The Viaduct Tavern: A Victorian Gin Palace Steeped in London’s Legal and Social History
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
The Viaduct Tavern, located at 126 Newgate Street in London, is a Grade II listed Victorian gin palace renowned for its ornate interior and rich history. Built in the mid-1870s and remodelled around 1900, it stands near the site of the infamous Newgate Prison and opposite the Old Bailey courthouse. Its cellars, reputedly connected to the prison, add a layer of intrigue and ghostly tales, making it a unique blend of architectural beauty, historical significance, and atmospheric charm.
A brief summary to The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
- 126 Newgate St, London, EC1A 7AA, GB
- +442076001863
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- 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-8 pm
Local tips
- Ask to see the cellar by appointment to explore the atmospheric space reputed to be former Newgate Prison cells.
- Visit during weekday evenings for a lively crowd of legal professionals and a true City of London pub experience.
- Look out for the intricate woodwork and etched glass at the bar, a highlight of the pub’s Victorian interior.
- Take time to appreciate the historic plaques nearby that tell stories of London’s penal, religious, and educational past.
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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Underground Train
Take the London Underground to St Paul’s station, approximately 0.3 miles away, with a 6-10 minute walk on flat terrain to the Viaduct Tavern. The station is served by the Central line and offers step-free access. Ticket prices range from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on travel zones.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Newgate Street, including routes 8, 25, and 242. Travel times vary from 15 to 25 minutes from central London locations. Buses are frequent but may be affected by city traffic. A contactless payment card or Oyster card is recommended for fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares usually range from £8 to £15. Note that traffic congestion and limited parking in the City may affect travel times.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the Viaduct Tavern is pleasant and accessible, with flat pavements and well-lit streets. Walking times range from 10 to 20 minutes from landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral or the Barbican Centre.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1 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 Viaduct Tavern, EC1
Architectural Grandeur and Victorian Elegance
The Viaduct Tavern is a striking example of a Victorian gin palace, built between 1874 and 1875 and remodelled by architect Arthur Dixon around 1898-1900. Its curved granite facade sweeps majestically around the corner of Newgate Street and Giltspur Street, designed to attract passing trade. Inside, the pub retains many original features including a quadrant-shaped bar with intricate Jacobethan-style woodwork, cut and etched glass panels, and a ceiling of swirling relief panels likely dating from the original build. The interior is decorated with marble piers, cherub heads, strapwork ceilings, and three paintings symbolizing agriculture, commerce, and the arts. The manager’s stall, a carved hardwood booth with engraved glass, overlooks the bar, reflecting the Victorian attention to detail and social stratification within drinking spaces.Historical Context and Location Significance
Situated near the Holborn Viaduct, the tavern’s name commemorates the engineering marvel completed in 1869 that improved access into the City of London. The viaduct replaced a hazardous descent into the River Fleet valley, symbolizing Victorian progress and urban development. The pub’s location is steeped in history, adjacent to the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) and on or near the former site of Newgate Prison, a notorious gaol in operation for over 700 years until 1902. This proximity to legal and penal institutions meant the tavern served a diverse clientele, including court officials, barristers, and visitors connected to the justice system. Nearby plaques mark former sites of Christ’s Hospital and Grey Friars Monastery, enriching the area’s narrative of education, religion, and punishment.Newgate Prison Legacy and Haunted Cellars
The Viaduct Tavern’s cellars are famously reputed to be former prison cells from Newgate Prison, though some sources suggest they were storage rooms adapted to evoke this history. The prison itself was infamous for harsh conditions and high-profile inmates such as Captain Kidd, Oscar Wilde, and the Kray twins. Stories of paranormal activity persist, including reports of unexplained noises, moving objects, and whispers, contributing to the pub’s reputation as one of London’s most haunted. The last public hanging in London took place outside Newgate in 1868, adding a grim historical layer to the site’s atmosphere.Social and Cultural Role Through Time
Since its establishment, the Viaduct Tavern has been more than a drinking venue; it has been a social hub reflecting Victorian society’s class divisions through its original three-bar layout: public, private, and saloon bars, each with separate entrances. The pub’s clientele historically ranged from laborers to legal professionals, mirroring the surrounding commercial and judicial environment. The tavern has witnessed the ebb and flow of London’s urban life, surviving redevelopment and maintaining its character as a cherished historic pub.Architectural Details and Preservation Status
The Viaduct Tavern is a Grade II listed building recognized for its outstanding historic interior, included on the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Its Italianate style features granite piers with Ionic capitals, Flemish Renaissance relief carvings, and plate-glass windows with ornate mullions. The preservation of these elements offers visitors a rare glimpse into Victorian pub design and craftsmanship, making it a significant cultural and architectural landmark in London.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience Today
Today, the Viaduct Tavern combines its rich heritage with a lively pub atmosphere. Its ornate interior and historic ambiance attract locals, tourists, and legal professionals alike. The reputed hauntings and connection to London’s darker past add a mysterious allure. Visitors can appreciate the detailed craftsmanship, explore the evocative cellars by appointment, and soak in the stories embedded in the walls, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and pub lovers.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.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Temple Bar London
