Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in City of London, Westminster - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

We ordered vegeterian salad, it came with just lettuce nothing else , other salad had only tomatoes.Also steak was very dry and over priced. It was nothing like we expected. It is very sad that the best pub in London has such a poor kitchen !

"The pub had a great historical atmosphere, but the service and food was disappointed, especially the vegetarian salads and steaks they served us. Also the manager lady was so rude. Sorry .Such a great pub doesn't deserve to be managed like this.

One of the oldest pubs in London. Great beer, food, and service.

Really atmospheric place with good beer and nice service

We were there late in the evening and it was super cozy. The culture of talking to each other and sharing, as a human being, is in the walls. Maybe with a little help from the alcohol. We met people from different parts of the world and discussed politics, humanism and other important topics. My daughter, 20 years old, discussed with the people in the hall. It was her first visit to a traditional English pub. Wow, what an experience, I want to come here again.

This pub was amazing. So much history. Don't forget to go down past the toilets as there are two further basement floors!

We wanted half pints and they didn't have any glasses so we had to wait a lot. Lovely atmosphere

An old pub, nice beer in a centric location.

The food and atmosphere at this historic pub are both excellent. The whole experience is badly let down by service staff who are sullen, disinterested and appallingly inattentive. It was so bad, we went to the bar and bought drinks to pass the time waiting for our ordered drinks to arrive. They could have something really good here if only they can change the service staff to treat people like customers and not like an annoying interruption to their lives.

Disappointed. Food so so. Service poor.

An old English pub just as it should be. Loved it.

Historic London pub. Well worth a visit.

As seen in Miroslav Sasek’s “This is London” published 1959. Looks the same as in the picture book from my childhood. Dropped in for a pint. Amazing ambiance.

Would recommend over other pubs in the area for the atmosphere more than food or drink.

Great place that takes you back 100s of years. It is amazing that this place still stands and still is a pub after being rebuilt in 1667! Food is good for pub food. I have found that dishes are unavailable many times I have been here which is disappointing. There are few negative reviews about service here. The thing is it gets so busy staff to struggle but I have found them polite and well mannered.

Fish and chips was not good Toffee pudding average The service was very poor

Very nice old pub, I enjoyed the crouched descent into the bar.

Nice staff and great atmosphere

Fantastic food and atmosphere! It stood up to its description as being one of the most famous pubs in the world.

Good old pub. Limited ciders though

Great place with a traditional atmosphere

Run down old ruin. Coffee machine is broken, half the beer is out, the expensive food is served cold and tastes like the cook wants to poison you and that's if they bring you the correct meal (score 1 out of 2 so far). This place has nothing but nostalgia. Skip it.

Food was good, rather large portions. Great beers. Not very busy on a Friday night, which is great if you're hungry, but the atmosphere loses a bit

This place is maze, and you must find the parrot

Hands down one of the oldest pubs in London and they have maintained that appearance. It looks ancient and that adds to its charm. It has several bars and a chop house where you get the usual pub food. The cellar bar especially is amazing. It's in the cellar, has winding staircases, a warm and cosy appearance. A trip around the whole place is in itself an exciting affair. Perfect place for photos. The staff is friendly and warm. If you are in London, this bar is a must visit merely for the old world English pub vibe that you can enjoy here. The pub has a rich history that might fascinate you if you are history buff like me.

It's the first time I have visited here with my friends. But my backpack, placed under the chair, was stolen during dinner. The store's CCTV was not operating. Just watch out for your backpack.

The ambiance is more than 5 stars. The service was great and the food was well prepared. Traditional English dishes cooked well with high quality ingredients. We had the fish and chips and the grilled lamb, both of which were good. The sticky toffee pudding was amazing!!

Full of charm and a great experience for a drink in old London

Fun place to visit, but prices have more than doubled since I last visited (Sam Smiths are no longer cheap pubs it seems!) Food was abysmal - wasn’t expecting anything special, but you’d have to work hard to get it this bad

A gem of history. This place is like going back in time. It was great to sit and have a beer or glass of wine to take in the the atmosphere of the bar.

It's not what it once was back in the 90s

I came here with 5 friends before Christmas. Having made the booking with no issues, I was asked to come in person to the pub a week before to pay a deposit for the booking. I was also told that if we wanted to order from the Christmas menu, we would need to preorder, but confirmed with the staff that if ordering from the usual sunday menu this would not be the case. With this in mind, only 2 of us wanted something from the Christmas menu, so I emailed the order and confirmed it was okay for only 2 of us to order from the christmas menu and the rest of us from the usual menu. However when I turned up, my booking had been deleted from the system despite me emailing to confirm the order and having put a pre order down, resulting in a wait for a table and they had managed to delete my emails off their system, wrongly claiming that they had cancelled my booking because I hadn’t put in a pre order, and initially continued to insist this was the case even after I showed them the email chain. Although they were able to sort out the preorder for the christmas meal eventually, when we ordered our roasts, we were told that the beef, then the chicken, and finally the pork was out, and so had to settle for Turkey. The food was not great and we were charged full price despite not even being given yorkshire pudding as advertised. The service was shocking - it took an hour 45 minutes to get our mains - and the food, although adequate, was overpriced for its quality. Will not be coming back in a hurry.

