Historical and homely, Ye Olde Mitre delivers a slice of the past dished up with an affable atmosphere. This down to earth drinking den is definitely one to hunt down in Hatton Gardens.

The Venue
With religious roots as the tavern for the Bishop of Ely’s men and a past dating back to 1546, the historical atmosphere is inescapable. A covered alley from Hatton Gardens jewellery quarter takes you away from 21st century glitz and back in time. Scarce natural light and deep wood pour darkness into the ancient cracks and crannies. Through a low doorway, you’ll find the back room with its fireplace and patterned carpet. It feels close and cosy, and cosier again is a tiny closet room to the side, big enough only for a close group of six or eight. If all this doesn’t take you back to an Elizabethan era, the outdoor men’s toilet certainly will.

The Atmosphere
As a weekday only place, the crowd is expectedly heavy at peak hours. The exceedingly knowledgeable yet down to earth staff are consistently good. They put people so at ease that it seems most punters have been coming here for years; some maybe centuries. Firmly an olde crowd, the air is utterly good natured.

The Food
Lunchtimes are jovial and lengthy, while after-work cheery hoards of gents fill the alleyways, leaning against beer barrels and scoffing the most traditional of bar snacks. When food prices in London still have pence on the end, it’s something of a rare sight to see. For the homemade bar food, though, sausages are 75p each and quartered Scotch eggs, pork pies with chutney and sausage rolls come in at just £1.60. Cheap toasted sandwiches cut into triangles complete the spread. And although lunch is the big meal time, service continues until they run out.

The Drink
Excelling as an alehouse, Ye Olde Mitre always has on at least six ales. Biscuity and light golden ale Discovery, a Fuller’s favourite, is joined by sturdy London Pride and toffeeish Deuchars on a permanent basis. The deeper malty Seafarer’s, £3.20 a pint, is another mainstay, but more unusual and seasonal guest ales regularly rotate, often with a monthly theme. As a real ale champion, beer festivals dot the calendar for Ye Olde Mitre, but despite impressive and changing variety, there are other good options for the uninitiated or unconvinced. For wine, the Trivento Pinot Noir (£13.30 a bottle) is dark and earthy, conjuring outdoor landscapes from whence it hails.

The Last Word
Somewhere to soak up London’s history without the feeling of it being flaunted, Ye Olde Mitre is a winner on tradition and service. If you like proper beer, the pub offers up ample choice and sound advice as if it were nothing. Effortless excellence in Ely Court.

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