0.3 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Ludgate Circus
0.3 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Queen Anne Statue
0.3 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
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.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.5 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
London City wall
0.5 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
Hare Pl
0.6 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Victoria Embankment
0.6 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.7 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Temple Church
0.7 km
Medieval fortress of faith where crusading knights shaped English law and history.
Prince Henry's Room
0.7 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Staple Inn
0.7 km
Explore Staple Inn, a historic Tudor building in London, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene courtyard amidst the city's vibrant life.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.1 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.1 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.
Stationers' Hall
0.2 km
Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
St Martin Ludgate
0.2 km
Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
0.3 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, a must-visit historical landmark in the heart of London.
Postman's Park
0.3 km
A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
St Bartholomew the Great
0.3 km
Explore St Bartholomew the Great, a historic Anglican church in London, rich in architecture, culture, and tranquility, perfect for all visitors.
Cloth Fair
0.3 km
Step into medieval London on Cloth Fair, a historic street where merchants once traded fabric and the city’s oldest houses still stand.
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.3 km
Historic Georgian church at London’s eastern City gate, blending medieval roots with Victorian artistry and community resilience.
Punch Tavern
0.3 km
Discover The Punch Tavern, a historic pub on Fleet Street, serving traditional British fare and a vast selection of drinks in a charming atmosphere.
Smithfield Market
0.3 km
London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
City of London Distillery & Bar
0.4 km
Discover London’s historic gin distillery and cocktail bar, blending tradition, innovation, and over 130 gins in a stylish subterranean setting.
Church Entry
0.4 km
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.4 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St. Paul's Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of London, offering stunning views and rich history.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.4 km
Discover St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historic City sanctuary blending Dutch-inspired architecture with a vibrant musical legacy.
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.
Madison
0.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.0 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.0 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.1 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Sarastro
1.3 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.4 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Margot
1.4 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Balthazar
1.4 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Wahaca Southbank
1.4 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.5 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.5 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
14 Hills
1.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.5 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.7 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
London Silver Vaults
0.8 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
1 Poultry
0.8 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Twinings - The Strand
0.8 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.9 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.0 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.0 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.
The Store X
1.0 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
not just a shop
1.0 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
j-me original design ltd
1.0 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.1 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Sugar And Style
1.1 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Exmouth Market
1.2 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
Persephone books
1.3 km
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.4 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Old Bank of England
0.7 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.9 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
0.9 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.1 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Duke
1.3 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.3 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Aviary
1.3 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
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.
The Bootlegger
1.3 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.
Plume Wine Bar
1.4 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.4 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.4 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.
Princess Louise
1.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
London Best Night Clubs
0.8 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Steel Yard
1.0 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Carwash Nightclub
1.3 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
1.4 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.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
XOYO LONDON
1.5 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Roxy
1.7 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
1.7 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Hoxton Pony
1.8 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Heaven
1.8 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.
Cirque Du Soul
1.8 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.8 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.8 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.
Covent Garden Social Club
1.9 km
Discover Covent Garden Social Club: a lively cocktail bar blending exquisite drinks, comedy, and live music for an unforgettable night out in London.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.9 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Lively
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
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
