Ah, the good old British pub! There’s something charming about them, isn’t there? Whether you’re a local or a traveller, stepping through the door of a historic pub feels like entering a different time. So, grab a pint, pull up a chair, and let me share my experiences from some of Britain’s most historic watering holes. Trust me, it’s been a cheeky mix of ghosts, mishaps, and good old-fashioned banter!
First stop? Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham. You know it’s special when it claims to be the oldest pub in England—or at least it thinks it is. Dating back to 1189, this place practically drips with history. I mean, it’s built into the rock! The wooden beams, the cosy nooks, the smell of ale—it gets you all nostalgic, even if you weren’t around back then.
When I visited, I couldn’t help but admire the random medieval photos plastered about. It’s filled with charm, but also a bit of clutter. You could probably lose a small child in the collection of old tankards. Just keep an eye on your drinks or they might join the myriad of forgotten relics!
What really got me was the ghost stories. Yup, they claim to have a ghost. Apparently, a knight used to hang around, but he’s not much of a bar fly. I tried asking if he preferred lager, but got nothing except a roll of the bartender’s eyes.
Tip: Don’t skip the food here. The ales are good, but the tradition of cheese & pickle sandwiches is top-notch! Just don’t expect Michelin-star treatment—this is a pub, not a fancy restaurant.
Next up, we hopped over to The Eagle and Child in Oxford. Here, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to huddle over pints and plot their literary domination. Imagine that! I sat in their usual spot, surrounded by shelves of books and odd prints on the walls. Honestly, I half expected Gandalf to stroll in, all robes and wisdom.
Feeling a bit cheeky, I ordered a pint of their house ale and a meat pie. The pie arrived piping hot, too hot, really—you could use it to sunbathe if you squinted just right. But wow, what a filling! Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to run a marathon after—or before—this meal.
The charming, slightly worn décor really sets the atmosphere. You can almost hear the whispers of creativity that flowed through the place. Just keep your voice down; the locals can be a bit protective of their haven.
Insider tip: If you fancy a quiet drink, try to visit midweek. Weekends can feel like a scene from a wild college party. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Now, let’s swerve over to The Royal Oak in Borough, London. This place brims with revolution-era charm. The pub was frequented by none other than Charles Dickens! (Yes, the man himself; I didn’t see him there but felt his presence in the assortment of odd knickknacks).
They have a decent selection of craft ales, but the real star is their history. From the walls lined with quotes from Dickens to an actual spot marked with his name, it’s like having a literature lesson with every sip. I must admit, I had to refrain from using “Dickensian” in every conversation.
The food doesn’t let you down either. I regretfully tried the fish and chips—it felt like being slapped with a cod. However, the mushy peas? I could have bathed in them. Little green cannonballs of joy!
Fun fact: The Royal Oak is still a romantic spot for couples. So if you’re feeling fancy, pull a few pints and impress your date with your knowledge of Victorian writers!
And who could forget our stop at The Lamb & Flag in Bath? This place is eccentric in the best way possible: from the mismatched furniture to a slightly confused cat wandering around. I watched it lounge on a chair and figured it must own the place—it was practically judging me for my choice of drink.
The Lamb & Flag has a rich history, with roots dating back to the 17th century. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s all part of the charm. The pub used to host cockfights! Imagine popping in for a swift half and watching roosters go at it. I’m hoping that’s not a new sport on the rise, but you never know in Bath.
When I ordered my drink, I thought, “Let’s go local!” So, I selected a Bath ale. I lifted my glass to take a swig, only for my lips to meet one of the most disappointing pints I’d ever had. It tasted a bit like disappointment mixed with regret. Who knew that was a thing? Don’t worry; the fish finger sandwich more than made up for it, so I didn’t leave completely put out.
Pro tip: Ask the bartender for recommendations! They’re usually fantastic and will steer you clear of any duds in the drinks department.
Wrapping up our pub crawl was The White Horse in London. This little gem is known for its massive selection of bottled beers, and it’s been declared one of the best pubs in the city. The ambiance? Picture shelves stacked higher than your arm reaches with various bottles—it’s a sight for sore eyes!
What truly captured my heart was the outdoor area. Imagine communing with fellow humans (or future friends) under twinkling fairy lights. It has that ‘we’re here for a good time, not a long time’ vibe. Just keep an eye on your wallet; the relaxed atmosphere can lead to a few too many pints!
The staff really know their stuff, too. I asked them for a recommendation and, to my surprise, hit the jackpot! It was like winning a mini-lottery. I sipped away while enjoying a platter of mouth-watering nibbles that tasted like heaven itself.
Final note: Don’t forget to grab some business cards as mementos. You’ll thank me later when you try to remember that delightful pub trip!
Britain’s pubs are more than just places to grab a drink; they’re backdrops to history, places where laughter lives in the air long after you’ve gone. From ghost tales to legendary conversations, these spots wrap up stories in ways a guidebook just can’t. Whether you fancy a pie at The Eagle and Child or a pint at The Royal Oak, there’s something waiting for you.
So, what about you? Have you ever found a hidden gem of a pub in your travels? Or do you have a funny pub story that still makes you chuckle? Do share; I’d love to hear your experiences! Cheers to many more adventures! 🍻
