Reviews of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. (Pub) in London (London).

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

0 Reviews

361 Comments

Pub

Pub

145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BP, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Pub in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

We don’t have any review or comment on this place.

Map

Open hours of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reviews of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

I. M.

I don't think this world famous pub needs much introduction but, Oscar, who runs the Chop house restaurant inside the pub is a real pro and gracious host - he treated us like royalty! The food was nice, more 4 star than 5, but as everything else was so wonderful I graded up. Our whole group had a fantastic experience.

B. M.

Down a narrow alley is this gem. Rebuilt in 1667, serves high quality traditional English classics. Steak and kidney pie, fish and chips and several contemporary dishes such a meatless winter root pie. Cozy and warm with a fragrant fire going in the chop room and bar. The pace is slow, so not a quick in and out. Beer is very tasty, fresh pulled from oak barrels . Much bigger on the inside that it appears from the outside. Don’t be put off by the long line for takeaway sandwiches across the way at noon.

T. L. P. M.

🚇 Blackfriars 🍺 £5.00 Organic Lager ❤️ A unique historic London pub that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. . I often get asked which is my favourite pub? or what’s your top ten? and I can never choose because I have so many favourites for many different reasons. But one pub I would always recommend to visit is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese as this pub experience is like no other. . As you approach the pub on busy Fleet Street it’s easy to miss it, when I first came here I walked past it a couple of times before I sussed out the entrance is in a small alley at the side. As you enter the pub it is a real attack on the senses, it’s dimly lit, the smell of the open fire and it’s confusing on where to go. The best option is to grab a beer from the first bar on the right as you enter and then go for a wander to discover the many different alcoves, bars, nooks and crannies. As you head further in to the pub and descend the steep staircases and peer in to the many seating areas and cellars it fills you full of wonder and excitement about what lies around the next corner. On this visit I sat in the bottom bar/cellar which was busy and as with all areas of the pub is very atmospheric. This is a Sam Smiths pub which only sells it’s own in house beers, wines and spirits, I had the Organic Lager which was ok but this is not somewhere I come to for the beer, that said there was a good selection on offer. There is also food available serving up British classics. I would recommend visiting during the week as this pub is hot on the tourist trail and you will often hear an American twang here and there and it’s also popular with day trippers. . As mentioned earlier, this is a must visit pub. This is a place to immerse yourself in to a piece of history and soak up the unique atmosphere. It’s easy to imagine what it was like drinking in a London pub two hundred years ago which not many other pubs can offer. . 📊 Information correct on visiting 06/11/21

S. O.

Historic pub dating back to the 1600s! This is one of the places that Charles Dickens and Dr Samuel Johnson drank! Very atmospheric, with high quality food and drinks!

D. S.

This Grade II listed building is one of London’s oldest and most iconic pubs. There has been a pub at this location since 1538, but it was rebuilt in 1667 after being damaged in the Great Fire of London. If you dare to descend the treacherous stone stairs, parts of the cellars are much older (as the building was previously home to a monastery). I’m not a fan of Sam Smith’s ales and I always get the impressive that their employees aren’t the happiest to be working at Sam Smith’s establishments. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of traditional British pubs then you must visit this place.

G. D.

Used to come here when I worked in the city. It hasn't changed a bit, thank God! Lovely atmosphere, great beer what else could you ask for?!

N. N. O.

Very old pub with a great history going back to the great fire of London. Beautiful interior of wood giving a warm comfortable feeling. Samuel Smith ale on hand pump and truly tasty to drink. Honestly one of the greatest pubs I have every been and makes it a jewel in London.

M. Y.

Very nice old pub. Rebuilt in 1667! Food was good, very friendly service. Would love to come back.

J. C.

Great historical pub. I literally felt like I had stepped back in time. It's a Samuel Smith pub with great beer and friendly staff

M. M.

Like going back in time! Amazing atmosphere! Great spaces upstairs in the dark wood paneled rooms and very cool basement bar with great nooks to have a quiet drink. The ground floor bar has an open fire and the smokey smell hits you the moment you cross the threshold.

N. R.

The fish and chips I ate was best I had till date in london. Staff could be a bit nicer but you cannot expect most friendly behaviour from an old man. So thats the bit I did not rate a total five which I never do.

S. D.

Fond memories working here in 2000 for 6 months! oldy worldy ,creaky floorboards,atmospheric pub in the heart of London,Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of the finest pubs that's worth a visit.

J.

Best old pub in London. Multiple bars, lots of rooms and nooks whether you fancy a quiet pint or want a room full of laughter. Unparalleled atmosphere, and perfect smoky smell from the fireplaces in the cold months. Excellent food, both proper dining and pub food (when fully open). My favourite place to go in London. Actually, don't go. It doesn't need to get any busier!

c. t.

Lovely old London Pub. The logs fire in both downstairs bars. Friendly staff. Reasonable prices for a London Pub. The lamb shank we couldn’t fault, but the mash was too salty and not a vegetable in sight, so wouldn’t have that choice again. Worth a visit as this Pub has a lot of history!

D. M.

One of our favourite meals in London @yeoldecheshirecheeseinn ! I think we had a steak and stout pie and sticky toffee pudding. I can't remember the other dishes, but we clearly ate a lot. This pub is several hundred years old. Follow me on Instagram @vinaeatsandtreats for more honest restaurant and baking recipe reviews!

G. S.

Amazing historic pub. A rabbit warren of rooms and floors with low beams. Sells Sam Smith's but had no bitter that day.

A.

Wonderful old London pub, down a hidden alley way. Great range of drinks. Had their steak and kidney pie, excellent. Well recommended.

J. J.

One of the oldest pubs in London. Charles Dickens used to hang out here.

J. L.

A must go, both for the history and for the food/ambiance

C. H.

This place was buzzing but only one member of staff who deserves some kind of accolade for not only doing his utmost to hold everything together being barman and waiter - his sense of humour was incredible too. Food tasty - drinks good.

E. L.

Decent beer and cider. Nice atmosphere. Table service was a bit slow but it seemed they were understaffed.

G. H.

Amazing old pub - absolute maze of bars, each one further into the basement than the other! Very old building, lots of atmosphere. Serves Sam Smith beer - always one of my favourites.

M. P.

Great pub with friendly staff and a lot of histoy

D. K.

An historical pub in the centre of Fleet Street. A limited but varied and interesting menu. The duck breasts were two minutes overcooked but the rest of the meal was very good. The beer was well kept and served well. The staff were friendly and efficient. Definitely worth a visit

d. p.

A nod back to the old days, when this was one of the most famous pubs in London. It seems a bit outdated now and is only as famous as its name. If it were in any other place, you would probably walk straight past it.

L. B.

I love this place so much. I try to come here every time I'm in London. Staff are really friendly. The building itself is stunning. Especially the downstairs.

S. R.

Fantastic old fashioned pub. Samuel Smith beer prices are getting expensive since the beginning of the pandemic they increased prices a lot. In the past I would give 5 stars but with this inflation the only way to complain is downgrade ratings or not returning anymore.

S. H.

Wonderful olde worlde pub. Highly recommend. Staff are brilliant, customer service exceptional and food gorgeous. Definitely worth seeking out.

G. D. S. C.

Atmosphere upstairs was as dead as the former literary greats that once visited this establishment. Food was overpriced for the quality and the waiter would clearly have rather been anywhere else. It's only solace was the basement and the history, including a first edition of Dickens tale of two cities.

C. '. H.

Wonderfully old, quirky pub just off Fleet Street. Originally part of what is now the pub was a monastery, albeit a long time ago. There are little nooks and snugs to be found everywhere. Massive history to be found in these walls.

L.

Really characterful pub tucked away on Fleet Street. There are three bars across three separate floors; the downstairs is really interesting with its arched ceilings and multiple levels. There’s a lot of history here and it’s worth a visit really even just for the venue itself. Beers and other drinks are the usual Smith’s fare, so not a huge selection but enough for a couple of rounds. If they had a much bigger selection of drinks I’d rate the pub more highly. I had a bowl of carrot soup that was surprisingly good, and my partner had a fish and chips that he enjoyed. We’ll probably pop in again next time we are in the area.

D. R.

Popped in for a quick beer and one of the members of staff was extremely friendly and asked us a few questions. Little did we know he knew a pub that we are locals/ have worked at back in Bristol! Great Samuel Smiths pub even though they had ran out of most options. We will be returning!

M. M.

I was told that the table we sat is where Charles Dickens. It's a lovely place. The food looked amazing. We didn't require booking. Had my first shepherd's pie 😋

A. L.

The pub itself it's very nice, historical and characteristic (I think it has been in business since the Great Fire of London). My only complain is that sometimes it's difficult to get served as there aren't always people at all the counters. Priced in line with other pubs.

g. g.

Good traditional pub in central London. You have 5 floors of seating, cellar is where you go order your food and drinks. One down side is you have to be ready to do self service. Food choices are pretty good. Must visit to experience legendary experience.

V. K.

Lovely old pub in the heart of London. What an atmosphere it has! The prices are reasonable too.

M. G.

So much history! So much food! Really generous portions. Our server was not only friendly but a wealth of knowledge as well. He let us explore a bit of the pub (the charred timbers, the stuffed parrot) before serving us a great meal. I didn’t think the veggie curry was too spicy at all but my friend said it had a zing. My husband had the mushroom soup and said it was great. A fun old pub to visit if you’re in London!

A. A.

a lot of history in there… otherwise the vibe can be stuffy and dead with two people discussing politics in a dust cloud. staff is nice though and the ale is good

N. R.

We came on a Monday night for a couple of drinks and Paula was fantastic. She was working by herself and the place was busy, but she was so kind and accommodating anyway. The place gets a five stars alone based off her service, the rest is a bonus!

h.

Great atmosphere, sublime interior but reasonable and nice beer. Wanna try food next time

E. I.

Really cool pub like a little maze so many little rooms. Definitely worth a visit.

S. V.

Great bottled stouts, but no real ale on draught. Lovely old style pub.

M.

Great London pub. The sign says it was rebuilt in 1667. The pub itself has much more seating upstairs and down stairs in the cellar. There are bars throughout the place. Just make sure to check the sign to see which ones are open. The staff is friendly. Only down side is it can get crowded.

