Once your eyes have grown accustomed to the darkness inside the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a whole host of history is waiting to be explored among its labyrinth of passages.

The Venue
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has stood in the same spot for centuries as London grew around it. The hotch potch way in which the city developed is almost mimicked by the venue. There are bars spread across three different levels, some big and some small, whilst dining areas and rooms are available for hire, filling the rest of the space.

There is a spooky feel to the quiet, odd little rooms that don’t seem to see much use, and even stranger is the MC Escher effect that seems to lead you down flights of stairs that take you upwards leaving you in a total state of flux. It wouldn’t be surprising if on inspection the toilets and sinks revealed that the water ran anti-clockwise and we can thank God for the smoking ban and the Samuel Smith (lack of) approach to music or it would be something like the bar seen in Pinocchio, all groggy greens and dark smoky rings.

The decor within these strange ancient walls keeps the history - old wooden furniture provides plenty of seating, exposed brick and oak floors are covered in sawdust and the walls show a timeline of the pub with pictures and photos everywhere.

The Atmosphere
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is an attractive venue but the hard painted brickwork and hollow nooks intensify the silence of the space. The lack of music is counteracted by the natural sound of talk in some places but in others pins could be heard dropping to the floor. The pubs attraction to an older clientele doesn’t help its lack of buzz, young groups looking for entertainment should steer clear as there is only enlightenment to be gained here. If it is a quiet pint in a rather underdressed yet over the top venue you’re looking for then it won’t disappoint.

The Food
The menu doesn’t quite date back to 1667, but it isn’t the most brain bustingly adventurous list of cuisine you’ll see in a pub. There is, however, good honest food with dishes like fish pie, fish and chips and steak and ale pie.

The Drink
The Samuel Smith classics of Alpine, Old Brewery Bitter and Extra stout are pumped from behind the bar and there are non-branded cognacs, vodka and gin for the tight of purse. All drinks at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese are good value as you’d expect from a Sam Smiths pub, and there is a good Argentinean Cabernet Sauvignon on offer.

The Last Word
If you’re a fan of Most Haunted or the ghost train of Brighton pier then the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is for you; its architecture is something to behold and during the winter months the old rooms with their coal burners will make you feel more ye olde London than ever.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2) image gallery (3)