Step Back in Time: Discover 5 Historic Pubs in the City of London

[@richardwest217]

Great to hear someone pronouncing Ye correctly. ( Thorn, e not y,e.)

[@Robslondon]

I learnt the hard way from earlier videos!! 😂😂😂

[@andresilva8444]

But then "butler" goes out the window.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Working in the City, I used to frequent the Mitre and the Watling, but although our offices were on Queen Victoria Street, I never even knew that the Blackfriar existed. I even used to commute into Blackfriars Station, which must be close by. The Art Deco interior is fantastic.

[@Robslondon]

You’ll need to go there now! 😉

[@RockerMark]

As an old (ish) Bermondsey boy, I love these pub tours. There are some wonderful pubs in London.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment, cheers.

[@R08Tam]

The Black Friar is absolutely gorgeous.

[@Robslondon]

Well said 😉

[@robbojax2025]

I disagree

[@NotFunny292.]

I think it used to be in Ludgate circus Why has that name been removed off the face of London?

[@goodfes]

Never really appreciated the beauty of the Blackfriar, went there in the 80's, 90's. But as it was across the river & on the slow way home we always ended up there, outside, later in the evening. Another trip down memory lane, thanks !

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@melissalambert7615]

Nice tour. First one was beautiful. But, love the Ye Olde Watling because C. Wren had it built for workers of the Cathedral. Can you imagine nowadays. "We'd like to build a church but first we need to build a bar". Ha, ha! Bell, Book and Candle is a great movie.

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Yes, it wouldn’t happen now would it?! Thanks Melissa

[@vickywitton1008]

Lovely to see The Blackfriars as I passed by when I was in London but didn't have time to stop!

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@johnlocke6506]

Working in the City in the mid 70's as an auditor visiting different clients gave me the opportunity to drink in the Blackfriar and Ye Olde Watling among many others. Lunchtime drinking was allowed then!

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@tracyfryer8153]

Superb pubs with colourful histories the black friars is a stunning looking building thanks rob for your delights ❤️

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Tracy 😄

[@davehustwayte689]

Hi Rob, Hope you are well, Thank you for a beautifully filmed, Excellent narrated video, Plus one of my favourite subjects, Really well done Rob.

[@Robslondon]

I truly appreciate that Dave, means a lot to me. And thank you so much for your kind support 🍺

[@grahamross6397]

Thanks, Rob. Didn't know about Lady Spencer but I always raise a pint to Sir John when at the Black Friar. Those copper-topped tables inside are a thing but I prefer under the trees, outside. Even tonight when it poured down.

[@Robslondon]

You sat out in that?! 😅🍺

[@grahamstubbs4962]

You keep finding yourself these difficult, not to say challenging journalistic assignments. One can only applaud such resolution and fortitude. 🙂

[@Robslondon]

😂🍺

[@leechilds3725]

These old pubs and others like them are museums in their own right, and considering you get served 🍺 beer makes them so much more appealing

[@Robslondon]

Well said Lee 😄

[@gailmrutland6508]

*The Black Friar was the most interesting story and absolutely stunning inside.*

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@5335816]

Hooray! Another in the London pub series, I love these! I have always wondered about the Blackfriars pub and enjoyed the others too. I love how so many of Londons pubs are unique and quirky. We are so lucky to live amongst so much history. Thank you so much.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment, thank you! And yes, very much agreed. Stay well :-)

[@mattbarbarich3295]

Loved the Blackfriers pub near the Thames when i was there. Such amazing artwork and vibe ,my two pints disappeared down in no time on a warm October's day admiring this architecural wonder 9 yrs ago.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment Matt ;-)

[@lindasueanderson8024]

What a fun video. Black Friar is stunning

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 🤩

[@brianfretwell3886]

Working in Farringdon for many years I have drunk in at least 4 out of 5 of those pubs. They used to (and maybe stil do) have a Strawberry Fayre near Ye Olde Mitre in Summer.

