London pubs: real haunts? - evaluation of pubs in London, England - Britain - Column

Do things really go bump in the night? Are there such things as ghosts? Questions of this nature have been debated endlessly over the centuries.

While people argue over the validity of an unseen world, a number of London pub patrons are sure they have seen and experienced "things" from the other world.

Organized tours

London, it is said, probably has more ghost sightings than any other large city in the world. In fact, the various city walking-tour companies have developed tours of haunted regions.

The Original London Walks (P.O. Box 1708, London NW6 1PQ; phone 071-624-3978) has a tour titled "Ghosts of the West End"; Guided Walks of London (16 The Grove, London N3 1Q1; Phone 081-346-9255) promotes their tour "Haunted London - The City," and, finally, City Walks (147 C Oxford Road, London N1 1LR; phone 071-700-6931) bills their "Ghosts, Ghouls and Graveyards" as the spookiest ghost walk in London.

There also are hundreds of books written about London ghosts; several psychic societies are based in the city as well. All in all, there is a lot of activity surrounding the ghosts of London.

In the name of science

It is only natural that certain pubs in London would have their representative ghosts.

The various authors have chosen several pubs that have had ghostly disturbances, and readers now may make their own pub ghost tour and visit these establishments. They vary greatly in architectural structure, location and character.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these pubs are fun to tour and it's great to sample their beers, all in the name of "scientific research."

(For a look at over 500 pubs and bars of London, see Nicholson, "London Pub Guide," Fourth Edition, 1990.)

The beers on tap are well worth the experience. Trying each house specialty would give you a good sample of English beers. You can order them in half pints so as not to consume too much; after all, you do want to enjoy your ghost quest.

For those who do not drink beer, mineral water is available.

Listed below are some of London's haunted pubs.

Also listed are the nearest Tube (subway) stations. This is an excellent means of transportation from pub to pub. The system is easy to learn and a traveler can get a pass for one, three or seven days, providing an inexpensive way to travel.

Grenadier, 18 Wilton Row, SW1 London; phone 071-235-3074 (Tube stop: Hyde Park Corner).

This establishment specializes in Watney's beer. The pub was formerly an officers' mess for the Duke of Wellington's soldiers. There is a lot of military memorabilia hung about on the walls.

The ghost reported in this establishment is said to be that of an officer who was caught cheating at cards. While being flogged for this offense he was accidentally killed. It is said he returns from time to time to the scene of his death.

Rose and Crown, 2 Old Park Lane, W1 London; phone 071-499-1980 (Tube stop: Hyde Park Corner).

There are three real ales served here. It's a relaxing establishment but has not always been so.

In years past, prisoners on their way to hanging at Tyburn gallows (about three-fourths of a mile away) were kept overnight in the pub cellars.

It is said that on occasion some of these unfortunate souls return to the place they spent their last earthly night.

John Snow, 39 Broadwick Street, W I London; phone 071-437-1344 (Tube stop: Oxford Circus).

This pub once was known as the Newcastle-on-Tyne but took its present name when the old John Snow was demolished.

From time to time a village water pump is said to mysteriously appear in front of the pub. Maybe it will be there on your visit ... and maybe not.

Opera Tavern, 23 Catherine Street, WC2 London; phone 071-836-7321 (Tube Stop: Covent Gardens).

Located in the colorful theater district of Covent Gardens, this establishment is frequented by actors of the various theaters. There are lots of spooky things associated with the theater.

From time to time the bottles in this tavern's cellar unexpectedly rattle; some believe it's caused by the ghost of a man murdered and buried down there.

The Mitre, 24 Craven Terrace, W2 London; phone 071-262-5240 (Tube stop: Lancaster Gate).

Built on former lands of the Earls of Craven, this Victorian pub boasts two bars on the ground floor plus a basement wine bar called Moriartys (no relation to the Professor Moriarty who plagued Sherlock Holmes).

Moriartys has a permanent resident in the form of an old coachman left over from last century. He apparenly enjoys haunting part of the cellar.

Enjoy your drink!

Crockers, 2: Aberdeen Place, NW8 London; phone 071-286-6608 (Tube stop: Warwick Avenue).

This pub was built by Frank Crocker and was known as Crocker's Folly, but the name was simplified to Crockers in the 1980s.

Crocker had speculated the Marylebone Station would be built nearby, so he constructed his pub. The station wasn't built as anticipated, however, there he sat with his pub. It's a beautiful pub that is said to be visited by his ghost from time to time.

Morpeth Arms, 58 Millbank, SW1 London; phone 071-834-6442 (Tube stop: Pimlico).

This pub was built over the escape tunnels from the old Millbank Penitentiary. The prison formerly occupied the location of the beautiful Tate Gallery, which is just down the road.

Prisoners would use these tunnels to escape the prison and avoid shipment to Australia. The tunnels are said to be haunted by those who died or never escaped.

Can you hear chains or moans?

The Crane, 14 Armoury Way, SW18 London; phone 081-874-2548 (Tube stop: East Putney).

Farthest from central London, this establishment is more of a rural or cottage-style pub. It has a restaurant in the back and a beer garden in the rear.

The restaurant is haunted by a woman who comes and goes from time to time. Not much is known about her

Go to it

Now you have the list. Plan your own "tour" the next time you are in London. Go to these pubs, sit back and relax and see what you see or feel.

Are there really such things as ghosts?

COPYRIGHT 1993 Martin Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group