Traditional Pub entertainment in Europe
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Adam & Eve
Norwich's oldest surviving pub, Adam & Eve have been on that same spot since biblical times (okay, since at least 1249, when it was built to quench the thirst of the cathedral builders). It’s a tiny place with a sunken floor and a mixed clientele of regulars, choristers and ghost hunters. There’s even a ‘spooky’ meal-and-ghost-walk deal, to top the already enticing selection of ales, bitters and malt whiskies.
reviewed
-
B
Eagle
Cambridge's most famous pub has loosened the tongues and pickled the grey cells of many an illustrious academic in its day; among them are Nobel Prize–winning scientists Crick and Watson, who discussed their research into DNA here. It's a traditional 17th-century pub with five cluttered, cosy rooms and good pub grub, the back one once popular with WWII airmen, who left their signatures on the ceiling.
reviewed
-
C
Eagle & Child
Affectionately known as the ‘Bird & Baby’, this atmospheric place, dating from 1650, was once the favourite haunt of Tolkien and CS Lewis. Its wood-panelled rooms and good selection of real ales still attract a mellow crowd.
reviewed
-
D
Turf Tavern
Hidden away down a narrow alleyway, this tiny medieval pub is one of the town’s best loved and bills itself as ‘an education in intoxication’ (this is also where president Bill Clinton ‘did not inhale’). Home to 11 real ales, it’s always packed with a mix of students, professionals and the lucky tourists who manage to find it. One of the few pubs in town with plenty of outdoor seating.
reviewed
-
E
White Horse
This tiny old-world place – Oxford’s smallest pub – was a favourite retreat for TV detective Inspector Morse, and it can get pretty crowded in the evening. It makes a great place for a quiet afternoon pint of Hobgoblin or whatever the guest beer happens to be.
reviewed
-
F
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Dating back to the 8th century, this unusual, octagon-shaped former coaching inn is reputedly the oldest pub in England. Oliver Cromwell spent a night here, stabling his horses in what’s now the bar, and underground tunnels lead to the cathedral. Drink in the historic atmosphere while you nurse your pint of real ale.
reviewed
-
G
Long Stone
Don't be fooled by the 'Old Man Pub' feel of this place – the flagstone floors, earthenware jugs and lace curtains are merely the dressing for what is the traditional pub equivalent of an uberbar. The difference here is that unlike so many obviously trendy places, this place is just about a good night out – so grab a table, get some drinks and settle in for the night.
reviewed
-
H
Sean O’Casey’s
The antithesis of the Dublin superpub, this is the kind of place where the male drinkers (and there seems to be only male drinkers) look up and grunt when you walk through the door. It’s a Kerry pub, decked out in the county’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) colours, and is particularly lively when Kerry are playing in Croke Park.
reviewed
-
I
Doheny & Nesbitt’s
A standout, even in a city of wonderful pubs, Nesbitt’s is equipped with antique snugs and is a favourite place for high-powered gossip among politicians and journalists; Leinster House is only a short stroll away.
reviewed
-
J
Nealon’s
The warm and cosy decor of this traditional pub is matched by the exceptionally friendly staff. It’s a bit of old Dublin on a street getting ready to take off, so catch it while you can. There’s live jazz on Sunday.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Neary's
One of a string of off–Grafton St, classic Victorian boozers once patronised by Dublin's legless literati, Neary's is a perfect stop-off day or night. It combines great service, a bohemian atmosphere and attractively worn furnishings, and is popular with actors from the nearby Gaiety Theatre.
reviewed
-
L
Oval
This is a great little pub, where young and old come together in conversation and rich, creamy pints go down a treat. The Tardis effect is evident once you walk through the door: it is much bigger than it looks from the outside, spreading over three floors.
reviewed
-
M
Patrick Conway’s
This gem of a pub has been lining up drinks since 1745 and joyous fathers – including Colm Meaney’s character in The Snapper – have been skulling celebratory pints at its bar since the day the Rotunda Maternity Hospital opened across the road in 1757. Upstairs is the fantastic Boom Boom Room, one of the best places in the city for good live music.