[@maverick4177]

I once had the privilege of sitting next to sir John Betjeman, eating a cheers and pickle sandwich I was 12, and it was at Saint Enodocs church yard near Padstow in Cornwall, just a few days after he was buried The pall bearers had to carry him across the golf course to even get to the church it’s so remote A memory that has stayed with me for 40 years

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment. Thank you.

[@annereidy7981]

That's a great story, thank you.

[@hectorthorverton4920]

Days after burial, and he could still eat a cheese and pickle sandwich! Quite a guy - I'd love to know his secret!

[@MyRackley]

I sat near Seamus Heaney in The Lamb, Lamb's Conduit Street one lunchtime. His publisher, Faber, had offices in nearby Queen Square (Bloomsbury).

[@brianartillery]

In the early 1980's, a mate of mine and I went into the Coach And Horses in Soho, just to see if 'Britain's Rudest Landlord™', Norman Balon, would tell us to "F**k off". Sadly, he didn't, and we drank our beers quite happily. However, while we were there, some tourists came in, some words were exchanged, and were cordially invited to leave immediately by Mr Balon. That made our day. His autobiography was, if I remember correctly, entitled: 'You're Barred, You Bastards.'

[@michaelj3282]

Brilliant as ever, I know of the Mitre and the Blackfriar, I worked on Farringdon Road in the early/mid 90s, often went to The Olde Mitre and occasionally the Blackfriar, which I believe is one of the most eclectic pub in London. Always wondered what's upstairs, just storerooms are do people live there? The shape of it reminds me of a misspent youth in Newcastle, where we used to frequent what we'd call The Coffin Pub (named after the shape of it, it actually called The Central. Postcode NE8 2AN), again right next to the train tracks, we'd sit on the patio and were level with the train lines and watch (and occasionall "moon") at the train passengers as they passed by. Happy days, thanks for the research again Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Michael, thanks.. yes I’ve always wondered what’s upstairs too! 😉

[@fairyprincess911]

The pubs look like an adventure to find, an adventure to drink 🍺 in, a great place to take in the city "vibe."

[@a.c.4732]

Great job ! When I first worked in The City , I remember visiting a pub called the Samuel Pepys down an alley in Stew Lane ( ? ) a few feet from the Thames . (north side ) . Any of these old alleyways could easily carry off a blue plaque to Bill Sykes & Bullseye . The back end of the pub was extended slightly over the river , to give the appearance of the back of an old galleon , padded bench overlooking the water . This memory might well be influenced by "beer goggles" , I was still quite young back then ! There was something incredibly oldy-world about the atmosphere , dark oak beams , pipe smoke etc etc . Years later , I met a friend for lunch there . What a rude re-awakening : All glass and bright chrome handrails . Light wood . Too neat & precise by half ; clinical almost . But I'm morphing into Victor Meldrew , again . Keep doing these vids Rob . They give countless amounts of pleasure to people not just here in the U.K. but to people who have moved further afield ....

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Great comment and thank you so much for the kind words; that means a great deal to me.

[@ladyellice1863]

I must admit that your “pub crawl” videos are my favourites… draw whatever conclusion you want from that! 🥳😂 I’ve had a few personal things going on so now I need to binge all the videos I’ve missed. Thanks for all the fantastically well researched and informative content Rob. ❤

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Ladyellice, good to see you back here! :-D

[@darrenbertram7289]

That's Saturday afternoon's pub crawl sorted - cheers Rob! 😅

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Enjoy! (Be aware though not all of them are open on the weekend!! 😬)

[@darrenbertram7289]

@@Robslondonyes, the City - aka the Square Mile - is its own strange little world 😂

[@AngeloBetrulas]

Yet again, another great video,, Rob. As a former City Of London publican, I know all the pubs you've wonderfully reported on, though sadly, I drove through Fleet St. the other day and the pub I used to run, 'The Coach & Horses' on Whitefriars St, has been demolished! Look forward to your next adventure and thanks again!

