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

London's oldest area- the historic Square Mile- is packed with many lovely pubs.

In this video we'll be exploring five such taverns, all of which have long histories and fascinating stories...

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:50 Ye Olde Mitre, Ely Court, EC1
04:12 The Old Dr. Butler's Head, Masons Avenue, EC2
07:36 Ye Olde London, Ludgate Hill, EC4
10:17 Ye Olde Watling, Watling Street, EC4
13:10 The Blackfriar, Queen Victoria Street, EC4

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Links for this video:

Ye Olde Mitre

The Old Dr. Butler's Head

Ye Olde London

Ye Olde Watling

The Blackfriar

Ely Cathedral

St Ethelreda's

St Martin Ludgate

St Bride's

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Credits

Images:

Historic Maps: David Ramsey

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Sound Effects:

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Music:

Jane Street (TrackTribe)

Nature Nurture (Quincas Moreira)

Running Errands (TrackTribe)

Brain Trust (Wayne Jones)

A Baroque Letter (Aaron Kenny)

King Porter Stomp (Joel Cummins)

Cocktail Hour (Aaron Kenny)

Swans in Flight (Asher Fulero)

Modern Attempt (TrackTribe)

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[richardwest]

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

[-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.

[RockerMark]

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

[tracyfryer]

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

[melissalambert]

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.

[RTam]

The Black Friar is absolutely gorgeous.

[grahamross]

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.

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.

[lindasueanderson]

What a fun video. Black Friar is stunning

[vickywitton]

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

[davehustwayte]

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.

[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 !

[grahamstubbs]

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

[ladyellice]

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. ❤

[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!

[WagnerGimenes]

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

[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.

[mattbarbarich]

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.

[dennisb]

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

[jonny]

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