British Food and Travel

As the UK begins the process of reopening after the coronavirus lockdown, many people have been eagerly awaiting to hear when they can once again enjoy a pint at their local pub. And with good reason.

Inns. Taverns. Gastropubs. Micropubs. The local. The British pub is much more than a place to drink. Visitors from the US often comment on how they are so unlike American bars. The British pub is often the heart of a community. It’s a place for socializing. But it can also be a place to eat, a village shop, and all manner of other things. The true local pub is always a place of welcome.

With Britain’s lengthy history, it’s no surprise that some pubs have been around for years… centuries. And what better way to finish a long walk than to enjoy a pint and a meal at a pub! So it’s time to look at some of Britain’s historic pubs.

Now there is much controversy as to what is Britain’s oldest pub, based on licensing, building age, and so on. Rather than attempt to list in any chronological order, we are simply presenting some of Britain’s finest historic pubs, complete with background and contact information. Read on to find one near you….

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

As you can see from the photo, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be “the oldest inn in England” making it one of three in Nottingham that competes for the title. According to local lore, way back in 1189, knights would gather here before they headed to the Crusades. Some historians beg to differ, finding no historical proof of these claims. There are records of a pub, The Pilgrim, operating on the site in 1751 and some parts of the building date back to 1650. This doesn’t mean that the tales of crusaders are incorrect; we simply can’t say for sure. However, the pub has a fascinating set of rooms built into caves, originally used as a brewhouse for the castle in the 11th century. When you’re in Nottingham, be sure to visit “the trip” as the locals call it for a pint, some good food, and some fascinating history.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is located at 1 Brewhouse Yard in Nottingham.

Grace Neill’s, Donaghadee, County Down

Proudly bearing the honour of being Ireland’s oldest licensed pub, Grace Neill’s was known as The King’s Arms for more than 300 years. It was renamed after the death of beloved owner and local figure Grace in 1918. Since opening its doors in 1611, some notable guests have supped here at the Donaghadee local, including the poet Keats, writer Daniel Defoe, and Russia’s Peter the Great. The ceiling beams, made of ship timbers, are original to the 17th century building, as are the stone floors. Grace Neill’s continues to provide a warm welcome today, whether you choose to sit outside in the beer garden or sip in front of a roaring fire. Visitors also sing the praises of the locally-sourced food menu.

Grace Neill’s is located at 33 High Street in Donaghadee, County Down.

Adam and Eve, Norwich

Claiming to be the oldest known pub in Norwich, Adam and Eve points to a historical reference from 1249. The builders of Norwich Cathedral stayed here, receiving payment in the form of bread and beer. Historians think its role as a pub may go back even earlier than that, possibly being linked to local Benedictine monks, so it won’t surprise you to hear that the spirit of a medieval French monk whose remains were uncovered in the 1970s is believed to reside at the Adam and Eve. A Saxon well has also been discovered beneath the bar’s floor. The current Grade II listed building was constructed in the 17th century.

Adam and Eve is located at 17 Bishopsgate, Norwich. For more details, call (01603) 667423.

The Bingley Arms, Bardsey

Oldest surviving business and oldest surviving pub in the UK? The Bingley Arms lays claim to both titles. Once known as The Priest’s Inn, the Bingley Arms has provided sanctuary for Catholic priests and later served as a courthouse… all by 1000AD! Pub owners say that the business dates back to between 905AD and 953AD, making it roughly 1100 years old. It’s possible that it even predated the nearby church. Just outside of Leeds, the village of Bardsey lies along the historical route between Kirkstall Abbey and St Mary’s in York, and so it makes sense that this would have once been a heavily traveled path. In addition to enjoying a beer and some of the pub’s critically acclaimed food, visitors should inspect the priest holes hidden in the chimney and the ancient yew tree in the beer garden.

The Bingley Arms is located at 37 Church Lane, Bardsey, West Yorkshire. The pub is open daily but bookings for food and/or drinking are required until further notice.