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Angelo, thank you :-)

[@a.c.4732]

Yes , it's hearbreaking when an old memory , full of character & life / once so real/ is removed from existence ; to be replaced by some non-descript square lump that will , itself , be removed from existence in no time at all ...

[@Meg-fh1qq]

Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Meg! That's very kind of you 😀

[@paulbagley1020]

Rob, when next I am in London, you and I are going on a genuine pub crawl. It's clear you'll plan the itinerary. Once again you have shown not only what exists in London today, but the how and wherefores of its background. Well done!

[@bryan3550]

You won't be alone, Paul! 🍻

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Cheers Paul 😉🍺🍺

[@WagnerGimenes]

Thanks a lot, Rob. Great inspiration for my next Pub Crawl with my daughter. 👍👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much WagnerGimeenes, that's really kind of you! Hope you both enjoy your pub crawl! ;-)

[@WagnerGimenes]

@@Robslondon Quite the opposite, Rob. It's very kind of you to produce and publish all your videos 👍👍

[@Robslondon]

@@WagnerGimenes It's an absolute pleasure mate.

[@dennisb9638]

Your channel deserves many, many more followers.Briliant storytelling!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Dennis 😄 I’m blessed to have as many followers as I already do, but it can be tough going on here at times to be honest… Really appreciate your kind words- they mean a lot to me. Cheers and stay well.

[@Michael-wr1yy]

Never knew that the Blackfriar statue was a recent addition and very appropriate. A great short film

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Michael! I had idea either until I looked into it. Stay well.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

As an American, I made a point of visiting CAMRA-recommended pubs, including Black Friars. The Ale was fine and the pub was fantastic in its decor.

[@Robslondon]

Always good to see American friends appreciating good ale! ;-) Cheers James.

[@adrianpeaty9078]

Popped up as a recommended channel and love this 🍺

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Adrian! Good to have you here ;-)

[@HeimirTomm]

A pleasure as always. Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

You’ve very welcome Tomm 😉 Hope you’re keeping well my friend.

[@youleks]

Thanks for another great video, Rob! I visited Ye Olde Mitre, found this pub almost by accident tucked in the narrow lane. Sometimes great pubs are hidden in plain sight 😉 After watching this I'm definitely going to explore the area again.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much youleks! Yes, love Ye Olde Mitre 😉 Enjoy your return to the area! 🍺

[@nigelmattravers5913]

The Blackfriars (I was there only last week) and the Mitre have long been favourites of mine, but I was not aware of the other three. Thanks Rob, three new reasons to go drinking in London!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Nigel! Enjoy exploring the new ones! 😉🍺

[@sssdddkkksss]

The George & Vulture is an absolute classic.

[@Robslondon]

That’s in my Dickens pubs video

[@sssdddkkksss]

@@Robslondon Fair

[@nickgiles7568]

Brilliant thanks Rob. I can almost smell the London Pride whilst I was watching.

[@Robslondon]

😄 Ha ha, cheers Nick! 🍺

[@simonbarringer3415]

I love you documentaries even though I live up in the midlands but did use to do work in London in my youth…

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Simon :-)

[@jonny7491]

Really enjoyed this video and great camera shots of St Paul’s.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Jonny! Christopher Wren did all the hard work 😉

[@simonlawson3156]

Very interesting thank you My old local The Grenadier is well worth time spent

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Simon.

[@mattmclafferty6265]

Thanks Rob..! Hare Krishna

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! Same to you :-)

[@andrewgarley1400]

Only last week, I thought I need to search on pubs, Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Andrew!

