If you find yourself wandering through the charming streets of the UK, be prepared to prolong your journey through time—especially if you take a detour into one of the oldest pubs. Because let’s face it, what’s better than a crisp pint surrounded by centuries of history? Picture this: you walk into a place that’s been pouring pints since the 12th century. You might even wonder if the beer has been brewing longer than some empires.
Now, I’ve always believed that every pub has a story. It’s just one of those things that the universe puts in your favour when you order a pint—or, in my case, a rather questionable gin and tonic that could have made a lovely paint stripper. So, grab your thinking cap—it’s time to raise a glass to the UK’s oldest pubs and the tales they tell.
First on my list has to be the legendary Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. Tucked into the side of Nottingham Castle, this pub claims to be the oldest inn in England, dating back to 1189. Now, that’s a solid age for a drinking establishment.
The first thing that’ll catch your eye? Well, the quirky wooden beams and the creaky floors that make you feel like you’re walking on history itself. When I visited, I found a small nook that said "King Charles I drank here." Can you imagine? I was half-tempted to order his favourite beverage—though I’m pretty sure it wasn’t something served by the pint.
Your drink options range from local ales to more adventurous selections, but after a long day of roaming around the castle, I decided to sample their “castle ale.” To be honest, it was more like drinking a liquid version of the walls—sturdy, with a slight vague hint of character. But the nostalgia of sipping from a tankard in a place that’s stood through centuries of battles and bonkers politics is priceless.
Next stop, down in London: The Olde Watling. It’s a stone’s throw from St. Paul’s Cathedral and boasts history that takes you as far back as 1100. Let’s just say my GPS wasn’t needed; it has a charming ‘come hither’ sign that’s hard to ignore.
As I stepped over the threshold, the air was thick with the smell of oak and roasted meats. Oh, and why did I almost trip over my own feet? Because I was too busy gawking at the wooden interior and the framed old maps covering the walls. It functions as a fabulous little museum, too!
Though the place was bustling, the staff were unexpectedly friendly—almost as though they enjoyed the busy service. I can confirm that their fish and chips are a must. Just watch out for that darned mushy peas! They could function as a green paint sample for your home.
Let’s hop over the border, shall we? In Cardiff lies the delightful Bunch of Grapes, established in probably the 15th century. This pub isn’t just a spot to sip; it’s an architectural marvel showcasing extensive wooden beams and intricate carvings.
Walking into this place felt like stepping into a friend’s grandad’s living room, so much warmth and charm. I was immediately drawn to the bar, adorned with an impressive lineup of craft ales. I’ll take one of each, please!
As I enjoyed my drink, the pub filled with chatter, banter, and a splash of Welsh accents. It was here I learned that Cardiff was once known as a city built upon coal! Can you believe people actually drank more than they worked after? After a few pints, I can see why!
Head over to Manchester and you’ll stumble upon The Anchor, which is said to have opened its doors in 1640. This pub is a proper gem, right on the banks of the Irwell River. Imagine sipping a pint while watching boats drift by—a heartbeat away from the swirling urban life.
On one of my visits, they were running a quiz night. Now, if you know me, you’ll know how good I am at quizzes— that is to say, I’m worse than a goldfish at a trivia competition. But I decided to join a group of locals who, bless them, didn’t seem to mind my utter lack of knowledge. Together, we navigated questions about Manchester’s football legacy, and to my surprise, I actually managed to score a point or two—right before forgetting that "Jack" is not a legitimate footballer.
But I digress! The atmosphere was friendly, the drinks were ice-cold, and at least I got a free packet of crisps during the ‘snacks for answers’ deal (not too shabby if you ask me).
Ah, now we must go to the heart of the literary elite: The Eagle and Child in Oxford, where the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to meet. This traditional pub dates back to the 16th century and is packed with an air of literary genius—or maybe just a lot of old bookish blokes. But either way, it’s charming.
Stepping through those doors, it feels as if you can hear the murmurs of past discussions on Middle-earth and Cheshire Cats. And speaking of cats, I ordered their Fish Finger Sandwich, which was surprisingly delectable, but it wasn’t quite Narnia!
One funny thing? The décor includes a rather grumpy-looking portrait of Tolkien. I thought to myself, “What would he say if he knew a bunch of us were chowing down on fish fingers in his former haunt?”
So there you have it, a whirlwind tour of some of the UK’s oldest pubs. Each one possesses a unique story, an air of classic charm, and a pint waiting just for you. They’re more than just places to wet your whistle; they’re hallowed grounds steeped in history, perfect for travellers looking to sip their way through time.
As I wrap this up, I encourage you to drop your thoughts below. Which pub intrigues you the most? Or do you have other historical pubs to add that I’ve missed? Got a pint-related tale that would make Hemingway proud? I can’t wait to hear your stories!
Now, if only I could figure out how to brew my own ale—may need to look for classes on that! In the meantime, I’ll settle for another pub hop. Cheers!
