Nestled in the heart of Holborn, the Viaduct Tavern stands as one of London's most infamous drinking establishments, but it's not just the fine ales that send shivers down patrons' spines. This Victorian gin palace harbours dark secrets and spectral residents that have earned it the reputation as the capital's most haunted pub.
A History Steeped in Shadows
Built in 1869, the Viaduct Tavern occupies a space rich with London history and tragedy. The pub sits adjacent to the former Newgate Prison, where public hangings drew massive crowds until the prison's demolition in 1902. Many believe the spirits of executed prisoners never left the area, with some taking up residence in the atmospheric tavern.
Meet the Permanent Residents
Regular paranormal investigators and staff members report numerous ghostly encounters within the tavern's walls:
- The Crying Woman: Her heartbreaking sobs echo through the ladies' toilets, believed to be a former prisoner mourning her fate
- The Victorian Gentleman: A well-dressed spectre who prefers the corner seat, often seen before vanishing into thin air
- The Shadowy Figure: Multiple witnesses report a dark presence in the cellar where the pub's original holding cells remain
- The Poltergeist: Unexplained moving objects and sudden temperature drops plague the main bar area
Architectural Anomalies and Hidden Spaces
The Viaduct Tavern retains much of its original Victorian features, including the stunning gin palace interior and the controversial 'murder holes' in the ceiling. These small openings were allegedly used by prison guards to monitor prisoners in the cells below. The pub's cellar still contains the original holding cells from when the building served the neighbouring prison, creating an atmosphere thick with historical resonance.
Modern-Day Encounters
Current staff members report regular supernatural experiences, from unexplained footsteps when the pub is empty to glasses moving of their own accord. Paranormal investigation teams frequently visit the establishment, capturing electronic voice phenomena and anomalous readings that suggest the pub's ghostly residents remain active.
Whether you're a sceptic or a believer, the Viaduct Tavern offers a unique glimpse into London's darker history, where every pint comes with a side of paranormal possibility. The next time you find yourself in Holborn, why not stop for a drink and see if you encounter one of the pub's permanent spectral patrons?