[@kabinvideo7495]

A great video and I live so close to London and did not know that those pubs existed so next time I am in London I will seek them out.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you- and enjoy! 🍻

[@gavinnicolasbarnes8450]

Thank you for another interesting video. I always find your videos interesting and informative. Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Gavin, thank you

[@MazSwanboroughSmith]

You are so good at these videos, Rob. That was so enjoyable, thank you 😊❤

[@Robslondon]

That's so kind of you to say Maz! Many thanks indeed 🙂

[@fenman1954]

What a fascinating video, as a former resident of Ely Cambridgeshire I never knew this part of the history of the Bishops of Ely.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! It's a beautiful part of the world.

[@martinjf467]

Very interesting! I used to drink most weekday lunch times in a pub in Bolton called The Man & Scythe when I was at college. On the wall was an "olde" chair which one of Charles 1st's loyal lords sat upon to eat his last meal before having his head removed from his shoulders in the yard outside. Then about 3 miles from my house was another pub I occasionally visited in Affetside Village called The Packhorse. Behind the bar is a human skull which is the head of the executioner who had beheaded the aforementioned Lord, beheaded in turn when Chuck II came into power upon the overthrow of Cromwell. And just coincidentally, only about a mile and a bit away there's another local lockup almost the same as the one you featured in your Liverpool article.

[@Robslondon]

Really interesting comment Martin, thank you ;-)

[@sharonhart3111]

I came home today after work, caught in the rain and I thought and remembered aha! Robs new video will be up. Ye olde pubs are so interesting… yes I agree with others that the Blackfriars building is special I’m glad it wasn’t flattened! That Doctor Buttler was definitely not right and pretty peculiar. 😊

[@Robslondon]

😄 Thanks Sharon, such a lovely comment

[@rjb6165]

Hi Rob, Another excellent video. I never knew that Raine Spencer campaigned to save the Black Friar, I did however know her involvement in saving Covent Garden so all credit to her and many like her who have done London a huge service. One other pub which is very historical is The Cockpit where you can see the viewing platform where all the patrons would have watched the bird fighting. Keep up the good work because you give a real education to all of us who have a passion for London. Regards, Rob

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Rob, thank you so much. Stay well mate.

[@JPB-1976]

Wonderful! Makes me homesick and desperate for a pint.

[@Robslondon]

🍺

[@razzle1964]

Only the one?🤔😉

[@sharonleong7120]

Great and interesting sharing. I love it as always. Thanks Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@Robslondon]

Thanks as ever Sharon! 😄

[@RickImus]

7:40 Ye Olde London was the meeting place for The Anacreontic Society in the 18th century. Their theme song would become the melody for "The Star Spanged Banner".

[@thomaskemp904]

Another great video, thank you Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Thomas!

[@keithflowers5229]

Bloody good really enjoyed this one! Cheers!! 😊

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks Keith! Cheers ;-)

[@markshrimpton3138]

A very watchable video Rob. Your research and presentation is always impeccable. I wonder how many historic pubs and inns have been lost. The word we should all fear is ‘development’. I was a student in Norwich in the late 1970s where, it was claimed, there was within the city walls a church for every week of the year and a pub for every day. Even then there were still a heck of a number of hostelries.

[@Robslondon]

Wonderful comment Mark and thanks for the kind words. Norwich is a lovely city, I may have to do a video from there sometime

[@markshrimpton3138]

@@Robslondon I’d look forward to that.

[@itsjohndell]

Late as always. Pretty sure I won't make it home again, will have to live vicareously on this side.Love seeing old haunts again. Cheers, Rob !

[@Robslondon]

Cheers John! 🍺

[@ryanmclaren850]

love your vids your voice is perfect for it mate.

[@Robslondon]

I appreciate that more than you may know Ryan. Thanks so much mate :-)

[@johnnybeverage]

Another excellent video. Thanks a lot.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Johnny! Much appreciated 🍺

[@robbicu]

That was a fun tour, thanks Rob! I'd say that Black Frier is my favourite!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Robbicu- good choice 😉

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Hey Rob I haven’t had an alcoholic drink for nearly a decade now. But, back when I did, I would hunt down a good boozer rather than down a pint in a chain pub. The City, and in the West End too, there are a ton of lovely establishments that I’ve sat it and whiled a way the hours. I’d guess I could still go to them. But, it doesn’t seem right necking a pint of Pepsi! Lovely video. Two thumbs up!

