Looking to Get a Pint? London’s Must-See Traditional Pubs
Once you’ve covered London Bridge (which, by the way, is not currently falling down), Big Ben, and Her Royal Highness, most people think there is not much left to London. Most people, however, could not be more wrong. London is one of those “happening” places that is always buzzing with activity and excitement, and has a night life so exciting, you’ll want to keep coming back for more. If you’ve always wanted to “grab a pint,” in one of those traditional London pubs you’ve seen in movies, you are in luck! London is still filled with unique pubs of all kinds (with very unique names to match), that you couldn’t possibly visit them all without necessitating a very long recovery period.
Though it was no easy task, here’s a list of just a few pubs that are considered must-see’s; just don’t attempt to frequent them all at once.
The Dog and Duck
If you are looking to walk where Mozart himself once walked, you need look no further than the Dog and Duck Pub in Soho. The building that now stands on the corner of Bateman and Frith Street has been there since 1897. However, the original Dog and Duck, which was built in 1734, was located in that exact same spot, and Mozart was said to have been racking up the frequent flier miles. The pub is decorated from floor to ceiling in mirrors and highly glazed tiles, giving it the look of a Victorian butcher shop. It’s extravagant and unique interior design are what draws so many people in.
There is something for everyone at the Dog and Duck; it’s stocked with a vast selection of real ales and delicious pub food. Along with food and drink, there is also no shortage of good old fashioned British hospitality.
Cittee of Yorke
Standing on a site that has been home to pubs since 1430, the current Cittee of Yorke Pub has been hosting waves of drinkers since 1920. This particular pub also has the bragging right of being listed in CAMRA’s (The Campaign for Real Ale) national inventory of historic pub interiors. If you aren’t stunned enough by the enormous wine vats by the entrances (said to hold 1,000 gallons each), perhaps the cubicles will catch your attention. These were used by lawyers for confidential conversations with their clients. The main attraction, however, is the triangular stove right in the middle of the bar. If you look up, you will notice it has no chimney; the smoke is diverted underground.
The Eagle
Looking for something really original? How about a pub that comes with its own nursery rhyme; “Up and down the City Road, in and out The Eagle. That’s where the money goes, pop goes the weasel!” And no, we didn’t make that up. The Eagle graces London as one of its oldest pubs and is one of the few that still has many of its original features. The menu includes everything from fish fingers to extravagant roasts (a Sunday favourite), as well as an immense selection of beers. With a lively atmosphere, and cocktails to boot, the Eagle is truly Farringdon’s finest.
