with even more delicious drinks! If you’re looking for some proper pub grub they don’t skimp here either with delicious buttermilk fried chicken wings, steak baguettes and fresh fish & chips–among many other delicious dishes all made fresh off the grill daily–showing off their culinary skills.

The George Inn

The George Inn near Stoney Street is another great choice for those seeking to peruse historic pubs in London –and with good reason too! Famously mentioned by Charles Dickens in Little Dorrit as the “Marquis of Granby’, it’s known for being the only galleried inn left in England and has been going strong since 1542! Between cuts of steak pie and roasted stilton tarts try one of their many local ales from Bermondsey breweries such as The Kernel or Southwark Brewing Co – whichever you choose promises to go down a treat alongside other plates such as their signature sharing platter! Plus if beer isn’t your thing here you can always sample some local English wine instead – with plenty on offer there’s something for everyone’s taste.

As you can see there are plenty of historic pubs worth discovering throughout London – many with fascinating stories dating back hundreds even thousands of years – making each one your own personal found treasure! Of course if you’re the more adventurous type why not join a guided walking tour through some of these celebrated watering holes near St Paul’s Cathedral such as London Historic Pubs Guided Walking Tour Near St Paul’s where you get to learn about strange tales from The Great Fire Of London all while soaking up your favorite sudsy beverage? Whatever you decide, be sure to discover these wonderful places rich in history on your next trip to London!