National Geographic Traveller (UK) - Food

| SPOTLIGHT Historic pubs

FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, PUBS HAVE PROVIDED FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINM­ENT TO LOCALS AND WEARY TRAVELLERS ALIKE. HERE ARE FIVE ENGLISH FAVOURITES THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

1 Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, Nottingham

This pub is one of a handful that claim to be the oldest in England. Dating back to 1189, it’s said to have been a pit stop for crusading knights journeying to Jerusalem — hence the name. Adjoining Castle Rock in the shadow of Nottingham Castle, it’s a cross between a pub and a museum, with medieval caves built into the sandstone, several bars, and nooks filled with relics from the city’s history. greeneking-pubs.co.uk

2 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans

Also vying for the title of England’s oldest pub, this Hertfordsh­ire institutio­n is said to have been establishe­d in the eighth century. The building that survives today, however, was built in the 11th century and has an unusual octagonal shape (it was formerly a pigeon house) with old tunnels running from the beer cellar to St Albans Cathedral across the road. Inside, the timber beams and low ceilings create a cosy space for enjoying local ales and classic pub grub. yeoldefigh­tingcocks.co.uk

3 The Prospect of Whitby, London

On the banks of the Thames, in Wapping, The Prospect of Whitby claims to be the oldest riverside pub in London, dating from around 1520. In its early days, it was a favourite of sailors, crooks, and notorious hangman Judge Jeffreys “ it’s very close to the site of Execution Dock, grimly commemorat­ed by a replica scaffold outside the pub. It was later the watering hole of Charles Dickens, as well as William Turner, who’d paint the views of the Thames from the pub. greeneking-pubs.co.uk

4 The Turks Head, Penzance

This Cornish pub is reputed to date from 1233, and takes its name from the ‘Turks’ (pirates operating from North Africa) who invaded Penzance around that time. The Turks Head was later a haven for pirates and smugglers, who made use of a tunnel running from the pub to the harbour — which is still visible from the courtyard today. The clientele has changed since, but they’re still catered to with a menu of freshly caught fish and Cornish beers. turksheadp­enzance.co.uk

5 The Old Bridge Inn, Yorkshire

The earliest record of The Old Bridge Inn is from 1307, giving it a strong claim to be the oldest pub in Yorkshire. Situated next to the River Ryburn in the village of Ripponden, the ancient inn has changed little in seven centuries, with original features such as the traditiona­l timber frame visible throughout the narrow, somewhat crooked buildings. A menu of hearty food and local Yorkshire brews completes the picture. theoldbrid­geinn.co.uk