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Robin, thanks mate 😉

[@richardcoombes9491]

rob well done sir liked this one a lot especially the old pubs of london keep up the good work rob

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated as always Richard, thank you!

[@richardcoombes9491]

@@Robslondon my pleasure rob

[@Mathemagical55]

The original Watling Street is believed to have crossed the Thames at Westminster (Thorney Island). The Romans rerouted it through the City and over the first London Bridge before rejoining the original at the Old Kent Road. You're correct that the modern Watling Street isn't even part of this Roman route but it was named after excavations in nearby Cheapside revealed extensive Roman pavements which are thought to be part of Watling Street's passage through the City.

[@Robslondon]

Interesting, thank you

[@ZL54JK8]

Wonderfully interesting video. Thank you for bringing back for me happy memories of the 'dim and distant'!

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@juanhunglow2220]

Was in the Blackfriars a few weeks ago. I grew up just the other side of the bridge…

[@SlurpyDave254]

Yes had to do my homework to find ye olde mitre, great pub as is the Blackfriar.. I need to find ye Old London..some top pubs there Rob..cheers mate🍺👍

[@Robslondon]

You know how to sniff them out Dave ;-) Hope you're keeping well mate, I need to catch up on your videos.

[@esterbengoa6077]

I went to the Black Friar on Saturday. It is very beautiful. Compact but beautiful. Probably, you didn't show the drawings in the way to the toilets for fear of being demonetized!!😂😂😂 Thank you very much. It's in a very beautiful area too.

[@Robslondon]

🤣 Thank you! 😉

[@Glovesforfoxes]

We didn't want this to end Rob. I'm excitedly watching your videos as we're going visiting the National portrait Gallery to see the Six Wives exhibition next month and we can't wait to use your videos to help with sightseeing!

[@Robslondon]

Such a lovely comment, thank you! Glad I can help... and hope you enjoy your trip :-) Stay well.

[@Jpkjr52]

Thanks again John in Chicago

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John

[@Thefisherman27]

Another brilliant video.Great research.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@mjf1036]

Yes, the Blackfrier is stunning. Thanks for high lighting it. ❤

[@Robslondon]

Thanks for watching 😄

[@mickmcguire4571]

Brilliant information as always

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Mick!

[@thetragicyouth]

Fabulous. The friar tucking into the pie had a slight look of Charles Laughton about him, I thought. Once again I'm struck by the superb music choices, Rob! (Pedant alert: Peterhouse is one of a very small number of Cambridge colleges that don't have 'College' in their name - it's simply 'Peterhouse, Cambridge'; likewise Trinity Hall and Hughes Hall).

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@butchknapman3939]

Hello Rob, thanks for another interesting video. The first time I visited the Mitre was about seventy years ago and last year on a day out with a walking group. All the other pubs would make another good walk taking in more signs of interest along the. We are walking tomorrow in the area of Whitechapel so if you are out tomorrow and you see four old men wandering-stop and say hello.

[@Robslondon]

70 years ago? Blimey Butch! 😄 Hope you have a great day in Whitechapel mate 🍺

[@annereidy7981]

Rob, that was wonderful, loved every minute! Thank you. If I say any more, I'll spoil it.

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Anne, thank you so much 😊

[@Spigscanlansir]

Fantastic channel

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! 🤩

[@rofromoz1361]

Another joyous video.. so wish I could visit them in person.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you :-) Hope you're able to someday

[@stephanbennett2242]

Sweet a new video. I'll save it for tonight and watch it with everyone when they get home. Cheers Rob, you are very popular around here.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Stephen! Enjoy and please say hello to everyone for me

[@Jay-ql4gp]

I loved this! Thank you so much!

