Best Historic Pubs in the UK – Legendary Pubs & Famous Patrons

I’ve always been drawn to historic pubs, not just for their charm and character but for the incredible stories they hold. There's something deeply thrilling about sitting in the same spot where Charles Dickens, J.R.R. Tolkien, or even an infamous highwayman once had a few pints.

The UK’s pub culture is steeped in history, with many establishments dating back centuries, retaining their original architecture, secret tunnels, and ghostly legends. Whether it's a literary haven, a revolutionary meeting spot, or an old coaching inn with a sinister past, these pubs have witnessed history unfold within their walls.

Let me take you on a journey through time, as we explore the most legendary historic pubs in the UK, each with its own famous patrons and fascinating tales.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London - A Literary Haven for Dickens & Johnson

📍 Location: Fleet Street, London
📅 Established: Rebuilt in 1667 (original site dates back earlier)

Tucked away on a narrow alley off Fleet Street, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of London’s oldest and most atmospheric pubs. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London (1666), this pub has barely changed in over 350 years.

Famous Patrons:

• Charles Dickens – Frequented the pub and mentioned it in A Tale of Two Cities.

• Samuel Johnson – The great lexicographer was a regular visitor.

• Mark Twain – The American writer and humourist also spent time here.

Why Visit?

• Step inside, and you're in the 17th century – low ceilings, dim candlelight, and dark wooden panelled rooms create a time-capsule atmosphere.

• Labyrinthine layout – Several levels and snug, hidden rooms make it easy to get lost in history.

• Historic atmosphere – Enjoy a pint of ale while imagining Dickens and Twain discussing literature.

Best Drink to Try: A classic Samuel Smith’s Ale, served in traditional tankards.

The Eagle and Child, Oxford – Tolkien & C.S. Lewis’ Creative Retreat

📍 Location: Oxford
📅 Established: 1650

If you’re a fan of fantasy literature, The Eagle and Child (nicknamed "The Bird and Baby") should be at the top of your list. This cosy 17th-century pub in Oxford was the meeting place of The Inklings, a famous literary discussion group led by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Famous Patrons:

• J.R.R. Tolkien – Drafted parts of The Lord of the Rings here.

• C.S. Lewis – Read sections of The Chronicles of Narnia aloud in the snug back room.

• The Inklings Group – A literary club that gathered regularly to share ideas.

Why Visit?

• Sit in the very room where Tolkien and Lewis discussed their books – There's even a plaque marking their table.

• Cosy, bookish atmosphere – Perfect for reading or discussing literature over a pint.

• Rich history dating back to the English Civil War – The pub once housed Royalist supporters.

Best Drink to Try: Oxford Gold Ale, inspired by the city’s rich literary history.

The Spaniards Inn, London – A Haunt for Poets and Highwaymen

📍 Location: Hampstead Heath, London
📅 Established: 1585

The Spaniards Inn is one of London’s most atmospheric and mysterious pubs, famous for both poetry and crime.

Famous Patrons:

• John Keats – Wrote Ode to a Nightingale in the beer garden.

• Lord Byron – A regular drinker at the pub.

• Dick Turpin – The infamous highwayman was allegedly born here.

Why Visit?

• One of London’s most haunted pubs – Dick Turpin’s ghost is said to roam the bar.

• Quaint, rustic charm – Oak beams, fireplaces, and candlelit corners.

• Beautiful beer garden – A perfect place to soak in history.

Best Drink to Try: Spaniards Pale Ale, brewed locally.

The George Inn, London – Shakespeare’s Drinking Spot

📍 Location: Borough High Street, London
📅 Established: 16th century

The George Inn is the last surviving galleried coaching inn in London, once a favourite haunt of William Shakespeare.

Famous Patrons:

• William Shakespeare – Drank here after performances at The Globe.

• Charles Dickens – Mentioned the inn in Little Dorrit.

Why Visit?

• A rare surviving example of a coaching inn – With a stunning Elizabethan-style gallery.

• Rich literary history – A pub that inspired both Shakespeare and Dickens.

• A landmark of old London – One of the city’s few remaining Tudor pubs.

Best Drink to Try: A full-bodied Porter, similar to what Shakespeare might have enjoyed.

The Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham – The UK’s Oldest Pub

📍 Location: Nottingham
📅 Established: 1189

This pub is built into caves beneath Nottingham Castle, making it one of the oldest and most unique drinking spots in the UK.

Famous Patrons:

• Knights of the Crusades – Legend has it that Crusaders drank here before heading to Jerusalem.

Why Visit?

• Incredible medieval atmosphere – The pub is carved into the rock, with original caves still intact.

• The cursed galleon – A model ship inside the pub is said to bring misfortune to anyone who touches it.

• A labyrinth of rooms – Some were once used for smuggling and secret meetings.

Best Drink to Try: A classic British stout, fitting for such an ancient setting.

A Pint with the Past

Whether you’re looking for a literary haven, a haunted hideout, or a royal retreat, the UK’s historic pubs offer more than just drinks - they offer stories. These legendary taverns have played host to revolutionaries, poets, authors, and outlaws, leaving behind tales that live on with every pint poured.

So, next time you fancy a drink, why not make it a historic one? Which pub on this list would you love to visit first? Let me know in the comments!