S. H.

Met up with a friend from Germany, it was a great slice of history for them. Good pint, nice atmosphere.

K. F.

We reallllllly loved this place! The food was great and service good, but the ambience and architecture is really what shines here. What a fantastic experience, just hanging out for a meal and wandering every floor. The hand-pumped draft is delicious too btw! What a treasure - we are only here for a week and we are definitely going back!

H. W.

This place exceeded my expectations. Yes, there are many pubs serving similar drinks but this particular pub oozes history and warmth. Once you arrive, you don't want to leave! The pub is tucked away down an alley and once inside you'll find yourself transported into a different era. A time when Dickens would sit drinking a pint huddled in an alcove, which fortunately, you can do too! This place is a necessary stop for any history and pub enthusiast!

R. B.

Great atmosphere is you are wanting a really old style pub, good food and drinks.

L. S.

Such a beautiful venue, like stepping back in time. Very intimate setting and great choice of beer, ale & wine available.

R. S.

I was planning on going to the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of the oldest pub in London, for years. No disappointment. Excellent cuisine and kind staff. Highly recommend!

S. B.

Ye olde pub with a great atmosphere, dark and dingy in a good way. Delicious traditional food, the steak and kidney pudding in propper suit pastry followed by jam sponge pudding and custard all washed down with the best cider, great staff too

L. M.

Cozy, rustic, time-warping place. The staff was super friendly. Very kind and thoughtful. The service was faster then we expected. YOU MUST ORDER AN IMPERIAL STOUT! It is not a beer: It is a party in you mouth! Worth every single pound. We had a soup of the day as starter, a red pepper and tomato soup. Flavourful, not too much spicy, well balanced. What were those croutons??? Amazing taste and crunchiness! Main dishes arrived with a challenge: Deal with generous, humongous portions! But the first bite reveals that the challenge is very easy, for everything is simply delicious! Fish and chips: A crunchy, light and yummy well fried batter wraps a thick and juicy cod. The chips were crunchy outside and fluffy inside. and you also have to work your way through a mushy pea pot and some delicious battered shrimps. Traditional Roast: Meat juicy and tasty. "Crunffy", golden and flavorful yorkshire pudding. Big chunks of well roasted potatos. Vegetables cooked to perfection. And... the gravy... OMG!!! This gravy was not only delicious, but it was cozy as a mama's hug! To end the feast: Sticky Toffee Pudding, with Custard. Holy molly! That was heaven in a plate! The hot puddin melts in you mouth, the custard so rich and oozy... let me tell you: I had the same dessert in a fancy restaurant in Bread Street, and it is really hard to say which one is best! In this pub I surely had one of my top 3 meals during our trip in London. Gorgeous place, lovely staff, superb food and terrific beers. The fun is guaranteed!

R. W.

I love the history and the style and architecture of the place. The staff were a bit terse but the loveliness of the pub itself made up for it somewhat.

V. M.

Take a stroll on the fleet street and then sit back and relax at Ye old Cheshire cheese.. One of the very oldest pubs in London.. The place is attractive with its cosy ambience.. The lower deck area or the underground space is really amazing! You'll love this place as you climb down the stairs and find out even more bigger space that they have on the top floor. Some might sense a suffocation if not flexible enough to be rough n tough.. Though you won't find any spicy items in the menu they'll have a list of specials for each day written on a black board, pick from those to treat your taste buds!

A. A.

One of my favourite pubs in London, very nice and cosy. A standard selection of beers with few unusual ones. I have not tried the food yet but it looked good. Must see for tourist as it is quite unique. Taller people might feel like a giant in some of the rooms as the ceiling in some of the areas are quite low. Will be going back there soon.

J. P.

There few places more historical than this. Great selection of beers in an amazing setting. Also the dining room is worth booking for. Have a pint and enjoy.

A. W.

Great old pub off Fleet Street. Very atmospheric with low beams and open fires. Apparently Charlie Dickens local????

S. O.

Ye Olde is a fitting name as this place exudes an earlier era. Have a pint at the bar at the first floor or decend into the depths of London, 3 levels down, you will find another bar; here you can order food as well as the usual libations.

T. g.

What a simply incredible spot, the whole area just oozes history and this pub is the icing on the cake. If you are in the area of Fleet Street you simply have to drop in for a pint. The main bar area maybe small but has bags of character, as does the adjoining dining area. Staff are very friendly and well versed in the history of the site. There is also a second bar and eating area in the old cellars, again an amazing site to see.

A. J.

Hidden gem in the city. Lovely old style pub which could tell you the history. At the entrance you can find a board which shows the names of the Kings & Queens who have ruled the country since this pub was established. One of the most unique places to have a drink. The pint isn't expensive: £3.80 - great price for central London. I arrived too late for the food, the kitchen was closed.

C. W.

My favourite pub in London. Probably the most atmospheric place I’ve ever had a pint. If you’re visiting, make time for this pub.

C. G.

Sells standard Samuel Smith drinks but there are so many quirky spots within this deceptively large pub it's worth a visit

P. D.

I loved this pub. I had lunch in the basement, then went up to the front snug for 'one and done.' They had a fire in the grate and a friendly bartender and patrons to chat with. I had the vegetarian burger which was well spiced and a pint or two of the wonderful house cider.

G. B.

A fantastic pub, great atmosphere, good beer and excellent staff.

D. L.

A somewhat hidden old school pub with great drinks and unmatched atmosphere. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be my go-to spot whenever I'm in London.

H. R.

One of the coolest place I have visited, the food is good the service is great. The pub is considered the oldest in London, and was rebuilt after the great fire. Very well worth the visit.

C. C.

This pub has been rebuilt the year after the big fire in 1667 and it’s still active from then. It’s far away to be a tourist attraction. Its entrance is not even on the Main street. Inside there’s no natural light and the atmosphere inside is very peculiar. Dickens and Johnson were often come here for a pint...so, why should a Londoner miss this place? The building is old so, there’s not a wheelchair available entrance and the toilets are downstairs.

T.

One of the best heritage pubs in the country, with excellent Yorkshire beer. Just let down by the very rude waiter and general lack of service, which is such a shame.

S. A.

Worth a visit for any tourist looking for historic pub from another century. The steak and ale pie is totally scrumptious. Overall setting off the place is quite nice.

J. R.

I found about this place from my Strawberry Tours guide, Samy! I was impressed when I found out that it is one of London's few independently owned pubs and many famous people have eaten there such as Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson, among others. I wanted to have dinner there for my birthday. It has an old world feel. The design is very historic and seemingly authentic. The server, Georgia, stated that the botton level was 800 years old and the street level dining room was 500 years old. It looks well preserved with a decent amount of wear. Since it was just me, I sat at the long table that I dubbed "the community table" and other patrons joined me shortly afterwards. I had the Halloumi Salad & 2 pints of their Sam Smoth medium apple cider, both were very tasty! There is a small bar across from the dining room equipped with a fireplace. The service was great and I found the staff very pleasant. It is a little tricky to fund the entrabce, I recommend following the signs.

C. B.

This place is frickin’ cool! Been around for hundreds of years, multiple levels and bars, good food and drinks! The staff down in the Cellar Bar (best one) were great. This came as a recommendation from an English friend of mine living in Japan.

L. B.

Went here for part of a stag do, it was our final stop. Staff were lovely and very accommodating. Got some much needed food which was all fine. Lovely smoky aroma from literally hundreds of years of wood fires, great atmosphere!

J. S.

Great traditional pub, lovingly looked after by Samuel Smith's brewery. Quite a young trendy crowd, but still very welcoming. Venue for London Old Cryptians Club annual dinner

A. A.

Adore this super unusual pub. Full of ambience, great beer too. Fun place to visit with cheerful. Staff.

x. C.

Amazing vibes and looked almost too good for an English pub. The servers are very kind and the food is good. A bit on the expensive side for what's on your plate, but worth the experience

J. R. C.

Form the outside doesn't looks like much, but on the inside is an amazing bar, the bar upstairs has a chimney and is super cozy, upstairs has plenty of room for a lot of people. But the surprise is the huge cellar downstairs with a big bar and even hidden tables. It's definitely a very special place.

M. M.

One of the oldest pubs in London. Great atmosphere and so much history! Great beer🍻

S. O.

Everyone visiting London should go here brilliant beer and home cooked food , but do book for food it gets busy

s. b.

Historic pub with many hidden rooms and interesting beer selection. Much bigger than we expected it to be. Has cozy nooks for couples as well as bigger tables for groups. The area is very quiet during the weekends and it was very easy to find a table and have a conversation where we could be heard!

T. J.

Above pint and a very cool place to visit

M. G.

Love love love Sam Smith, but please start pouring cask ales again in this establishment.

N. J.

Just a fanatastic 400 year old pub which oozes character over 3 floors. Friendly staff, great food, reasonable prices.I can understand why Charles Dickens chose this as one of his watering holes!

D. Z.

If you go just for the food or beer, you might be disappointed as neither are standouts. Rather, you go to the Cheshire Cheese because Dickens, Twain, G.K. Chesterton and many other luminaries have lifted a pint there, and because this public house has been serving drinks since the time of Cromwell. No serious pub crawl of London would be complete without a stop at the Cheshire Cheese. Lots of history here, in this amazing warren of subterranean rooms and vaulted ceilings. Very cool. Do they sell souvenir t-shirts? Didn't notice. But if they don't, they should!

S.

We loved exploring this old pub while we were in town on our honeymoon. We had lunch down in the cellar. I had the bangers and mash, and it was very good. The beer was great too! I highly recommend for anyone who loves pubs!

d.

Very impressive, historic bar where Charles Dickens used to drink. But vibe is very stoic. Worth visiting

J. A.

If you want atmosphere this is the spot. A wonderful pub with lots of different spaces. Cozy vibes with decent food.

R.

Fantastic, fascinating pub that makes me proud to be a Londoner, but £6.50 a pint from a Sam Smith's pub? 😪

s. b.

This pub was excellent! Staff was helpful and kind toward myself, my husband and children (ages 9 and 6). Food was delicious and atmosphere was definitely that of a pub from the 1600s! We all had a wonderful lunch there.

J. D.

Good cheap beer. Lovely historical pub, well worth a visit.

K. M.

Great bar, amazing history, superb staff, likely end up back in there later tonight.

S.

