Anchor Bankside
(British)Recently reopened after a major refurbishment, Anchor Bankside has a strong historical significance, being the location from which Samuel Pepys saw the Great Fire in 1666.The BellThe Bell management claims that this tiny but inviting pub on Bush Lane is one of the few structures to survive the Great Fire of London in 1666 which makes it a port of call for any historic pub excursion.Blind Beggar
(Spanish)This is an East End pub with strong historical ties to the notorious Krays brothers. They wouldn't hurt one of their own, you know, they were smashing fellas.Cittie of YorkeThe Cittie of Yorke is a traditional tavern with a series of beautifully ornate nooks and crannies. Popular with nearby city workers and lawyers - and their fathers, and their fathers' fathers.Crown and Greyhound
(British)This is a delightful Grade II listed building in Dulwich Village with a fabulous carvery on Sundays.The Dove
(Pub Food)Unspoilt 17th century riverside pub with plenty of character and charm. Two boats carrying very well-to-do young men pass by here around March for some kind of race thing.The Dukes HeadThere has been many a pub built on this site through the centuries and this current incarnation from 1864 has recently undergone a £1million restoration to maintain its character.The FlaskThis boozer dates back to the early eighteenth century and despite many refurbishments since then, it has still retained much of its original appeal.The Freemasons ArmsA sign in here proclaims that 'the Football Association was founded here in 1863'. Quite what they'd have made of extra games being played in Europe, we shudder to think.George Inn
(British)The George is a superb pub that has tried its best not to lose the original charm that pleased Charles Dickens' eye all those years ago.Lamb and FlagIt's not known whether the Lamb and Flag is the oldest pub in London but it's certainly the oldest pub in Covent Garden, dating back 300 years.Old Doctor Butlers Head
(British)The Old Dr Butlers Head was rebuilt in the nineteenth century after being destroyed in the Great Fire of London. The pub was named after a doctor who invented a medicinal beer only available at certain pubs.Prospect of Whitby
(British, Pub Food)Dating back to the sixteenth century, the Prospect of Whitby is said to have been used for many years as a den for smugglers, and Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens are also reported to have consumed the odd swift half.Rose and Crown
(British)This historic inn was first called the Sign of the Rose in the 1640s by Sir Richard Betenson, the owner of Eagle House next door. The name came about from the fact that crowns were out of favour during the Civil War.Seven StarsThe Seven Stars not only survived the Great Fire of London, it also celebrated it's 400th anniversary in 2002.The White HartLegend has it, the White Hart was first licensed in 1216 with A-List celebrities ranging from Dick Turpin to Paul Merton.Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
(British)This is a sixteenth century establishment on Fleet Street, chock-full with lawyers and hacks back then presumably.Ye Olde MitreComing in at around 500 years old yet still not the oldest pub on our list - that's how impressive our list is.