Most Haunted London Pubs

The second in our series of Most Haunted London looks at Pubs, Courtyards  and Hotels.

Ghostly going’s on guaranteed to put you off your lunch!

The Ten Bells

This Spitalfields Pub was once know by it’s much more gory title  “The Jack The Ripper”.

Despite the name change The Ten Bells seems unable to shake off the legacy of it’s former namesake.

In the mid 1990’s, the then landlord, claimed the pub had been taken over by the ghost of Annie Chapman. The second victim of Jack Ripper, murdered and mutilated in 1888.

If poor Annie’s ghost was not enough then there are also  numerous reports of hauntings believed to be the work of a former landlord who still enjoys walking the corridors.

The Ten Bells also has it’s own resident Poltergeist who enjoys nothing more than scaring punters by making tables fly and chairs move.

Maybe there is something in the water (or more likely the beer) but if you fancy a bit of ghost watching then this may just be your perfect location.

Old Queens Head

This Grade II Listed building has played an integral role in Islington since 1830. Built on the site of a much older Public House, dating back to the 16th Century, there is much speculation about who it’s ghosts could be.

Reports suggest that at least three active spirits reside in the property.

The Spirit of Sir Walter Raleigh

At one time thought to be a former owner or landlord of the origianl  pub,but now widely disputed amongst historians, the ghost of Sir Walter Raleigh is said to appear frequently.

The ghost presents as a cultured gentleman whose appearance strongly resembles that of the 16th Century writer. As the doors are closing for the night he makes an appearance in the bar, then is said to  vanish from sight with a wave of his hand.

A Little Girl

The stairs leading to the second floor is said to be the haunting place of this litle girl. She is known to follow staff and even pass them on the stair with a playful giggle.

Like many youngsters she also has a mean side and is believed to be responsible for doors slamming , glasses breaking and displaying what can best be described as a ghostly temper tantrum.

The Tudor Woman

Described as an elderly  she only makes an appearance on the first Sunday of each month . Seen by both staff and patrons she suddenly appears, walks around the pub then slowly fades away.

Described as a fun ,friendly environment, with plenty of atmosphere and frequented by the spirit world.

The Flask Tavern, Highgate

A sudden and alarming drop in temperature signals the appearance of a female phantom.

Maybe she is the spirit of a former maidservant, a Spanish Barmaid, who committed suicide over an illicit romance.

Maybe her appearance is connected  to the bullet embedded in the wall to the right of the entrance.

Nobody knows but her presence is felt as lights begin to mysteriously sway, glasses are moved and her breath can be felt blowing gently on the back of customers necks.

A Cavalier Appears

Dressed in uniform and wandering through the main bar the Cavalier takes stock oh his surround then vanishes into a pillar.

Extra Fright Factor

Conducted in secret and likely carried out on a corpse stolen from the nearby Highgate cemetery, one of the first ever autopsies is said to have taken place in the pub’s committee rooms.

Bleeding Heart Yard

In a cul-de-sac, leading off Greville Street, not far from Hatton Garden we hear  the gory tale of poor Lady Elizabeth Hatton.

As the story goes, on Janauary 27th 1626, local beauty Elizabeth Hatton was brutally murdered by the Spanish Ambasador.

Jilted, and thirsty for revenge, the ambassador took Elizabeth from her bedchamber into the courtyard below. Her  dismembered body was found at dawn. Her heart  still pumping blood on the cobblestones beneath.

Maybe It was the Devil

Another spin on the tale, eloquently set to verse, involves her father, her mother and the Devil himself.

“Of poor Lady Hatton, it’s needless to say,
No traces have ever been found to this day,
Or the terrible dancer who whisk’d her away;
But out in the court-yard – and just in that part
Where the pump stands – lay bleeding a large human heart …”

Richard Barham, ‘The House-Warming!!’ (1840)

Spaniards Inn

This quaint, oak panelled pub, bult in 1585 as a tollgate Inn, was popular  with Highwaymen and dignitaries alike.

A tree at the end of the road (now gone) was known as the hanging tree. Captured Highway men would be hung from it’s branches for all to see and to act as a deterrant to others.

Dick Turpin Rides Again

Rumour has it that Richard Turpin (father to famous highwayman Dick) was once landlord here. Needless to say it was the perfect location to watch the road, two hours from London by Coach, and a route frequented by wealthy travellers.

The ghostly figures  of Dick Turpin and his horse Black Bess can still be seen riding the highway to this day.

Juan Perero

Spanish landlords Juan and Francesco fought a duel over the love of a single woman. Juan was murdered by his brother. His body taken and buried close to the Inn.

The ghost of Juan is said to walk amongst the living as he continues his landlord duties.

The Woman in White

A ghostly apparition dressed all in white reputedly  walks the garden of Spaniards Inn.

Her identity remains a mystery.

Room 333, Langham Hotel

The langham Hotel, England’s first “Grand Hotel” was built in 1865 in the style of a Florentine Palace.

Room 333 is reputedly the home to multiple ghosts and is frequented by ghosthunters, journalists and unsuspecting members of the public.

A silver-haired Victorian gentleman, with cloak and cravat, manifests in Room 333 with blank, staring eyes. The spectre of a honeymooning doctor who killed both himself and his wife.

The man with a gaping wound slashed across his face haunts the corridor outside.

An old-fashioned butler, shoeless,with holes in his socks, patrols the corridor.

The “Tipping Ghost” enthusiastically turfs sleeping guests from their beds. Causing one to flee the hotel completely in the middle of the night.

A drop in temperature, pale blue livery and a powdered wig signifies the presence of The Footman.

Early hours of the morning and  the spectre of a  “beefy” German Prince  walks through the closed  door. This is the most active and frequently observed spirit  who jumped to his death from a fourth floor window.

So pack a bag and take a break in one of these spooky locations.

And Remember

If you do experience a visit from beyond the grave then make sure to  let us know in the comments section  below.