Britain's best PROPER pubs! Forget gastropubs and cocktails - these old-school boozers are a glorious throwback to the past

There are few things more quintessentially British than sinking a pint in a centuries-old pub, surrounded by crooked beams, creaking floorboards and the comforting hum of conversation.

But as gastropubs, trendy cocktail bars and slick modern drinking spots spring up across the country, these traditional boozers offer a welcome reminder of a bygone age.

Think low ceilings, exposed beams, cosy nooks and crannies – and, naturally, real ale served the old-fashioned way.

From village locals steeped in history to legendary London watering holes, these historic pubs have stood the test of time – and are well worth raising a glass to.

The Bell Inn, Aldworth, Berkshire

The Bell Inn in the picturesque village of Aldworth in Berkshire won CAMRA's Pub of the Year award back in 2020 – and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Described as a 'proper country pub' on Tripadvisor, the establishment has been in the same family for 250 years.

The name of the Grade-II listed building refers to bells which were part of the coat of arms of the traditional landowners in the area, with the pub believed to be a manor when it was first built in the 15th century.

The Cock, Broom, Bedfordshire

The Cock is deeply traditional, but with a twist – drinks are served straight from the cellar, since the establishment has no bar (yes, you read that right).

It has been highlighted for its Grade II-listed building and beautiful interiors, and the pub dates back to 1836.

'If you're after a no-frills, authentic slice of English countryside hospitality, The Cock Inn in Broom, Bedfordshire is a great find. Dating back to the early 1800s, this delightfully unpretentious pub oozes character,' one visitor wrote on Tripadvisor last year. 

The Queen's Head, Newton, Cambridgeshire

Run by the same family since 1962, The Queen's Head in Newton has been listed in the National Inventory as having a historic pub interior of regional importance.

The pub itself says that everything on the inside has a story – so be sure to ask about the clock, the bar itself and any other quirks you spot. 

'Five stars isn't really enough. Genuine 'proper' pub. Proper beer, simple but excellent food. Great history,' one review on the pub's website says.

The Kinneuchar Inn, Fife

Up next is a 17th-century pub and restaurant which has a beautiful intimate setting.

The Kinneuchar Inn has won many awards, and was named Scotland's Best Local Restaurant in 2023.

The establishment was also recently renovated, yet still straddles a fine balance between modern and welcoming with its wood-burning stove and adaptive lighting.

Menu delights include grilled lamb rips, roast mallard and grilled lincoln red sirloin. 

The Lamb, Eastbourne

Eastbourne's old town is home to The Lamb Inn, a 14th-century pub with traditional classics on the menu.

The cellars even date back to the 11th century, placing it among the older establishments in the UK. 

One review says: 'Oldest pub. Quaint. Felt like going back in time with original interior kept well. Beams, low ceilings in some places, uneven squeaky floors in areas. Quite lovely, charming and welcoming.'

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

Located in Nottingham, this 'white-washed edifice' claims to be the oldest inn in England – it's thought to date back to 1189.

This claim might be historically false – as experts have suggested – but it's still a classic, deeply nostalgic pub to visit.

It's built into the base of Castle Rock, giving it a distinctive appearance against the soft sandstone cliff. 

'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a fantastic, atmospheric stop for drinks and classic British comfort food, a recent review read.

'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a fantastic, atmospheric stop for drinks and classic British comfort food', a recent review read.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London 

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire of London, is a classic – and historic – pub in the capital.

With seemingly endless hallways and cosy chambers including a wood-panelled front lounge and a basement with barrels at which you can stand, it's a quintessential pub.

It's easy to imagine yourself mingling among Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Samuel Johnson – all former visitors.

The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market

The 17th-century, Grade II listed coaching inn is set in the heart of Burnham Market, just moments from the wide sandy beaches of the North Norfolk coast.

The Hoste Arms is one of the region’s best-known pub stays, with its seasonal menu showcasing the very best local produce, offering an authentic taste of Norfolk. 

There is a host of activities on the doorstep, from the historic Holkham Hall to nearby Pensthorpe Natural Park.

The Coach & Horses, Soho, London

The Coach & Horses in London's vibrant Soho district stands out as an authentic English boozer among an array of extremely modern bars and restaurants.

The Greek Street establishment dates back to the 1840s, and has historically drawn in intellectual and artistic crowds.

'The Coach & Horses is more than a pub – it’s a deeply loved London institution with a rich history and a bright future,' its website professes. 

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Hertfordshire, claims to have been in business since the year 793AD.

When the business was originally established in the eighth century it was known as The Round House, but there is no record of it being licensed as a public house under that name.

The first known reference to it being an alehouse is in 1756 when it appears to be trading as The Three Pigeons.

In around 1800 its name was changed to the Fighting Cocks, thought to be a reference to the sport of c**k fighting that was popular at the time and which may have taken place in the main bar area.

The historic pub is one of around ten boozers which claim to be the oldest in Britain.

The King's Head, Aylesbury

This pub says that 'this ancient inn dates from 1455'.

King Henry VIII is rumoured to have 'wooed' Anne Boleyn in the King's Head pub – which still serves customers in the town's Market Square today. 

It's steeped in history, with a Great Hall, Farmer's Bar and Courtyard on site for nursing your pint in stunning surroundings. 

The Beacon Hotel, Sedgley, West Midlands

A textbook example of a traditional, old-school hotel, The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley is housed in a building dating back to the 1850s.

Inside, you'll find an official brewery tap, and real ales straight from the barrel – none of the flashy commercial uber-modern alternatives.

The central island bar has Victorian-style hatches, and the pub has a truly authentic feel.

The George Inn, Somerset

The George's website claims that it has 'a history dating back to 1397', and is 'one of Britain's oldest taverns'. 

It boasts one of the most impressive street fronts of any medieval inn, and has stunning stone-built components as well as beautiful and undoubtedly historic interiors.

The George, which lies in the village of Norton St Philip, was used as headquarters for the Duke of Monmouth's 'pitchfork' army, which he led in rebellion against King James II, and also served as accommodation for merchants visiting wool fairs nearby.

The Pride of Spitalfields, London

Public house The Pride of Spitalfields is an East End institution.

'A "real" pub that stands out in an area that has way too many, almost identical, soulless made over bars,' one visitor wrote this summer.

Pints can be found here for around the £5.60 mark – highly impressive for the UK capital.