Historic venue but id really not bother for the simple fact that it’s very unprofessionally run with staff who are lazy, rude and incompetent. I know hospitality is a tough gig, but when the 6-7 of the staff don’t know (or worse care) about basics like what’s on menu, when the kitchen is open, you really best not bother. There’s many historic pubs in London where you won’t be treated with rudeness and contempt, find one and enjoy a peaceful evening. Not here.

Lovely waitress. Pleasant and efficient. Food lovely too.

Don't expect anything on tap aside from Samuel Smith's, and that's ok. There's one of (most) every type of beer on tap in the house name, but they are all great examples of that type of beer.

So welcoming and very good food.

Very friendly welcome, typical atmosphere and good food!

Each floor is small, but it feels like an old-fashioned pub. Excellent atmosphere If you just want to drink, go to the basement, but smoke outside! ️

Very poor. Lots of people at the bar but only one person serving. He had to change a barrel and disappeared for 5 minutes. the other staff (3 of them) at the bar said they were not able to serve. No explanation for the delay was given. I heard from another customer that they were having a problem with the 'gas'. After 8 minutes I gave up and went to the Princess Louise and was served quickly. This is not the right way to run a business.

Review of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub #### Historical Significance and Ambience Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street in London, established in 1538 and rebuilt in 1667, offers an immersive historical experience. The pub's interior, with its worn wooden furniture, narrow staircases, and low ceilings, evokes a bygone era. Dim lighting and antique decorations enhance its authentic charm, making patrons feel like they've stepped back in time. #### Literary Heritage The pub's rich literary history is notable, having hosted famous writers like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Samuel Johnson. This connection adds a special allure, with plaques and memorabilia celebrating these past patrons. Literature enthusiasts will find this aspect particularly appealing. #### Food and Drink The menu features traditional British pub fare, such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, all prepared to a high standard. The generous portions and robust flavors are complemented by a wide selection of ales and beers, including locally sourced options. This ensures a satisfying dining experience. #### Service and Hospitality The staff at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese are professional and friendly, often sharing interesting historical anecdotes. Their warm hospitality enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making visitors feel at home. #### Overall Experience Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese combines historical significance, literary heritage, quality food and drink, and excellent service. It provides a unique and enriching experience, appealing to history buffs, literature enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic British pub experience. This pub is a must-visit for anyone in London, offering a remarkable link to the past while catering to modern tastes.

Beautiful historic pub. Wonderful staff and incredible service! Can’t wait to come here again!

My partner and I heard such great things about this place - upon arrival we were sat upstairs with a group of other Americans. It was quiet and dim. We ordered drinks and food, but were soon after told they didn’t have the appetizer. We ordered another. Soon after we were told they didn’t have chips for fish and chips and furthermore that they could not serve the fish sans chips - an egregious crime which I imagine carries a hefty price in London. At this point we were so done we simply finished our drinks and left.

Bartender in the basement was incredibly slow, upstairs server "Radeat(?)" was pretentious and rude - made little eye contact, contemptuously handed plates to my family, and what little eye contact occurred, there was eye rolling. Food was fine, the atmosphere is neat, but the service does not make up for it.

What more do you want? Decent beer at a decent price (£4.40 for Dark Mild - visited May '04) in a historic pub. 👍

Didn't eat. Just some beers. Super cool old place! Loved it! Awesome... Go!!

Quirky little place that felt like a proper old time pub. Lots of historical memorabilia. Biggest and best surprise was some bespoke beer in the form of Samual Smiths. Had the dark mild which in the south of England is now a rarity. Bar staff where knowledgeable and served clients quickly. Overall great experience.

What gets better than great fish and chips at one of the oldest pubs in London? Serving sizes are great. One of the best places for a London classic

Bar in the catacombs. Confusing service but great historical atmosphere.

The history and atmosphere are very interesting. The food? Not great. Would recommend going for a pint but would not recommend eating here. We found a bug in our salad and the pork pie had a huge portion of clear fat that was very unappetizing to look at. They didn’t offer us any sauces with our chips when they dropped off our food and it was just over all ok.

