Where Is The Oldest Pub In London? The Answer Might Surprise You

What’s the oldest pub in London? That’s a loaded question. And the answer is:

No one knows.

This city is full of so much incredible and layered history, and has so many missing records and historical accounts, we may never know for sure what London’s oldest pub is.

But I sure can try to find out!

Welcome to my deep dive to figure out what the oldest pub in London actually is. I did all the research, and what I found out may surprise you.

A top-down view of a frothy pint of beer against a rustic wooden table background with the question 'WHAT'S THE OLDEST PUB IN LONDON?' in bold, decorative white lettering. The text is framed with elegant scroll designs, invoking the historic and convivial spirit of London's pub culture.

What’s London’s Oldest Pub? The Requirements

I came up with a set of requirements during my research to help crown the actual oldest pub in London.

In order for a London pub to be in the running for “oldest,” it needed to be:

A detailed 16th-century map of London is laid out, intricately showing the winding streets and the River Thames prominently flowing through the city. The map is filled with historical annotations and scaled drawings of buildings, capturing the layout and architecture of the period. The text '16TH CENTURY LONDON' is displayed at the top against a wooden plank background, indicating the map's era and geographical focus. It's this area we focus on when talking about the oldest pubs in London, as being within the historic border of London is necessary to see which pub is actually the oldest.

1. Within London When Founded

Many of the “oldest” pubs in London were established in the 16th century, when the historic City of London was very different than the areas that lay outside the city walls.

My requirement for a pub to be considered the “oldest in London” is that it needed to be in London when founded.

So if a pub was in the countryside, and wasn’t within London when it was built but is now, I don’t count that as being the oldest pub in London.

2. Within its Original Building

A historical map of London post the Great Fire of 1666, with a red circle highlighting the extensive area destroyed by the fire. The intricate details of the map show the dense street patterns of the city and the vast empty spaces created by the devastation. The bold text 'AFTER THE GREAT FIRE OF 1666' at the top of the image emphasizes the period, with 'Area Destroyed' labeled within the red circle, providing a stark visual of the fire's impact on London. Many of the pubs which could have been the oldest pubs in London were destroyed by the fire, and are therefore not housed in their original buildings.

After the Great Fire ripped through London in 1666, historic buildings were wiped out. And that meant that most of the pubs burned down, too.

To be considered for the oldest pub in London contest, the pub has to be in its original building. Otherwise it’s the oldest business in London, not the oldest pub.

The Oldest Pub in London: Interactive Map

Use my Google Map below to take yourself on a historic pub crawl! This maps all of the potential oldest pubs in London.

London Oldest Pubs: 13 Top Contenders

I scoured the internet to find every single one of the oldest pubs in London.

Let’s compare their founding years, buildings and locations to see if we can find a winner.

1. The Guinea, Mayfair

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, 'The Guinea' pub is showcased with its bold black canopy and sign, stating 'est. 1423', which marks it as a historical venue. The traditional brick building is adorned with vibrant hanging flower baskets, adding a splash of color. To the left, the image features a wooden backdrop with the words 'THE GUINEA MAYFAIR est. 1423' in white letters, emphasizing the pub's long-standing history and suggesting its claim to be one of London's oldest pubs. — Image from Wikimedia Commons

First Established: 1423
Current Building: 1720
Original Name: The Guinea (Now the Guinea Grill)

There has been an inn (which was the original incarnation of pubs as we know them today) since 1423. But at that point, Mayfair was not in London.

The sign reads “Established 1675,” but the current building is from 1720. So how old is it really? Who knows.

Is The Guinea London’s Oldest Pub?

Maybe. 1423 is definitely an old London pub, but it’s not the original business or name, plus, it wasn’t in the City of London. Let’s go down the list and see if we can beat that.

2. The Hoop & Grapes, Aldgate

The Hoop & Grapes pub in Aldgate, established in 1593, is depicted with a classic brick facade and green window planters. The pub's name is emblazoned in gold lettering above the entrance, beneath which a cozy, welcoming front is visible, complete with dark wood doors and pub signage. The image is split with a wooden plank texture on the right, upon which 'HOOP & GRAPES ALDGATE est. 1593' is written in bold, evoking the historical essence of one of London's longstanding public houses. — Image from Wikimedia commons

First Established: 1593
Current Building: 1593
Original Name: The Hoop & Grapes

The Hoop & Grapes is the best contender for oldest continuously operating pub–with the same name, even–within the City of London.