A very interesting old pub. The entrance looks dingy, but you then walk down into some nice old cellars where the actual pub is. Food is rather lacklustre though, they only have a single red/white wine and the beer selection doesn't make up for any of it.

P. P.

Great atmosphere. Typical english pub with nice drinks. If only they didn't close that esrly.

E. A.

Ye olde den of iniquity. Not the same fish & chips and peas (smear) that it once was, but the beer is still good

G. C.

Atmospheric and full of history. Perfect service from bartender who recommended the fish and chips (delicious!!!). Enjoyed a pint in Charles Dickens' favourite (allegedly) seat and toasted Polly the Parrot.

D. L.

Great location with tonnes of history. Limited beer selection but excellent.

C. Q.

Ye old cheshire cheese is one of oldest pubs in London. It was frequented by many famous writers like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, dr Johnson, etc. The food and drink are very good... A special thank to KIERAN, a very friendly waiter who explained the full history of this pub to us!

S. B.

Like walking into a Charles dickens film set. Shame the staff were under manned and over half of the beers were not available

H. Y.

Fantastic food. Had the kidney pie as a main and the toffee pudding as dessert - both were immaculate. The waitress was very kind and explained all of the items and drinks to us. Remember to book in advance as they do not have many seats available!

P. B.

What an atmospheric olde pub. A great visit.

r. n.

Lovely old spit n sawdust pub selling great ale and food, worth looking it out

K. L.

A 400 year old pub full of character and history. A great stop for a beer and food, you can feel the history.

1. N. V. T.

Sat by the roaring fire with friendly bar staff and cheap drinks, our visit was delightful. Even the prickliest hedgehog would feel less echinate after a trip to this fine establishment.

A.

Brilliant pub with log fires and tables in traditional cellars downstairs.

C.

Really enjoyed our meal here, the bar staff and wait staff were friendly and clearly enjoyed being there. Some adorable history about the place and classic pub fare.

R. T.

Real spit and sawdust pub just of Fleet Street. One of the great watering holes for generations of journalists. Really does have sawdust in the floor. Excellent menu, wine and beers served in little rooms up atmospheric creaking staircases. Haunted, not least by the Prince of Darkness, James Nicholson, one of the street's greatest crime reporters.

S. H.

Certainly the oldest pub in this part of town, this is a quirky call back to the past. I used to work in an office (with little space) opposite and would frequently hold job interviews here. It’s quiet enough to do this with privacy, yet busy enough to show its demand. Great options of food and a genuine historical feel long after you step across its original doorway.

N. W.

Great old pub. Food not too bad

T. V.

Loved it - great vibes, solid pub food and the imperial stout is to die for. When it's busy you'll struggle to find a spot in the labyrinthine cellar space, but it's worth it.

H. W.

Great historic pub let down by the fact it's a Sam Smith's

J. R.

Lovely beers on tap and in bottle. Great atmosphere in an old English pub. All visitors I take here.

S. H.

My first pub food in London. Very cool place to eat inside

C. A. L. B.

Amazing place. If your in London you Must visit Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, find a table and get a couple of pints of beer. You won't regret it.

V. R.

Best pub on Fleet Street

N. D.

Ran into Jason Statham and he kindly posed for a pic! Great food and beer too!

K. M.

Great old pub. Friendly and pleasant staff. Enjoyed it.

N. R.

Cosy, hidden and full of character. The snug bar, just into the right, is the most comfortable corner to find on a winter’s evening, accompanied by a roaring open fire.

A. T.

The food was great service was fast and friendly truly enjoyed the entire place. We dinner on a upper level.

N. S.

Old London pub re-built in 1667, 1 year after the Great fire of London. Beautiful ambiance with a coal fire always on, a great selection of beers and friendly staff.

A. B.

Great atmosphere and a good selection of local ales, however the eating area is rather small. The rarebit burger was worth the wait though.

M. S.

Good pub with a fair bit of history. We went on Saturday afternoon around 3. The main bar wasn’t open but one of the other bars was open with an open fireplace which was nice 😊

G. P.

Warm and stylish old pub. Pretty quiet and good for relaxing

F. M.

A marvelous place to have a reunion, or family , or friends meeting - for enjoyable cuisine, with a wide range of real ales , & a comprehensive wine list. And it's not all that expensive - I suggest you book a table or tables well in advance- You'll be guaranteed a stinking & memorable evening- I don't know about lunchtime.

J. C.

A great old pub in London that is a joy to be in. Reaped in history with old style beers. Couldn’t recommend enough!

J. A.

We had SO MUCH fun here! It was quite busy when we went (Saturday night) and we were able to nab a table down in the cellar. The atmosphere was amazing and the staff were really funny and really friendly. They have a great selection of beer and we really enjoyed our meals as well. We had planned to visit other pubs that night but we liked this one so much that we ended up staying until closing time! I might even go as far as saying that this is the best pub I’ve ever been to.

A. H.

Very cosy, and quiet. It looks like what I imagine it would have looked like when it was originally built. The dishes are expensive but you can they are handmade in the kitchen and not frozen like your typical pub food.

O. T.

Lovely old pub with lots of history.

L. M.

Very quaint little pub in the middle of the city, excellent pork pies with the tiniest bar up top with a fire place, more seating downstairs in the dungeon ;)

T. P.

Quirky old pub. Friendly staff, nice ales

a. j.

Must visit pub... Great Samuel Smith beers, and delicious food.

M. S.

Great place, nice beers and good pie. Fun to pay this monumental pub at least one visit when in London.

K. H.

Oldest pub in City of London, quant but very busy when we were there

T. &. Z. H.

Really historic boozer - Sam Smith's pub

N. T.

Lovely place for a drink, a great experience to drink in a building so old

D. I.

If you're around this pub, go and have a beer there. It'll be worth your time for sure !

G.

Deserves 5 stars for surviving so long. Carries Sam Smith ales, so you are assured a good pint. Snug bar and the Chop House situated on the ground floor, toilets and larger bar with counter food is in the cellars. Further dining areas on upper floors. Stairways are very steep, narrow and ceilings are low - difficult for customers with mobility problems. Watch out for the ghost of the parrot who for many years entertained Fleet Street customers in the Cheese from the mid-1880s. Polly's demise on 30 October 1926 resulted in the publishing of obituaries in around 200 newspapers across the globe, with the sad announcement broadcast from BBC 2LO. Polly, now stuffed, still presides in the small ground floor snug bar. No free Wi-Fi.

D.

Nice old pub situated in the city of London serving craft beers ales and lagers nice atmosphere with real fires would go there again

A. H.

Mad place with some serious history! Was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London. Well worth a craft ale or two...

A. S.

Only walked past as staying nearby - nice atmosphere.

I. M.

5 for the building/pub. 1 for the beer choice (only beers on draft were Stout and Organic Lager. No food on a saturday but not letting people in dining room forcing a packed front bar. Have a think, chaps?

B. U.

Great London pub. Always bring my international guests here, and they get a real kick out of it. Great drinks, as with any Sam Smith's, friendly service and you can usually find a spot to sit on the many levels. Class act

E. C.

We went on a Friday night and to our surprise it was completely empty! Maybe like only 8 or 10 other people.. the place is very large (basement level, middle level, and upstairs) so this made it feel very lonely. The atmosphere was cute and it really brings you back into history, but since it was so lonely we ended up leaving early because it kinda felt creepy and haunted! Lol We think it would've been a little more fun with more people around. It's worth a visit, and steps you back into history. (Hopefully you come when there's more people!) I am giving it 5 stars because although we only stayed for about 20 minutes, the bartender was nice enough to hotspot his internet for us to get an uber back to the hotel! We're from California so we were pretty much stranded and confused. If it wasnt for him we probably would've gotten lost or used an expensive cab.. so thank you :)

M. S.

Amazing place, great atmosphere and lovely food. Highly recommended. Shame Polly is stuffed and dead.

D. H.

Historic pub with food service in the 700+ year old basement level

D. S.

Historic pub featuring a number of bars on multiple levels of the building and cosy corners. Reasonably priced. Great selection of beers

C. J. W.

My favourite pub in London. Even walking up Fleet Street towards it, the smell of the open fire hits you from a hundred metres away. I always feel like I'm stepping back in time and can feel that not much has changed in the last 300 years. It looks small from outside but it's actually huge, with (at least) three bars. The basement is supposedly an old monastery, while the first floor occupies what used to be a brothel. Frequented by Dickens and Dr Johnson among others, I think this is one of the few pubs in London that really embodies it's past and that's what sets it apart. Sit down with friends and spark a conversation with a nearby table, or sit down with a book and drop your head for a couple of hours, this place is a sanctuary. I'm writing this review during coronavirus times, and sadly it's not the same as it has been without the influx of curious tourists but I'm sure it will come back to its former glory... It has survived 2 world wars, several pandemics and of course the Great fire of London. Yes, it's stood in its current place since 1667, when it was rebuilt following fire damage.

A. S.

We went here for lunch during the eat out to help out scheme. The 2 vegan options on the menu (nut roast and chickpea curry) were not available, but they did had a chilli 'non' carne on offer. Bearing in mind that I am not overly keen on this dish, it was actually very nice. I do think the portion size was a bit on the small side though and I would have liked some more rice. It was £14.50 + 12.5% service charge, but honestly I think the atmosphere and place itself made it worth it. Glad I visited. Plus the member of staff serving us was super friendly.

N. J.

A lovely old pub off on a back alley of Fleet Street. It dates back to the 16th century and the interior has lots of history and culture. There’s an open fire place to enjoy in the front bar - if you’re lucky enough to find a seat. The rest of the pub is worth exploring - you naturally want to do as it’s on multiple floors with multiple smaller bars dotted around the building. The caves downstairs often a place to sit and are lively.

P. G.

Quirky nice old pub with a history, never been keen on Sam smiths ale, staff very nice and well informed on the pubs history.

K. Y.

Full of history. Nice place to grab some food and drinks. Great service and dessert was delicious.

A. C.

Rebuilt immediately after the Great Fire of London in 1667 it is the ground floor bar on the right as you enter (pictured) that is truly wonderful. Dickens, who was a regular, would know it without hesitation. Located just off Fleet Street. A must on the initinery for any visitor to the capital.