[@midnightrambler4468]

Great video as ever, more please!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! Will do ;-)

[@jez6208]

Fascinating as ever Rob. I live near Durham. No bloody good pubs up here mate. 😞

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! I’m surprised there aren’t any good pubs near Durham

[@juvenalsdad4175]

Excellent video as usual. I was not aware of the The Blackfriar, but will be sure to visit the next time I find myself in London.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! And yes, make sure you pop by there 😉🍺

[@christina3521]

Thank you. 🤗

[@thewrecker3140]

Incredible documentary .

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😉

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. 5 more I’ll have to try when I get back to the UK. Outstanding work as always mate

[@Robslondon]

Thanks mate 😉

[@paulwilson7234]

Excellent Monday night video.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Paul 🍺

[@smgreenartsprivate]

I didn't know about the tree bit even when visited interesting to know I had passed it. I don't go to many pubs as not much of a drinker now but might consider visiting again know what I know now. I am aware most older pubs have a varied history never had the time to look into them so thank you for doing so. Oddly enough on Simon at Unique Property channel he featured a pub I have tried to look up history for as sure it was a different business before Printers and Stationers bar in East London (21a Ezra Street ) which is up for sale. I wonder what the history if any is behind this building. Maybe a future topic even though it's not an original bar might be something the internet isn't telling me. Thanks Rob for an educating evening :)

[@Robslondon]

Thanks, I’ll have to look that one up 😉

[@rawlings8497]

Fantastic as usual Rob ! always look forward to watching your new videos ! Keep up your amazing work ! Cheers Spider 👍🏻🍺🍺🍺

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that, thank you 😉

[@wattyler2994]

There was a beautiful old pub that clearly survived the blitz next to the bombsite up apothecary Street. It would have been worth preservation. Sadly it was demolished during redevelopment around 2000.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Fabulous as always Rob, would love to visit all these pubs... though maybe not all on the same day 😂 fav has got to be the 'Black Friar ' ❤

[@Robslondon]

Yes, it’s beautiful isn’t it! I did these on one day! 😉😬 Thanks TomGirl and stay well

[@tomgirldouble3249]

@@Robslondon did you have a pint in each one?😄

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Many thanks, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Jonathan

[@paulmerryman]

I'd only heard of The Mitre Rob, but I do love a good pub video. Great knowledge and research as always.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Paul. Hope you’re well mate

[@paulmerryman]

@@Robslondon All good thanks. Just returned from a week in Greece. Hope you're good too.

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

Please do a history of Hyde Park Kensington Gardens, and the Foley buildings and random structures within ☺️

[@Robslondon]

They are on the list ;-)

[@Britoverseas]

Thanks Rob, as I had hoped for thus video will be very useful on my trip in August. The Mitre is definitely on the list. Love the history and my son in law will be bowled over by its origins. Thanks again Rob. Lance

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Lance. If you need any other ideas just ask.

[@Britoverseas]

@@Robslondon cheers Rob. So much to do in so little time. Very much appreciate all the effort you put in to making these great documentaries. Always quality stuff.

[@DrawnInk1]

Ye olde mitre is a great pub.

[@professorpelotard7925]

Another superb video! Many thanks, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! ☺️

[@Gillian-xl7wb]

Thanks 4 another great vid Rob👍😉

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Gillian! Hope you’re keeping well

[@Gillian-xl7wb]

Cheers Rob, As well as I can be! 😁👍

[@markcarson8]

Thanks Rob for your amazing videos

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Mark 😉

[@brianclarke3880]

Excellent as always, thanks so much.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Brian. Thanks for watching.

[@bryan3550]

Wonderful work again, Rob... Cheers! 🍻

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Bryan!

[@Rachel-bo3qg]

Brilliant!❤

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 🤩