London is not just a beer-guzzling nation. It actually boasts of drinking dens that date back to the Roman era. Although many of those yesteryear taverns have been left to disintegrate, there are quite a few that have been transformed into the quintessential English pub with all the present day formatting. Here are four such treasure troves that are truly steeped in history.

Prospect of Whitby

In 1543, it used to be a simple tavern where traders would hang out to get the first glimpse of their ship before rushing off to the market to begin trading. But, in the 17th century, it got the reputation of a meeting place for smugglers and criminals, and became known as ‘Devil's Tavern’. A fire gutted it in the 18th century. It was rebuilt and renamed ‘Prospect of Whitby’ after a ship that was moored nearby.

A hangman’s noose still swinging over the river is a gruesome reminder of Judge Jeffrey’s — also known as the ‘Hanging Judge’ — harshness during the Glorious Revolution.

The main bar of this watering hole in Wapping, has a flagstone floor and a long bar counter built on barrels. The upright pillars, though built of timber beams, appear to be sections of a ship’s mast. There’s a small balcony where you can sit right above the river and listen to the rhythmic lapping of the water. Inside, there’s a comfortable seating area with an open fire and another bar with a raised dining area. Outside, there’s a terrace and another rooftop terrace with iron garden furniture.

‘The Prospect’ used to be a ramshackle and seedy building crowded with vessels from around the world. But now, the adjacent warehouses have been converted into exclusive luxury apartments and the pub gets really busy during the summer weekends. At one time, Charles Dickens is said to have taken a few drinks here; but today it’s the perfect place to round-up your weekend.

The Ten Bells

Located on a corner of Commercial Street right next to the Spitalfields Church, this is one pub that Jack the Ripper used to frequent. The interiors certainly look like it could date from that era – Victorian tiling fills half the wall while the other half is painted dark green. The wooden floor has an interesting array of mish-mash seating arrangement.

In fact, the pub is said to be still haunted by the serial killer who regularly stalks the place. Heading to the restrooms down the badly lit stairs after a few drinks certainly makes for an interesting experience with that tale lingering in your head.

The Blind Beggar

‘The Blind Beggar’ gave his name to one of the most famous – or infamous – pubs in London’s East End. But who exactly was he? The story is shrouded in legend.

In the 1200s, one of the manor houses in Bethnal Green belonged to Simon de Montford. He went from landed gentry to a poor beggar, and became hugely popular during the early Tudor era. He was a soldier serving the king, and fought at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. Unfortunately, he fell at the battle and was found wandering, blinded, by a nobleman’s daughter. She nursed him back to health, fell in love and got married. In time, a daughter, Besse, arrived. Although Besse was beautiful she couldn’t find a husband – the problem being her father.

In a predictably fairy tale twist, the courtly knight was the only man who could see past the seeming lack of a decent dowry to the woman he loved. He received his reward – £3,000, plus £100 for Besse’s wedding dress. The benefactor was her grandfather Henry, who was still a rich man.

By 1690, the Bethnal Green beadle (parish officer) bore the badge of the Blind Beggar on his ceremonial staff. And in the 18th century every pub in the area bore the image of the Beggar on their signs.

But, most famous of all, in March 1966, the Kray twins (gangster kings of London's East End underworld) shot dead rival ‘godfather’ George Cornell – thus sealing ‘The Blind Beggar’ in the nation’s folklore forever.

The Anchor

The Southbank stretch of river Thames was traditionally thronged by ale houses, many of which have survived to this day. ‘The Anchor’, rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, is one such destination. 

Tucked away in a corner close to the majestic Financial Times tower, it’s almost opposite to Vinopolis, the wine tasting attraction of London. But once you locate it, the beauty you behold is truly awesome. Although the new owners have made some ‘unsympathetic’ additions to the place, the pub’s history is as ingrained as the nicotine stains on its ceiling.

It is now turned into a popular tourist destination. What’s further added to its charm is the fact that Tom Cruise had a pint here in ‘Mission Impossible’. All said and done, the riverside terrace is still a pleasant place to guzzle on a warm summer afternoon, if you’re doing the Southbank walk.