The Viaduct Tavern, EC1

Pub · Smithfield

1

@atlasobscura

"Of all the names guaranteed to chill the heart of a Londoner, none was as terrifying as Newgate Prison. Located in the original City of London not far from St. Paul’s Cathedral, Newgate incarcerated the capital’s wicked for more than 700 years until it was demolished in 1904. Today the site of the once-fearsome prison is home to the Old Bailey, London’s principal Central Criminal Court, with nothing to remind passersby of the infamous old prison other than a simple plaque on the Court wall. Located nearby, on a residential cul-de-sac Amen Court, are the remains of the Eastern Wall. Across the street, hidden in the depths of an old Victorian gin palace lie what’s rumored to be the last remnants of the old jail cells. Newgate’s construction was ordered as far back as 1188 by King Henry II. Over the centuries it held every kind of criminal, from thieves to highwaymen, to cutthroats and murderers. In 1783, Newgate grew in notoriety when London’s gallows were moved from the Tyburn Tree in the west of the city to the prison. Until May 26, 1868, it was possible for the public to watch the executions, with the best views sold for a premium. Over the centuries, the prison underwent numerous structural changes from its original cellblock within the old medieval City walls, but by the 1770s, it was said to resemble a “massive monolith of windowless brick.” Among the common criminals of London, many notable ne’er-do-wells spent time here at His or Her Majesty’s Pleasure. William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania was detained in contempt of court for allegedly refusing to remove his hat during a trial for being a Quaker, while Daniel Defoe was imprisoned for writing anti-church pamphlets in 1702. Giacomo Casanova was withheld for accused bigamy, and notorious pirate Captain Kidd was sent to the gallows from here. Across the street from such salubrious confines is the elegant Viaduct Tavern. Originally built as a drinking den for the labourers working on the nearby viaduct bridge, it was transformed into one of London’s finest gin palaces in 1869. Glittering vast mirrored murals depicting the statues of Commerce, Agriculture, Science and Fine Arts were carved onto the Holborn Viaduct. Still today, drinking patrons can see at the back of the bar, an elaborately carved booth, where the landlady would sell gin tokens to customers. But downstairs, past cellars filled with beer barrels, you’ll find what’s believed to be some of the former Newgate jail cells. Dark and damp with rusted iron bars, the cramped rooms certainly have the air of a centuries-old dungeon. It is said that there was once a tunnel that connected these cells with the main prison across Newgate Street. Whether this is true or a story passed down by locals over the year is unclear. It does seem likely though that the Viaduct had strong links with Newgate Prison, and was built on the site of an old debtor’s prison called the Giltspur Compter. There are other rumours surrounding the Viaduct Tavern, such as an opium den being installed on the floor above the pub, and a brothel in the upper floors. Perhaps the real story of the mysterious, chilling cells in the basement of the pub will never be known. Regardless, a visit to the Viaduct Tavern offers the opportunity to enjoy one of the few remaining, authentic Victorian gin palaces in London." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

The Best British Pubs to Get Drunk on History
Luke J Spencer

126 Newgate St, London EC1A 7AA, United Kingdom Get directions

viaducttavern.co.uk
@viaductec1

1 Postcard

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Brawn

Mediterranean restaurant · Bethnal Green

This stylish Mediterranean spot serves delightful small plates, highlights pork, and boasts a charming ambiance perfect for any occasion.

23 Postcards

Shoryu Ramen Soho

Ramen restaurant · Soho

Shoryu is a chic noodle haven serving rich Hakata-style ramen and a stellar selection of sakes, all in a lively atmosphere that makes for a fun night out.

4 Postcards

Mr Fogg's Residence

Cocktail bar · Mayfair

Step into Mr. Fogg’s Residence, a whimsical cocktail bar that feels like a Victorian explorer's eclectic museum, complete with innovative drinks and charming decor.

1 Postcard

Gordon's Wine Bar

Wine bar · Strand

Gordon's Wine Bar, London's oldest wine bar dating back to 1890, invites you into its candlelit, cave-like cellar for a cozy evening of quality wine and generous cheese platters.

9 Postcards

sketch

Restaurant · Mayfair

This whimsical 18th-century townhouse offers a delightful afternoon tea experience, complete with live music, transforming into a chic cocktail lounge by night.

29 Postcards

Trap Kitchen

Seafood restaurant · Chalk Farm

Trap Kitchen in Camden offers a lively dining experience with heaping platters of succulent lobster tails, hearty BBQ chicken, and irresistible waffle desserts, all served in a casual, fun atmosphere perfect for food lovers ready to dig in.

13 Postcards

WatchHouse Bermondsey

Coffee shop · Borough

Tucked inside a charming 19th-century watch house by a graveyard, The Watch House in Bermondsey offers cozy coffee vibes, delicious pastries, and warm service.

4 Postcards

Royal China Club

Chinese restaurant · Marylebone

Royal China Club on Baker Street is a quintessential Cantonese haven, renowned for its exceptional dim sum served in a vibrant, bustling setting.

23 Postcards

Caravan King's Cross Restaurant

Restaurant · King's Cross

This trendy hotspot serves vibrant global dishes in an industrial-chic setting, perfect for a relaxed meal or a lively brunch with friends.

9 Postcards

Murano

Fine dining restaurant · Mayfair

Nestled in Mayfair, Angela Hartnett's Murano artfully melds modern European elegance with Italian flair, serving up delightful dishes in a chic, inviting setting.

5 Postcards