A Guide To Historical London Pubs
When you think of London give a thought for it’s pubs. There’s nothing more English than sitting in an old public house with a nice pint of ale to sip on while you take a break from the hussle and bussle of London street life. Some of these pubs have been there for hundreds of years and are definitely worth taking the time to explore.
Some of these London establishments have survived the great fire of London, The London blitz during the war and the developers who’d love to turn them into supermarkets or homes.
What follows is a sample of some of these pubs you may wish to visit. We’ve chosen 4 so that’s an evenings drink organised for you. London is awash with bars to discover so go forth and discover!
1. The Star Tavern in Belgravia
This bar was a favourite for many a famous face back in the day with names such as Diana Dors, Peter O’Toole and Alexander Korda known to spend an evening propping up the bar. This bar, which has been on this site since the early 1800’s, is a charming and welcoming establishment that has a more notorious reputation as being the London pub where the Great Train robbery was planned. Meeting in the grand room upstairs the ringleader, Bruce Reynolds, planned the 2 million pound heist here with the others over an ale or two no doubt.
These days it’s definitely worth a visit if only to sample the great selection of Fuller’s beers such as London Pride. To get to the next bar you may need to read this guide to the London underground.
6 Belgrave Mews, London, SW1X 8HT
www.star-tavern-belgravia.co.uk
2. The Grenadier
This pub started it’s life in the early 18th century not as a bar but as the officer’s mess for the Foot Guards regiment. It wasn’t until 1818 that it became a bar and some say it’s got it’s own ghost. The story goes that the ghost is an ex soldier who was murdered during a disagreement during a game of cards. For history buffs it’s said that the Duke of Wellington was known to pop in for a pint or two back in the day. In recent years it’s been a haunt for celebs such as Madonna, who had held parties here. Pop in for some great local London ales and traditional pub grub.
18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR
www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/grenadier-belgrave-square/c0800/
3. The French House, Soho
49 Dean St, W1D 5BG
www.frenchhousesoho.com
This bar in London’s Soho district is a haven for traditionalists who want a break from the modern world. This bar, with it’s strong French flavour, has no television and a ban on mobile phones. It serves refreshments in French measures and was known to be a meeting place for the french resistance during world war two with General de Gaulle amongst them. In more recent years it has been a favorite of Suggs from the band Madness as well as journalist Jeffrey Bernard. Next time you’re in Soho be sure to pop in and have a quiet pint in the knowledge that you won’t need to answer your phone!
4. The Dog and Duck, Soho
If you’re seeking another Soho pub to continue your drinking then why not give this one a try. The bar has a fantastic ornate Victorian interior to admire and is a must for literary fans with it’s links to George Orwell who was a frequent visitor. With it’s huge mirrors and must see tiling it was also the place to go if you wanted to brush shoulders with John Constable and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The current bar was constructed the late 1800’s.
18 Bateman Street, London, W1D 3AJ
www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thedogandducksoholondon
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