Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
London's most hidden historic pub, where Tudor royalty danced and centuries of secrets linger.
Hidden behind an almost invisible passageway in Holborn, Ye Olde Mitre is London's most elusive pub and a Grade II listed building steeped in Tudor history. Built in 1546 to serve the Bishops of Ely's household staff, this intimate venue features oak-panelled rooms, leaded windows, and a famous cherry tree stump said to mark where Queen Elizabeth I danced with Sir Christopher Hatton. Operating only weekdays, it remains a beloved local haunt serving Fuller's ales and traditional pub fare.
A brief summary to Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
- 1 Ely Ct, Ely Pl, London, EC1N 6SJ, GB
- +442074054751
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-11 pm
Local tips
- The pub is only open Monday to Friday, 11:00–23:00. Plan your visit accordingly, as it closes entirely on weekends. Food service ends at 22:00 on weekdays.
- Finding the entrance requires patience. Look for a narrow passageway between Hatton Garden and Ely Place; signage is minimal. The alley widens halfway through, revealing the pub's oak-panelled façade.
- Seating is extremely limited and cannot be moved. Arrive early or book the snug (Ye Closet) or Bishop's Room in advance if you want guaranteed seating.
- The cherry tree stump inside the front bar is a must-see. It marks the boundary between the Bishop of Ely's and Sir Christopher Hatton's properties and connects directly to Elizabeth I's legend.
- Try the scotch eggs—a house speciality and the pub's signature food item. Pair with Fuller's ales for an authentic experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Underground (Tube)
Farringdon Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) is approximately 200 metres away, a 3–4 minute walk. Exit towards Charterhouse Street, then navigate to Ely Place. This is the most direct public transport option and operates throughout the day.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Holborn and Farringdon area, including routes 8, 25, 38, 55, 63, and 242. Journey times from central London vary between 10–25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Buses run frequently during weekday hours.
-
Walking
From Farringdon Station, walk south along Charterhouse Street for approximately 150 metres, then turn onto Ely Place. The pub entrance is via a narrow passageway between Hatton Garden and Ely Place. The walk takes 4–5 minutes from the station. The route is flat and accessible, though the final passageway is narrow and unlit.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) can drop passengers at Ely Place or Hatton Garden. Typical fares from central London range from £8–18 depending on origin. Journey times during peak hours (08:00–10:00, 17:00–19:00) may exceed 20 minutes; off-peak travel is faster.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
A Palace Hidden in Plain Sight
Ye Olde Mitre occupies a corner of London that was once part of Cambridgeshire. In the 13th century, the Bishops of Ely constructed a magnificent palace on this site, deemed so beautiful that they declared it technically part of their Cambridge diocese rather than London proper. This quirk of medieval administration persisted for centuries—until the 1960s, the pub's licensing laws were administered by Cambridgeshire rather than London authorities. The palace grounds flourished with vineyards, fruit trees, and strawberries, a verdant sanctuary amid the medieval city's chaos.Royal Favour and the Cherry Tree Legend
In the late 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I granted portions of the bishop's land to her favoured courtier, Sir Christopher Hatton, a tall, graceful dancer and commoner who had caught the monarch's eye. The story persists that Elizabeth danced around a cherry tree in the garden with Hatton—though it was likely used as a maypole, a popular festive tradition of the era. The tree's stump still stands inside the pub's front bar, a tangible link to that Elizabethan moment. Hatton's name lives on in nearby Hatton Garden, the famous jewellery quarter that grew from his former estate.From Palace to Sanctuary to Pub
The original tavern was built in 1546 to serve the bishop's household servants and staff. When the Crown acquired the land in 1772 and demolished the palace, the pub was rebuilt in 1773 on the same foundations, incorporating the cherry tree into its structure. The interior was substantially remodelled in the early 1930s with fashionable Tudor-style panelling, though the Grade II listing preserves its character. The pub's unique legal status—technically still outside City of London jurisdiction—once made it a refuge for criminals fleeing metropolitan police, a detail immortalised in Guy Ritchie's film Snatch.A Labyrinth of Intimate Spaces
Accessing Ye Olde Mitre requires navigating a near-invisible passage between Hatton Garden and Ely Place, a test of determination rewarded by discovery. The interior divides into four distinct drinking areas: two cosy ground-floor lounges flanking a central bar, a small snug called 'Ye Closet' accommodating up to ten guests, and the upstairs Bishop's Room, refitted in the 1990s and available for private hire. The walls display Elizabethan memorabilia, tankards, and cups suspended from the ceiling, creating an atmosphere of accumulated history. The gents' toilet is accessed only from outside—a rare quirk in London pubs.Neighbourhood Steeped in Medieval Tragedy
Ye Olde Mitre stands near Smithfield, where William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered, and where numerous martyrs and traitors met their end. The area witnessed some of London's darkest medieval moments. Nearby Ely Place retains Saint Etheldreda's Church, one of only two surviving London buildings from Edward I's reign, a silent companion to the pub's enduring presence.A Fuller's House for Weekday Pilgrims
Operated by Fuller's brewery, the pub serves regular ales and guest beers to a loyal clientele of office workers and history enthusiasts. Food consists mainly of traditional pub fare—toasted sandwiches, pork pies, and notably, sumptuous scotch eggs, a house speciality. The building's modest size precludes a full kitchen, yet the quality of offerings reflects its standing as a CAMRA National Inventory pub and multiple award-winner, including London Pub of the Year in 2013 and 2019.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holborn Viaduct
0.2 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.4 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.5 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Hare Pl
0.5 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Ludgate Circus
0.5 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Prince Henry's Room
0.6 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Temple Bar London
0.7 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.7 km
Historic 18th-century Anglican church with the UK's oldest working organ, blending rich heritage and serene city-edge charm in London.
