London Pub History: 13 Most Beautiful Pubs Where The Ugliest Things Happened

London pub history is varied and prolific. The capital is home to over 3,500 pubs, so if you’re looking for a London boozer with a bit of a backstory, you’re spoiled for choice.

You can visit the oldest, or the newest, or the cheapest, or the poshest, and they all have stories to tell.

I tend to go for the ones with the most interesting and gristly history, and here they are, in all their murderous, heist-planning, gangster-frequented glory.

Here’s the darkest history of pubs in London, and where you can see it today.

A grunge-style graphic with the text 'Dark & Gruesome London Pub History' over a rustic wooden background splattered with a dramatic red paint blot, evoking the sinister and bloody history associated with London's pubs.

I’ve noted the address for each pub below. Make sure you’re headed toward the right one – many London pubs have the same name.

1. Gristly London Pub History: The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

Exterior view of The Prospect of Whitby, a historic London pub situated on the bank of the Thames. This white building with black signage, a balcony overlooking the river, and a vine-covered side, is associated with tales of London's dark pub history.

57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

Sitting on the banks of the Thames in Wapping, the Prospect of Whitby has sat in this spot since at least 1520.

It was originally named ‘The Pelican,’ but was more commonly called ‘The Devil’s Tavern,’ due to the sheer number of pirates, cutthroats, thieves and smugglers that congregated there.

The noose that sits on the riverbank is an homage to ‘The Hanging Judge’ Jeffreys, who used to watch his sentences carried out over a pint on the balcony.

There were less judicious deaths, too: rumor has it pirates and thieves were tied up to the piers at low tide to drown when the river came in. John Williams, convicted (possibly unjustly) of the Ratcliffe Highway murders, was known to drink here.

Unsurprisingly, The Prospect of Whitby is definitely one of the most haunted places in London.

Ghost make themselves known so often that a sign inside reads:

“There have been numerous sightings of ghosts and apparitions here over the years, as well as tales of poltergeist experiences. Wapping was a hard place in which to live, work or even pass through. Many a poor would would have lost their life here in all manner of unnatural ways.”

It’s said that the Hanging Judge still hangs around, enjoying a pint on the balcony in his afterlife.

Though it’s been rebuilt several times, the flagstone floor inside is original, which is such a cool historic feature.

London pub history with a side of executions and ghosts? Count me in.

2. Gangster Pub History London: The Blind Beggar, Whitechapel

The Blind Beggar pub, known for its connection to London's criminal history, notably the Kray twins, with its classic façade and name displayed in bold lettering. A contrasting image of the infamous Kray brothers is superimposed, highlighting the pub's notorious past within the history of pubs in London.

337 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1BU

The organized crime families of the East End famously frequented the Blind Beggar, and a run-in with a rival here would go down in history as the most notorious pub murder in British history.

The Krays were the most notorious gangsters ever to haunt the East End, and their lasting legacy still permeates East London today.

George Cornell – who would not live to see another day – was a member of rival gang the Richardsons.

When Ronnie Kray walked into The Blind Beggar around 8.30pm on March 9th, 1966, Cornell allegedly said, “well look who’s here.”

Then he never said another word ever again, because Ronnie took out his 9mm and shot him point-blank in the head (photos here: graphic).

Ronnie and his associate then went to The Lion Pub on Tapp Street to brag about his kill, before Reggie convinced him to get out of town.

Ronnie was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison where he died in 1995.

Today the Blind Beggar is a minor tourist attraction. Go and have a pint there for George Cornell, who didn’t deserve to die no matter what you think of the Krays or the Richardsons.

Though it’s on dingy Whitechapel Road, the beer garden out back is lovely and the staff is super friendly as only an East End pub can be. You can also visit as part of a tour.

3. Serial Killer History of Pubs in London: The Golden Lion, Soho

The Golden Lion pub in London displays a classic black timber exterior with gold lettering, illuminated by warm lighting. A photo of serial killer Dennis Nilsen, associated with this locale, overlays the corner, merging the pub's conventional charm with its dark historical narrative.

51 Dean St, London W1D 5BH

Since 1728 there’s been a Golden Lion licensed in this location, though the current incarnation dates from only 1930.

In the 1970s it was a known gay bar, notorious with “rent boys” (sex workers) in then-seedy Soho.

Serial killer Dennis Nilsen picked up at least four of his victims here (not all of his victims have been identified).

This monster purchased drink after drink for young, unsuspecting men here before luring them back to his home where he killed them and kept their bodies in the floorboards.

The Golden Lion is likely one of the most haunted pubs in London, given its dark past and ties to Nilsen’s victims.

4. Triple Serial Killer London Pub History: The Coleherne Arms, Earl’s Court (now the Pembroke)

The Coleherne Arms, now known as The Pembroke, a corner pub in London with a distinguished red brick facade and black decorative trimmings. Collaged images of Dennis Nilsen and a young man add a haunting historical layer, reminding viewers of the pub's dark connections to London's criminal past.

