By popular demand, Ye Olde England Tours now has two very different walking tours of some of the most historic and interesting pubs in London.
If you want to see a different side to London, learn some history and mingle with the very friendly locals then these could be for you. Please note prices do include a drink in each pub and each of them offer a wide range of traditional ales and beers.
The Pub Crawl
So named in the finest English tradition because in the old days and indeed not so old days, pub drinkers would stop off for a drink at as many pubs until they were crawling between venues.
Whilst we won’t be going there, this traditional pub walk will visit some of the finest old pubs in London. Each one with a very different atmosphere and history but all sharing a fine offering of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a wonderful building.
From the fringes of the East End, we will visit pubs in Clerkenwell and Farringdon before visiting some truly historic pubs in Holborn and Lincoln’s Inn Fields .
Viaduct Tavern
The Viaduct Tavern has been recognised as one of the best historical pubs. It is built on the site of a former jail and this historic pub still has five of the cells visible in the basement. Better be on your best behaviour then so drink up and we’ll scarper down to…
The Castle, Farringdon
This refreshingly down-to-earth Farringdon public house was once frequented by King George IV, who was tempted in by a spot of cockfighting. Arriving without money, he promptly issued the pub with a pawnbroker’s licence and handed over his gold watch to fund a flutter.
Happily the only poultry you may come across here now, is in the delicious food that is served up
The Crown Tavern, Clerkenwell Green
The Lounge of this pub was once a noted music hall, perhaps this is what made it Lenin’s favourite boozer. In 1905 he met with comrade Stalin here in a meeting room upstairs. Its classic interior features mean that these days it is more likely to be used in television and films, maybe you will remember where you first saw The Crown Tavern over a pint.
Ye Olde Mitre
Built in 1546 for the servants of the Bishops of Ely, The Ye Olde Mitre is famous for having a cherry tree, (now supporting the front) that Queen Elizabeth once danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton. The pub was actually a part of Cambridge (Ely being near Cambridge) and the licencees used to have to go there for their licence. Set in a part of London steeped in history, it’s near where William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered at Smithfield, along with martyrs and traitors who were also killed nearby.
The Seven Stars
Dating from around 1602, The Seven Stars backs on to the law courts and is a favourite haunt of lawyers, Church of England music directors and choir singers. The walls are adorned with caricatures of barristers and judges whilst one part of the pub in what was formerly a legal wig shop next door, still retains its original frontage, with a neat display of wigs in the window.
It’s a cosy little pub inside with a quirky atmosphere along with a fine selection of drinks.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Situated near Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Holborn, this wonderful old pub proudly declares that it was rebuilt in 1667 following The Great Fire of London. Known to be the regular drinking spot of such names as Charles Dickens, Dr. Johnson, Mark Twain, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Alfred Tennyson and P.G. Wodehouse then this might be just the pub to have a wee dram in whilst concocting your next best-selling novel.
Prices
Departure Time:11 am (later times available subject to availability)
City Location: London
Duration of Tour: 5 hours
Standard Adult Prices per person including one beer or ale / soft drink or tea/coffee per pub. Excludes tube travel ticket.
1 Adult = £160
2 Adults = £150
3 Adults = £130
4 Adults = £110
5 – 10 Adults = £100
For more information or to make a booking, please email yeoldeenglandtours@gmail.com
Alternatively you can book by using the automated booking process with Viator below.
Notorious Pubs of Whitechapel and the East End
This pub tour with a difference takes us through the heart of Whitechapel in the once-notorious East End of London to visit pubs where some of the most infamous and tragic events in the history of London have taken place.
All very different in style and setting and very much real pubs rather than tourist pubs so an authentic experience is all but guaranteed.
Along the way we will meander through the alleys and lanes of this much known but seldom visited (by foreign visitors) part of London though many places are now very popular with locals
Along the way we will meander through the alleys and lanes of this much known but seldom visited (by foreign visitors) part of London though many places are now very popular with locals.
The Blind Beggar
An East End institution, the Blind Beggar is where perhaps the most infamous Krays killings took place. Just down the road from the Siege of Sidney Street and more happily the founding of the Salvation Army. Have a drink if you dare!
The White Hart
Standing on Whitechapel High Street and adjoining perhaps the most atmospheric lane in the area, not much has changed here since 1888 when it is thought likely Jack the Ripper himself might have enjoyed a tipple here. What can’t be disputed is that a terrible murder happened just 100 yards or so down the lane.
The Ten Bells
A world a way from where this tour started and indeed where it finishes. The Ten Bells pub is perhaps the most notorious pub in the East End of London, if not the world. For it is here that Jack The Ripper frequently visited along with several if not all of his victims. If that doesn’t call for a stiff drink then I don’t know what does.
Dirty Dicks
This infamous East London pub wasn’t cleaned for 200 years, with dead cats and dogs on the floor and all manner of filth and there is a very good reason for it which you’ll learn on tour. The pub’s name might appear rather cheeky, but there’s a tragic reason behind it. Sadly?!? in the third quarter of the 20th Century it had a thoroughly good clean to keep its doors open and it has scrubbed up very well indeed. Right opposite Liverpool Street Station, it makes for a great place for you to enjoy a tasty meal too if you choose to stay on safe and sound in the City of London borders 🙂
Prices
1 Adult = £140
2 Adults = £120
3 Adults = £110
4 Adults = £100
5 – 10 Adults = £80
For more information or to make a booking, please email yeoldeenglandtours@gmail.com
Alternatively you can book by using the automated booking process with Viator below.
Stephen Liddell 