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Tucked away in a narrow, Dickensian side street, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of London’s most iconic and historic pubs. Originally known as “The Horn,” the pub’s roots trace back to 1538, when Shakespeare was in his twenties and Henry VIII had already shed three wives. The original building was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, but it was rebuilt the following year and has remained a staple of Fleet Street ever since. The pub’s historic charm is evident in every corner, with vaulted cellars believed to date back to the 13th century, once part of a Carmelite monastery. Its long list of famous patrons—ranging from Charles Dickens to Winston Churchill—adds to the allure, making it a living piece of London’s literary and political history.

Over the centuries, the pub has seen countless stories unfold within its timbered walls. Samuel Johnson was a regular, and Dickens reportedly favored a specific table by the fireplace. The pub was also known for its hearty “puddings” made from ingredients as diverse as steak, oysters, and even larks, weighing in at an astounding 23 to 36 kilos. Beyond its food, however, it is the pub’s atmosphere and history that make it stand out. The dimly lit rooms and maze-like passageways, many of which are situated over several levels, give Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese a mysterious, timeless quality. The lack of natural light in these spaces often makes it feel like the outside world simply ceases to exist, a sensation many Fleet Street journalists have come to know well.

One of the most endearing stories associated with Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese involves a parrot named Polly. Given to the landlord by a sailor in the late 19th century, Polly became a beloved part of the pub’s lore. On Armistice Night 1918, after the end of World War I, the parrot famously mimicked the popping of champagne corks 400 times before falling off its perch, presumably drunk. Polly survived the night and continued to entertain the pub's patrons until it passed away in 1926. By then, Polly had become so famous that its obituary was published in 200 newspapers worldwide. Today, the pub remains a bustling, atmospheric haven, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a pint surrounded by the rich history and charming eccentricity that has defined Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for centuries.

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Viennas oldest Irish Pub

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A guy asked to see the menu in a cider pub down town. Landlord said Ready salted, or cheese and onion

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Pull up a stool for a Friday pint of plain

Soak up the atmosphere of old literary Dublin at McDaid's on Harry Street - once the City morgue, later converted into a chapel for the Moravian Brethren, hence the high ceilings and the Gothic style windows. McDaids has been identified by Joycean scholars as the setting for the opening of his story, Grace. Brendan Behan was a regular in the pub and he would regularly entertain the crowd with his vast repertoire.

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📍Dublin ☘️

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Friday night pints.

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😃

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