There’s nothing like London in the summer. If you’re visiting London when the sun is shining, you’ll notice endless pubs opening their beer gardens to those looking to enjoy the warm weather.
London has a long history of pubs, some of which go back to the 16th century. People regularly debate over which pub is actually London’s oldest, but regardless of what the answer is, many of the capital’s historical pubs are still open today.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in London in summer, what better way to spend an afternoon than soaking up the sun in a historical London pub?
Let’s dive into the best historical pubs in London below, all of which are perfect for enjoying the warm summer months.
1. The George Inn – Southwark
First up on our list is The George Inn. Found behind Borough High Street, the inn was originally built in the 16th century, but was rebuilt after the 1676 Southwark fire. The galleries which you’ll see on the front of the inn used to be a common feature of inns, but now, The George Inn is the last remaining galleried inn in London.
Over 300 years later, the inn is bustling with life, rich in both tourists and locals. It’s a great spot for appreciating a summer afternoon, enjoying drinks with a big group of friends. However, if you’re after a quiet spot to read a book with a glass of wine, it’s best to look elsewhere – The George Inn is definitely not a quiet pub!
2. The White Swan – Twickenham
Another one of the best historical pubs in London is The White Swan, found along the River Thames banks in Twickenham.
The pub was first built in the 17th century and is still in regular use to this day. It’s a joy to visit in winter, thanks to its cosy two rooms made better by the fireplaces, but it’s especially nice to visit in summer, thanks to its riverside patio and charming balconies. Many London newspapers cite the White Swan as one of the best pubs in Britain, making note of its idyllic surroundings and pretty beer garden.
Occasionally, when the Thames is at high tide, the garden patio ends up inside the river itself! Don’t worry though, this doesn’t happen often and if it does, it’s never for long. If you’re looking to enjoy the warm weather alongside views of the capital’s River Thames, make The White Swan the next stop on your list.
If you’re interested in visiting some of London’s historical pubs, why not make the trip easier with a private guide tour?
At Yellow Moon Tours, we’ll do the work to create a personalised trip of your dreams. Whether you want to go on a walking tour of the capital’s oldest pubs, or try your hand at sightseeing London in one day, our private tours are bespoke to fit around you.
To find out more, give us a call at +44 (0) 20 3290 3665, or send us an email at info@yellowmoontours.com.
3. The Mayflower – Rotherhithe
Another pub with views of the River Thames is The Mayflower Pub. First built in 1550, this pub is full of history, as it’s found at the original mooring point of The Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower ship.
The Mayflower, under Captain Christopher Jones’ command, sailed from the point in 1620, starting its legendary voyage to America. The Mayflower docked at Cape Cod a few months later, where the settlers signed The Mayflower Compact – the first outline of a government for the United States of America.
The Mayflower pub is said to have the ship’s original timbers built into the pub itself. Its connection to America is incredibly strong, it’s the only UK pub that’s permitted to sell US postage stamps.
The Mayflower pub is certainly worth a visit for its history alone, but it’s also a great spot to enjoy a summer in London. You can enjoy views of the River Thames from the pub’s terrace, but as the pub is just on the water’s edge, watch out during high tide – you don’t want to get wet!
4. Royal Inn on The Park – Victoria Park
The Royal Inn on the Park is an incredibly beautiful spot that is perfect for enjoying a summer afternoon. This classic English pub is located right on the picturesque Victoria Park, with its green, shaded beer garden giving you a view of Britain’s oldest public park.
The pub used to be known as the Royal Hotel, but the mid-Victorian building changed hands to turn into a public house. You can still see 19th-century features within the pub today, like its fireplaces and smaller side rooms next to the main bar.
The pub prides itself on its down-to-earth feel and relaxed atmosphere. Its traditional, European food is perfect for those looking for a hearty home-cooked meal. You can enjoy the summer holiday weather on the pub’s garden terrace, which has its own bar licensed until 11 pm.
5. The Spaniards Inn – Hampstead
The Spaniards Inn is one of the best historical pubs in London, boasting a unique history related to several literary authors. Charles Dickens mentioned the pub in his Pickwick Papers, and it’s thought to be the location where Keats wrote ‘Ode to a Nightingale’.
Many decades later, the inn has preserved its traditional period features and conventional wooden panelling, giving the inn historical character. In summer, visitors regularly enjoy the inn’s romantic atmosphere, feeling as though they’ve stepped back in time.
The Spaniard’s Inn is a great place to visit for lazy afternoon al-fresco dining. Its patio is vibrant and buzzing when summer comes around. However, if the British weather turns its head, the patio does have heating to keep you comfortable in the cold.
There we have it! We hope this post inspired you to check out some of the best historical pubs in London.
If you were looking for places in London to visit in summer, the pubs above aren’t just great for enjoying a refreshing pint, they’ll give you a memorable journey through London’s incredible past.
If you’re considering booking a tour of some of London’s historical landmarks, you’re in the right place! Let Yellow Moon Tours know what you’d like to see and we’ll create a private tour made just for you.
For inquiries or questions, send us an email at info@yellowmoontours.com or give us a call at +02032903665 to book your private tour today.
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Written by Rosh for Yellow Moon Tours.
