Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
The area around St Paul's could do better for pubs. There's the classic Cockpit off Carter Lane, of course, and the Viaduct's not too far. Otherwise, it's a fairly poor show.
Williamson's Tavern might also be added to the 'worth a look' list. It's just far enough, and well-hidden enough from the cathedral that it's not brimming with tourists. That said, it can be 'suit central' in the evenings, if you catch it on the wrong day. Pop along at a quieter time, though, and the Williamson is quite delightful.
Tucked away in a courtyard off Bow Lane, it would compete with Ye Olde Mitre for London's "most hard to find pub" were it not for the big sign at the entrance to the court. Inside, a series of dark wooden rooms shed away the decades to a kind of timeless 'old London' vibe. The building is actually from the 1930s, but was reconstructed on the site of an earlier tavern, whose patrons included William and Mary.
This Nicholson's pub also comes with its own ghost story. According to the web site, numerous members of staff recall seeing a painting of a mysterious figure called Martha, at various locations in the pub. No such painting has ever been found...
