The Crown Tavern: Historic Victorian Pub on Clerkenwell Green
Step into The Crown Tavern on Clerkenwell Green, a Victorian pub steeped in revolutionary history and classic British charm.
The Crown Tavern is a classic Victorian pub located at 43 Clerkenwell Green in Central London. Known for its richly preserved late 19th-century interior and historic connections to revolutionary figures like Lenin and Stalin, it offers a charming blend of history, culture, and traditional British pub atmosphere. Overlooking the former village green, the pub is a lively social hub with a storied past and a welcoming outdoor space.
A brief summary to The Crown Tavern
- 43 Clerkenwell Grn, Greater, London, EC1R 0EG, GB
- +442072534973
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere without weekend crowds.
- Try to sit outside on Clerkenwell Green during summer for a quintessential London pub experience.
- Explore nearby landmarks like St James Church and the Marx Memorial Library to deepen your historical context.
- Look for the original Victorian bar back and cut glass windows inside to appreciate the pub’s heritage.
- Book a table in advance for busy evenings, especially if visiting with a group.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to the nearby Chancery Lane station, then enjoy a 10-15 minute walk through historic Clerkenwell to reach The Crown Tavern. The station is well-serviced and accessible, with ticket prices ranging from £2.50 to £4.00 depending on travel zones.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including the 55 and 243, stop near Clerkenwell Green. Buses run frequently throughout the day with an average journey time of 20-30 minutes from central London areas. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fares around £1.75 per trip.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber provide direct access to The Crown Tavern. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically between £10 and £20 from central London.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to The Crown Tavern offers a pleasant experience through Clerkenwell’s historic streets. Expect a 10-20 minute walk on mostly flat terrain, suitable for most visitors.
The Crown Tavern location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Crown Tavern
Architectural Heritage and Victorian Charm
The Crown Tavern stands proudly on Clerkenwell Green, a space that once served as a village green but is now a bustling open area in the heart of London. The pub building dates back to the early 19th century and received a significant Victorian makeover in the 1890s, which shaped much of its current character. Inside, visitors can admire original features such as a bar back from the Victorian era, old partitions creating intimate drinking areas, and original door glass that hints at a once-exclusive 'Private Saloon' for more affluent patrons. The presence of high-quality cut glass windows showcasing spirits like gin, rum, and vodka adds to the pub’s authentic period atmosphere.Revolutionary History and Political Significance
The Crown Tavern holds a unique place in political history, reputedly as the site where Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin first met in 1903. At the time, Lenin was living nearby and publishing the Russian socialist newspaper Iskra from Clerkenwell Green, a hotbed of leftist activity. Although the official first meeting of Lenin and Stalin was in Finland in 1905, local lore credits the Crown Tavern as the venue for their initial encounter during Stalin’s visit to London to study Bolshevism. This connection situates the pub at the heart of early 20th-century revolutionary movements and adds a layer of intrigue to its historical significance.Cultural Footprint and Film Appearances
Beyond its political associations, the Crown Tavern has played a role in London's cultural scene. In Victorian times, the upstairs Apollo Lounge functioned as the Apollo Concert Hall, hosting nightly music hall entertainment that drew lively crowds. More recently, the pub featured in the 2006 film "Notes On A Scandal," starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, where key scenes were shot within its atmospheric interior. This blend of cultural and cinematic history enriches the visitor experience, offering a glimpse into the pub’s diverse past beyond its political legacy.Setting and Surrounding Landmarks
The pub overlooks Clerkenwell Green, an area steeped in history and dominated by notable landmarks such as the eighteenth-century Grade II* listed St James Church, located just behind the pub. Nearby, visitors can also see the Middlesex Sessions House and the Marx Memorial Library, both significant in their own right. While the green itself no longer has grass, it remains a vital open space that anchors the historic village center within the modern city, providing a unique urban setting for the Crown Tavern.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Today, the Crown Tavern is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, especially on warm summer evenings when patrons enjoy sitting outside on the green. Its Victorian interiors and historic ambiance create a cozy, authentic pub experience that contrasts with the modern vibrancy of Clerkenwell. The pub’s moderate pricing and welcoming atmosphere make it accessible for a broad range of visitors seeking a blend of history, culture, and traditional British hospitality.Legacy and Continuing Appeal
The Crown Tavern remains a cherished landmark within London’s pub culture, embodying layers of history from revolutionary politics to entertainment. Its preservation of Victorian architectural elements alongside its rich stories of political intrigue and cultural moments ensures it continues to fascinate and attract those interested in London’s multifaceted heritage. Whether as a social hub or a historical site, the Crown Tavern offers a compelling destination in the heart of Clerkenwell.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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St John's Gate
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Islington Museum
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Exmouth Market
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Essential places to dine
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Madison
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Ikoyi Restaurant
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Sarastro
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Margot
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Balthazar
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Inamo Covent Garden
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The Parcel Yard, King's Cross
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Barbican Shop
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Twinings - The Strand
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Camden Passage, Islington
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
