London is a fantastic city to visit for celebrations of all kinds, but the much-lauded tradition of a pub crawl is perhaps one of the most appealing ones to try out in person. There are numerous areas which offer pubs galore, all with something new to offer. Here’s our guide to the very best places to head in search of a pub crawl in the capital…
Tour London’s Historic Pubs
Alongside the many restaurants near Finsbury Square, as a location with a rich history, it should come as no surprise that London has plenty of pubs which have been standing a lot longer than many of the buildings in the capital! The team at London guide Londonist created a wonderful pub crawl dedicated to showcasing these historic bars, including Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street, The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden, and Gordon’s Wine Bar in Strand. These pubs serve up much more than drinks and good old fashioned pub grub; there’s also a chance to absorb some of the atmosphere and culture during your stay at The Montcalm Royal London House.
The Telegraph newspaper recommends its own take on the ‘historic pub walk’, with a distance of approximately 1.25 miles, starting at Blackfriars and leading pub crawlers all the way from the Grade II listed Black Friar pub, built in 1975 on the site of a 13th century priory, via Fleet Street’s historically important Punch Tavern. It also takes in 1923’s very own Cittie of Yorke, with a fabulously ‘old timey’ feel which harks back even further than the last century.
Try the Monopoly Pub Crawl
Compiled by board game enthusiasts and made up of no less than 26 pubs throughout the city, the Monopoly Pub Crawl comes complete with directions and its own Google Map, sure to make the trip from venue to venue a little easier to handle. Inspired by the classic game of Monopoly, the route has two separate versions; one for saving time, and one for ensuring each pub is enjoyed to its fullest. Whilst 26 pubs might seem like a tall order, no doubt there are some guests at The Montcalm Royal London House who will feel they’re up to the monumental challenge. Dressing up as Monopoly pieces is certainly optional, but actively encouraged by some fans of this pub crawl…
Enjoy the London Literary Pub Crawl
For those who are thinkers as much as drinkers, the London Literary Pub Crawl takes in some of the major haunts of London’s literary lights both past and present. If you’ve ever been curious about the watering holes which were frequented by the likes of Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, Dylan Thomas and William Shakespeare, then this is certainly one not to be missed during your trip to the capital. There’s dozens of pubs in this crawl but if you follow the official tour then you’ll only stop at a few of them. If you’re feeling particularly maverick you might wish to detour from the pack.