M. Z.

One of the oldest pubs in London. Great fish and chips. Everything is self-service. You need to order on bar, pay first - do not forget as I did :) and then when buzzer is ringing pick up your food. Such a special atmosphere. But be aware, and respect warning to keep you phone silent and NOT MAKE A PICTURE! Personal did not like it, or at least ask first. I recommend this place to visit and enjoy their great meal and beer 🍻.

J. S.

Lovely quirky little pub, with great staff

M. T.

No smoking area lets down a brilliant pub

F. V.

This is a very old British pub great food and drinks ,great spce downstairs.highly recomend

S. M.

This bulding should be a heritage site. You walk in and it smells and looks the way i imagine an Olde London pub to be. All the brews including the spirit are made by the company who own the pub, so you're getting a unique experience when it come to alcoholic beverages. The staff are fantastic, well informed and give the place that extra touch of comfort.

M. B.

Love this old place - you get such a sense of history, it's like going back in time.

B. e.

Great pub. Very old and traditional. Been here good few times. Right around the corner from work so easy too. If one bar is busy go to the next (4 or so to choose from). Samuel Smith beer brewery so don't expect your normal named brand beers etc. It you're into light beer Go for Alpine. Or if you like stronger beer go for Taddy Lager or Four Beer. Stronger better lagers. Also have their own bitters and nice cheap selection of Spirits. Also great price for Central London too. Two beers less than 8£. Also do nice food here but can get busy so at peak times might be worth booking.

S. S.

This is a Sam Smith pub so prices are super cheap for being in central London! I love the history and the atmosphere of the place. I was told it’s the oldest pub in London! My only complaint was that I ordered bangers and mash but the sausages weren’t bangers but what looked like small breakfast sausages. I was disappointed but my friend got the fish and chips which looked good and the savory pies also looked amazing.

C. B.

Fantastic, historical pub brimmed full of character. Authentically old and cosy. Sam Smith's owned, so reasonable prices. Been in twice now when visiting London. Only disappointment was rude staff and poor service on both occasions. Two different bar tenders, both rude to me and other customers. If management could get the right people in, it would be brilliant.

S. M.

It's so different to the normal pub. It is a grade 2 listed building, some parts 400years old. And it has a real fire in a few of the bars, which for a City pub is very unusual. It's got done very nice booze and food too.

A. L.

Without a doubt, my favorite Pub of all time. ANYWHERE! I have visited this wonderful establishment several times over the past 35 years and it gets better each time. The charm and history creates an atmosphere that is incomparable to any other. You have to look for it to find it which makes it even more appealing. The service is always top notch. The food and drink are great. Bring your friends and enjoy an experience you will remember. Mind your head as you move down the stairs!

W. M.

Great ambiance and drinks! I went when there was happy hour. Stood at the bar for a couple of hours with a relative and had drinks and some appetizers. Everything was great and tasty. The bartender was super friendly and attentive. The environment has a speak easy type of feel to it, which I always think is pretty cool. Definitely would recommend.

J. S.

Great beer, food and service. Cold beer and delicious food. Service was friendly. Bar has two levels that are underground and super cool.

R. M.

Incredible location. It's the bar that keeps on going! The ceilings are low and the stairs are narrow, but there's a deceiving amount of space here. Beer selection was excellent (liquor too), and the food was surprisingly good too. It was late and I was hungry, and when the kitchen was surprisingly still open, my friends and I ordered because it seemed like our only option. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavour of the food. I'll be back!

D. E.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a really busy pub as expected. I think that since they are a very busy restaurant they often feel pressured to have a quick turn around with seats to allow people to sit and get food. This takes away from enjoying the food and drinks if you are socializing. Otherwise the food, drinks, and atmosphere are great.

T. L.

The coolest pub I have ever been to. Feels like going back in time! The small rooms with amazing character and decor are one of a kind. Great beer selection for all tastes, knowledgeable staff, incredible history. Loved it!

M. F.

Sam Smith's pub and surely one of the best in the country. Absolutely loved it.

H. L.

Very interesting place with 300-years history. But there is cold in winter day. Food is standard.

J.

Nestled away in a nook, this pub oozes history, and has an excellent selection of beer. It's a grade II listed building, that consists of a labyrinth of dark rooms, but the real charm lies in its stories. Pop in for a drink and you could be sitting in the same place as the likes of Mark Twain or Charles Dickens. Food is the usual pub grub staples, and isn't the best around, but you come here for the history and architecture of the place.

R. R.

If a proper old London pub is what you seek - look no further.

L. M.

My sister and I stumbled upon it while touring London. We loved the historical deco and finding our way to the lowest level. It felt like taking a tour back in time. There's a no cell phone rule, which we felt obliged to obey but it was loads of fun to disconnect just for a meal. However the service was not quite responsive and it took over 35mins to get our burger and the restaurant was not that busy. The burger was okay (it's a burger). There's an interesting choice of beers, ales and ciders for those who like; I am more into wine. But it's still worth popping in, for that historical British pub experience.

A. B.

What's not to like? Literally dripping with history and atmosphere! Has to be my favourite place in London. Friendly and helpful staff, great beer (the India Pale Ale comes highly recommended ;-) ... and don't forget to try one of their traditional pork pies to accompany your favourite tipple ... as Dr Johnson looks on!

H. H.

History, great food, and drinks, oh my! The look of this place screams old world London! The hostess gave us a short history lesson as we left that made me love it even more. The pub was originally a monastery in the 1300s, turned into a pub in the 1500s, and then burned down in the Great Fire of London. It was rebuilt into the building you see today in the 1600s! The atmosphere is wonderful and only gets better once you go further down into the building. They are known for their fish and chips! Get them. For dessert get the brownie with the custard NOT ice cream.

c. s.

Great atmosphere at this British pub. We ate down in the basement area. It was nice and cool down there on this hot summer day. I really enjoyed my venion pie and my wife the fish and chips. Samuel Smith’s beer on the taps. Friendly staff and all the patrons were having a good time. I would be happy to return when in London again.

E. D.

One of the oldest pubs in London. Thought this was going to be a gimmick but ended up being an amazing night out. If you are over 5 feet... Word of warning... Watch your head! Bending I still hit my head on the way down. Anyways, great beer, decent food and even better atmosphere.

A. P.

The food is pretty standard but it's definitely a fun place to come.

I. D.

Quaint little pub just off fleet street, lost its sawdust flooring last year. Most days there's a coal fire going which makes the pub snug, there is a separate dining area (never used). Drink prices are good staff are friendly. Nice place to unwind (if you can get a seat). Recommend.

O. P.

A fantastic piece of the City's history, we really enjoyed our drinks in the cellar bar. We were told to go downstairs for the best bar and the stairs just kept going and going, a very exciting experience. Staff were funny and no nonsense, which was quite refreshing! Definitely worth a visit.

S.

This was the first time I'd visited the Cheese and I really liked it. The place was everything I was hoping for from an old pub - quirky layout, several levels and rooms, stone floors, real fires etc. The guy who served us was chatty and knowledgeable about the beers. The range of beers was good and cheap. We didn't eat but the food being served to others looked like decent pub grub.

M. S. (.

olde worlde, a good place to take visitors, the beer is excellent, the food ... just on the better side of OK

T. G.

Rebuilt in 1666! That should say it all! The pub is older than a lot of countries! It's incredibly characterful and the cellar bar as a great atmosphere. It's also a Sam Smith's pub, so iti great value too. (Although it does mean you have to drink Sam Smith's beer - which is actually delicious, if your taste buds aren't limited to accepting only commercial lager.)

B. F.

Cute historical pub, however, the bartender seemed annoyed that she had to take my order (I was the only customer)

L. C.

If someone wished to see a traditional old style pub then this would be a good recommendation. With its wooden style, hidden location and fireplace it ticks many boxes. With a preference for beers and ales, it ponders to tradition rather than fancy cocktails. The food is your standard pub grub and will certainly fill you up. There are many sections to the pub that make it a curious maze of areas to sit. This adds to its also surprisingly quirky feel. A good venue to visit.

C. B.

A lovely pub - coal fire at the floor-level bar and several cellar levels of seating downstairs. No phones/tablets/laptops allowed and no music blasting out at you. This is a place for a nice drink with a book or a chat with your friends.

S. K.

Step back into the 15th century and enjoy a brew while sitting in front of a blazing fire. My family and I did just that today and totally loved this pub. Despite the fact that they must see so many tourists, the staff here were so welcoming; the barman even offered to take a photo of us all sitting together. We didn't eat the food this time around, but we will definitely be returning. Special place.

g. c.

Mixed feelings here. Great old pub with a good range of drinks. The kitchen had some drama and were to busy to accept any more orders, and the place wasn't that busy mid week, so ended up going elsewhere for food.

S. K.

Those who love to visit a pub of heritage will probably love this one. This is a very old pub and its regular patrons included Mark Twain & Charles Dickens. Present-day patrons will be able to hear a humorous story of a parrot also! Beers were great and so were the fries. Some seating areas are cellar-like and the access is low-roofed. So this pub is not for those looking for some open-air fun.

J. G.

A historic Sam Smith pub with old-fashioned architecture and a rambling series of rooms to choose to sit in. It has some good beers to choose between. It is very much a known spot though and it very touristy; I would recommend you stop for one drink to admire the space, though.

B. G.

Excellent pub with and old English atmosphere. The lower levels seem to go on for ever as you crawl in to a basement to get your drink. There have been famous people that also drank at this pub. In my option one of the best places to get a drink in London, can't beat the prices.

I. M.

Simple effective, but not exactly the best taste for food.

C. C.

Amazing History. Good food, great beer. If you want to visit a pub with history this is the place to go.

C. B.

A truly amazing experience in this historic pub. Pub standard food, good selection of drinks. But what makes it is the atmosphere, historic and traditional and excellent in every way! This pub is just as cosy upstairs as it is by the lovely fireplace in the dining room! Just mind your head when walking downstairs to the cellar!!

N. E.

Lovely historic pub which used to frequented by journo's from Fleet Street. Built 1667 after the great fire of London. You must visit the vaults to get a feel for how it used to be years ago. A Samuel Smith's pub, the beers are good, but pass on the wine (based on our experience.....there are probably some good ones, but ask the bartender if you have a particular taste/favourite and I'm sure it will be fine). Nice atmosphere and recommended for a visit.