Built in 1593, it miraculously survived the Great Fire, which many pubs did not.

Is The Hoop & Grapes the Oldest Pub in London?

It’s definitely an old London pub, but probably not the oldest pub in London.

3. Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

The Cittie of Yorke pub in Holborn, established in 1430, is showcased with its distinctive Tudor-style architecture and a prominent clock on its facade, blending with modern buildings around it. The pub exudes historical significance, with its name lit above the entrance, inviting visitors to step back in time. A wooden texture on the right bears the text 'CITTIE OF YORKE HOLBORN est. 1430,' highlighting the pub's legacy as one of the oldest in London.

First Established: 1430
Current Building: 1923
Original Name: In the 1950s, at least, it was called Henneky’s Long Bar. Before that, we don’t know. There have been pubs on this exact spot since the 1430s, but we don’t know all their names.

You’ll often see this on the lists of oldest pubs, but it’s a big fat lie. For one, this pub was totally revamped in 1923-24, using pieces from other old pubs.

When it was rebuilt, it replaced wine merchant, not a pub. I couldn’t find records from before that, only the odd bit of info that pubs have “stood here” since the 1400s.

Is the Cittie of Yorke the Oldest Pub in London?

1430 is definitely a contender for London’s oldest pub, but it has gone through so much change, and there are so many records missing, that it’s hard to say if it could really be London’s oldest pub.

4. The Old Bell, Fleet Street

A vibrant sign of 'The Old Bell' pub hangs on a street corner, boasting its selection of 'Great Selection of Regional Hand-Pulled Ales' and 'An Excellent Choice of Wines by the Glass or Bottle.' Below, 'Great British Food Served Weekdays 10-10pm' is advertised. In the background, the weathered texture of an old wooden surface adds a rustic touch to the image, which celebrates the pub's heritage dating back to the 15th century on Fleet Street, highlighted by the bold text 'THE OLD BELL FLEET STREET 15th C.' at the forefront. — via Wikimedia Commons

First Established: Sometime in the 1400s
Current Building: 1678
Original Name: The Swan, then The Golden Bell and later the Twelve Bells. Rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666.

This is an odd one. I see references to a pub being here since 1400, but in the 1500s, this building held the first printing press on Fleet Street. So which was it?

Either way, it has been some incarnation of “Bell” since 1678 and has the distinction of Sir Christopher Wren as its esteemed architect.

Is The Old Bell London’s Oldest Pub?

This is definitely one of the oldest pubs in London – the building it’s still in today dates to 1678, which beats many on this list.

5. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub on Fleet Street, rebuilt in 1667, is represented by a hanging sign featuring ornate black lettering on a gold background. Below the sign, a flowerpot adds a splash of greenery to the scene. The image is complemented by a wooden texture to the left, with the text 'YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE FLEET STREET' prominently displayed, emphasizing the pub's historic charm and longevity in London. — *via Wikimedia Commons*

First Established: 1538
Current Building: 1667
Original Name: No, but this name has stuck since it was rebuilt after the Great Fire.

This one wins best name, hands down. Their own website says: “The site formed part of the 13th century Carmelite monastery and since 1538 a pub has stood here.”

The medieval pub was rebuilt in about 1667 after the Great Fire of London.

The sawdust on the floor gives a nod back to when the lovely customers of Fleet Street would spit, vomit, spill drinks, and draw blood. Cheers!

Is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese one of the Oldest Pubs in London?

It’s surely one of London’s oldest pubs, but 1538 isn’t close to the oldest.

6. Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn

Inside 'Ye Olde Mitre' in Holborn, established in 1546, the pub's rich history is reflected in its dark wood paneling and traditional furniture. St. George's flags drape from the ceiling, adding a festive touch above the well-stocked bar. Tables are neatly set, waiting for patrons, while the walls are adorned with framed pictures, contributing to the classic British pub ambiance. To the left, the wooden texture serves as a backdrop to the text 'YE OLDE MITRE HOLBORN est. 1546,' underscoring the establishment's long-standing heritage. — via Wikimedia Commons

First Established: 1546
Current Building: 1546
Original Name: Ye Olde Mitre

This one has it all: original name, original location, original building. But there’s a catch: it hasn’t always been in London.