261 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 9JA

The Coleherne Arms was a haven for London’s gay community, and became known as one of the city’s only gay pubs in the 1950s.

It had two sections: one in the front for the straight crowd, and one in the back where the gay community could more safely mingle (homosexuality was illegal at the time).

It was common for men to wear color-coded handkerchiefs to covertly display what kind of stuff they were into. But the safety and community wouldn’t last.

In later years, the Coleherne became known as the local of three separate serial killers: Dennis Nilsen, Michael Lupo, and Colin Ireland.

Colin Ireland, coined the “Gay Slayer ” by the press, picked up three of his five victims at the Coleherne.

Nilsen may have gotten two or three of his victims at the Coleherne, but in Nilsen’s case, we rely on the killer’s memory as not all of his victims have been identified.

Michael Lupo, “The Wolfman of London,” also likely picked up some of his victims at this pub.

In 2008 it was purchased and refurbished into the beautiful Pembroke, but its legacy and dark past live on.

If you’re in the area, make sure to visit nearby Brompton Cemetery and tour this grand historic graveyard.

5. Murderous London Pub History: The Magdala, Hampstead

The Magdala, a traditional London pub with a beige façade and black signage, is tied to the tragic history of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the UK. A monochrome image of Ruth Ellis with her companion overlays the pub, symbolizing its place in London's somber legal history.

2A S Hill Park, London NW3 2SB

The quaint Magdala pub in leafy Hampstead was the setting for the notorious murder of David Blakely.

On April 10th, 1955, Ruth Ellis went looking for her rotten boyfriend, and saw his car just outside the pub. He was abusive, and their relationship was violent and full of break ups and affairs.

A few months earlier, she had a miscarriage when he punched her in the stomach.

On this night, she went to the pub to get her revenge. She shot at David six times as he tried to run to his car. She immediately surrendered to police outside the Magdala, and after her trial and conviction, she became the last woman ever to be hanged in the UK.

The pub itself has had a rocky history of openings and closings, but since 2021 it’s been doing business as a beautiful gastropub in the posh neighborhood where big celeb names such as Harry Styles and Ricky Gervais live.

Allegedly, you can still see the bullet holes in the exterior walls from that fateful night.

6. Heist London Pub History: The Castle, Angel

The Castle, a notable pub in London with a dark navy and red exterior, presents an elegant front. Accompanying images of the Hatton Garden heist suspects add a notorious element, connecting the pub to a significant event in London's criminal history.

54 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9HF

This unassuming pub near Angel Station, with its unique rooftop garden, became notorious in 2015 for the pensioners who hung out there.

Brian Reader, Terry Perkins, Kenny Collins and five other Castle regulars were just old men having a weekly pint and a chat.

Or were they?

It’s here in the Castle that they planned the Hatton Garden Robbery: the most daring heist of recent years.

They dressed up as gas repair men, broke into a secure Hatton Garden vault and made off with gold, jewelry and cash from the underground safe.

They spent two days drilling into the vault with a diamond drill, and made off with £14 million of loot.

But their little “senior” moments would get them caught, namely, that they forgot that security cameras exist and Oyster cards are linked to your name.

Back in the Castle after the heist, they were filmed covertly by undercover police, and apprehended soon after.

7. Ghostly Historic Pubs in London: The Black Lion, Chiswick

The Black Lion, a picturesque pub in London, flaunts a white facade adorned with black accents and overflowing flower baskets. A ghostly illustration of the 'Hammersmith Ghost' accompanies the image, marrying the pub's charming appearance with its eerie slice of London's pub history.

2 S Black Lion Ln, London W6 9TJ

In the early 1800s, a “ghost” was haunting the Hammersmith area, jumping out at women and scaring the crap out of them (it was probably not a ghost, just a creep trying to assault women…because which is more likely?).

On January 3rd, 1804, a young Francis Smith decided enough was enough, and grabbed his rifle to try to catch the ghost. Because everyone knows that bullets kill ghosts.

James Millwood, a bricklayer who wore an all-white uniform to work, was walking home from the pub after having a few.

Smith, seeing a figure all in white, assumed he was the wanted ghost and shot him.

Millwood was brought to the Black Lion (which was then also an inn) where he died from his wounds.

Ironically, his ghost is said to haunt the pub to this day.

Smith was found guilty, which set UK precedent that mistaken belief does not acquit you of murder.

If you shoot someone after leaving the Black Lion today (don’t!), you probably won’t be able to use a spectral shooting as an excuse.

8. Robbers & Thieves Pub History: The Star Tavern, Belgravia

The Star Tavern in London, a classic pub adorned with vibrant flower baskets, is steeped in history as the rumored planning ground for the Great Train Robbery. Its black exterior and gold lettering, illuminated by soft lighting, invite passersby to delve into the pub's storied past.

6 Belgrave Mews W, London SW1X 8HT

Several notorious criminals have frequented The Star over the years, but it’s most famous for hosting the masterminds of the Great Train Robbery, who plotted their heist in the pub’s upstairs room.