The Clachan Inn, Drymen

The Clachan Inn is within easy reach of Glasgow and Loch Lomond, and is Scotland’s oldest licensed pub. It has been registered since 1734, although many think it was serving all long before then. Fans of Scottish history will also be interested to learn the pub’s connection to folk hero Rob Roy McGregor; one of his sisters was The Clachan Inn’s first licensee. Today it welcomes locals and tourists, as well as those walking either the West Highland Way or the Rob Roy Way. You can also book a room and rest those weary feet. The restaurant offers a fine selection of Scottish favourites, including cullen skink, haggis, and Aberdeen Angus beef. There are also plenty of Scottish whiskies and gins to sample.

The Clachan Inn is located in Drymen Square, Drymen. Check website for hours.

The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

Claiming the title of Britain’s oldest inn, The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold has a pedigree that extends back to 947AD. Still with many original features–fireplaces, thick oak doors, etc–The Porch House combines its historical charm with 5-star accommodation and dining, a far cry from its early days as a hospice. Your four-legged friends can come along too. The Sunday Times praises its “comfort, charm, and character” and lists it as one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds. In addition to serving perhaps the best Sunday lunch in the Cotswolds, the restaurant serves an extensive menu, complete with vegan options.

The Porch House is located on Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire.

Old Thatch Tavern, Stratford-upon-Avon

Do you ever wonder if William Shakespeare popped down to his local for a quick pint while pondering his next masterpiece? We don’t know, although it’s fun to think that the Bard might have supped here at the Old Thatch Tavern, Stratford Upon Avon’s only remaining thatched building and one of the town’s oldest landmarks. And despite the building’s age (built 1490), it has only been licensed since 1623, ruling out any creative musings. It’s just a few hundred yards from Shakespeare’s birthplace and obviously a popular spot for tourists in the summer. The Old Thatch Tavern serves a selection of real ales and the carvery uses locally-sourced meats. As a bonus, its fascinating history extends well beyond the town’s famous playwright. If you’re lucky, you might encounter the ghost of Joseph Pinfield who was murdered on the premises on Christmas Day, 1795!

The Old Thatch Tavern is located on Greenhill Street, Stratford Upon Avon.

The Old House 1147, Llangynwyd

Just as the English dispute which pub is the oldest, so the Welsh are torn on which of their taverns is the oldest. One of those in the running is The Old House 1147 which has even put its date of origin in the name. The current incarnation of the business opened a little over a year ago after extensive restoration and renovation. Sadly, it had to close for the pandemic before celebrating its first birthday, but we get the feeling it will be around for qute a few more years, given its lengthy history. When you drink here, you’ll be in good company; Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and David Bowie all visited. Visit at New Year and you’ll be able to watch the village’s traditional Mari Lwyd celebrations.

The Old House 1147 is located in Llangynwyd. The pub plans to reopen on Monday 3rd August.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St. Albans

If you’re wondering which pub the Guinness Book of World Records recognises as the oldest in the UK, look no further than Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans. The foundations were part of the Palace of King Offa in about 793AD. The actual building, notable for its octagonal shape, was built as a pigeon house some time in the 11th century. More recently, CAMRA awarded the pub for its selection of food and drink.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is located at 16 Abbey Mill Lane, St. Albans.

The Bell Inn, Nottingham

The Bell Inn is the second of our Nottingham pubs competing for title of the city’s oldest. Officially, it dates back to 1437. However, it may have been a brewery for a couple of centuries prior to that. Once reserved purely for monks, after Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, The Bell Inn began to allow anyone through its door for a beer, which is probably why it survived so long. And if beer is not your drink of choice, the upstairs is now a gin bar. We suggest you stop by the Tudor Bar and Lizzie’s Bar, both with original timber from 1437. For an extra oddity, check out the leprosy windows.

The Bell Inn is located at 18 Angel Row, Nottingham.

Coming up: Part 2 of our look at Britain’s Historic Pubs.