Historical pubs in London
Old Bell Tavern, Fleet Street
Built in the 1670s by Sir Christopher Wren, the Old Bell Tavern was made for builders who were working on his Church of St Bride's after the Great Fire of London. The church is next to the pub. It attracted people who worked in the newspaper industry, who wrote in the pub. The front has stained-glass windows and stone floors, and it has a medieval feel to it.
The Seven Stars, Carey Street
The Seven Stars pub survived the Great Fire of London and is over four centuries old. It is located behind the Royal Courts of Justice and attracts lawyers and their clients who want to celebrate. It is a small pub with a good selection of real ales.
The French House, Soho
The first landlord of The French House was a German man called Herr Schmidt, funnily enough. He was deported after the first World War. The pub became a meeting place in World War II, for the members of the French Resistance. General de Gaulle was one of these. It is traditional, and has no television and doesn't allow mobile phones.
The Star Tavern, Belgravia
People like actor Peter O'Toole and director Alexander Korda visited this pub. It is well-known for being the place where the Great Train Robbers met to discuss their plans to attack the Mail service in 1963. Bruce Reynolds, the ringleader, drove there in an Aston Martin to talk about the details.
Historical pubs in London- Comprehension Questions
1. Who was the leader of the Great Train Robbers?
2. The Great Fire of London affected which pubs?
3. Who met in The French House?