Bruce Reynolds and his cohorts gathered in groups of four at a time, and planned their moves over pints at the Star.

The Great Train Robbery of 1963 went down as one of the most audacious heists in British History, where the thieves got away with £2.6 million (about £51 million today) and inspired several films and television shows.

The Star was also the local of notorious cat burglar George “Taters” Chatham, who honed his skills to steal from celebrities visiting London.

Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor were all targeted by Chatham.

He famously popped into the Star after stealing a £200,000 necklace from Sophia Loren.

“I hear poor Sophia has been robbed!” he cheekily announced to the bar. He then pulled a huge roll of banknotes from his pocket.

You’ll need a big roll of banknotes to eat here; a plate of fish and chips is a ghastly £18. But you’re in Belgravia, so what do you expect?

9. Serial Killer London Pub History: The Champion, Notting Hill

The Champion pub in London, a traditional establishment with a dark green façade and large windows, set on a corner. In the foreground is an inserted image of Dennis Nilsen, a notorious serial killer linked to pub history, evoking a chilling contrast between ordinary pub life and its infamous patrons.

1 Wellington Terrace, London W2 4LW

Built in 1838 on the site of a former boxing ring (hence “the Champion”), this pub was a well-known gay bar until its redevelopment into a gastropub in 2004.

Queen and Freddie Mercury were known to frequent the pub in its heyday.

But so was Dennis Nilsen, (quite the pub fan judging by his number of mentions on this list) who picked up the “love of his life,” “Twinkle” – David Gallichan – here.

David’s rejection of Nilsen would send him spiraling into a murder spree that killed 15 men. Not that it’s David’s fault; this is all on Nilsen, the sick bastard.

Luckily David got out in time and escaped with his life.

If you’re wandering the beautiful Notting Hill, pop in for a pint in the lovely beer garden, and buy one for the victims of Nilsen, who should never have had their last drinks with that monster.

10. Acid Bath Murder London Pub History: The Goat Tavern, Kensington

The Goat Tavern, a quintessential London pub with a dark exterior and gilded signage, is part of London's infamous pub history, connected to the 'Acid Bath Killer'. A black and white photo of the killer himself, John George Haigh, adds a chilling touch to the image, blending the pub's present-day charm with its macabre past.

3A Kensington High St, London W8 5NP

The oldest remaining pub on Kensington High Street, the Goat has been here since at least 1695.

But its notoriety was cemented when in 1944, John George Haigh, the “Acid Bath Murderer,” met his first victim here.

William Donald McSwan was a shy, sweet, somewhat reclusive man, but Haigh got close enough to come into his employ. It wouldn’t last.

They met for a meal at The Goat on September 9, 1944, and Haigh invited McSwan back to his workshop at 79 Gloucester Road (now a KFC), where he murdered him and dissolved his body in acid.

The Goat retains a quaint exterior and a gorgeous mahogany bar. If you can afford the eye-watering prices of Kensington, it’s well worth a pop in for a pint.

And buy one for William McSwan, sweet man gone at the hands of a vicious murderer.

11. Serial Killer London Pub History: The Black Cap, Camden (Closed)

The Black Cap, a prominent fixture in London's pub history, displays a classic pub exterior with golden lettering and a bustling rooftop terrace. An unsettling image of the 'Camden Ripper' is juxtaposed against the lively pub scene, invoking the darker chapters of London's pub lore.

171 Camden High St, London NW1 7JY

Two Serial killers frequented the infamous Black Cap: Dennis Nilsen and Anthony Hardy (the “Camden Ripper”).

Nilsen definitely picked up one or two victims here, and Hardy was known for hanging around the pub and being a creep with women.

The pub itself has a dark history: it was originally called “Mother Black Cap” in 1751 (though the pub may have been active earlier) named after the local legend of a witch.

It’s been closed since 2015, but hasn’t been redeveloped yet. Locals are trying to save it; maybe there’s still hope of it reopening.

12: Jack the Ripper Suspect’s Pub: The White Hart, Whitechapel

The White Hart pub in London, with its traditional dark wood façade and classic pub signage, is historically noted for its association with George Chapman, a suspect in the Jack the Ripper case. An inset of Chapman adds a historical layer to the image, bridging past and present in London's pub history.

89 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7RA (there are 2 White Hart pubs in the Whitechapel area – this one is on Whitechapel High Street)

Two pubs are often mentioned in Jack the Ripper lore: The White Hart and The Ten Bells (next on this list). these pubs are often mentioned in though there’s nothing concrete tying them to the killer or the victims.

The White Hart is also part of the lore of The Muffin Man serial killer legend, though we don’t know for sure whether that myth was a reality.

The White Hart is most notorious for Ripper suspect Severin Klosowski (a.k.a. George Chapman), who worked in the basement of the White Hart as a barber.

But nothing of murderous of note actually happened here that we know of, but it’s often speculated that Jack the Ripper victims would have drank here, as it was a cheap & rough East End pub in 1888.