Historic Pubs
The City
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Ye Old Cheshire Cheese - 145 Fleet Street, EC4. Blackfriars Tube/BR.
One of the better-known historic pubs, dating back to the 1600's. Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, and generations of lesser known scribes from Fleet Street have supped here, although tourists are now the main clientele. The tiny front bar - with log fire and sawdust-strewn fire - is a prime spot.
Black Friar - 174 Queen Victoria Street, EC4. Blackfriars Tube/BR.
With a uniquely wedge-shaped exterior, and an even more exceptional interior, the Black Friar is an art nouveau celebration of drinking. Built in 1875 on the site of the medieval Blackfriars Monastery, first-time visitors can be spooked by an occasional and eerie subterranean rumbling that is said to emanate from the old graves of the monks...or perhaps from the nearby Blackfriars Tube even?
The Counting House - 50 Cornhill, EC3. Bank Tube/DLR.
Purists will note that this pub is not historic on its own accord, but we've included it here because of the impressive eighteenth century premises. Formerly a bank, this domed and galleried gem has plenty of space and good food too.
Jerusalem Tavern - 55 Britton St, EC1. Farringdon Tube.
A beautifully restored Georgian tavern, with original fires, panelled cubicles, and tiling. Features beer from St. Peter's Brewery in Suffolk.
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