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Londonderry

discover the historic charm of ye olde cheshire cheese in london

a journey through history and hearty british fare

Nestled in the heart of London's historic City of London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese stands as a testament to centuries of British tradition and storytelling. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, this Grade II listed pub exudes an authentic Dickensian ambiance, complete with shadowy corners, dark wood features, and secret rooms that whisper tales of literary giants like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.

A visit to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and authentic British pub cuisine. Known for its literary connections and historic architecture, this pub is a haven for history buffs and casual visitors alike. Savor traditional dishes like Fish and Chips, hearty Welsh Rarebit, or the iconic Sunday Roast, all served in a setting that has preserved the spirit of old London.

Step into a living piece of London's history, rebuilt after the 1666 Great Fire.

Enjoy traditional British pub dishes like Fish and Chips, Welsh Rarebit, and a classic Sunday Roast.

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the historic heart of London at 145 Fleet Street, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese stands as a testament to centuries of rich history and literary tradition. Rebuilt shortly after the Great Fire of 1666, this iconic pub offers visitors a unique glimpse into London's storied past, with its ancient wooden features, shadowy corners, and legendary patrons including Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson. This pub is not just a place to dine; it's an immersive experience that transports you back in time, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and pub lovers alike.

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I loved the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub. Walked in for lunch and was say where Dr. Samuel Johnson used to sit. The pub wasn't super busy during my visit.

For lunch I ordered the sausage and mashed which was so good. For dessert I ordered the sticky toffee which was so yummy.

Love the history of this old pub and had to see Polly the famous parrot.

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When a friend and I were in London, we definitely wanted to dine at Charles Dickens' old haunt, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. 

It definitely felt as old as it was, with lots of wooden features, shadowy corners, and hidden away spots.

We unfortunately were seated in one of these dim, hidden away spots - a small room with one table total. So we didn't get the real "atmosphere" of the restaurant. We also didn't receive the best attention from our server, being in a hidden little side room by ourselves. 

The food, though it did take a while to arrive, ended up living up to the hype, PHEW!

My friend and I shared two starters:

-Wild Mushroom & Spinach Crumpet, Garlic & Herbs: This was a soft little bit of crumpet with cream pooled around it and lots of greenery on top. It was a light starter to the meal, which was appreciated because everything else was very heavy after.

-Our other start was the Pressed Ham Hock, with mustard pickles, and served with sourdough toast. This sounds scary, but the ham was more of a "forcemeat" style, and you spread it on your sourdough and top it with the pickles. It all came together really well and gave a great taste with each bite.

For my entree, I stuck with a classic - the Old Brewery Beer Battered Cod & Chips. It was accompanied by one of my favorite things - mushy peas! Yum. It was two huge filets of cod, that were perfectly battered and had a delicious homemade tartar sauce. You can't go wrong ordering this dish.

My friend had the Lamb Chop, and she was very happy with it. It was sold as a "chop" but actually came as little medallions cut for you, with a sauce to drizzle over them. That made it a lot easier to eat, as lamb can be a bit tougher to cut at the table yourself.

And for our dessert, we shared the Sticky Toffee Pudding, and it was absolutely FAB. It is what I would compare in the U.S. to a bread pudding. A cake soaked in a tasty liquid so it softens up and each bite has a little sweet, juicy flavor. This one had a butterscotch flavor, and it was served with ice cream, which complemented it greatly.

I would say definitely stop by Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese while you're in London, but be prepared that you might be stuck in a corner and sort of forgotten about, depending on what time you go. The food, though, I would say may be worth it!

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I came to 'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese' for the first time when I was 18 years old, traveling to Great Britain & Ireland with my school friend Bob McGuire, as a kind of "right of passage" before we separated forever, going to different universities. I was so young and inexperienced at the time that I didn't even know what to make of it, except that it was older than any other working Pub I had ever been in, and that my friend and I could drink legally, and then, just like any other drunken teen... pee in an alley before searching for hot looking streety-type girls (which didn't work out well - or cheap).