Ye Olde Mitre was originally built as a watering hole for the servants of the palace of the Bishop of Ely, a religious order whose land was technically part of Cambridge.

That’s right: the pub’s license was granted by Cambridgeshire, not London. In fact, it only became part of London in the 1960s.

This pub is most famous for a cherry tree supporting the facade that Queen Elizabeth I danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton.

If not for the Cambridge technicality, it surely would be the oldest in the purest sense of the word.

Is Ye Olde Mitre the oldest pub in London?

This is surely top 3 on my list of the oldest pubs in London. With so much of it still original, it may be hard to beat.

7. The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, established in 1520, is portrayed with its striking white facade and riverside location. The pub is a classic example of London's historical watering holes, featuring a balcony overlooking the Thames, contrasted against the modern buildings adjacent to it. The left side of the image has a weathered wooden texture background with the text 'THE PROSPECT OF WHITBY WAPPING est. 1520,' signifying the pub's status as one of the oldest in London. — via Wikimedia Commons

First Established: 1520
Current Building: 1520
Original Name: Originally The Pelican, then the Prospect of Whitby, but in between more commonly known as the Devil’s Tavern because of the sheer amount of debauchery that went on there.

The Prospect of Whitby is definitely the oldest riverside pub in London. But is it the oldest, period? 1520 is a pretty solid claim.

But unfortunately, Wapping only became part of London fairly recently in the grand scheme of history.

When the docks were built in the 1800s it morphed from a small rural village into an integral part of East London.

Read more about the gruesome history of the Prospect of Whitby here.

Is the Prospect of Whitby London’s Oldest Pub?

If it were part of London more recently, we might have a contender.

8. The Seven Stars, Holborn

The Seven Stars pub in Holborn, established in 1602, is seen bustling with activity. The gray facade is adorned with colorful hanging flower baskets, and patrons are enjoying their time both inside and at the outdoor seating. Warm lighting from within casts a welcoming glow onto the street, and the traditional pub signage indicates its historical presence. A wooden plank backdrop on the top left with the text 'THE SEVEN STARS HOLBORN est. 1602' adds a charming touch to the image, connecting past to present. — via Wikimedia Commons

First Established: 1602
Current Building: 1602
Original Name: The Log and the Seven Stars

The Seven Stars in Holborn might actually be London’s oldest pub!

The original building – in which it still resides – is from 1602, and survived the Great Fire of 1666.

It’s even kept most of its original name of “The Log and the Seven Stars,” which places this pub very close to the top of the list.

Is The Seven Stars London’s Oldest Pub?

1602 is pretty good. And it’s a great pub. It’s old. But we’re hunting for the oldest here, people.

9. The George Inn, Southwark

The George Inn in Southwark, a 16th-century establishment, stands with its multi-storied, white and black timber-framed structure. Quintessentially British, it features hanging flower baskets, a vintage inn sign, and an inviting outdoor seating area with wooden tables and benches. To the left, the image is overlaid with bold text on a dark wood background stating 'THE GEORGE INN SOUTHWARK 16th c.,' highlighting the pub's historical legacy.

First Established: 1500s, possibly earlier.
Current Building: 1676
Original Name: The George & Dragon

If only we had better records, we’d know exactly how old this beautiful galleried inn is.

Borough High Street is one of the oldest roads in London, and before Westminster Bridge was built, it was a major travel route for anyone going in and out of the city via London Bridge.

Travel routes mean inns, and this is the last surviving galleried inn in London. But one technicality: Southwark was not within London at the time it was built.

Southwark had its own great fire in 1676 and the inn was rebuilt after that. So it’s not original, but it’s a contender because this inn could be incredibly old; we just don’t know.

Is the George Inn the Oldest Pub in London?

We just don’t know. I place it high on my list, though. Maybe records will resurface and she can take the top spot.

