Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
It's a sobering thought. Somewhere, right now, people are arguing about which of London's pubs is the oldest. After the "North versus South London" debate, the question of the capital's most storied watering hole is the most rehearsed.
The Seven Stars is usually listed among the contenders. Its origins are mysterious. A date on the hanging sign suggests 1602, though the building is probably from later in that century. Even Historic England aren't too sure, in their write-up for its Grade II listing.
Anyway, who cares? All you really need to know is that this place is one of the most characterful, quirky, charismatic pubs in London. You can tell as much just by looking in the window, where various gimcracks, taxidermy and legally themed paraphernalia compete for space.
Inside, you'll find one of London's narrowest bar areas, with two small rooms either side of the bar. It's best to come here after 8pm if you want to get a table.
No quirkiness in the beer selection, just good old Adnams and a few other mainstream ales. This always feels more like a wine pub, anyway. One person who might agree is The General, the Seven Stars's latest be-ruffed cat. We caught him/her casting a feline eye over the wine list.
The General came to the pub in 2021, the latest in a line of house cats who began with Tom Paine in 2002.
Somewhat unexpectedly — though also in keeping with the "we do things our way" vibe — this glorious old pub also maintains the best pub website we've ever seen. It provides reams of information about the pub, its history and its redoubtable host Roxy Beaujolais. We wish every London pub were so thorough.