The second time I came here was with my mother (my treat to her via 2 free tickets I'd earned from a job I did for KLM, [creating an entire Ancient Egyptian themed party at the Field Museum in Chicago for an exhibit they sponsored] - it was awesome).   

Before coming here you need to know the names of the many special Rooms, pointedly separate Bars, & even a few apartments where some famous patrons decided to keep their beds - just in case they needed them, between drinks. Yes, knowing the Rooms in this pub will help you to experience it with an extra eye . So here they are...

1. The Cellar Bar (the most 'Happening' place here. It opens at 1:00 pm).

2. 'The Johnson Bar', named after Samuel Johnson, the pubs most famous patron. This room is presently used for overflow.

3. 'The Cheshire Bar'.

4. 'The Chop Room'. This room has a "Gentlemen Only" section. 

5. NOTE: The formal restaurant is upstairs, one flight.

OTHER BARS & ROOMS:  "The Snug Bar", "The Court Bar", "The Johnson Residence", "The Williams Residence", & " Directors Room". 

Beyond the information above, I can report with confidence that the Beer, Ales, Porters, Lagers, & Stouts, are all mildly chilled, and just as tasty as any hundred pints of the same brew, poured expertly in any 8 dozen nearby pubs. 

Check on the website (below) for 'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese' to see todays food offerings.  'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese' serves good versions of whatever fare all of the other surrounding pubs serve - including a ploughman's lunch, and a Sunday Roast. 

What you should truly come here for is to 'Live the Rich History' of this Ancient Establishment. And if you can handle it, have a pint in every room - like I did when I was 18, and oh so naive - so naive. 

And don't worry - if you are too buzzed to find one of the many hidden Dickensian bathrooms - there is an alley just down the block.

According to Wikipedia, "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" is a Grade II listed public house at 145 Fleet Street, on Wine Office Court, City of London. Rebuilt shortly after the Great London Fire of 1666. "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" is well known for its literary associations, with its regular patrons including Charles Dickens, G. K. Chesterton, Samuel Johnson, and Mark Twain. 

https://ye-olde-cheshire-cheese.co.uk/

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We visited June 28 while exploring London. Wife had researched places "with Welsh Rarebit" one of my favorite dishes and this establishment came up. When we wound up nearby and trying to find a place for dinner- she pulled this from her list. 
The Welsh Rarebit was very good. I also had the best Fish and Chips of our trip!
Great atmosphere. Helpful staff.

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I had to write a review on this gem in London! The Ye Old Chesire Cheese is the oldest bar in London. It was established in 1538 and and was rebuilt in 1667! I did a pub tour in London and this one was my favorite pub for sure. I decided to try the organic chocolate stout and it was refreshing and hit the spot while listening to the history of the pub! This pub is 3 levels and on the 2nd level was an area people used to hide during World War 1. They also had a a pet parrot that lived there for 40 years and when he died in 1926 they decided to stuff him and he is still there to see! An experience with amazing beer and rich history. You will feel like you stepped back in time! A must if you visit London!

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In the downstairs chop room there is on display a first edition of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities open to the page where Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is mentioned: "he took him down Ludgate-hill to Fleet Street, and so, up a covered way, into a tavern with a good plain dinner and good wine". The food was delicious and beautifully presented, fish and chips were outstanding, service was so friendly and lovely. Beer and whiskey selections were fantastic.

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We really enjoyed this place when we visited London. Down an alleyway off of Fleet Street, this pub offered Samuel Smith's beers which we found difficult to find in London. In fact dark beers in general, except for Guinness, were rare in London.

This pub prides itself on the fact that it was rebuilt in 1667. Too bad the walls can't talk. I'm sure there are plenty of stories to tell.

The food offered was very British. My husband chose the Scotch Egg and Pork Pie, but was surprised and disappointed that these items were served cold. 

I went with the Cheese Charcuterie board. It was very good!!

Our favorite part of the evening was playing darts on the pubs dart boards. 

This was our favorite London pub.

