Historic Pubs
East
Dickens Inn - St. Katherine's Way, E1. Tower Hill or Tower Gateway DLR.
Timber-framed inn dating back to the eighteenth century, although despite the name there is no link to Dickens. Great location and views from the terrace, even if lacking a bit in the atmosphere stakes.
Prospect of Whitby - 57 Wapping Wall, E1. Wapping Tube.
Great views of the Thames, a cobbled courtyard, bags of atmosphere, and nearly five hundred years of serving pints - say no more.
North
Old Bull & Bush - North End Way, NW3. Golders Green or Hampstead Tubes, and then the bus.
Of some renown due to the old music hall song, and as a summer home of the painter Hogarth. Plenty of character on the edge of the Heath.
Freemasons Arms - 32 Downshire Hill, NW3. Hampstead Tube.
This early Victorian pub is a Hampstead favourite, particularly in summer with its huge beer garden. An added bonus is an old-fashioned skittle alley.
Holly Bush - 22 Holly Mount, NW3. Highgate Tube, 10 minute walk.
One of the few London pubs to qualify for the official register of 'Pub Interiors of Outstanding Heritage Interest', the Holly Bush isn't showy about its pedigree - despite being in Hampstead - but rather has a restrained 'Sunday paper and pint' feel to it. Four bars in one (including the one table 'Tavern Bar'), this establishment is a cosy warren of old wood and roaring fireplaces.
Nestled down a quiet Hampstead mews, the Holly Bush is the epitome of the good local boozer - friendly staff, plenty of seating (including outdoors), good (if pricey) food, and of course a good range of liquid refreshments. A slice of what English pub life once was.
Spaniard's Inn - Spaniard's Lane, NW3. Hampstead Tube and then the bus.
The highway robber Dick Turpin used to stop for a drink here after robbing his victims, and his pistol is displayed above the bar. Handy for Kenwood House and the Heath.
The Flask - 77 Highgate West Hill, N6. Highgate Tube, then the bus.
One of two equally impressive Flask's in this neck of the woods, the Highgate version dates back to 1663. Reputedly the hiding place for Dick Turpin on one of his many escapes from the law, the cellar and snugs offer comfort and a degree of privacy.
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