Pudding Lane
The narrow City lane where the Great Fire of London began in 1666, now marked by a plaque and forever tied to the story of the city’s destruction and rebirth.
A narrow City of London street forever etched in history as the starting point of the Great Fire of London in 1666. Once a bustling butchers’ lane named for animal offal, it’s now a quiet thoroughfare with a plaque marking Thomas Farriner’s bakery, where a forgotten oven sparked a disaster that reshaped the city. Nearby stands the Monument, a soaring tribute to the fire’s destruction and London’s rebirth.
A brief summary to Pudding Ln
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest City crowds and to photograph the plaque and surrounding area in softer light.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Monument to the Great Fire of London for a fuller understanding of the fire’s story and its impact on the city.
- Look for the small plaque on the wall near the northern end of the lane; it marks the approximate site of Thomas Farriner’s bakery where the fire started.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From central London, take the District or Circle line to Monument or Tower Hill station; from there, Pudding Lane is a 5–10 minute walk through the City streets, following signs towards the Monument and Lower Thames Street.
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Bus
Several central London bus routes serve the City near Monument or Tower Hill; from the stop, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to Pudding Lane along well‑marked streets, suitable for all mobility levels.
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Walking
From Bank or the Tower of London, Pudding Lane is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the historic City, passing landmarks like the Monument and St Magnus the Martyr along the way.
Pudding Ln location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Pudding Ln
Where London Burned
Tucked between Eastcheap and Lower Thames Street, Pudding Lane is a modest City street with an outsized place in history. In the early hours of 2 September 1666, a small fire broke out in the bakery of Thomas Farriner, the king’s baker, at the northern end of the lane. A neglected oven, dry flour sacks, and a strong easterly wind turned a domestic accident into catastrophe. The flames raced along the densely packed timbered houses, leaping across narrow alleys and down to the riverside warehouses, igniting the Great Fire of London that would rage for four days and destroy most of medieval London. A simple plaque now marks the approximate site of Farriner’s bakery, a quiet reminder of the moment that changed the city forever. Though the buildings are long gone, the lane’s name and story remain central to London’s collective memory, a tangible link to the fire that consumed St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, and thousands of homes.From Butchers’ Guts to One-Way Rules
Pudding Lane’s name has nothing to do with desserts. In medieval times, “pudding” referred to offal – the guts and entrails of animals slaughtered at Eastcheap, London’s main meat market. Butchers’ carts carried these offal “puddings” down the lane to waste barges on the Thames, giving the street its distinctive, if unappetising, identity. By the 17th century, the lane was home to basketmakers, turners, and labourers, a working-class artery serving the river trade. The lane also holds a quieter claim to fame: it was one of the world’s first designated one-way streets. In 1617, decades before the fire, a traffic order restricted movement along Pudding Lane and several nearby streets, an early attempt to manage the growing congestion of the City. This innovation in urban planning foreshadowed modern traffic systems, making Pudding Lane a subtle pioneer in city life as well as a symbol of disaster.A Catalyst for Change
The Great Fire’s devastation led directly to sweeping reforms. King Charles II’s 1667 Rebuilding Act introduced London’s first comprehensive building regulations, mandating brick and stone construction, wider streets, and fire-resistant materials to prevent a repeat catastrophe. The fire also spurred the creation of fire insurance; the first fire office opened in 1680, issuing metal fire marks to insured buildings. Nearby, the Monument to the Great Fire of London, designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, stands exactly 202 feet from Pudding Lane, its gilded urn symbolising the fire itself. Together, the lane and the Monument tell a story of destruction and renewal, of a city that burned and then rebuilt itself in stone, shaping the London we know today. Pudding Lane, though unassuming, is thus a quiet monument to resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of history in the urban fabric.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.0 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Custom House
0.2 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
113 Cannon St
0.3 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.3 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Cornhill Fountain
0.4 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Lloyd's of London
0.4 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Historic England
0.4 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.4 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.6 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.6 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
St James Garlickhythe
0.6 km
Wren's luminous masterpiece on Garlick Hill, where medieval history meets architectural brilliance and mystery.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.6 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fish St Hill
0.1 km
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.1 km
Discover the whimsical Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture, a quirky landmark in London that showcases the city's creative spirit and vibrant history.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
0.1 km
A historic sanctuary at the foot of London Bridge, where centuries of faith and city life converge in a Baroque masterpiece.
20 Fenchurch St
0.2 km
Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.2 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.2 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.2 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
St Mary Abchurch
0.3 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Lombard St
0.3 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
London Bridge
0.3 km
Discover the historic London Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a gateway to the heart of London's vibrant culture.
Leadenhall Market
0.3 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
Change Alley
0.3 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
St Michael Cornhill
0.3 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
0.4 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
George
0.7 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.0 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.5 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.6 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
St. John
1.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Lyle's
1.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.7 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nomadic community
1.8 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
0.5 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
0.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Borough Yards
0.7 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
One New Change
0.8 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.9 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Barbican Shop
1.2 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Spitalfields Market
1.2 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Sclater Street Market
1.3 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.4 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.1 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.2 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.5 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.7 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.7 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Nine Lives
0.8 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
1.0 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.0 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Discount Suit Company
1.0 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.0 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Old School Yard
1.1 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Aviary
1.3 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.3 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.3 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
E1
1.7 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
XOYO LONDON
1.7 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Ministry of Sound
1.7 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Hoxton Pony
1.7 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
London Best Night Clubs
1.9 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Trafik
1.9 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Corsica Studios
2.1 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.1 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Proud Late
2.3 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Carwash Nightclub
2.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Scenic
- Tranquil
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