Queen Anne Statue
0.7 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
St Clement Danes Church
0.8 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
Victoria Embankment
0.8 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.8 km
Discover the serene St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historical Anglican gem in London, offering stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.8 km
Wren's masterpiece: climb London's most iconic dome for breathtaking city views and centuries of history.
Smallest Street in London
0.8 km
Discover Emerald Court, London's famously narrow 26-inch alley in Bloomsbury, a hidden historic gem weaving through Georgian and modern London.
Unmissable attractions to see
St. Etheldreda's RC Church, Farringdon
0.0 km
Discover London's oldest Catholic church, St. Etheldreda's, a medieval gem steeped in history, sacred relics, and stunning stained glass artistry.
Bleeding Heart Yard
0.1 km
Explore Bleeding Heart Yard, a hidden gem in London filled with historic charm, delightful dining, and a tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city.
Black Cab Heritage Tours
0.2 km
Uncover London's rich history and vibrant culture aboard a classic black cab with personalized tours from Black Cab Heritage Tours.
Hatton Garden
0.2 km
Discover Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery quarter where royal gardens gave way to a world-renowned hub of craftsmanship, commerce, and captivating stories.
Staple Inn
0.3 km
Discover Staple Inn, London’s last Tudor timber-framed Inn of Chancery, a historic legal and wool trading hub that survived fire, war, and centuries of change.
John Wilkes statue
0.3 km
Explore the dynamic bronze statue of John Wilkes on Fetter Lane, celebrating a fiery 18th-century champion of freedom and London’s political heritage.
Hodge The Cat Statue
0.4 km
Discover the charming bronze statue of Hodge, Samuel Johnson's beloved cat, perched on a dictionary in historic Gough Square, London.
Dr Johnson's House
0.4 km
Step into the historic home of Samuel Johnson and explore the birthplace of the English dictionary in the heart of London’s literary past.
London Silver Vaults
0.4 km
Explore the world’s largest underground silver marketplace beneath historic Chancery Lane, where centuries of craftsmanship shine behind steel vault doors.
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.4 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
The Maughan Library
0.4 km
Explore London's grand neo-Gothic Maughan Library, a historic fireproof archive turned vibrant university research hub at King's College London.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.4 km
Discover the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a gilded statue marking where London’s Great Fire ended and a moral tale of gluttony began.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
0.4 km
A majestic basilica-style church in London’s Little Italy, celebrating Italian heritage and faith since 1863.
Smithfield Market
0.4 km
London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
0.5 km
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
Essential places to dine
St. John
0.5 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.9 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Madison
1.0 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sarastro
1.0 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Margot
1.1 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.1 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.1 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.2 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Balthazar
1.2 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.2 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Circus
1.3 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Chez Antoinette
1.3 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Punch & Judy
1.3 km
Historic Covent Garden pub blending classic British fare, lively balcony views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
not just a shop
0.6 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Twinings - The Strand
0.7 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
The Old Curiosity Shop
0.8 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Exmouth Market
0.8 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
The Store X
0.9 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Persephone books
0.9 km
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Barbican Shop
1.0 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
One New Change
1.0 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.1 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.1 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
j-me original design ltd
1.2 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Sugar And Style
1.2 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Unique Gifts
1.2 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
1.2 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.5 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Duke
0.8 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Princess Louise
1.0 km
Step into the Princess Louise, a stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, where opulent interiors and rich history blend in a timeless London pub experience.
Be At One - Russell Street
1.1 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Lyaness
1.1 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.1 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Plume Wine Bar
1.1 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.2 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
1.2 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
1.3 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Beaufort Bar
1.3 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
The Understudy
1.3 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
American Bar
1.3 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Fitz's Russell Sq.
1.3 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
1.3 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
London Best Night Clubs
0.6 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Carwash Nightclub
1.0 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
1.1 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Proud Late
1.2 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.
The Roxy
1.4 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.4 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Steel Yard
1.5 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Ivy Club
1.6 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.6 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Heaven
1.6 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
XOYO LONDON
1.7 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Club49Soho
1.7 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.7 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
La Capannina Club
1.7 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
The Penthouse London
1.8 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
