London pubs are not just places to drink beer. They are repositories of history, where the walls are steeped in the spirit of centuries past, and every creak of the floorboards is a reminder of the days when Shakespeare, Dickens and even pirates from the Thames walked these streets.
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Cheshire Cheese: a pub with the soul of Dickens
Hidden away on the narrow Fleet Street is the Cheshire Cheese, founded in 1538, although the current building was constructed in 1667 after the Great Fire of London. This pub is like a time machine: low ceilings, dark wood panelling, narrow staircases and the smell of old wood. It is said that Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Arthur Conan Doyle frequented this place. The basement still has vaulted ceilings that remember the monks who once owned these lands.
The atmosphere at the Cheshire Cheese is cosy but slightly gloomy, especially in the lower rooms, where light barely filters through the small windows. The menu is simple: ale, stout, sometimes wine, and classic pub fare such as meat pie or fish and chips. They serve the famous Samuel Smith’s, a local ale brewed according to old recipes. Visitors love the fireplace room, where the fire crackles in winter and conversations flow slowly.
Historians confirm that the pub has been in continuous operation since the 17th century, and there are records of it in the city archives. The only downside is the cramped space, especially in the evenings, when locals and visitors crowd into the small rooms. But this only adds to the colour.
The George Inn: the courtyard where Shakespeare and robbers drank
The George Inn in Southwark is the only surviving pub in London with a gallery courtyard, built in 1676. It is located near the Thames, in an area that was a refuge for theatres, brothels and all sorts of riff-raff in the Middle Ages. It is said that Shakespeare himself may have visited here after performances at the nearby Globe Theatre. The pub building is an example of Georgian architecture: white walls, wooden beams, galleries where spectators once watched performances in the courtyard.
Today, The George Inn belongs to the National Trust, which guarantees the preservation of its historical appearance. Inside, everything is like in an old tavern: massive tables, benches, the smell of ale and roasted meat. The pub is famous for its Sunday Roast, a traditional Sunday dinner with Yorkshire pudding and juicy beef. The drinks are also top-notch: they serve ales from local breweries, such as Greene King, and strong cider.
Visitors note that the pub has retained its soul despite its popularity with tourists. In summer, tables are set up in the courtyard, making it one of the best places in London to enjoy a pint in the open air. Historical documents confirm that the pub was mentioned as early as the 16th century as an inn, and Charles Dickens described it in Little Dorrit.
The Lamb and Flag: a pub with fist fights and poets
Hidden away in Covent Garden, on the tiny Rose Street, is The Lamb and Flag, founded in 1772, although the building dates back to the 17th century. This pub became famous as a venue for no-holds-barred fist fights in the 19th century. Locals called it the Blood Bucket because of its turbulent evenings. Later, the pub became a favourite haunt of poets and writers, including John Dryden, who, incidentally, was once beaten up in a nearby alley for his satirical poems.
The interior of the pub has remained almost unchanged: wooden panelling, old engravings, narrow aisles and low ceilings. They serve excellent Fuller’s ale, as well as whisky and gin for those who want something stronger. The food is simple but hearty: sausages with mashed potatoes, shepherd’s pie, and sometimes soup of the day.
The Lamb and Flag is proud of its history, and photographs telling the story of the pub’s past hang on the walls. Historical sources confirm its connection with the literary bohemian and criminal worlds of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Spaniards Inn: a pub on the edge of town with a pirate past
The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, founded in 1585, stands on a hill overlooking the green expanse of Hampstead Heath. Legend has it that the pub was named after a Spanish ambassador who lived here in the 16th century. In the 18th century, the place was frequented by robbers, including Dick Turpin, a famous highwayman who hid in the local woods. The pub is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers.
The pub building is a classic example of the English countryside: white walls, black beams, and a cosy garden. Inside, everything exudes antiquity: fireplaces, creaky floors, and paintings of hunting scenes. The menu offers a delightful variety, from classic fish and chips to duck with orange sauce.
The pub’s garden is its main attraction. In summer, crowds gather here to drink a pint in the fresh air. Historians confirm that the pub has been operating since the 16th century, and its connection with robbers and literature is well documented.
