Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn: A Hidden Tudor Gem in London

Origins Rooted in Tudor History and Ecclesiastical Legacy

Ye Olde Mitre traces its origins to 1546 when it was built to serve the servants of the Bishops of Ely, whose London residence stood nearby. The Bishops’ Palace, known as Ely Palace, was once a magnificent estate with lush gardens, vineyards, and fruit trees, including the famous cherry tree around which Queen Elizabeth I is said to have danced with her favourite, Sir Christopher Hatton. This tree, or its stump, still supports part of the pub’s frontage today. Remarkably, the area was historically part of Cambridgeshire, not London, and the pub’s licensees had to travel to Cambridge for their licenses until the 1960s.

A Storied Site Marked by Royalty and Rebellion

The land around Ye Olde Mitre carries deep historical significance. Ely Palace was considered so splendid it was declared outside London’s jurisdiction, creating a unique legal enclave. The area witnessed notable events, including the presence of John of Gaunt during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. The Crown took over the land in 1772, demolishing the palace buildings but sparing the pub, which was rebuilt in 1773 and extended in 1782. The pub’s Tudor-style interior was remodelled in the early 1930s, preserving its historic charm.

Architectural and Interior Charm

Ye Olde Mitre’s exterior features an oak-panelled facade with leaded stained-glass windows and a distinctive cherry tree trunk encased in glass at the front bar, symbolizing the boundary between the Bishop of Ely’s and Sir Christopher Hatton’s properties. Inside, the pub is divided into intimate rooms, including two cosy ground-floor lounges separated by a central bar, a snug called 'Ye Closet,' and an upstairs 'Bishops’ Room' for private events. The walls and ceilings are adorned with quirky decorations such as hanging beer mugs, tankards, Elizabethan memorabilia, and Tudor-style fireplaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A Sanctuary with a Quirky Past and Modern Appeal

Historically, the pub’s unique jurisdictional status made it a refuge for criminals evading London police, adding to its mystique. Today, Ye Olde Mitre is celebrated as one of London’s best-hidden pubs, cherished for its authentic atmosphere and quality ales from Fuller’s brewery. While its kitchen is limited, it offers classic pub snacks like scotch eggs. The pub operates Monday to Friday, closing on weekends, catering mainly to local workers and visitors who appreciate its historic ambiance.

Location and Surroundings

Nestled in a nearly invisible alley off Ely Place near Holborn and Hatton Garden, Ye Olde Mitre is surrounded by a bustling urban environment that contrasts with its secluded charm. Nearby historic sites include Saint Etheldreda’s Church and Smithfield, known for its medieval executions. Despite its hidden location, the pub remains accessible and popular for those seeking a step back into Tudor London.

Recognition and Cultural Significance

Ye Olde Mitre has earned multiple accolades, including recognition by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and inclusion in the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. It has been voted London Pub of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW) and is noted in guides such as the Good Pub Guide. Its cinematic appearance in films like Guy Ritchie's 'Snatch' further cements its place in London’s cultural tapestry.