The Oldest Pubs In London

• Address: 1 Ely Court, EC1N 6SJ
• Best for: real ale

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 won't find much better than Ye Olde Mitre in the City of London. Established in 1546, this spot features a cobbled courtyard, a wooden front and lots of historic artefacts lining the walls.

They've got seven real ales on tap, as well as five changing guest brews per week, and they hold multiple beer festivals a year too - voted the CAMRA pub of the year three times. What's more, they serve tasty tapas plates with a British twist.

• Address: 33 Rose Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9EB
• Best for: cosy interiors with a fireplace

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 a buzzing atmosphere.

The interiors remain traditional, from the comfy leather sofas to the wooden furniture and log fireplaces. On the menu? Slow-braised beef and ale pie, salmon niçoise, corn-fed chicken breast and more.

• Address: 29 Bush Lane, Fleet Street, EC4R 0AN
• Best for: hearty pies

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.

There are two-for-one cocktails available too - we recommend the Miami Peach. What's more, you can watch live sports on their multiple TV screens.

• Address: 117 Rotherhithe High Street, SE16 4NF
• Best for: drinks by the water

A hidden gem in the heart of Rotherhithe, The Mayflower is one of the oldest pubs London has to offer, complete with gorgeous views of the river. You can even spot the original 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father's Mayflower ship from the window, while drinking in a boozer that's been around for more than 400 years.

The interiors are made up of dark brick walls, rustic wooden tables and all kinds of old-fashioned portraits. Drinks-wise, they specialise in traditional ales, craft beers, local gins and fine wines, while the food menu features chilli con carne nachos, pork tenderloin, spicy beetroot burgers and more.

• Address: 39 Balham High Road, Balham, SW12 9AN
• Best for: alfresco food and drink

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.

It has been around since 1832, spanning across three stories and a garden. Sip top quality beer, paired with a scrumptious menu of seared sea bass fillet, Oxfordshire bavette steak and wild garlic gnocchi.

• Address: 82 Bounds Green Road, N11 2EU
• Best for: live music and other events

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, as well as original features like an open fire and wooden panneling.

Plus, now there's regular quizzes, live music, Sky Sports and pub grub to boot. We recommend the smoked bacon cheeseburger, followed by a triple chocolate brownie.

• Address: 89-91 Gresham Street, EC2V 7NQ
• Best for: cocktails and craft beer

Tapping into Britain's nautical history, this Grade II listed building has a truly unique atmosphere to it. This is one of the best historic pubs in London, thanks to its traditional, ornate features - think patterned ceilings, elegant chandeliers and dark wooden furniture.

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. Hungry? They're also cooking up delicious dishes like panko halloumi kebabs, sirloin steak and crispy chicken burgers.

• Address: 39-41 Crutched Friars, EC3N 2AE
• Best for: a pub dating back almost 800 years

Crutched Friar is a City of London pub that boasts a traditional vibe with lovingly updated interiors. It's takes its name from the cross-bearing brethren who settled here in 1249, and the historic site was once home to a Roman Catholic order.

Nowadays, expect updated interiors and fresh tanks of beer on-site, as well as a charming courtyard. And if you're hungry, there's everything from barbecue chicken wings to bacon cheeseburgers or ribeye steak to tuck into.

• Address: 98 North Road, N6 4AA
• Best for: original features

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.

There are also two outdoor spaces, the beer garden and streetside tables where you can watch the world go by. Here, you'll get to munch on sumptuous meals like wild mushroom linguine, beer-battered haddock or pork bratwurst.

• Address: 360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT
• Best for: freshly brewed beer

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 paint and sip and regular comedy evenings.

There are both indoor and outdoor bars serving refreshing tipples, as well as a hearty selection of pub grub. We're talking halloumi strips, flat-iron steaks or even jackfruit burgers.

• Address: 10-12 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR
• Best for: after-work drinks

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.

This is perfect for after-work drinks thanks to its City location, and their Sunday roasts are not to be missed either. Wondering what else is on the menu? Think chicken and mushroom pie, artichoke gnocchi, rump steak and more.

• Address: 1 Allen Street, W8 6UX
• Best for: a Kensington pub steeped in history

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.

The food menu is equally exciting, ranging from harissa roasted cauliflower to oven-roasted pork loin with nduja or chicken schnitzel. Plus, they serve some of the best Sunday roasts around.

• Address: 41 Farm Street, Mayfair, W1J 5RP
• Best for: whisky lovers

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 lots of cosy corners to drink in.

