Sprawling 17th century tavern with rabbit-warren of bars and a rich history.
Steeped in history, this pub’s story stretches back through the reigns of fifteen monarchs. While the tavern’s vaulted cellars are thought to date back to the 13th century, when they formed part of a Carmelite Monastery, most of the pub was rebuilt in 1667 after the previous inn on the site was razed in the Great Fire of 1666. Hidden away down a tiny alley, a quaint, creaking sign protruding from a wall is all that alerts passers-by to its presence. Once inside, the Cheshire Cheese is just as a traditional English pub ought to look: all narrow passageways and staircases, connecting a rabbit-warren of bars and dining rooms located on various different levels. The interior is done out in dark wood and has corresponding low ceilings. This haphazard network of cosy nooks and crannies is dotted with open fireplaces - especially good for thawing out over a cheerful pint in the cold winter months. The past century saw many a journalist cross the threshold thanks to its location on Fleet Street, the erstwhile home of the country's newspaper industry. As well as all the journalists, in times past Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has played host to its fair share of literary celebrities, including Charles Dickens, Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Johnson (whose house, in nearby Gough Square, is open to visitors). Nowadays the typical customer is more office worker than man of letters but this doesn’t detract from the pub’s undeniable charm. Serving up a very reasonably priced selection from the Samuel Smith’s Brewery this is also a great place to sample a tasty range of traditional English grub. This is a pub that is true London and one that, for once, genuinely deserves its “Ye Olde” epithet.
Best for:
Vaulted cellars and low ceilings, cosy nooks and narrow passageways, Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens.
Did you know?
The death of the pub’s resident pet parrot – famous for mimicking customers - was announced on the BBC and in newspaper obituaries all over the world.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
145 Fleet Street, EC4A
Find yourself a cosy nook in one the this 17th century pub’s many vaulted cellars and hide away from... More
Doctor Johnson's House
17 Gough Square, EC4A
Samuel Johnson had an unforgettable passion for the English language and, of course, for London. In this elegant Queen Anne... More
Set in an attractive cobbled courtyard, this candlelit bistro/wine bar is a taste of an older, more civilised world. Uniformed French waiters glide unobtrusively between ... More
Built on the site of a Victorian meat cellar, Fabric continues to boast the most sensational line-ups in the capital. Its global reputation is founded ... More
This neat and simple hotel gets all the basics right. The prices are sensible, the rooms are simply and attractively decorated, there's a decent little ... More
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House is always a favourite with kids. These jets of water are especially popular when they provide ...More
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, London's Inns of Court date back to before the 14th century. It is here that barristers train and traditionally ... More
The Hunterian Museum within the Royal College of Surgeons boasts a host of enlightening, permanent and temporary, galleries and exhibitions. Housed in the college, the ...More
Taking inspiration from Japanese ramman-noodle bars, Wagamama is the ultimate in high-quality, fast food. Huge bowls of steaming, soupy noodles, chicken dumplings with a chilli-soy ... More
It's a problem. How to get a healthy, tasty lunch. We're swamped in McDonald's and Pret a Manger, but finally our search for something different, ... More
Situated in the heart of London, Career Energy – formed in March 2002 - offers comprehensive advice on careers, career change and job searching. They’ll ...More
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and ... More
Grandmaster Gedo Chang's Hapkido martial arts schools emphasises practical self-defence, confidence, balance and fitness.
The ancient Korean martial art of Hapkido is made up of three ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.