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Such a cool place with many levels of seating. There's a bar on just about every floor. The stairs are a bit narrow and can be tricky if you are a bit older, but still a cool experience. We grabbed a seat by the window on the 1st floor and had a great time. Would recommend.

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During our stay on London, one of the locals told us this was his favorite pub. We went there  and the food and service were great. The fish and chips were the best we had while in London.

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What a unique place!  The 2025 Fodor's London guidebook mentions it was rebuilt in 1666 after the Great Fire of London, and they list is in the Best Historic Pubs section of the book, but they didn't do it justice.  

I decided to have lunch there on a rainy, cold Thursday.  I had not made reservations and was worried about getting a table.  Turns out, it was the best time to go.  Very few patrons in the main seating area, only one couple at the bar, and I didn't even see the downstairs until after lunch when I went searching for the restrooms.

They sat me in the Cozy Corner; a large table that probably seats 4 or 5.  The wood benches, walls, and floors had a lot of character - yes, they were old and scratched up.  My benches had a few pillows to sit on, which was a nice touch.  The server was very sweet and brought me the food and bar menus.  After a quick discussion with her, I ordered:
a Cider Reserve which was crisp and clean
The Sea Bream, a light, flaky white fish, which was fried whole and so delicious.  This was served with a scoop of herb butter on top, which was tasty, but the fish on it's own was better
Sourdough bread: nice, thick slices served with butter
Buttered Carrots:  This was the one thing I did not love.  The carrots were swimming in butter and it obscured the flavor of the carrots.  Next time I'll order them just steamed.
Sticky Toffee Pudding.  So delicious!  Do not miss the opportunity to order this!

There are several levels to this restaurant.  They have restrooms one floor above the main level and one floor below.  The stairs are narrow so be careful when descending/ascending.  The subterranean level was very quaint.  Small nooks with tiny tables for 2 and some open areas with larger tables.  It felt like going into an old wine cellar.

Bottom line: This place is not just a tourist attraction.  They have very nice food, a great ambiance, and attentive service.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub in London’s Fleet Street – Historic, Literary & Family-Friendly

Discover the Historic Charm of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Check out the latest food offerings and special dishes at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Situated at 145 Fleet Street, London, this historic pub offers a trip back in time with its authentic architecture and storied past

Learn about its literary connections and architectural significance, making it a must-visit in London

Discover Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street—an historic London pub serving up rich tradition and cozy charm. Experience timeless British hospitality today!

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub in Londonderry | Historic British Charm

City of London District

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Step back in time at London’s historic pub, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a Grade II listed establishment rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666. Nestled on Fleet Street, this iconic venue offers an authentic British pub experience deeply rooted in literary history, with connections to Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, G.K. Chesterton, and Mark Twain.

Discover Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in London

Visit the official website for current food and drink offerings, including traditional British fare like ploughman’s lunch and Sunday roast.

Explore the rich history of this legendary pub

Enjoy a pint in one of its many rooms, each with its own unique charm, from the Cellar Bar to the Johnson Room, and learn about its famous patrons and legendary past.

Experience the historic atmosphere and remarkable stories

Indulge in classic dishes like fish and chips, Welsh Rarebit, and hearty pies, complemented by a selection of ales, porters, stouts, and the unique organic chocolate stout, all served in a setting that has remained a London landmark for centuries.

Taste traditional British dishes and enjoy a historic pub experience

Explore the many levels of this historic pub, each with its own story, from the underground wine cellar to the upstairs restaurant.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: A Historic London Pub with Rich Character and Classic Flavors

Discover the historic charm of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and enjoy classic British pub fare in the heart of London.

Experience authentic British dishes like fish and chips and Welsh Rarebit, served in a setting rich with literary history and atmospheric charm.

While the pub boasts an impressive history dating back to 1538, some visitors have noted that the experience can vary depending on the time of visit, with some hidden corners feeling less lively and attentive service occasionally inconsistent.

However, the pub's multiple levels, historic rooms, and authentic pub atmosphere make it a must-visit for history buffs and food lovers alike.

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