The Oldest Pubs of London (Private tour)

London, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore Pub where Elizabeth I used to dance
  • Drink in the same pub where Charles Dickens used to drink
  • Have a pint at the most well-known pub for journalists since 1667
  • See the last surviving Victorian gin palace in London
  • Discover extravagant religious-themed pub

Meeting Point

In front of the Charles Dickens Museum

Meeting point

48-49 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

The Lamb

You will start your tour from Victorian-style interior pub, where Charles Dickens used to drink. English Heritage describes the pub as “an exceptional piece of Victoriana”.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Crown Tavern

Continue your journey towards the tavern where Lenin used to drink before revolutionary matters took him to Russia. It is thought that he may even have conferred with Stalin on site. More recently it was the setting for a scene from Notes on a Scandal, starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. There you will try a good pint of ale. ​

Duration 10 minutes
3

Ye Olde Mitre

Afterwards, you will get to one of the most difficult to find of all the pubs. It’s unashamedly traditional (no TVs), and long may that continue. The previous clientele is rumoured to have included Elizabeth I (one story goes that she danced around a cherry tree that is still there). your guide will take to the most famous pub for journalists since 1667. Countless literary grandees and journalists – from Samuel Johnson and Dickens to the Fleet Street hacks of the 20th century – have occupied a nook or cranny in its labyrinthine interior. You will try a pint in the pub where beer cellars are former cells of the prison.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Blackfriars Bridge

You will see the weird pub with the extravagance of its religious-themed art nouveau interior.

Duration 10 minutes
5

The Seven Stars

One of the few places in the area to survive the Great Fire of London, the tiny Seven Stars pub now has more than four centuries of history behind it. Located just behind the Royal Courts of Justice, it is a natural stomping ground for the pinstripes of the legal profession.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Pigeon Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Start at the Charles Dickens Museum.
  • icon
    Try the ale at the Crown Tavern.
  • icon
    Visit Ye Olde Mitre for history.
  • icon
    Check out Blackfriars Bridge's decor.
  • icon
    Explore nearby Royal Courts of Justice.

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