Known to the locals as The Jampot, the Jamaica Wine House is one of the oldest establishments in London, thought to have been visited by Samuel Pepys. It’s changed over the years from a bustling coffee house to a busy City pub.

The Venue
Tucked away within a labyrinth of alleyways off Cornhill Street, the Jamaica Wine House was one of London's first coffee houses, having opened in 1652. The original building was destroyed during the Great Fire of London - the current premises date back to the 19th Century.

The pub still shines with the Victorian splendor of an oak-paneled bar, high partitions and ornate ceilings of painted tiles. The partitions and small wooden tables take you back in time and offer a comforting feeling of history.

The Atmosphere
Nothing seems to have changed at the Jamaica Wine House. Once upon a time this place was full of people conducting business. Nowadays business is still conducted here, but the hours and clothes have changed - customers wear suits and come in for a pint after work. That said, after work the atmosphere is lively and you get the feeling that the punters are discussing the football rather than the latest news about Microsoft stocks.

The Food
The basement of the Jamaica Wine House plays host to ancient metal stoves and a cellar restaurant, where you can choose between a handful of starters (£4-£5) and a few mains (£8-£13) comprising dishes of traditional British fare. The selection includes dishes like cod and pancetta fishcakes, sausage and mash, beer battered cod with chips or 10oz rump steak.

If you are feeling peckish, the ground floor bar offers a small menu comprising small plates like hummus and pita bread (£4), Thai chicken skewers with sweet chilli sauce (£5.75), or nachos with guacamole, sour cream and salsa (£5.50). They also serve sharing platters (£8-£11).

The Drink
The beer selection includes draught options of Oranjeboom, Asahi and Holstein (£3.25) as well as Shepherd Neame ales. The wine menu is restricted - they serve a few glasses of white and red, priced at £3-£4 for a small glass and £4-£5 for a large one. You can choose between Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Whistle Bay Sauvignon and as many classic reds.

The Last Word
Toast to tradition and history at the Jamaica Wine House. Worth a visit if you’re in the area and fancy a quick pint.

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