An ancient London Pub rebuilt in 1667 . Original atmosphere with all the lovely good and bad thing that you can find in a genuine original pub. You should go and have a pint.

Lovely, quirky pub . The underground survived the fire of London and the above ground was rebuilt the year after in 1667. A proper old London boozer!

What a beautiful old cafe. You feel like you're completely back in time. What could possibly have been depicted here? Why not 5 stars? The pub tours that came by during the hour we were there caused a lot of crowds and unrest/noise.

The building looks pretty cool from the outside. We went to the bar area in the basement and it was quite humid, hot and uncomfortable. We also never saw a bartender and after 20 mins decided to leave. This place has potential and possibly we just visited on an off night for them.

Buy a beer and enjoy the atmosphere, food was a little pricey so we didn't endulge

Very traditional and old place. I had a Samuel Smiths Stout which was good. But the best seats are reserved for those who are going to have lunch. If you just come to enjoy a good beer, you'll have to settle for staying in the back, stuffy and dark. I imagine if the hall is full on a hot day. It shouldn't be a good experience. It was worth the beer and getting to know the place but it's not a pub I'd go back to. Another thing, my Wise card was not accepted.

Fascinating and very historic pub. The celler is really odd and interesting.

The legend. The Oldest Pub in London 1555 and rebuilt after the great fire of London. Note the step (under the grill) as you walk in and the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of feet that would have worn that stone down! Be sure to check every nook and cranny that is open and wonder in its age-old dark moody atmospheres. Cast your imagination back as if you were one of the regulars there after it was rebuilt in 1667. Characterful in every sense. It steers gently away from the commercial lines that litter our pubs these days, dont be put off. The drink selections are just as good! Behold ye olde weorold of London ;)

Fun to visit bur NEVER eat here

An excellent old times pub with real historic value. Really worth the visit. The house brews are the best.

Sub par service. Didn’t provide us drinking water on the bottom bar. Burnt Halloumi Fries.

Fantastic atmospheric ale house, shame they were waiting for a delivery!! Had to settle for half a lager, will be back - hope full range of ales on 🤞

The unchanging interior still delights, although a popular pub and always crowded this adds to the atmosphere. Sitting at tables with strangers promotes interesting conversation that would not otherwise arise. As with many similar businesses the prices have risen considerably but the beer still kept well.

Brilliant very old place indeed. Tons of character and the best place in London to enjoy Samuel Smith beer. A real treat to have it on tap rather than from a bottle.

Very historic and atmospheric, but the choice of drinks was very limited. The beers and gins were all propriety brands and were ok, but not good.

This beautiful old pub has a charming atmosphere and will definitely leave you with lasting memories. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was incredible – especially the grilled pork and pudding! They also have a great selection of unique drinks, not just your standard beers. Honestly, it was the best pub food I've had in all my 14 years in London! The pub itself is full of character and history, with a real sense of nostalgia. I can't wait to go back again!

Excellent beer in a pub full of stories. Various environments, with great beers of all types

This pub seems to have been around since the time of the Great Fire of London. Anyway, it seems to be popular and it is difficult to get a seat.

Great old fashioned london pub. Amazing old rooms on different levels.

it's a lovely place to visit been a few time and the only downside is that always low on stock on the draft drinks

fascinating pub, rebuilt in 1667, where you can still feel the ghostly vibe presence of its past. We ordered a cheese board that included the famous old Cheshire cheese 🧀, the oldest cheese made in Britain, and it was absolutely delicious! 👻✨

Old atmospheric pub just off Fleet St. Dickens, Johnson and other London notables drank here in their day. Full of tourists today but out of season will find open fires and a good atmosphere. Beers, wines, spirits and port. Food is served and recommended. When I received my Freedom of the City I held a reception for my guests in one of the private upstairs rooms.

In January 1995, I went to eat roast beef. I was surprised at how large the potatoes and carrots that came with the dish were. The choux pastry instead of bread was also delicious.

This is the most atmospheric, quirky and interesting Sam Smiths pub ever. Beautiful. So much history, stepping back in time, friendly crowds. Love the fact there are so many little bars and rooms too. Visited a week day after work on my own, and nobody made me feel awkward, which is good, because sometimes it doesnt go that well when you are a loner!

A magnificent pub in the old town, very atmospheric, even if you go down to the basement you will spend time comfortably. I really liked Samuel Smith Stout. I definitely recommend this place

Pre-booked but our time was inexplicably moved without warning so was told no table available when we arrived. No apology forthcoming from staff for this. After a table eventually being made available in the bar, service was some of the worst I've ever experienced. Waiting staff were reluctant to do any element of their job and served us with disdain. The pub obviously relies on its tourist attraction and is complacent in getting by on this without putting in any effort on customer satisfaction.

