What is it?
Step off Fleet Street and into the pages of history at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of London’s oldest and most atmospheric pubs. Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire of London, this legendary chophouse has hosted generations of drinkers, diners and literary legends and hasn’t changed much since.
The pub’s warren-like interior spans multiple floors and centuries, with oak-panelled walls, narrow staircases, and wooden booths tucked into hidden corners. From the roaring fires in winter to the cool, shadowy cellars in summer, it offers a unique window into London’s past with every visit.
Where is it?
Nestled on Fleet Street, just minutes from Native Kings Wardrobe, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese feels like a well-kept secret in the heart of the City. You’ll spot the sign above a modest doorway but once inside, the space opens up into a rabbit warren of vaulted chambers, nooks and snug taprooms.
What you’ll find
This is traditional pub fare at its finest. Expect generous pies, Sunday roasts, classic fish and chips, and real ales served straight from the cask. Whether you’re after a proper lunch or just a pint in the company of centuries-old walls, there’s something grounding about eating and drinking in a space that’s survived monarchs, wars, and revolutions.
And if the surroundings feel oddly familiar, that’s no coincidence. Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Samuel Johnson were all regulars and their spirits (figuratively speaking) still linger.
One-liner
Centuries-old and still full of character this is the London pub experience, as it should be.
Native’s tip
Order the organic wheat beer, grab a quiet wooden booth, and soak it all in. Don’t forget to look up there’s a list of monarchs who’ve reigned since the pub reopened in 1667 carved into the entrance wall.
Address: 145 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2BP
Closest Native: Native Kings Wardrobe
More info: samhospitality.com/pubs/ye-olde-cheshire-cheese-fleet-stree