10. The Grapes, Limehouse

The Grapes in Limehouse, established in 1583, is pictured with its dark green exterior and traditional pub signage. Flower boxes above the entrance add a cheerful touch to the building's classic London architecture. Pedestrians appear to be entering the pub, indicating its active role in the community. The left side of the image includes a wooden texture backdrop with the text 'THE GRAPES LIMEHOUSE est. 1583,' highlighting the pub's historic roots. — via Wikimedia Commons

First Established: 1583
Current Building: 1720s
Original Name: The Bunch of Grapes.

The Grapes wins for oldest pub owned by a celebrity.

Sir Ian McKellen owns this grand old waterside pub that was originally built in 1583, and then rebuilt in the 18th century.

But Limehouse wasn’t within the historic boundaries of London, so unfortunately Sir Ian McKellen can’t take home the oldest pub trophy.

Is The Grapes London’s Oldest Pub?

1583 isn’t close enough to our current #1 contender, unfortunately. But it’s a lovely pub and well worth a visit to this beautiful waterside locale.

11. The Spaniards Inn, Highgate

The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, established in 1585, is captured at dusk, its white walls glowing under the warm exterior lights. This historic pub's charm is accentuated by its black shutters, classic signage, and wooden benches outside, hinting at its welcoming atmosphere. To the right, the bold text 'THE SPANIARDS INN HAMPSTEAD est. 1585' stands out on a wood-panel backdrop, emphasizing the inn's long history and significance in London's pub scene.

First Established: 1585
Current Building: 1585
Original Name: Maybe? See below.

Every source says the Spaniards was originally built as a tollgate, and if you’ve been there it makes sense. An incredibly narrow road passes just beyond the door.

But was it an inn that was also a tollgate? Or became an inn later?

Either way, it was named after the Spanish ambassador to England: Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, Count of Gondomar. He served from 1613-1622, so I’m guessing it became a pub around that time.

I mention this pub here because it’s incredibly cool and worth a visit. It’s not the oldest, at any rate, because Highgate and Hampstead are far north from the City of London.

Is the Spaniards Inn The Oldest Pub in London?

Not the oldest, no. 1583 does make it ONE of the oldest pubs in London, though, as Highgate is now part of London.

12. The Mayflower, Rotherhithe

The Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe, dating back to 1550, is quaintly situated with its white exterior and dark timber accents. The outdoor patio is ready for guests with wooden picnic tables and large umbrellas, while nautical-themed decorations, like a lifebuoy and barrel, complement the pub's historic maritime connection. On the right, 'THE MAYFLOWER ROTHERHITHE est. 1550' text overlays a rustic wooden plank backdrop, alluding to the legacy of one of the oldest pubs in London. — via Wikimedia Commons

First Established: 1550
Current Building: 1550
Original Name: First called The Shippe, then the Spread Eagle & Crown, and then the Mayflower in 1957.

In 1620, the infamous ship took off from its mooring here, just outside the pub. But the pub was on this spot 70 years before that.

This is an incredible historic pub, but Rotherhithe wasn’t within London when it was built.

Is The Mayflower London’s Oldest Pub?

Maybe? Original building, original location…but not original name and not originally in London. It’s a top contender for the oldest pubs in London, though!

13. The Town of Ramsgate, Wapping

The Town of Ramsgate pub in London, established in 1460, presents itself with a rich red sign above the entrance, adorned with the text 'Fine Ales & Quality Foods.' The pub's traditional brick facade is complemented by green foliage decorating the exterior, warmly inviting patrons in. Bold lettering on a wood-textured background to the left declares 'THE TOWN OF RAMSGATE est. 1460,' suggesting its historical significance and long-standing presence in London's pub culture.

First Established: 1460
Current Building: 1545, then renovated in the 1950s and 1980s.
Original Name: Originally called “The Hostel” in 1460, then “The Old Red Cow” or “The Red Cow,” then “Ramsgate Old Town,” then the current name in the 1800s.

Their website says: “The first pub on the site probably originated during the Wars of the Roses in the 1460s and was called The Hostel.

Although the claimed date of foundation is indeed 1545, previous to that date there have been testimonials on the site of a pub called ‘The Red Cow’, a reference to the barmaid working at the time.”

Before you get indignant about the seemingly horrid reference to the barmaid like I did, it was actually a term of endearment.

Old red cows were rare, and therefore their “milk” (a barmaid’s beer) was prized.