Excellent atmosphere, good food.... Beyond horrible service. We went in as a group of 6 at 5:30pm, and were given a table which was reserved for someone else at 8pm. No problem, we'd be out in an hour. Except first our waitress forgot a second appetizer and 4 out of 6 glasses of water, then after an hour (!!) we got the second appetizer and multiple "oh sorry your food will be out soon". We were ready to leave when our food finally arrived 1.5hrs later. We watched people sit down, order, eat, pay, leave all around us. But I guess our table was cursed? We also got charged a 20% service fee. Absolutely not coming back here.

One of my favorite pubs to go to in London!

Our first time here today. We loved it!!! Cutest place around town!! For being so old, it doesn’t smell funny. They were full and almost time to close but all the staff treated us so nice. We are not even drinkers and we fell so good we didn’t want to leave. Very welcoming and nice spot to hang out for work meetings or with friends. The cheeseburger was soooo delicious! The fries were fresh and crispy and everything we had deserved 5 stars!

A very nice and atmospheric old pub. Traditional English meals. Pies, roasts, lots of veg. Vegan and vegetarian options are on the menu. The personnel were very nice and helpful. The pub is recommended as a must see spot for any tourist.

We are visiting UK and came here for lunch on the recommendation from our children. We both had the chicken schnitzel which was very disappointing, dry and bland, in fact I would guess that it was not cooked fresh today. Unable to recommend this place.

Amazing historic venue. As a Sam Smiths pub choice of beer is poor but can tolerate that to explore this pub.

An beautiful old pub in the centre of London. Really quirky with lots of different rooms / levels / bars. Some great food, try and book as they get really busy

Booked a table for dinner and we were disappointed by the unwelcoming attitude of the staff. Upon arrival several staff simply ignored us and it was obvious they did not have a table reserved. Eventually we were shoved into a corner on a table that had apparently been cleared but still had a dirty glass on it. A waitress threw 2 dog-eared menus on the table and walked away. When she returned, her abrupt question “ what d’ya wanna order?” was the final straw and we walked out. It goes without saying that we won’t be back.

Amazing old pub in the heart of London , it truly feels like walking back in the time of Dickens ! Log fire , cheap beer , amazing atmosphere . Please visit for yourself

Had some good food and beer here. Amazing atmosphere, the place is really interesting.

Historic pub, but no table service. There was no background music.

Bad experience. Ordered a cheese board- the cheese was hard, the grapes were actually rotten (see attached pic). The rest of the food was served cold and the coca cola was watered down. Poor quality and poor service

This certainly feels like the oldest pub in London, even if it's not. Dimly lit, with lots of old world nooks and crannies to hide in. A Sam Smiths pub, so not a great beer choice - £7.50 for my Weiss beer. Lots of tourists pop in, take a few selfies and then scarper, afraid they'll be nabbed by Jack the Ripper, maybe? A must-visit boozer!

Tourist trap to be avoided. Despite our booking a very bad service, incompetent waitresses, rude and with bad command of English. I ordered a Steak & kidney Suet Pudding. I got a rubbish where the meat was a mirage, mushrooms not mentioned on the menu and bad external cooking. A rubbish that I had taken back to the kitchen and no despite this paid more than 20€.

Great history. Great drinks and snacks.

What a cool old pub! Wasn't very busy when I visited, but there is plenty of seating. There's some neat history to this place. Highly recommend stopping in.

Touristy, obviously, but still - one of the most historically important pubs in London and the service is fantastic.

Brilliant old world pub with good beer selection, friendly staff, and cool atmosphere. Felt like stepping back in time, in all the best ways.

Popped in for 'refreshments' of the pint kind on a busy day out walking in London. The pub is so ancient and interesting and don't be fooled by it's outward appearance as there are floors down to a number of rooms, each with their own bar and unique character. A lively, busy place, but well worth a jostle to experience it's unique atmosphere.

Now this is truly an old atmospheric pub to visit. It has that dark interior that you can imagine you've gone back in time to the 17th century. You could sit in here for hours talking to the locals and drinking a pint or three. We had the pork pie which to be honest was pretty average but didn't mind as the surroundings more than made up for it.

Had a lovely meal here and a pint. Great atmosphere and historic charm!

Great place for a pint! If you are looking for an old English pub this is it! Make sure to explore throughout as there are many levels.

Such a wonderful experience. Food is great and the service is even better. And of course - HISTORY.

The pub certainly has cult status but you should definitely make a reservation on the ground floor or in the basement. The upper floor is rather quiet and somewhat secluded. The food was delicious, but unfortunately the service was average.

What an atmosphere! Like stepping back in time. We had the cheese board which is quite filling and more than enough for 2-3 people to share