The English pub is a cultural institution and (almost) a world heritage. London has over 3,500, but only a few have medieval roots, ghost stories and famous patrons in their guest books.
The historic pubs of London: where history is drunk by the pint
London has a pub tradition dating back to the 12th century. These are the venues with the most history, character and beer in the whole United Kingdom.
The Prospect of Whitby (1520): the oldest
Founded in 1520 in the East End, The Prospect of Whitby is considered the oldest pub in London. Samuel Pepys, the 17th-century diarist, and Charles Dickens were among its regulars. The platform over the Thames is one of the most characteristic in the city.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (1667): Johnson's pub
Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London of 1666, this labyrinth of underground rooms in Fleet Street was frequented by Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. The menu still includes traditional puddings.
The George Inn (1676): the only coaching inn left
The George Inn in Southwark (near Borough Market) is the only coaching inn left in London with its external wooden galleries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the stagecoaches departed from here for the South of England. Shakespeare came to drink here between performances at the Globe Theatre.
Curiosity: The National Trust bought the building in 1937 to preserve it. It is one of the few historic pubs that does not belong to a chain - a miracle in the London property market.