Historic Pubs
East
Dickens Inn - St. Katherine's Way, E1. Tower
Hill or Tower Gateway DLR.
Timber-framed inn dating back to the eighteenth century,
although despite the name there is no link to Dickens.
Great location and views from the terrace, even if
lacking a bit in the atmosphere stakes.
Prospect of Whitby - 57 Wapping Wall, E1. Wapping
Tube.
Great views of the Thames, a cobbled courtyard, bags
of atmosphere, and nearly five hundred years of serving
pints - say no more.
North
Old Bull & Bush - North End Way, NW3.
Golders Green or Hampstead Tubes, and then the bus.
Of some renown due to the old music hall song, and
as a summer home of the painter Hogarth. Plenty of
character on the edge of the Heath.
Freemasons Arms - 32 Downshire Hill, NW3. Hampstead
Tube.
This early Victorian pub is a Hampstead favourite,
particularly in summer with its huge beer garden.
An added bonus is an old-fashioned skittle alley.
Holly Bush - 22 Holly Mount, NW3. Highgate
Tube, 10 minute walk.
One of the few London pubs to qualify for the official
register of 'Pub Interiors of Outstanding Heritage
Interest', the Holly Bush isn't showy about its pedigree
- despite being in Hampstead - but rather has a restrained
'Sunday paper and pint' feel to it. Four bars in one
(including the one table 'Tavern Bar'), this establishment
is a cosy warren of old wood and roaring fireplaces.
Nestled down a quiet Hampstead mews, the Holly Bush
is the epitome of the good local boozer - friendly
staff, plenty of seating (including outdoors), good
(if pricey) food, and of course a good range of liquid
refreshments. A slice of what English pub life
once was.
Spaniard's Inn - Spaniard's Lane, NW3. Hampstead
Tube and then the bus.
The highway robber Dick Turpin used to stop for a
drink here after robbing his victims, and his pistol
is displayed above the bar. Handy for Kenwood House
and the Heath.
The Flask - 77 Highgate West Hill, N6. Highgate
Tube, then the bus.
One of two equally impressive Flask's in this neck
of the woods, the Highgate version dates back to 1663.
Reputedly the hiding place for Dick Turpin on one
of his many escapes from the law, the cellar and snugs
offer comfort and a degree of privacy.
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