From The Guinea in Mayfair to Sweetings in Queen Victoria ST, learn some of the best and oldest pubs and restaurants in London you can’t miss.
The capital of England, London, has been around for quite some time and has witnessed much of the world’s development, going through a lot of changes. This led to the vibrant culture it has today and a lot of interesting background history.
Not only that, beverages coming from organic sugarcane alcohol like rum or vodka have been around for a long time now, and as part of London there’s no better way to enjoy the history and culture than visiting some of the oldest restaurants and bars, taking a sip of a drink based on organic grape alcohol like gin or grappa where many people for many years have sat before you is priceless.
Here are some of London’s oldest and best restaurants and pubs:
Oldest Restaurants in London
Seafood in London has been an important part of the country’s gastronomy, and there’s no better way than starting with one of the best, Sweetings, a seafood restaurant located on the iconic Queen Victoria St close to the Thames River.
It was set in 1889 and has many good histories to tell, it is famous for fine oysters, and shrimps among others. A must-try is its signature cocktail made of champagne and Guinness, Sweetings Black Velvet.
Next, head to Simpson’s in the Strand, a restaurant that has been around since 1828. Back in the day, it was a cigar and chess rooms, but nowadays is a level-up restaurant that’s well-known for its traditional comfort food.
Another great option is Boulestin, a French restaurant established in 1927 where you’ll be able to enjoy some French classics and some fusion cuisine, the chef is open to explore and experimentation so, you can expect to enjoy food with Indian and Irish influences.
Oldest Pubs in London
The history of pubs and bars in London is huge and wide, but none of them speaks more about culture and history than The Guinea. It’s situated in Mayfair, and it dates back to 1888, but the building itself is even older.
It’s a good place to enjoy some drinks, cocktails, and crafted beers while enjoying the history of the place. Not only that, it’s well known for steaks, which make a good combination with alcohol.
Next head to Hampstead where you’ll find one of the most iconic pubs in London, The Spaniards Inn has been welcoming a lot of people since 1585, and among these, it was the place for many literary artists like Dickens, Keats, and Byron!
Besides that, it’s well known for its seasonal menus and its wide selections of craft beers which rotate through the year, so, you’ll be trying something new all year long.
Another great option is Hoop & Grapes, this pub is situated in Aldgate and was founded in 1593 making it the oldest licensed pub in central London. The name suggests a great selection of high-quality beers and wines, but today you can find a wide selection of cocktails and many other drinks.
