Best Pubs in London

What could be more English than a pint of ale and a pie in a London pub. Exploring London’s pubs is a way to experience first hand the history of this great city, and have a few drinks whilst doing so! We’ve put together a list of the best historic London pubs for you to enjoy…

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Top of our list of the best historic London pubs is The Dove in Hammersmith. Situated right by the river, The Dove has been providing Londoners with ale and hearty fare since the 17th Century. From vagabonds to royalty, many have staggered through The Dove’s tiny beamed hallways over the years, including Charles II who used to visit with his mistress. The food is delicious, with a menu featuring many enticing English classics. It can be quite tricky to get a table at peak times so book ahead!

Mon-Sun: 11am-11pm

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Not just one of the best historic London pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is also one of the oldest pubs in the whole city. Rebuilt shortly after the Great Fire of London in 1666, this pub has accommodated famous literary imbibers through the centuries, including Samuel Johnson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Mark Twain. The pub itself features in Dickens’ great Victorian novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. Come for the rich history, stay for the hearty grub.

Mon-Sun: 11:30am-11pm

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Built in 1720 The Grenadier used to be an officer’s mess for the Grenadier Guards and was renamed ‘The Grenadier’ after their gallant actions at the battle of Waterloo.There is a legend that a young Grenadier guardsman named Cedric was caught cheating at cards and was beaten to death. Many rumors suggest his ghost still frequents the pub! Consequently visitors stick money to the ceiling in order to pay his debts.

Mon-Sun: 12pm-11pm

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Next on our list of the best historic London pubs is a true gem. The Star Tavern is a regular haunt of the rich and famous and won notoriety as the pub where The Great Train Robbery was planned in 1963. Bruce Reynolds, who led the robbery, reportedly drove up to the tavern every day in his Aston Martin.Young people used to take great delight in listening to the landlord of the pub at the time, Paddy Kennedy, swear at anybody he came across, regardless of their status or wealth. Nowadays it’s a very welcoming place with a fine selection of ales and food.

Mon-Sun: 11am-11pm

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Last on our list of the best historic London pubs is The Grapes (formally the Bunch of Grapes). The pub has stood by the riverside since 1583 and is now owned by Sir Ian Mckellen so look out for Gandalf’s staff above the bar! It was of frequented by Samuel Pepys and Dickens. Serving a classic array of ales and pub fare, a drink at the Grapes is an opportunity that you shall not pass!

Mon-Sun: 11-12pm

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