Insensitive refurbishment has ruined a nice pub. Our entry is for reference, but it is no longer recommended.Every style of building from the past 300 years is in Fleet Street, but the Cock Tavern has to be the narrowest.
The original Cock was on the other side of the street, but was demolished to make way for a branch of the Bank of England. Ironically the bank is now a pub.
The Cock crossed the road in 1887 and as much of the original interior as possible was moved to the new building, including the fireplace, its overmantle and the ornamental cockrell, all thought to be the work of master carver Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721).
At St. Paul's he carved a throne and choir stalls, perhaps he stayed at the Cock and the carvings were payment in kind?
In an attempt to get away from the 'gin palace' a new style of mock antique or 'olde worlde' pub design was used to re-established wholesome values. Ye Olde Cock Tavern is a Victorian fake of Olde England.
In 1990 a fire destroyed much of the relocated artefacts and the restoration that followed is a clever disguise. There are pre-fire photo's displayed. Well worth a visit all the same.
The large upstairs bars are usually open in the evenings or for functions. The lower bar has a bar billiard table.
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