Pubs.com Review

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of the few pubs in London that can justify the 'Ye Olde' in its name. It was well known in the 17th century and many pubs have previously occupied this site, one of them, the Horn Tavern is recorded in 1538. The earliest incarnation was a guest house belonging to a 13th century Carmelite Monastery, the pub's vaulted cellars are thought to belong to that building. The pub was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and rebuilt the following year.

Approached through a narrow alleyway (Wine Office Court) the Cheese beckons you into a bygone world. By the entrance a board lists the reigns of the 15 monarchs through which this grand old pub has survived. The dark wooden interior is an enchanting warren of narrow corridors and staircases, leading to numerous bars and dining rooms. There are so many, even regulars get confused.

On the ground floor are two rooms. The smaller is a very dark panelled bar with a large open fireplace and high mantle. Above this is a portrait of William Simpson, who started as a waiter in 1829, which was to be passed down to future landlords.

The Chop Room across the corridor is usually reserved for diners. Here high backed settles have been arranged back to back to create small booths. A portrait of one of the Cheese's most famous patrons, Dr. Samuel Johnson (his house is around the corner) hangs on a far wall, and his chair set upon a shelf. A copy of Johnson's dictionary should be nearby. Another painting of Johnson and his biographer, Boswell, was found in a cellar relatively recently and restored.

In the main stairwell increasingly narrow steps lead up to a couple of atmospheric dining rooms and to private quarters. Unfortunately these rooms are often closed, which is a shame as they give a feel to the rambling nature of this wonderful old building.

Negotiating the narrow and awkward steps down to the cellar bars is rewarded with the discovery of the vaults, a fascinating series of tiny, honey coloured stone rooms. These vaults were part of the original guest house's chapel. The steps continue into the cellar proper, where a further bar and dining area can be found.

Volumes of visitors books were kept and signatories include Ambassadors, Prime Ministers and Royalty. Unfortunately these records began after the likes of Dr. Johnson, James Boswell, Voltaire, Thackeray and of course Charles Dickens (originally a Fleet St. journalist) drank here. One famous resident was a parrot whose mimicry entertained customers for 40 years, its death was announced on the BBC and obituaries appeared in newspapers all over the world.

Each generation that passes through the Cheese adds to its rich history.

Publican’s Review

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"Once turfed from the comforts of the tourist boat at Tower, we wended our way down Fleet Street. Grey was the sky and freezing the precipitation that beat down upon our brows. We turned into an eerie alley, to the dark and mysterious hostelry. Upon opening the door, a strong smell of burning wood tinged the air, heavy with the ghosts of London's past. An amazing atmosphere-I actually shivered- and an incredible treasure for Londoners and tourists alike. "

parsonsnose, 28/02/10

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"Visited on our pub tour of local inns, great atmosphere and intriguing little rooms.The cellar bar was particularly intersting."

covman45, 12/03/10

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"hi all i just want to let you know this was like walking into the set of harry potter film set. This is the first pub i have ever been in that my 1st thought was lets look around rather than get a drink it is a treasure that needs to be proteced i am back in london on 29th may and i will be popping in for a look and a drink or two see you soon tina xxxxxxxxx "

tinasims, 28/05/10

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"This is a MUST for every pub enthusiast!! Dark wooden panels, small windows, lack of daylight, it is like entering another world. I went in for a pint and a light meal and I'll highly recommend to pay a visit to the small bar/room situated at your right after entering. It is said to be the oldest,most untouched part of the pub. All in all a great experience; Charming atmosphere, friendly staff, good food and a nice selection of good quality beer (Samuel Smith). "

Andersen28, 17/07/10

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"A wonderful place, and dare I say the highlight of my visit to that part of London. Good pub grub and brew, fantastic ambience, secretive location. They do levy a surcharge on credit cards, 1%, but it's worth it in spades. Don't miss Polly, the parrot who lived at the pub from 1884-1926 and is now stuffed in the tap room!"

vadocdoc, 04/07/10

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