R. H.

An absolutely lovely pub, that you must visit while in London. The caverness interior is a fun place to kick back have some pints or a class of wine. Highly recommend it for the atmosphere and beer selection.

T. C.

God I love this place! Any dull night becomes great here. It all begins with the dungeon like atmosphere, the many different rooms and floors, then you have the great bar staff, nice assortment of beers, allied with the possibility to walk outside for a smoke while drinking and on top of all that the centuries of story and you've got my favorite pub in London!

c. r.

Probably the best pub this side of the river. This place has everything you might want to look for in a pub. An enviable history, reasonably priced drinks, one of the only places in central London where you can get a pint for less than 4 quid, and a really great atmosphere. It's like a rabbit warren, but in a good way. Loads of little nooks and crannies where you can enjoy your pint of lager or bitter, just great!

R. F.

Had a fantastic experience. So much history in this pub. The food was delicious. Paula and Dean are amazing hosts and very knowledgeable about the pub’s history. Top spot to visit. When you leave don’t forget to sign their guest book.

R. J.

No better pub in London on a cold day when you walk into the snug with the fire roaring. A pint of double stout. It's on the tourist route but rebuilt in 1667 why wouldn't it be. It's a lot more friendly than those city bars. My favourite pub in the capital by far.

H. H.

A great city pub. Steeped in history and oozing with character. This pub has ‘Old London’ vibes crawling out of the woodwork. It can get quite loud in ye deep cellar but it all adds to the atmosphere. Being a Sam Smiths pub it has the usual selection of own brand beers and bottles and most are well worth a try.

T.

An absolute gem of a pub, proper old pub with a roaring fire and good beer A must visit when in London!

P. H.

Really atmospheric old tavern with winding corridors and a maze of rooms including an intriguing sub basement bar. Very cheap beer for London. I had their stout (they described as Guinness but better!). Had to queue to get in but I understand that is due to an event just finishing up there.

J.

Fantastic pub, definitely check it out

J. M.

One of the most historic pubs in London. Lots of dark little rooms. Good food and Sam Smith's real ale.

C. R.

Decent, but difficult to recommend too enthusiastically. Nice, cozy, touristy, very old fashioned, but in a nice way. Main complaint is that they're always massively understaffed: most of the pub is normally closed. Even when the rooms that are open are rammed, they don't open three quarters of the pub. Even when the whole place is open, there's seldom more than one person on each bar.

K. C.

They have guest books from the 1700s?? Incredible!!! Very packed on a Friday night and tons of different floors

P. P.

Exceptional burgers, very good mac and cheese, fresh salads as side dishes. The meals and drinks were very reasonably priced which we took with great relief;) We liked the ambiance of the place and its connection to the history of London. Excellent beer and a must see in London!

S. B.

Delightful old pub in the middle of the City. As you walk in the door you almost feel as though you have been thrown back in time. Wood panelling, warm atmosphere, cosy bar and good beer on tap. We went upstairs and managed to have the whole room to ourselves for a short while before it rapidly filled up with a lively, chattery crowd, giving that old style pub atmosphere. We didn't eat here but the food we saw was very enticing. Definitely recommend

E. S.

Travel back while you are drinking the smiths.. unique environment..

C. P.

Lovely old traditional London pub on Fleet Street.

T. T.

My Dad always went on about this pub so at last I was able to enjoy the great atmosphere, when I went along with my 2 Argentina friends from Barcelona. Yes it was just as my late father said fantastic. I had a drink for you dad as I know how much you loved it here. Cheers!! Yes I would definitely recommend this pub.

S. W.

Forty years on this place still serves beer. Perfect

S. M.

Gorgeous old pub from the 1660s. This pub has lots of lovely cosy nooks and crannies to hide away in. It's a Sam Smiths pub, so there are a great range of reasonable priced beers too. I went with friends quite late on a Friday night, and there were seats available, though i guess it would be busier straight after work. The staff were really friendly and happy to chat about the beers on offer.

R. R.

Built in 1666 (rebuilt I'm told) this is a fantastic old pub. Charles Dickens and Mark Twain were said to have frequented it. The service was friendly and beer selections were quite good. Tucked in behind fleet street it is easy to miss but well worth hunting for!

H. D.

One of my favourite watering holes. Sam smith’s pub so prices are so reasonable for London. Steeped in history and atmosphere. Never eaten the food here but no reason to expect anything special.

L. G.

Very English. Very traditional. Interesting use of space with multiple levels and niches for seating. Uneven stair heights, no level floors, but guess what? It's old and that's not going to change. Service is friendly and pleasant. Beer is Sam Smith's catalogue, so very good, but it won't challenge your taste buds. Food is classic English pub fare, done well.

M. C.

I like this pub, it's old and good, one of the oldest. Just watch your head going down stairs, low ceiling, seriously you get caught out, I've been caught out a few times. The drinks prices are good value and their crisps are tasty too. The service was good, the staff are polite and friendly as ever. My problem is with the food, portions are small, chips portions are served in small cups, additionally paper is used at the to fill up the cup reducing the chips portions even further, pretty cheeky really. I did go to the counter to ask them to fill it up properly, but properly filling it up is not adding a couple of chips. I'll go back there for drinks, but, I'll pass on the food.

O. B.

We stopped here on a sunny, busy Saturday and were delighted to find the pub relatively empty. The place is like a labyrinth; much bigger than initially thought. It goes a few levels down to a wine cellar and each room has it's own character and charm. The decor is quite dark but it makes it feel old and cosy, like you've stepped back in time. The room we sat in was filled with historical knick-knacks which were fun to peruse in between pints. Speaking of which the beer was very good. We didn't try the food but the prices were reasonable and the menu had plenty of classic choices. Would definitely come here again and would recommend to people visiting the area, if they want to get a feel for a 'proper London pub'.

S. R.

Atmosphere, staff and drinks are excellent

R. G.

What's not to love about Sam Smith's pubs? Reasonably priced yet delicious booze served in historic buildings by well trained friendly staff. Wonderful.

A.

Awesome little pub. The main area is in the cellar, which is very unique and the rest of the pub is very old traditional English decor. Not the usual selection of drink. Seems to be specially made for this pub, but is pretty good and a fair price for London. Looking for something different than the usual night out, give this place a try.

T. S.

This is a very interesting place, inside it's a real maze with rooms and stairs all over the place. I think there are 2 bars, a reasonably small one upstairs, next to which is a dining area, and another bar downstairs in a larger room. There are a couple of rooms on the way down. Due to it's location, it can get quite busy, and as a result of the number is rooms or can be difficult to find people, having said that, the bar staff were really friendly and helpful in recommending beers based on other beers you like. Big plus point is it's quite cheap for a central London pub!

J. D.

We showed up right when it opened for lunch and the 5 of us sat in the cellar. My son and I shared some bourbon while we waited for our lunch. The food was plentiful and tasty. The atmosphere was great. Was so cool to sit and enjoy and meal and a drink in a place that old. Highly recommended

C. v. H.

The food is excellent - much higher quality than you would generally expect from a pub. The prices are reasonable, the service is friendly, and the place just reeks of character (not fake character as in some well-known pub chains that just try too hard). And their Samuel Smith beers are excellent. So what's not to like?

w. c.

Amazing experience to step inside an old cave-like pub. There’s a top level bar serving cocktails, Downstairs is another bar, be prepared to walk down steps and through a few rooms to the next bar. Drinks are reasonably priced, plus they serve half pint sizes (which doesn’t exist where I’m from in New York). I got two half pint drinks and it cost 3.57 pounds. What a deal. We thought it was for tourists, but lots of locals go there too, can’t beat the price.

M. M.

Outstanding pub with excellent staff. Our group had a great day here. The food was also very enjoyable and good value. Everyone had a great time in one of London's oldest pubs. Very atmospheric.

E. L.

Hearty food, laid-back atmosphere, good beer. There is a strict NO PHONES rule.

M. B.

This place's like going back in time without having to waive a first class customer treatment, I mean, all there is old and vintage, comfortable and warm at the same time, the selection of beers and other drinks is fantastic and the fish & chips memorable. The prices are surprisingly half of what I paid in my hostel for industrial beers, while in the Cheshire Cheese they serve only the finest stuff. Unfortunately I been here only two times but I could live inside the pub because it really feels like home. Would definitely recommend it.

J. C.

Historic pub, good beer, terrible food

A. G.

Great service, and the atmosphere we were looking for. The mushroom stroganoff was incredibly delicious, and we were well taken care of by our server, who was quite friendly, but unobtrusive at the same time. If you have at least 4 people and are ordering dinner, the cosy corner was a great table. Everyone in our party was charmed by it.

M. M.

Out for a work meal and drink or two. Must say tasty steak food has been cooked today. Cosy pub with the home fire but small. Very Friendly staff and tasty range of beer. I definitely recommended this place for anyone tourist or local to visit. Good historical place and sat at I Charles Dickinson seat beside Dr Samuel Johnson. 😀

B. Y.

One of my absolutely favorite bars in London -- steeped in history and lore. You can just walk around and smell the 450 years of pub history in the the stone structure and wooden bar. A big plus is that the place does not pander to tourists -- it is still genuine and passionate bartenders and local clients. Good selection of beers heavily reliant on Samuel Smith.

C. D.

Great old pub with amazing history and multiple levels with hidden areas to drink quietly or to separate your group to a nook or room to itself. I want to say it was cash only here which wasn't a huge deal. Helpful bartender.

B. C. F. C.

Nice beer, awesome food! It's a shame the service can be slow and the place sometimes so full you can't walk. But the visit is obligatory four tourists and if you live in London, good pub to be your favourite!

N. S.

What a blast to follow the steps of Sir Johnson, caressing dear old Hodge on your way to this hidden gem of the City. Centuries of history, tradition and the spirit of old Britain. Taste some lovely English pies and wash them down with Sam Smith's beers. What about a delicious crumble pie for dessert and the story of the place offered with a smile by the host? Enjoyed every single minute there. Highly recommended.

R. S.

Love this pub. Full of character, good beer at reasonable prices (though if you're used to Samuel Smiths prices elsewhere you might disagree). Part of the charm is that they serve their own stuff, so you won't find any of the brands you're used to seeing in other pubs. Try the Brewery Bitter if you like ale, or Pure Brew for lager (Taddy Lager a good alternative if you like a weaker drink).