There are plenty of delicious dishes up for grabs too - from veal schnitzel to Jerusalem artichoke risotto or aubergine and chickpea curry. On top of all that, you can enjoy pints of real ale and lots of premium whiskies too.

• Address: 94 Lamb's Conduit Street, West End, WC1N 3LZ
• Best for: a traditional drinking atmosphere

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, including frosted glass screens that were popular in the 1890s.

There are all sorts of craft beers, cocktails and fine wines on offer, just what you need for an after-work drink in a historical London drinking spot. The menu is anything but old-fashioned though, featuring the likes of chestnut mushroom gnocchi, creamy garlic mash and plant-based burgers.

• Address: 185 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR
• Best for: craft beer

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, this place features exposed brick walls, dark wooden furnishings and comfy leather seats.

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.

• Address: 23 Rathbone Street, W1T 1NG
• Best for: cosy basement drinks

Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms is a historic boozer that dates back to 1730. This traditional space is filled with rustic wooden furnishings and touches of bright red colour, with a snug basement space and a first-floor dining room as well as the main bar.

They specialise in ale, with multiple different options to choose from. They also offer tasty meat or vegetable platters, featuring the likes of sourdough and cultured butter, Glamorgan sausage rolls or wild boar and black pudding Scotch eggs.

• Address: 14 Clapham Common South Side, SW4 7AA
• Best for: watching sports

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. 

Today, you can watch live spots on HD screens while sipping a pint, and they've got a cracking pizza menu too - think cheesy slices topped with salami piccante, nduja an oyster mushrooms.

• Address: 48 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BL
• Best for: classic pub grub

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. It's got a traditional atmosphere and interiors, with dark decor that features leather booths, a fireplace and a stag's head.

As for the menu, you can expect pub classics like steak and kidney pie, Cumberland sausage and mash or ham, egg and chips - alongside succulent Sunday roasts.

• Address: Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ
• Best for: interesting historical stories

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. This Grade II-listed space dates back to 1585, perched on the edge of Hampstead Heath.

Nowadays, you'll find a wide selection of craft beers and ales, artisan spirits, wines and cocktails. It's ideal for lunching too, cooking up everything from chicken Milanese to harissa lamb rump or roasted aubergine with feta.

• Address: 786 Harrow Road, NW10 5JX
• Best for: a delicious menu

If you like your boozer with a little history, then The William IV London - Kensal Green is a great choice. Dating all the way back to 1837, this fabulous venue offers fascinating interiors like arched doorways, stained glass windows and the original white marble bar.

As for food? They have a menu curated by Greg Weaver for that, featuring everything from chicken schnitzel to chickpea fritters and stellar Sunday roasts.

• Address: 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU
• Best for: trying out guest beers

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.

The kitchen is also cooking up a vast array of dishes, ranging from chicken Milanese to pan-roasted salmon and roasted garlic camembert.

• Address: 271 Green Lanes, Finsbury Park, N4 2EX
• Best for: gorgeously restored interiors

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.

Dive into plates of hot wings in a blue cheese dip, steak and ale pie or aubergine parmigiana, or opt for a Sunday roast instead.

• Address: 47 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AL
• Best for: discovering the oldest licensed house in The City

Just a stone's throw from Whitechapel, The Hoop and Grapes is an old-school boozer that's got a lot of stories to tell. It was built in 1593, making it the oldest licensed house in The City, and it even survived the Great Fire of London.

Expect rustic, laid-back interiors and comfy leather seating, with a cracking range of drinks on offer. Hungry? They're also serving up everything from beef brisket burgers to garlic chicken schnitzel or cheesy pesto gnocchi.

• Address: 8 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN
• Best for: an old pub with a bold new style

The Duke's Head in Putney has earned 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.

The bar is slinging out a wide selection of cask ales, lagers and craft beers, and there's a delicious British menu up for grabs too. From cyder-battered haddock and chips to plant-based burgers, there's something for everyone here.

• Address: 45 Hollywood Road, Chelsea, SW10 9HX
• Best for: gastro fare in West London

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.

Expect elegant interiors, with stand-out features like flamingo wallpaper and birdcages. Tuck into the like of Maldon rock oysters, Hertfordshire chicken and thyme pie or herb-crusted rack of lamb.

• Address: 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BU
• Best for: a hidden gem down an alleyway

Situated on Fleet Street, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is an ancient pub that dates all the way back to the 16th century. It's hidden down a cobbled alleyway, whisking you back to the olden days with its wooden beams and classic photographs.

There are several hidden rooms and narrow corridors in this winding space, with a well-stocked bar in the centre. They serve a range of affordable ale and lagers, so you won't break the bank here either.