Jamaica Wine House — Restaurant in London

Tucked away in the charming, medieval alleys of the City of London, The Jamaica Wine House is a hidden gem that feels like a portal to the past. Don't let the name fool you—it's a proper pub, and a fantastic one at that, a perfect blend of historic charm and classic pub coziness, great customer service and friendly staff and assistant manager who served us. This place isn't just a pub; it's a piece of London history, famously sitting on the site of the city's very first coffee house. The downstairs Todd's Wine Bar offers a different vibe, but the main pub on the ground floor is where the true character shines. The drink selection is excellent, with a good range of beers and wines being Shepherd Neame pub, the food is solid pub fare, with sandwiches and fish/chips to accompany your drinks. It's the perfect spot to escape the hustle of the modern financial district outside. The crowd is a mix of city workers and tourists, and while it can get busy, the intimate setting still feels welcoming. For a truly authentic and historic London pub experience, The Jamaica Wine House is...

City of London icon steeped in heritage & vintage City boozing. A huge, stately public house in the narrow alleys of the heart of the city of London. Bay, arched & round windows overlook popular alleyway drinking. Victorian beauty is bountiful within under the gloriously highly decorative ceiling panels & paper. The drinking hall is divided into four large City worker hideaways portioned by pannelled wood & glazing. Luxurious high stools, bench tables & bay window seats in ample space & coat hooks amongst the wood panelled walls & decorative pillars. A large bat connects through the hall with a grand original back bar, good draught selection & excellent, vintage Shepherd Neame pub paraphernalia galore under the original droplet lamps over a very clean, polished floor. A male centric, City worker crowd are loud, overpowering the music but help by the portioned layout. A classic piece of City of London business boozing with...

visited here on November 6th 2024

This is one of the pubs that I really wanted to visit whilst being in London, especially knowing it was one of the first ever coffee houses that opened way back in 1652 I believe and with a rich history. Unfortunately, we came here on a Thursday night, which apparently is the new Friday night here in London (according to a taxi driver we spoke to!) and it was absolutely rammed! Elbow to elbow trying to get a drink at the bar which was a challenge. You can drink outside the pub, but there are bouncers outside who tell you if you have wandered too far out of the drinking zone, which is like being in a club! Honestly, though I’m sure it’s a really nice and cosy place to visit on a quieter day in the week and is probably a victim of its own success with how busy it is. Would love to give it another visit next time...