K. F.

Great Britain's oldest pub. Built-in 1666 Ye olde Cheshire cheese has actually earned the right to put ye olde in front of its name. It's not a theme park people don't walk around like its the Renaissance fair saying doth and dost. But he place is steeped in history many notable People spent their days drinking and eating in this pub including GK Chesterson and Mark Twain. The food isn't great but it's reasonably priced and it's comparable to food you would get in any pub in England. The pictured bangers and mash were of good quality tasted fine and were under 10 pounds. But you're not coming there for the food you're coming there to be part of history. To drink in a pub in which countless hundreds of thousands have over the last 300 and some odd years.

R. K.

Absolutely fantastic pub. Probably one of the best I have ever been to. Ridiculous amounts of history and character. One of the best beer selections I have ever seen. Staff were friendly and attentive. I could not recommend this place more

A. R.

Last renovated in 1667, this is an old English pub. Very quirky with lots of interesting rooms to meet and drink in. Prices are also good with a Sam Smith's bitter costing only £3.50 a pint.

C. H.

Really nice old pub with a long history. It's a Reddit Warren of corridors and small rooms. Great selection of beers and a good atmosphere. Worth a visit just for the historical value alone

S. G.

Old Sam Smiths pub with tight caverns and alcoves as well a bunch of history behind it. Cask ales, IPA's, spirits, you name it it's all here. Great ambience with a no phones or laptops policy which encourages knackered tourists and workers a chance to yack away. Great prices for this part of town, go there.

S. T.

Another great London pub closed due to what they are calling a pandemic. When the businesses and the people understand what is really going on there will be outrage. The hospitality industry should have been defiant and not complied with the governments orders to close. If every single business stood defiant the government would have no power. The sooner everyone realises what is going on the better. The compliant are making it worse and prolonging this fakery.

I. S.

Step back in time and have a pint of ale or lager like English did in the good old days ;) This has to be one of my favourite and the oldest pubs in London with lots of rustic looking little rooms and corridors to explore. Relaxing atmosphere with low lights, fireplace and comfy chairs. Good service, reasonably priced drinks.

K. L.

It's very easy to get lost in this pub, the lack of reception makes it hard to find someone. If you don't like stairs, this is not the place for you. Apart from that, everything else was pretty much like any other pub in London.

R. F.

Built in 1667, this is a fantastic pub that surprisingly goes from the ground floor down several flights with small seating alcoves before reaching a basement bar. Good pub food. Very well priced beer all brewed by Sam Smith.

R.

nice and popular pub like dungeon

J.

I love this pub, I always stop here for a drink when I am in London. I prefer the ground floor front bar. The people who have drunk at the bar, and subjects of conversation over the centuries are a feast for the imagination. I could sit and watch all day as the American tourists walk into the hallway, lit only by a yellowing 40 watt lamp, and after their eyes have got used to the dark, the expression of "did I just go through a time portal" appear on their faces. On my last visit I met a lovely lady from South Carolina, and some nice chaps from New Zealand, all happy to stop and have a chat with a stranger. It's worth exploring the back bar, and the downstairs bar. The beer is good, and fairly priced. I'll be back!

W. P.

Combines both a historical experience, and quality drink and pub atmosphere, at reasonable prices. Sam Smith pubs are generally very good, and their beers are also traditional and excellent in general. Highly recommend coming here, particularly for tourists who want to experience these things, and not a horrible, soulless and overpriced Greene King, or moderately better Fullers.

S. N.

Sometimes these pubs can become institutions, but the injection of a Landlord who has a sense of fun can bring new life. A rambling edifice with upstairs and downstairs bars and restaurants it's now owned by the Sam Smiths brewery, so they serve their own brand drinks which are good. If you fancy a treat get the oatmeal stout (its bottled) which is fantastic

D. D.

Fantastic service, friendly staff, made to feel very welcome, Jed was fantastic, thank you so much.

J. P.

Tip: If you are tall, you will hit your head on something. Not for large groups. This place has so much character. There are multiple nooks and cranny's with bars tucked away. This place has seating but it is very scattered with low ceilings. The beer is priced reasonably which is appreciated. Due to the small size, you may end up chatting with people around. Make sure you explore the whole place if you are going to visit. Note: If you tried to go in the right side (facing the pub), that is not the entrance as you have found out. The entrance is on the left side.

T. H.

Food was great and the service very good in a lovely old pub. Could maybe do with a bit of a clean but did not detract from the experience.

C. P.

Great pub full of character. If you can get there early and have a quiet pint in the front bar then you can enjoy what might be the most peaceful pint in London.

p. s.

Spotted this pub while out on The Royal Walk of London. Popped in and was given a choice of Bars to go too first, not a choice of drinks. We went in and went to the right and stayed in that bar as we were only after a swift half. Thankfully this little bar was no mobiles, tablets or laptops, so it was a pleasure to sit and take in the history of this Pub and the story of Polly the Parrot who sits behind the bar in her glass case as this parrot is no more! She has ceased to be! She's expired and gone to meet er maker! she's a stiff! Bereft of life, she rests in peace! Poor Girl, but she supposedly is the first Polly the Parrot ever recorded. The beer is kept very well, the food is really good for a pub in London and it's not to badly priced either, so go make some memories in one of the bars and enjoy. All I can say is if I've made it a place to go on future visits to London then it's a Bloody good place to go for a beer and I'll try one of the other bar rooms each visit.

L. P. P.

The waiter was funny and very polite. The ambiance is amazing and traditional if you are into that. And the service is fast and nice. Also the pub is amazing and the area its in is a bit hidden but it looks like you are walking down a walkway from the 18th century it is absolutely amazing and you should try it I rate it 5 stars. Keep up the good work.

S. S.

I love this pub. It's a Samuel Smiths so, if you're looking for boutique craft beers then you're probably not going to find what you're looking for here. But if you want a real slice of English pub history, a cosy, warm atmosphere and if you like a good pint of traditional English beer or ale then you should definitely check this place out. It's tucked away down an alleyway and goes right down into the ground. It'd be a lovely place for a first date but maybe not straight after work, it does get quite busy!

E. S.

The ultimate small London pub experience. Service is a little slow but that might have to do with covid. Cosy setting.

A. R.

Olde Wolde pub ideal for a few pints.

C. C.

Unique place, with lots of history and character, the lower levels smelled like urine though. The seating is crowded because of the old layout of the building. The beer is great, stouts and fruit flavored beer were my favorites.

D. G. M.

This is a fantastic old pub, set slightly off the beaten track. It has a nice selection of lagers and beers, which can be savoured in any of the wood-panelled rooms, or the vaulted cellars. As a bonus, if you have a drink in the baked cellar, when the pub is quiet, you can hear the River Fleet coursing below the floor.

C. J.

One of my favourite haunts in central London, A very cosy, unique pub with tons of history and rooms to explore. The drinks selection is very unique also being a Samuel Smith pub with a great selection of beers and other drinks to choose from, The food is traditional rustic pub grub at very affordable prices and is very good. The service is very friendly and the bar staff do usually enjoy a bit of banter which is always a plus for me. Probably my favourite pub to go to in winter as it has rooms with fireplaces in which enhances the already great and unique atmosphere in this place.

N. W.

Absolutely legendary London pub oozing with character with historical importance with Charles Dickens and Mark Twain popping in here for a swift half a fair few moons ago. Mobile reception is terrible here but because it's a Sam Smith's pub they don't like you to use mobile devices so that works out in their favour.

A. N.

Great pub with lots of history. A bit of a maze but worth walking all around. Be sure to get down to the cellar bar. Real friendly staff. They don't have a full cocktail bar so be prepared for more of a traditional pub experience.

M. G.

An historical London Pub with great character and atmosphere. You can sense the ghosts in the fabric of it's dark interior and deep cellars! A must see when visiting the greatest city in the would. The staff are truly friendly to the beer the best I have tasted. I must return To Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese!#TheFoureyedPoet.

K. S.

Don't worry visiting if you like modern contemporary design pubs. But if you into old and historical places with low ceilings and dangerous staircases, then my friends, you have won a jackpot. The pub has a character, prices are reasonable. There is some evidence that this pub might have run a secret brothel, as the pub donated erotic tiles to the London Musium in the past.

D. v. d. M.

One of the oldest pubs in England. The ceilings are low and the place reeks of atmosphere. It is self service though and you need to place your order at the bar. You'd definitely want to sample the local beers here.

K. N.

A little secret through the hidden alleyways off Fleet St. This place feels like stepping back 400 years ago. The bartender was amazing, the prices are decent (£8-10 for a main) and the food portions are generous. Come here if you're after an authentic pub experience.

M. L.

Quaint and old- yes, but also dingy, dirty and dank. Tables are dirty and service is pretty much serve yourself. Alright food, toffee pudding was excellent. I understand that it is a very old and historic pub, but ambiance was really off putting, sorry to say.

D. S.

Quaint historic pub rebuilt after the fire of London. As a tall person, not great for headroom. Probably the cheapest pint around here as a Samuel Smith pub, but then is limited on its selection.

E. K.

This place is too cool! A must when visiting. Got the Shepard's Pie and a few beers, food is typical pub food but it is made properly. The atmosphere and the history is what sets this place apart from any other pub and the reason to visit.

P. F.

As London pubs go this has got 'IT'. The pub has no signing, just its name on an old fashioned lamppost just outside. The entrance is down an alleyway at the side of the pub, when you enter don't be dismayed if it looks full, that is just one of the bars, down in the cellar is another with even more seating areas. It is an unusual, fantastic pub with some extras, it serves Sam Smiths Ales from Tadcaster, Yorkshire and they are verycheap for London. There is also a good selection of food to be had.

R. B.

Great pub. Food is good. Sam Smiths pubs are not as good as they used to be but this pub is fantastic and definitely still worth a visit for good beer and good food. Fantastic decor with plenty nooks and crannies. Roaring fire ground floor bar.

M. M.

Samuel Smith's drinks in an extraordinary place, also serving nice food in reasonable prices. Very much recommended. If you live in London, or if you don't, this place is absolutely awesome to spend some time with friends or family. Close to City Thameslink and St. Paul's stations.

