Fermentation was known to our ancestors during the ancient times. It has become a habit in many countries since then. Our ancestors, however, were doing it at home using the fruits that were available to them specifically grapes. Many of the old inscriptions on the walls of monuments describe the process of making wine and beer. They were such experts! Nowadays, nearly every European country as well as the Americas and many countries in Asia as well have their prominent producers of wine and beer, while in the Arab world alcohol is illegal. In fact, many medical researches done on alcoholism proved that it is dangerous for health. Still, this will not prevent the inns that were built during the Victorian era in London from continuing to serve such drinks to their clients, so let us have a peek at these top 10 oldest inns in London.
10 The Grapes
The location of this inn is extremely classical, so if you are in love with the medieval time settings or more precisely prefer the big dresses of Jane Eyre and the tie and tail of Dickens, this is where to revive the classical sense. The inn was opened at the beginning of the 16th century in Limehouse; that’s why here it is all about the atmosphere!
9 The Prospect of Whitby
The Prospect could be proudly dubbed the place of vagabonds! Since it was opened in the 16th century, it was frequently visited by criminals of different shapes and professions. The inn is distinguished with a hanging nose in its balcony, this is a mark to know it.
8 The Angel
Established in the 19th century in Rotherhithe, Angel is such a famous in London that lies in front of the manor of King Edward III. The inn is divided into two sections, the downstairs for the angry Londoners and the upstairs for tourists.
7 The George Inn
Located in Southwark, the George Inn was established in the 17th century and it looks older than the oldest inns in London. It would be fun to know that Charles Dickens used to sit in this inn, it is believed that he sat in all of London’s inns?
6 The Mayflower
Again visiting Rotherhithe, there you would find another inn from the 16th century. Although it used to be called Shippe, then Spread Eagle, the current name is Mayflower, hope they will keep it the same. Like the Grapes inn, the classical atmosphere is what distinguishes this one from the many other modern inns in London.
5 The Spaniards
And yet a third inn from the 16th century, Spaniards is located in Hampstead. As we alluded, Charles Dickens was the kind of a writer who drank in every inn in his country. This one is still an exception since Charles Dickens did mention its name in one of his novels, you may have guessed it by now, The Pickwick Papers.
4 Cheshire Cheese
In 1667, the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese started to receive people and it is still doing the same at the present day. In addition to the old building, the inn itself smells classical with every corner sending memories to the people inside. One thing that characterizes Cheshire is its continual darkness.
3 Lamb and Flag
It is another old inn that was built in the year 1772 in Covent Garden. It is famous for the many fights that took place in it and as a result the frequent bloodshed. This is another inn that Charles Dickens used to visit but did not mention in any of his novels.
2 Old Bell Tavern
Built in the 17th century, the Tavern has a small number of spaces to be called special, i.e., where the location smells Victorian. The Bell Tavern got burned in 1666 as a result of the Great Fire that happened in London. Fortunately, it got repaired and the Tavern recovered its historical status.
1 The Old Mitre
Our number one inn is located in Holborn and it was built in 1546. The Ye Olde Mitre was built by a Bishop! It is for him that one of the rooms is dedicated.
