Expert Guide to London's Historic Square Mile Pubs
Business rates bills had been scheduled to increase in April for pubs across the capital, making the preservation of these cherished establishments more crucial than ever. The City of London boasts some of the finest traditional drinking venues in the entire country, ranging from expansive Victorian gin palaces to compact little taverns concealed down forgotten alleyways. We consulted the reporters at City AM, who possess unparalleled knowledge of the Square Mile, to compile their definitive selection of top spots for an authentic pint.
The Arbitrager, Throgmorton Street
The Arbitrager stands as one of those pubs that feels so fundamentally connected to the Square Mile that imagining it elsewhere seems impossible. Situated within the Grade II listed Draper's Hall, its unique envelope-shaped layout repeats both upstairs and downstairs, featuring a bar at the rear and limited seating along the sides. Every beverage served here, from pints to spirits, originates from London producers, including all draft beers and ales plus an impressive selection of over forty distinct gins.
The Rising Sun, Carter Lane
Winner of the Toast the City Awards, The Rising Sun nestles in the alleyways southwest of St Paul's Cathedral. This genuine old-fashioned pub radiates character and serves as an ideal sanctuary from the outside world. With an excellent assortment of pints and a menu featuring cheese toasties, it represents the perfect destination for a fortifying lunchtime escape.
Old Dr Butler's Head, Masons Avenue
This remarkable pub occupies a narrow lane flanked by tall buildings, creating the impression it has literally fallen between the cracks. Named after physician William Butler, inventor of the medicinal Dr Butler's purging ale, the establishment thankfully no longer serves that particular brew. Instead, visitors find a superb selection of beers within a fantastic traditional boozer. The optimal seating area remains outside on the street, where patrons enjoy shade from sun and shelter from rain.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Wine Office Court
For those seeking genuine historical immersion, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street offers a beautifully preserved pub rebuilt the year following the Great Fire. Once frequented by literary giants including Charles Dickens, G.K. Chesterton, and Mark Twain, the venue features low vaulted ceilings, hand-drawn message boards, and atmospheric lamplight that transports visitors to another era.
The Trinity Bell, Mitre Street
The Trinity Bell presents a more refined experience than many traditional spit-and-sawdust pubs. This establishment proves ideal for low-key business lunches with clients who prefer pints over prosecco. The chic, unfussy decor demonstrates clear attention to elevating the venue beyond average boozers, though some might argue this comes at the expense of raw character.
The Crutched Friar, Tower Hill
This out-of-the-way pub constitutes a bona fide hidden gem featuring some of the fastest bar staff in The City. The Crutched Friar particularly shines during warmer months with its sun-trap beer garden, perfect for leisurely Thursday evenings. The interior blends modern and traditional elements harmoniously, while quality pub lunches remain available throughout the day.
Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market
Positioned amid the Harry Potter-esque grandeur of Leadenhall Market, The Lamb Tavern provides visitors with an authentic taste of the City of London that lives in the collective imagination. This smart traditional boozer boasts heritage dating back to 1780 and serves decent pub lunches for those fortunate enough to secure a table.
The Hung, Drawn and Quartered, Great Tower Street
A City AM favorite located steps from their former Fenchurch Street office, The Hung, Drawn and Quartered represents a cracking little bar guaranteed to fill up by 5pm. While somewhat close to the Tower Bridge tourist trail, it maintains a buzzy atmosphere and serves quality pies that keep regulars returning.
Bunch of Grapes, Lime Street
By no means the most glamorous pub on this list, The Bunch of Grapes earns mention as perhaps the archetypal City AM boozer. Situated within stumbling distance of at least three former offices, it has hosted clandestine meetings, romantic trysts, and dramatic confrontations. If pubs are collections of memories created within them, this establishment possesses them all.
The Banker, Cousin Lane
For those seeking river views, The Banker offers an unparalleled Thames-side location behind Cannon Street Station. The massive terrace serves as the primary attraction, making sunny days ideal for enjoying some of London's finest waterfront vistas while sipping your preferred beverage.
Williamson's Tavern, Groveland Court
Despite lying mere meters from Watling Street's crowds, Williamson's Tavern exists as an oasis of calm on a blink-and-you'll-miss-it lane. Now operating as a Nicholson's Pub ensuring quality fish and chips, it occupies a red-brick alley exuding period charm that transports visitors to earlier centuries.
Ye Olde Watling, Watling Street
This classic City boozer on perpetually busy Watling Street attracts hundreds of City workers during summer evenings for pints in the sunshine. Built by Christopher Wren in 1668, the pub features abundant dark wood and cozy nooks that make it equally inviting when weather turns less favorable.
The Swan Tavern, Ship Tavern Passage
South of Leadenhall Market lies The Swan Tavern, a splendid Edwardian City pub renowned for insurance brokers propping up the bar. The establishment preserves all original features across two floors with marble-topped bars, while covered outdoor areas with umbrellas provide excellent shelter during inclement weather.
The Bell, Bush Lane
Tucked beside Cannon Street Station, The Bell represents a small but perfectly formed pub typical of the characterful establishments that make the City such a remarkable drinking destination. Its bijou bar features heavy exposed beams and vaguely equine-themed decorations, with a small upstairs dining room available for hungry patrons. This venue served as City AM's house pub for at least five years.
The Blackfriar
Located on the City's southwest corner, The Blackfriar ranks among London's most spectacular and eccentric pubs. Constructed on a medieval Dominican friary site, every surface displays intricate Art Nouveau carvings while ceilings feature ornate mosaics. Secluded tables hide within little marble nooks, making exploration particularly rewarding even for those primarily interested in architectural admiration.
The Jamaica Wine House, St Michael's Alley
The Jamaica Wine House has occupied its site in various forms since the 1600s, but its most striking feature remains the worn-down flagstone at the front door threshold. Smoothed and nearly hollowed by centuries of thirsty City patrons' footsteps, this physical testament to historical continuity adds profound character to the drinking experience.
The Ship, Talbot Court
Another seventeenth-century gem tucked down an alley off Eastcheap, The Ship boasts some of the City's most impressive original Victorian woodwork and stained glass. Its peculiar, warren-like layout creates numerous nooks and crannies perfect for exploration and intimate conversations.
The Ship, Hart Street
The second pub named The Ship on this list, this Hart Street establishment presents a bijou affair with limited space but abundant character. From the incredible ship-prow-inspired frontage to the cozy Victorian bar interior featuring traditional copper-topped tables and floral accents, every detail contributes to an authentic Square Mile drinking experience.
