The Hoop and Grapes: Oldest Licensed House In London

Built in 1593, The Hoop and Grapes is the oldest licensed house in the city of London.

The Grade II listed building, originally built a private house, is now a historic pub that’s lucky to still be standing today.

Fortunately, it survived the Great Fire of London, which stopped just 50 yards away in 1666!

As a result, the structure is one of the very few timber buildings to have survived this devastating moment in London history.

In fact, it is the only 17th century timber-framed building which exists in the city.

The Great Fire of London occurred in September 1666.

Back in the 1660s, people were not as aware of the dangers of fire as they are today.

Buildings were made of timber – covered in a flammable substance called pitch, roofed with thatch – and tightly packed together with little regard for planning.

About 350,000 people lived in London just before the Great Fire, it was one of the largest cities in Europe.

Homes arched out over the street below, almost touching in places, and the city was buzzing with people.

Lots of animals lived London too – there were no cars, buses or lorries back then – so as well as houses, the city was full of sheds and yards packed high with flammable hay and straw.

Following a long, dry summer the city was suffering a drought. Water was scarce and the wooden houses had dried out, making them easier to burn... it was a recipe for disaster.

The ‘great fire’ began on the night of September 2nd in the bakery of Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane near London Bridge.

The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and the predominantly wooden construction of buildings in London at the time.

The fire raged for four days, consuming thousands of homes, businesses, and public buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral.

It caused immense destruction, leaving an estimated 70,000 out of the city's 80,000 inhabitants homeless.

Several factors contributed to the fire's spread, including narrow streets packed with flammable buildings, the use of timber and thatch in construction, and the lack of effective firefighting equipment and techniques.

Despite efforts to contain the fire, it was eventually brought under control through the use of firebreaks, the demolition of buildings, and the assistance of Navy sailors who used water from the River Thames.

The aftermath of the Great Fire led to significant changes in London's urban planning and building regulations.

New fire safety measures were introduced, including wider streets, stone construction, and regulations on building materials.

Architect Christopher Wren was tasked with rebuilding many of the city's landmarks, including St. Paul's Cathedral, which was redesigned in a grand Baroque style.

Inside The Hoop and Grapes

Stepping into the tall, slim building feels like stepping back in time, with sash windows, low ceilings, and plenty of charm.

The first impression when you enter is of the appealingly crooked Tudor frontage with sash windows fitted in the 1720’s at eccentric angles.

Two ancient oak posts guard the entrance, each with primitive designs of vines incised upon them.

Although modernised, this pub's interior retains a modicum of olde worlde charm.

Opening to your left is the bar, where the premises have expanded into the next house and to the back is flagged floor next to the largest chimney breast in a space that was a kitchen in the sixteenth century.

The pub was originally named Hops and Grapes to show it sold both beer and wine.

The historic building was also scheduled for demolition in the early 1990s, but thankfully, it was saved with a Grade II-listing in 1991.

It still stands today as one of the most historic buildings in London.

Today, you’ll of course still find drinks made with hops and grapes… plus spirits, cocktails, and a great choice of other drinks on the menu.  

Hoop & Grapes on Aldgate High Street is just minutes away from Aldgate Station which is on the Circle and Metropolitan lines.

It is also surrounded by plenty of bus stops.

Someone who recently visited the pub said: “The ambience and set up was immaculate, felt super warm and homely as soon as we walked in.”

Another person added: “Wonderful food and drinks in a traditional English pub. Service was exceptional. Very friendly staff and Ace made the experience memorable.”

If you’d like to visit, the address is The Hoop and Grapes, 47 Aldgate High Street, London, Greater London, EC3N 1AL.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.

Don’t forget to check out our latest blog posts below!

Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.