L. F.

A stunning post-Great Fire pub which practically oozes history from its walls. It is full of period features such as dark wood fittings, coal fires and brass bars. With cheap Sam Smith's drinks and a cosy underground cellar you really can't go far wrong - one of the best pubs in London.

A. K.

Really interesting pub, from the old wooden part up at street level to the really old sublevels. Don't expect your normal beers on tap, it's all Samual Smith beers (which are good). Definitely worth dropping in for a pint.

M. K.

Amazing public house that dates back to the 1700's when it was "rebuilt" after the original structure burned down. This is a place that seen as much history pass through it's doors as the British Museum. Amazing experience and to top it all off, the pints are fairly poured and the food is delicious.

P. L.

This pub is so old, records aren't there to prove with certainty it is the oldest. Nevertheless, it was rebuilt in 1667, after the original burnt down with the Great Fire. It's style is still genuine: dark and cramped, but with a lovely selection of beers and ciders. The fireplace is always on, and the friendly staff and patrons make this a lovely place to pop in for a drink or a bite. Not as busy on the weekends, but on Sunday the restaurant appears to be closed.

R. W.

Simply outstanding, the Cheese is one of my favourite pubs. If you had to visit only one pub in London it would have to be this one - this pub *is* London. Rebuilt after the Great Fire it's old of course and such a treat to visit - inside it's all split levels, little rooms, low ceilings and like you've stepped straight back into the 17th century. Sam Smith's beer is also excellent and great value, check out the Chocolate Stout (fascinating). It's nice to hope that my (as yet unborn) children will one day visit this place and I hope it doesn't change at all. A must see. Note: those wanting actual Cheshire Cheese should look elsewhere.

M. P.

This place was so fun! Its very cozy, but watch your head going down the stairs to the bathroom! The coal fireplace was very cozy and we enjoyed just drinking a pint and listening to the various local dialogue. Great pour as well. I had the mulled cider and it was yummy.

P. B.

Good food and a great environment! Recommended for a visit!

S. M.

Great pub and as the second oldest pub in London it is well worth a visit even if it is just to look around. A beautiful piece of history with open fires, great beer and at a very good price. Can not recommend this place enough, especially on a cold winters day

N. P.

Amazing experience in what is a hidden gem in an alleyway in London. A beautiful 17th century pub that makes you feel like you've gone back in time. The staff were fantastic, and the food was delicious. I cannot rate this high enough.

A. A.

It's a well hidden place off Fleet street, but when you get there, the atmosphere is amazing. I was sitting in Dr.Samuel Johnson's favourite place, just under his portrait by the fire, how lovely :) The food is also good, and the service is very nice and smiling. On Thursday evenings, however, it tends to be fully booked.

H. B.

Lovely old pub, wood panelled bar with open fire, very welcoming. Had one of my favourite beers Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout.

D. R.

Outstanding, hard to find a pub with more history than this place. A meeting place for famous authors, a beer cellar, Polly the parrot. This place has it all, an historic meeting place for both lawyers and the press. An absolute must see in the City.

A. H.

Best fish I've ever had. The local beer selection was great as well. Had the organic lager and really enjoyed it. Cute little spot with stairs that lead you down into the dinning areas.

v. A.

Really delightful pub. Hidden gem, I've got to be 5 years in this city to discover it. Not only historic but also charming. Such a great experince. One of the highlights of the city. Ah, the beer selection is quite good too.

T. D.

Fantastic English bar tucked away on a side alley. If you go, and the bar by the front door is busy (which it probably will be), head down the stairs and keep going down -- at least four flights -- until you reach the cool cellar where there's more bars and seating in a historic space frequented by many famous writers. Essential stop for a pint and small nibbles if you're in the area!

M. S.

Utterly wonderful! The beer is perfectly conditioned and the food good. As for the atmosphere, there is nothing like it. No trip to London is complete without at least one visit.

P. B. d. C.

Great Pub food and atmosphere! Good prices, not expensive in the cellar.

G. P.

Great historic pub, just watch your head! Upstairs kitchen closed at 9 on weekdays but the downstairs one keeps serving pub food until 9:30. Leave your phone behind too and enjoy the ambience because there's no WiFi or cell reception in the basement!

B. m.

I don't really do five stars, so four means I like it, a lot. Great atmosphere, great fittings, a good mix of folk and a whole restaurant angle I didn't explore, I just sat in the bar (not alone) - in fact I'd love to explore it more, it's such at atmospheric place in a great location, no frills, a proper pub - hard to find, especially amongst all the glitz. Sensible prices, my kind of watering hole.

N. P.

Quirky pub located along fleet street with copious ups and downs, low ceilings, hidden rooms and corners. Basic selection if you want wine, but a full selection of spirits and Sam Smith beers. If you come after 5 on a Thursday or Friday prepare to queue and to stand as this is incredibly popular.

L.

Interesting selection of drinks (I love to try something new every time I visit), the food is delicious, the staff are super friendly (I learned about five historical facts about the pub before I’d even ordered, which was awesome). The building is beautiful and charming. Nicely tucked away but in a popular and easily accessed location which is fab.

J. G.

Really great old London pub with a lot of history. The staff know all about the place so any questions you have about the history, they usually know the answer. Very cheap for a pint in central London. £3.65 for Taddy's which I was drinking.

j. h.

This is an amazing pub with good service, tasty food and more importantly beer; very nice, peaceful atmosphere which my friends and I enjoy very often after work. Also, I like it because of its history – it feels good to drink a cold beer in one of the oldest London pubs.

A. D.

My favourite pub in London, cheap beer, no music and no mobile signal. If you can get a seat at a table it's a great place to spend a couple of hours chatting. Food is just ok though.

F. R.

It was like eating at a place out of a fantasy story. You turn off a wide and busy avenue into a narrow alley way, enter the tiny and cramped pub, and are directed down a winding and narrow staircase to the cellar where the customer seating in the old wine cask brick-cellar. Food was good and the weight of history of this 400 year old pub was incredible.

C. C.

Food great, atmosphere fantastic and the staff lovely. Perfect pub for spending a quiet quiet afternoon talking over a couple of pints and a pie. Good value and very informal.

K. K.

Whoa. Just , whoa. So glad we ended up here. Such a cool pub with lots of history great prices on the drinks. The bar area was where we sat, they had a fire going and I felt like I was sitting by a campfire just hanging out. Really cool experience!

K. H.

I really like this pub for its atmosphere. Especially the downstairs bit. Prices are very reasonable for London. Pints for around 3£ and main meals for less than 10£. I was always happy with my food. Unfortunately last week when I went with a couple of friends we were kicked out at closing time in a pretty rude way. We were first asked, along with other groups of people, to move upstairs as they were closing the downstairs areas. Fair enough. However, all the upstairs rooms were also closed, so everybody was just standing around in the corridor finishing their pints. A lady who seemed to be in charge shouted that we had 5 minutes left to finish up and leave. she gave 30 second updates of how much time we had remaining to finish our drinks. When we pointed out that it would've been nice to get a bit more of a heads up she replied saying 'less talking, more drinking, otherwise you won't be able to finish your drinks in 4 minutes 30 seconds!', raising her voice again for the time announcement so that everybody could hear her. It's a very efficient way of kicking people out, but maybe not the most polite way.

K. B.

Sign of the times... not a lot of ales to choose from but fully understand due to costs.

M. B. H. T.

Great food and very friendly bartender and waiter. Definitely put this place in your list to visit!

B. 7.

Great pub for a beer. Enjoyed the pie too.

V. M.

Great traditional pub with a selection of ales on tap. One of the few places to even have a fireplace inside for those cold lonely days working as a corporate tool in the big shed that is London's old financial district.

P. J.

Classic old historic pub just down an alleyway off Fleet Street. It's a tourist stop off and you'll find saw dust sprinkled around the floor. It's dark inside and you can find yourself deep underground in the basement. It's a Sam Smiths pub so beer is cheap but the range is only from that brewery. Worth visiting once in a while.

U. “. K.

A lovely historic pub...feels like you've gone back a couple of centuries. A good contrast to all the other bars and usual pubs in the area. Good beer selection too...

A.

Loved this place. The fold and drinks are great. Bare in mind that this pub was rebuilt in the 1700s so if you're taller than 5ft, you will need to mind you head everywhere you go

S. B.

Extremely characterful, shockingly well priced—as I've come to expect from Samuel Smith's pubs. If only there were as great a selection of (cask) ales available as lagers! (Three pumps at the bar and Old Brewery Bitter on each—a bit of variety would be nice.)

J. E.

Top 10 pubs in London. Would be Top 5 is it was dog friendly.

B. M.

Charming little pub. I took my son to London a few years ago for his high school graduation gift. The pub was on our bucketlist of places to visit and for him to have one of his legal pints. Tiny place with limited snacks but well worth a stop.

s.

Step through the front door and you step back in time 300 years. Go down the steps into the cellar, or more steps into an even deeper cellar, and you go back another 300 years. So don’t expect your phone to work back then, and don’t disturb anything or you may accidentally erase yourself from history. If you plan to visit only one pub in London, then I’d recommend you come here, buy some beer, find a seat, and spend some time re-planing your trip. You’ll find this place between Covent Garden and St Paul’s Cathedral so you’d expect it to be jammed full of wandering tourists, but because the entrance is down a small alley and disguised as something that isn’t one of the best pubs on the planet, most people just wander on by. So strangely, getting to the bar, or even finding a place to sit, isn’t difficult.

S. P.

An absolute gem of a pub on Fleet Street - not quite in the West End and not quite in the City. Firstly it's a Samuel Smith's house, so you will be rewarded with one of the lowest-priced ales in central London. Cheaper than Wetherspoons, for sure, and the Old Brewery Bitter is fresher and better-kept than the stuff at the ubiquitous pubco. The pub itself dates back to the Great Fire of London era and is a warren of rooms at street level, basement and sub-basement. Grade ll listed of course, and its a joy to close your eyes, savour your pint and imagine what it would have been like in here 300 years ago. The clientele is a nice mixture ... a few beer tourists of course, some regulars, some workers. Thankfully no braying Cityboys when I was in there last week. Simply one of central London's very finest pubs.

O. R.

I love it. It's like going back in time when you step inside. The first room is my favourite, cavern-like and you smell the woodsmoke. It goes great with a pint of their Sam Smith's stout from Yorkshire!