reviewed
-
N
Peter's Pub
A pub for a chat and a convivial catch up, this humble and friendly place is more like Peter's Living Room, and is one of the few remaining drinking dens in this area that hasn't changed personality in recent years, and is all the better (and popular) for it.
reviewed
-
O
Brazen Head
Reputedly Dublin's oldest pub, the Brazen Head has been serving thirsty patrons since 1198 when it set up as a Norman tavern. Though its history is uncertain, the sunken level of the entrance courtyard clearly indicates how much street levels have altered since its construction. It's a bit away from the city centre, and the clientele is made up of foreign-language students, tourists and some grizzly auld locals. Robert Emmet was believed to have been a regular visitor, while in Ulysses, James Joyce reckoned 'you get a decent enough do in the Brazen Head'.
reviewed
-
P
Welcome Inn
This musty, scruffy, wonderful bar has been a favourite with the city’s college slackers for a couple of generations. They love the oversized lounge and its assorted cast of characters, which these days include groups of Spanish and Italian tourists looking to check out Dublin alcoholics up close.
reviewed
-
Q
Old Stand
Refreshingly unreconstructed, this is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin and seems to be just sauntering along at the same pace it was 10 years ago, as if the whole Celtic Tiger thing never happened. It's named after the old stand at Lansdowne Rd Stadium, and is a favourite with sports fans and reporters.
reviewed
-
R
Gill’s
Just a stone’s throw from Croke Park, this unashamedly old-fashioned boozer was one of Brendan Behan’s favourites and the place where his friends chose to wake his passing when he died. If you’re on your way to Croker for a match, or just want to try out a good old-style pub, there are few better.
reviewed
-
S
Swan
John Lynch's pub (known to all as the Swan) is home to two kinds of punter: the in-for-a-pint-and-a-chat tippler that doesn't venture far from the Victorian front bar; and the more animated younger person, who finds solace and music in the side bar. A beautiful marriage that works because neither troubles the other.
reviewed
-
T
McDaid's
One of Dublin's best-known literary pubs, this classic boozer was Brendan Behan's 'local' (until he was barred) and it still oozes character. The pints are perfect, and best appreciated during the day when it's not full of our type. Thankfully, there's no music – just conversation and raucous laughter.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Fallon's
Just west of the city centre, in the heart of medieval Dublin, this is a fabulously old-fashioned bar that has been serving a great pint of Guinness to a most discerning clientele since the end of the 17th century. Prize fighter Dan Donnelly, the only boxer ever to be knighted, was head bartender here in 1818. It's a genuine Irish bar filled with Dubs.
reviewed
-
V
Kennedy's
This is a proper traditional pub where literally nothing has changed in 50 years, including some of the clientele. Tread softly and speak even quieter so as not to disturb the contemplative atmosphere of a bar that seems oblivious to what's happened to Dublin in the last 20 years.
reviewed
-
W
Brogan's
Only a couple of doors down from the Olympia Theatre, this is a wonderful old-style bar where conversation – not loud music – is king. The beer is also pretty good.
reviewed
-
X
Auld Dubliner
Predominantly patronised by tourists, 'the Auld Foreigner', as locals have dubbed it, has a carefully manicured 'old-world' charm that has been preserved – or refined – after a couple of renovations. It's a reliable place for a singsong and a laugh, as long as you don't mind taking 15 minutes to get to and from the jax (toilets).
reviewed
-
Y
Gravediggers (aka Kavanagh’s)
The gravediggers from the adjacent Glasnevin Cemetery had a secret serving hatch so that they could drink on the job – hence the pub’s nickname. Founded in 1833 by one John Kavanagh and still in the family, this pub is one of the best in Ireland, virtually unchanged in 150 years. In summer time the green of the square is full of drinkers basking in the sun, while inside the hardened locals ensure that ne’er a hint of sunshine disturbs some of the best Guinness in town. An absolute classic.
reviewed