Looking for a new drinking spot in the City? You’re in the right place!

This blog post follows on from Part 1 and will take you through some of the most historic, unique and intriguing spots to enjoy a pint.

By reading both blog posts you can in our footsteps on this ‘One City Pub Crawl’ or you can use it as a reference point, picking out individual pubs. Either way, read on and you’ll always be the friend that knows a great place to go!

The Lamb Tavern

This lively spot is located in the iconic Leadenhall Market. Visit after 5 on a weekday and be met with a fellow City workers finishing the day with a glass of something refreshing and delicious. Visit on a Sunday and enjoy a classic Roast dinner make with British produce!

The Lamb Tavern is decadently decorated pub, having been rebuilt in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones as part of the overall Leadenhall Market development. Hidden inside the right-hand doors is a large tiled panel from 1889 showing Sir Christopher Wren in 1671 explaining his plans for the Monument to those gathered around. Can you spot it?

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has been in place since 1538 but was rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666. From top to toe (or ground floor to cellar) this pub has a highly quirky interior, albeit with some questionable archaic signage. Visiting this pub is like taking a step back in time

The pub looks so historic, because it is! It was once the favourite drinking spot of Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson and many more. It was also the first spot that Charlie Chaplin visited on his return to London in 1921.

Ye Olde Mitre

While it’s one of the hardest to find, Ye Olde Mitre Holborn is not one to miss.

It has a huge history including being home to a cherry tree that was said to have been danced around by Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Christopher Hatton.

It was built in 1546 for the servants of the Bishops of Ely and was declared it part of Cambridgeshire and incredibly it stayed that way until recently: in fact Ye Olde Mitre’s licensing laws only stopped being administered by Cambridgeshire in the 1960s.

The Blackfriar

This quirky pub is like no other in London.

It has an incredibly lean facade, with a the sculpture of a monk seemingly willing you in from the outside, by architectural sculptor Henry Poole. This relates to the fact that the pub was built on the site of a Dominican Priory).

The interior of The Blackfriar is just as characterful as its outside. You’ll notice a significantly Arts and Crafts feel with touches of Art Nouveau. The now Grade II* listed building was nearly demolished during a phase of redevelopment in the 1960s, until it was saved by a campaign led by poet Sir John Betjemen.

We’re taking you on an adventure of the square mile and its fringes, exploring the area’s best pubs.

Bursting with character and history, these pubs formed part of our ICONIC One City pub crawl which we launched on our Instagram in January.

Ye Olde Cock Tavern

Starting off this ‘quintessentially London’ experience is a trip to Ye Olde Cock Tavern. It’s hard to miss this pub as, despite its small size, it’s tudor-looking timber beamed façade is wildly different to the smooth stone of the buildings that surround it.

We love this pub because of its rich history. It was originally built in the 16th Century; it was later enhanced with woodwork thought to have been done by master carver Grinling Gibbons.

Since being built, this place has been a key venue for watering the minds of intellectuals, writers and creatives including Samuel Pepy’s and others. In the 1930 it held the founding meeting of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers (now the Chartered Society of Designers), attended by creatives such as Sir Misha Black; known for the design of the Westminster Street name signs.

Old Bank of England Pub

Just across the road is the Old Bank of England Pub. Labelled by locals as having one of the most stunning interiors of a pub in the City, this one is not to miss. This pub resides in the old Law Court’s branch of the previous Bank of England which operated from 1888 to 1975.

Now it is run by McMullen & Sons Hertfordshire Brewers who’ve given it a new lease of life with a selection of honest pub grub (including vegan and vegetarian options). These can be watered down with a properly pulled Hertfordshire pints. If pints don’t tickle your fancy, they also gave an extensive list of cocktails, whiskies and gins… ask their friendly staff for more info!

Princess of Prussia

In 1858 Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Princess Victoria married Frederick William, the Crown Prince of Prussia. A year later the doors to this pub opened and was named in homage to the royal marriage.

In the 20^th Century, this pub was taken over as part of Trumans, hence the lettering spelling ‘Truman’ – something that is somewhat of a familiar sight to pub goers in East London. Recent restoration has revealed this iconic lettering, inviting us into the establishment along with the green tiles, another familiar site of East London pubs.

This pub boasts an incredible Thai menu, all of which can be enjoyed with a pint.

Cheers! And stay tuned for part 2!

Valentine’s Day may have passed, but if you’re looking for a reason to treat yourself and your loved ones, read on!

You won’t have an excuse not to with the help of our trusted guide recommending you the City’s Top 5 Unexpected Date Ideas. 

1. Climb The Monument – did someone say 311 steps?! You heard us. Don’t panic though, apparently the record time to climb to the top was just over a minute, (trust us, it wasn’t us). If you’re looking for something active and unique to do on a date – you should give this a go. Not only will you feel a huge sense of accomplishment at the top, you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal 360 degree views of the City (highlights include Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Walkie Talkie building). Well worth the climb, if you ask us!

2. Premium Whiskey Tasting at Alba Bar – an exclusive hidden gem nestled within Silverleaf bar, Alba is a private, intimate bar offering you a journey of sensations during their premium whiskey tasting sessions. With only up to 12 people per session invited, the team will take you through an incredible journey – from cask selection, to the ageing process, you will be submerged into the journey of whiskey creation. If an exclusive drinking experience sounds up your street, we’re certain you’ll love this. Memories to last a lifetime!

3. Shopping at One New Change – Why not take your date on a shopping trip? In the heart of Cheapside, One New Change gives you all your shopping needs. Expect an abundance of high street and designer shops and restaurants. Why not stop for a cheeky pastry and coffee after at Paul, and enjoy the world-class views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, just a 2 minute walk from One New Change?

4. Dining at Terra – Looking to wine and dine in the City? Join us in Terra, part of Eataly, just next door to Liverpool St station. Terra, the wood-burning grill restaurant, offers you quarterly-changing menus, keeping seasonality at the forefront of the produce-led kitchen – covering antipasti, a curated selection of pasta & risotto, and most importantly, ‘alla griglia’ – the grill, which is the beating heart of Terra.

See you there!

5. Discover classic & contemporary art at The Guildhall Gallery – Finally, we have another freebie for you. Visit the Guildhall’s Art gallery – free entry and guided tours. The City of London Corporation had commissioned and collected portraits since 1670, to hang in the Guildhall. Right now, you can also check out ‘The Big City’ exhibition, which celebrates monumental painters of the capital, and London’s only Roman amphitheatre from 70AD which was discovered during the construction of the gallery in 1988.

Whether you’re tasting exceptional whiskies in an immersive experience, viewing influential pieces of art at the Guildhall Gallery, or treating your date to an impressive Italian meal at the wonderful wood-burning grill restaurant, Terra, we know you’ll have a great time.