M. N.

This was probably my highlight of London. You have to go down some stairs to get to the pub. Going here makes you feel like you're in the 1800's with the old rustic look. The food and beer prices are very reasonable in this pricey city. I loved their sticky toffee pudding.

E. B.

An ancient place with an underground bar. Food is good enough for what it is, and it's a great place to socialize.

W. P.

Great food, friendly service and interesting nooks and crannies. Had the chicken and mash which was superb. Range of different patrons -tourists, locals and business types. Small enough to be intimate but big enough to feel part of a vibe!

B. G.

If you are looking for the real English pub feel, this is your spot. Fresh pours of Sam Smith's, tasty snacks and a peaty fire. All nestled in a tiny room. There was dinner as well, but the pub side was our speed. Good chats with all.

A. M.

Good authentic pub that served londoners for generations, everything looks really old and everything comes with a sense of time and history A great piece of london history. The pub is huge with loads of nooks and crannies that make you feel like you are hidden from the world. Also surprisingly good food and a selection of decent drinks in affordable prices.

G. B.

Unique layout and a wide range of decent, well priced beers/ales/ciders (typical Sam Smith). Very dark and the "pub garden" is essentially the street outside. Definitely worth checking out though.

D. G. I.

A cool looking pub with many small rooms for getting drinks. In addition, they had a pretty good beer selection on tap. The food was just okay. Nothing special but not terrible either.

k.

Come on, do I really need to rate the best, historical, well served pub in the City of London!?!? You decide!!

G. A.

Ah great atmosphere and even greater pub food at this venerable establishment whose basement oozes history. The steak and ale pie is totally scrumptious. Fantastic location to boot.

S. G.

Excellent venue, pricing and beer.

S. H.

Lovely old pub. It's an experience just sitting there. The prices are good too. Recommended for all. Maybe the only issue is that is hard to get phone reception there and I'm not sure if there is WiFi.

C. F.

This pub is fantastic well worth a visit very old school many room all have a distinctive character food very good and cheap for London a good selection of beers ,it's Samuel Smiths brewery very cheap for a pub in London brilliant experience all round .

C. W.

Great pub with a brilliant atmosphere with warm welcoming staff and always polite service. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. The only let down is the menu and food. Standards and portions have seriously dropped in quality and value for money in recent months. Nice place for a drink, but would go elsewhere to dine

F. A.

If you're a tourist, you MUST go to this place, and make your way down to the cellar. It's just a mind blowing experience to see how old this place is and how many stories must have happened here. If you're a local, there is not much to be bothered besides the place itself. Beer selection is bland, and food is not great either.

W. T.

Super cool spot with multiple bars! Definitely worth checking out!

n. m.

What a wonderfully historic pub. The basement shows signs of the fire damage that was caused during the great fire of london. Take a step back in time and enjoy some Samuel Smith's beer.

A. E.

Unique, ancient, labyrinthine Sam Smiths pub. You'll find the brewery's affordable staple beers, along with snacks and food, but people really come here for the building itself. Hidden rooms, dark wooden walls, low ceilings; it's a lovely slice of typical olde England in a modern, affluent area.

J. M.

Must be one of the most interesting pubs in the area - a must see. Limited choices at the bar so we didn't stay for a drink, but definitely worth a visit.

L. j. S.

Shame that the only beer is Sam Smiths which has gone bland over the years but impressive bar staff who work hard. Overall it hasn't changed much except no sawdust on floors and I suppose it was made more interesting by the newspaper workers years ago. Glad to see the front bar hasn't changed

T. S.

Had pheasant, steak and kidney pie, and the fish and chips among the three of us. All was delicious. The pheasant was the weakest dish, but still quite good. Steak and kidney was the best by far. The potatoes are cooked over an open fire, giving them an amazing contrast between the interior and exterior. We also had the sticky toffee pudding, which came piping hot and tasted wonderful, but was a bit dry and would've been much better served with ice cream rather than custard. We had dinner here, so enjoyed table service on the ground floor and or server was delightful, courteous, and, in sum, excellent. Overall, the dining experience was incredible and the food was great, some minor nit-picks, but the atmosphere and service more than makes up for them.

L. L.

This is a hidden gem for an old world tavern. It is worth the visit to have a pint of beer in a historic setting. It is a good place to experience what a pub was like in a different century.

B. B.

One of Samuel Smith's flagship pubs. Usual fare from this excellent brewery. Expect to see tourists and locals in this quirky pub with great service from the staff.

T. B.

It's a really cool building but the drink menu is really lacking, honestly for a pub I expected more than just a few blended whiskies and a small variety of beers

C. H. M.

The oldest pub in London (looks like it is).

D. A.

This pub is a MUST when you visit London. It's one of the oldest pubs in the city, with a great atmosphere, good beers and very decent food. The different floors make you feel you are in a cave

R. B. -. E. k.

This is a real part of historic London. Firstly it is a really quirky pub and the beer is great. Lot of historical associations with the past. Charles Dickens is reputed to have dreamed up some of his work in there, Samuel Johnson who lived nearby was supposed to have drunk there. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and P.G Wodehouse are supposed to have drunk in there. This is an essential part of Fleet Street and bygone eras and a very nice pub too.

J. H.

This historic pub could all too easily be dismissed as a tourist attraction but in fact the bar on the right hand side as you go in may be one of London's tiny handful of surviving pre-Victorian pub interiors (or at least elements thereof). The sawdust on the floor may be a bit twee, but if you come in here when it's quiet, and the open fire is lit, it has a very special atmosphere.

M. P.

What a great pub to stumble upon during a day out in London! We were impressed to learn that Ye Old Cheshire Cheese has been around for hundreds of years, but it isn’t oldy woldy and outdated. We sampled the wheat beer and stout which was on tap. It was great to be able to sit in in the cellar (two floors underground) which appeared to be freshly painted, atmospheric and cosy. I’ll definitely be returning.

B. H.

The food is very good as is the service and the atmosphere is incredible. I'm a history buff visiting from South Carolina and I just had a couple of pints and dinner at an establishment that has served literary figures such as Oliver Goldsmith, Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, G.K. Chesterton, P. G. Wodehouse and Charles Dickinson. Cheers!

t. w.

A quirky place and a must do for tourists...this is where the first dictionary was composed and dates back to 1666... labyrinth of different bars, nooks and crannies with real wood burning fireplaces and plenty of history. Not your regular drinks brands and average food..but go for the experience

A. S. Y.

The classic pub frequented by Charles Dickens? What's not to like. They've kept all the old world charm, including decor, tight quarters and smell (accidental or not). The food is standard stuff, but go for the atmosphere and beer.

A. G.

Great cosy, dim lit atmosphere. They have a large, more traditional selection of beers. Friendly staff are happy to help you make the best choice in beers.

L. C.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (not to be mistaken for the nearby Cheshire Cheese without the prefix) is arguably London's oldest extant pub. It was refurbished(!) in 1665 and has drawn pints for the likes of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson. It's a Samuel Smith pub in it's current iteration and consists of three bars - two at street level and one in the basement, along with various nooks and crannies in between to nurse your drink in. This is a total gem for those that like to drink somewhere a bit more interesting. Oh, and look out for the parrot in the Chop Room.....

R. W.

One of my favourite pubs in London, although not for the beer or food. The Cheese's charm comes from its cheerfully anarchic layout over multiple rooms and levels. There is always a little nook or cranny you can find that seems to beckon you in and convince you to settle in for a lengthy session. If only more of this type of pub survived.

D. B.

Love this place! A Sam Smith', so good prices and incredibly historic. Is a rabbit warren downstairs with various rooms descending into the depths of hell (& London history), fantastic, highly recommend.

L. M.

Great atmosphere, lots of chatting, cosy building, nice selection of beer, but hard to find a seat and move around at peak times. Don't think there's easy access for any 'chair users but could be wrong on this.

V. M.

Historic pub that served us real ale from the wood. A small group of us had booked in for lunch and were generally satisfied with the experience.

D. M.

Alright, so it's a major tourist spot now and it's a Sam Smith pub meaning mediocre ale. But it's steeped in history (the ground floor in particular feels like a step back in time) and worth taking a bit of a detour to visit if you're anywhere nearby.

K. H.

Amazing food! Take the stairs all the way to the basement level & experience a 1666 bar & restaurant. First floor is home to the regular seat of Charles Dickens, feel free to take a photo! I recommend the shepherds pie.

A. A.

Not really enough staff on the numerous bars. We had a work social there and were in the Johnson Bar. Good vibes for drinks and Z the bartender was friendly and efficient even though she was on her own serving around 40 people. Food was ok but took so long to get upstairs that it was cold. Shame really. 3.5 out of 5 but not worth 4 stars out of 5

A. M.

The history is 5 stars alone, but you can really feel what it was like to drink here with the community hundreds of years ago. They serve the same things as all the other pubs but this spot is truly 1 of a kind.

J. F.

Classic old boozer, still feels like it in a good way.

J. O.

Great place close to our workplace. Quite quiet and perfect to talk. old fashioned furniture with a mixture of comfortable sofas and hard wooden chairs. Cheap drinks for the area.

A. C.

Go for one of the oldest pubs in the world - stay because of the absolutely amazing prices. You'll blink - you are in the heart of the city of London, and yet you will pay fair price for your drinks. Enjoy!

A. H.

Great atmosphere, this pub is a great place to stop for a beer. One of the oldest pubs in London, full of history. And the downstairs room have no signal, which is great for conversations.

R. T.

One of my favorite pubs around London, visit every time I find myself in London.

J. E.

This pub is incredibly olde worlde and has lots of nooks and period features. I've never tried the food, but it offers the typical British pub grub and there's even a plate of pork pies behind the bar. The Sam Smiths bar offers an organic ale and a fruit beer as well as the usuals.

F. B.

This is probably the only place I've ever felt like I stepped back in time. If they would replace the lightbulbs on the wall with candles, it would feel even more real. I came here to try some beers & they were really good. I'll be sure to order some food, next time, as they have a couple of items I would like to try. It's dim & quiet inside which is really nice & who knows, you might even be sitting where Charles Dickens once sat.

J. H.

Good atmosphere, interesting building with lots of nooks and crannies. Restaurant food very pricey, even for London (costing them my fifth star). Food quality is very good nonetheless.

Contact

Photos