Ye Olde Mitre

oogywawa

Clandestine survivor from olde London 21st December 2008

3 found this helpful

It's humbling to think that when Shakespeare started living in London this hidden gem had been serving Ale for nearly 50 years!

Entry via a small passage off Hatton Gardens transports you back in time to a compact piece of authentic English history and its not a well kept secret judging by the hordes that pack it out early evening. There are 2 small oak clad bars downstairs serving 5 well kept real ales to an assortment of office workers (Sainsbury's HQ is yards away), locals and inquisitive tourists. There is more space upstairs and it's needed as the low ceilinged downstairs bars can get slightly claustrophobic at ultra busy times.

It's all presided over by a genial Landlord affectionately known as "Scotty" by the regulars who chat with him about his beer and what guest ales are arriving shortly. I was made to feel welcome when I visited and such was his knowledge of the licenced trade, that he knew most of the pubs & licencees in my hometown York!

In short, a lovely refuge from the chaos and daily grind of the metropolis.

chrisp

Very olde worlde 18th August 2008

2 found this helpful

Tiny, atmospheric little drinking den down a hidden alley near Holborn. It's centuries old, and therefore is of interest to those wanting the "I drank in London's oldest pub" badge, but they do a pretty good pint of interesting ale, and the bar snacks (sausage rolls and scotch eggs), although I didn't try them myself, looked good too. Clientele is a mix of suits from the Holborn offices and curious tourists, but everyone seems to get on well enough. Recommended.

squirrel

Great Cider, Great Olives, Great Pickled Eggs! 22nd November 2007

6 found this helpful

The other reviews say almost everything I wanted to say, but I thought I'd also add this:

The pub does become very full, mostly full of men of the "I am not moving aside for anyone, especially a girl", variety, but you can book the little alcove sitting room on the ground floor and there you can be blissfully undisturbed yet close to the bar.

The olives are great, as are the pickled eggs, if pickled eggs are your thing.

The cider is nice and murky, the decor is well and truly old pub style/

The men behind the bar are lovely.

Let's hope the publican doesn't succumb to the alarming Time To Yuppify This Pub (throw in a few chandeliers, huge mirrors, wooden floors) trend and keeps Ye Old Mitre just as it is.

ajay

23rd May 2007

3 found this helpful

Amazing to think this pub was serving beer in the 16th century!

It can get busy after work. You will be lucky to get a seat. Don't try moving the chairs around as you will be told (politely?) that the chairs cannot be moved.

Loads of ales to try. Scotch eggs and pork pies are served along with mustard.

Watch out for the young bartender who likes you to say "please" when you order.

The sink in the mens toilet is installed over the urinals! Makes me wonder how many are eating those pork pies with unwashed hands?

qwghlm

25th March 2007

3 found this helpful

A very definite medieval feel to this pub - one minute you're on the street and the next you've ducked into an alleyway into a whole different world, seemingly a million miles away from the bustle outside.

It consists of two small but comfy bars, with a good selection of ales on tap and friendly barstaff. Being in the Chancery Lane area, it's popular with lawyer-types from the local firms but they usually go after one or two post-work pints. Never tried the food but as a quiet and slightly quirky watering hole I can't recommend it enough.

sarah73076

Hidden London: Ye Olde Mitre Pub 11th February 2007

4 found this helpful

Ye Olde Mitre is one of those pubs that you'd never find unless you were looking for it. Best directions are to go to Holborn Circus, and as you're facing the Natwest Bank on the corner, the pub is BEHIND Natwest, located in a tiny alleyway accessible from either side. You feel as though you've stepped into the 16th century as you go in. Low beamed ceilings, dark wooden furniture, incredibly friendly if slightly inebriated staff pulling pints and making recommendations, elderly gentlemen in the corner smoking pipes. There were lots of younger professional types as well, as is expected in that area.

Downstairs has two main rooms no bigger than your average house's reception, and a narrow twisting staircase leads up to another room of about the same size with high tables and barstools (no upstairs bar, so be prepared to carefully carry up there).

No music, but I like that...just the sounds of banter and people winding down after a hard day at work. The drinks are on the inexpensive side for London, so all around it's a nice place to go with your mates after work. Food is served in the form of toasted sandwiches and crisps, not much else.