Old Fountain
Historic freehouse near Old Street serving craft beers and British comfort food since 1964.
A historic freehouse pub on Baldwin Street near Old Street tube station, run by the Durrant family since 1964. Known for its exceptional selection of craft beers—eight real ales and twenty keg lines—alongside hearty British food. The pub features two distinct personalities: a convivial downstairs bar with original character and an upstairs roof terrace with modern styling. A CAMRA award-winning venue that has become a beacon for beer enthusiasts and locals seeking authentic London pub culture.
A brief summary to Old Fountain
- 3 Baldwin St, London, EC1V 9NU, GB
- +442072532970
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-9 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day or on weekday afternoons to avoid queues and experience the downstairs bar's intimate atmosphere. Sundays can be extremely busy, particularly for the Sunday roast service.
- Ask staff for beer tastings before ordering—they offer third-measure pours of any beer, perfect for exploring unfamiliar breweries and styles without commitment.
- The upstairs roof terrace is dog-friendly and offers a completely different ambiance from the downstairs bar. It's ideal for fine weather and becomes particularly lively on Saturday evenings with live music.
- The kitchen operates limited hours—12–3pm and 5–9:30pm weekdays, extended weekends. Arrive during service times if food is a priority, or check the menu online beforehand.
- The pub has two separate entrances on different streets. If one entrance is crowded, try the other for a potentially quieter entry point.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Old Street tube station (Northern, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) is approximately 150 metres away. Exit toward City Road and follow signs for Baldwin Street. Journey time from central London varies by starting point but typically ranges from 10–25 minutes depending on line and connections. Single fare approximately £1.75–£3.40 depending on zones travelled.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Old Street area including routes 21, 43, 56, 76, 149, 214, and 271. Journey times from central London typically 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Single fare £1.75 with contactless payment or Oyster card. Buses stop on City Road within 100 metres of the pub.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London. Journey times from central areas like King's Cross or Bank typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Costs vary significantly by time and demand—expect £8–£20 from nearby central locations. Baldwin Street is easily accessible by vehicle, though street parking is limited and paid.
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Walking
From Old Street tube station, the pub is a 3–5 minute walk. Exit the station toward City Road, proceed north briefly, then turn onto Baldwin Street. The route is flat, well-lit, and straightforward. From nearby areas like Shoreditch High Street or Liverpool Street, walking takes 10–15 minutes through established streets with good pedestrian infrastructure.
Old Fountain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Old Fountain
A Family Legacy of Authenticity
The Old Fountain stands as a rare survivor in rapidly modernised East London, a testament to the vision and determination of the Durrant family. Since 1964, when Jim Durrant's father took over what was then a Whitbread house pub, the establishment has evolved from a traditional community local into one of London's most respected beer destinations. The pub's journey reflects broader changes in British pub culture—from the 1960s when pubs served as community hubs for warmth, meals, and social occasions, through the 1970s and 1980s when quick lunchtime pints dominated, to today's craft beer revolution. In the early 2000s, when Whitbread offered Jim a lucrative deal worth millions to relinquish the lease, he refused outright. His steely resolve reflects a philosophy that transcends commerce: this is a way of life, not a business transaction. That defiance has preserved something increasingly rare in London's ever-changing landscape.Two Pubs in One
The Old Fountain's physical layout mirrors its dual nature. Two separate entrances on different streets lead to two distinct experiences. Downstairs, the original bar retains the soul of a traditional London boozer—intimate, atmospheric, and lined with handpumps serving an ever-rotating selection of exceptional ales. The front and back bars create natural gathering points, while a dartboard and fish tank add character. Upstairs, a stylish roof terrace with light-wood panelling and modern furnishings provides a contemporary counterpoint, popular on fine days and hosting live music on Saturdays. This architectural duality allows the pub to serve both the hardened real ale enthusiast seeking quiet contemplation and the social drinker wanting vibrant atmosphere.A Revolution in Beer Selection
The transformation of Old Fountain's beer programme represents the pub's most dramatic evolution. Once limited to Whitbread's narrow range as a tied house, the pub became a freehouse and embraced the British brewing revolution with genuine passion. Today, nine handpulls and twenty taps showcase an extraordinary diversity: eight permanent real ale lines including Kernel Pale Ale, Siren Suspended In, and Camden Town offerings, complemented by six rotational cask lines covering pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and porters. The keg selection spans independent breweries from across the UK and beyond—Pressure Drop from Tottenham, Anspach & Hobday from Bermondsey, Gipsy Hill, Northern Monk, and international selections from Estonia and beyond. Staff actively encourage exploratory drinking, offering third-measure tastings before purchase. Vegan and gluten-free options are always available, reflecting conscientious approach to inclusivity.Food That Matches the Beer
While beer is the primary focus, the kitchen deserves equal recognition. Open from 12–3pm and 5–9:30pm on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends, the menu balances classic British pub fare with contemporary touches. Signature dishes include sausage and mash, beef burgers, sticky toffee pudding, and the celebrated Sunday roast featuring roast beef, pork belly, and ribs with crispy potatoes. Pulled pork, ham and eggs, and vegan options receive particular praise. Prices remain reasonable for the area—roughly £43 for two people including drinks—making quality food and exceptional beer genuinely accessible.Community and Character
The pub's atmosphere reflects its ownership philosophy. Despite frequent queues five-deep at the bar, the space maintains an unhurried, welcoming character. Jim Durrant and his son David, who is preparing to take over, have cultivated a venue where regulars and visitors coexist naturally. The pub has been featured in the Good Beer Guide continuously since 2005 and won a CAMRA award for beer in 2013. Its reputation extends far beyond Old Street—beer enthusiasts from across London make pilgrimages here specifically for the selection and atmosphere. The pub's two entrances have spawned a local legend: a drunk thrown out one door allegedly reappeared through the other two minutes later, convinced he'd entered a different pub.Location and Accessibility
Situated on Baldwin Street at the eastern end of City Road, the Old Fountain sits mere steps from Old Street tube station, making it easily accessible from across London. The location places it within the creative and commercial heart of Shoreditch, yet the pub maintains a distinctly local character despite surrounding modernisation. Free Wi-Fi is available, though connectivity can be unreliable; the adjacent Moorfields Eye Hospital's signal sometimes penetrates the pub more effectively.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Spitalfields Market
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Sclater Street Market
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The Truman Brewery Markets
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly
