Ye Olde Mitre Holborn Ely Court Ely Place London

Have you ever felt a city shift around you, like you’ve accidentally stepped into a secret passageway? That’s exactly what happens when you find Ye Olde Mitre in London. Tucked away in a narrow alley off Ely Place, this pub feels more like a discovery than a destination.

The Hidden Alleyway

First, you have to find Ely Court. It’s not on any main road; it’s a tiny, brick-lined passage that almost hides itself between Holborn Circus and Charterhouse Street. If you blink, you’ll walk right past it. Isn’t it funny how the best places in London are the ones that make you feel like a detective?

Once you duck into the alley, the noise of traffic drops away like a curtain closing. Suddenly, you’re in a quiet, cobbled lane that feels more like a village than the heart of a global city. It’s a little bit like finding Narnia behind a wardrobe, but instead of a lamppost, there’s a 400-year-old pub waiting for you.

A Pub with a Royal History

Ye Olde Mitre isn’t just old—it’s ancient. It dates back to 1546, built for the servants of the Bishops of Ely. Imagine that: people were grabbing a drink here while Henry VIII was still alive. How wild is that?

The pub’s name comes from the mitre (the fancy hat) worn by bishops. The building itself leans a bit, like it’s tired from all those centuries of standing. You can almost hear the floorboards whispering stories of Tudor merchants and Victorian clerks who needed a quiet pint.

The ‘Bishop’s Finger’ Trick

Look closely at the corner of the pub, near the bar. There’s a small, crooked tree trunk sticking out of the wall. Locals call it the “Bishop’s Finger.” The legend says the Bishop of Ely let the pub use his land, but only if this ancient cherry tree stayed put. The tree is gone now, but that stump remains—a weird, woody handshake across history.

It’s like the pub is winking at you, saying, “I’ve got secrets, and I’m not telling you all of them.” You’ve got to respect that kind of mystery.

The Vibe: Cozy, Not Fancy

Walking inside, you’re hit with a warm, golden glow. The ceilings are low, the fireplace is crackling, and the walls are covered in old photographs and dusty trinkets. It’s not a shiny, modern bar. It’s more like your gran’s living room—if your gran had a fireplace from the 1600s and served ale.

You’ll see wooden beams you can actually touch, worn smooth by hundreds of hands. The floor slopes in that charming, “I’ve been standing here for centuries” way. Honestly, it feels more like a time machine than a pub. You half expect to see a monk walk in ordering a latte.

Why It’s So Special Today

Here’s the thing: while the rest of Holborn is glass offices and chain coffee shops, Ye Olde Mitre refuses to change. It’s a rebel in a suit-and-tie neighborhood. It doesn’t have loud music, TVs, or WiFi. You know what that means? You have to talk to people. Scary, right?

But actually, it’s a relief. People come here to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with... well, a really old chair. The atmosphere is so chill that strangers end up chatting about the weather, or the weird tree stump, or the ghost stories the bartender casually mentions.

“They say a woman in a grey dress walks through the back room at night,” one regular told me. I didn’t see her, but honestly, I wasn’t looking. I was too busy enjoying my pint.

Drinks That Match the Mood

The beer selection is classic—British ales, ciders, and a few stouts. Nothing fancy. They serve Fuller’s London Pride on tap, which is like a big, fuzzy hug in a glass. And yes, you can order a gin and tonic, but ordering a cocktail here feels a bit like wearing a tuxedo to a barn dance. Why would you?

If you’re hungry, they do simple pies and sandwiches. It’s not a gastropub. It’s a pub-pub. The kind where the food comes on a wooden board and you eat with your hands. That’s the spirit.

When to Go (And Why You Should)

Go on a weekday afternoon, when it’s quiet and you can grab the fire-side seat. The crowd is a mix of office workers escaping spreadsheets, history buffs with guidebooks, and a few confused tourists who stumbled in by accident. You’ll fit right in.

Honestly, this place is a reminder that London isn’t just a city of skyscrapers and tube maps. It’s a city of hidden corners where time bends. Ye Olde Mitre is like a pocket of the past that nobody sealed up. So next time you’re near Holborn, take the alley. Get lost. And order a pint in a pub that’s older than your entire country. You’ll thank yourself later.