April 23, 2012 [ Updated April 24, 2012 ]
When you step through the close to get to the front door of Ye Olde CC, you step back into the 17th century. I really enjoyed my couple of visits there...it’s a real treat for history deprived Yanks. As w/all Sam Smith pubs that I have visited, the food is a cut above other pubs, and the bitter is the cheapest in London...highly recommended.

March 29, 2012
Another fine Sam Smiths London Classic pub. Very cheap, because everything is brewery owned (the Gin, Vodka etc). Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter is always on draught, along with their normal selection of lagers and bottles. Multi roomed, I like the first on the right when entering, it is a drinking room, the rest favour the eating type people. Jet Black wood is the order of the day in here. Fleet Street was the home of the British Newspaper Reporters before they moved out in the 70’s, to be replaced by accountants and bankers, who don’t seem to drink as much. They do come in and fill the place at lunchtime though, mostly to eat and get in the way! If you like history and drinking it in, or if you like history and drinking in it, this is a must for a visit while in London.

February 6, 2012
Historic old pub, an anachronism surrounded by modern buildings, this place survives to remind you that drinking beer can still be a civil affair centered around good conversation instead of ESPN & Hooters. The Sam Smith’s is particularly delicious here, I don’t know why.

December 30, 2011
I have never really had a chance to explore the real architectue, as it is ALWAYS rammed. However, it does have a very historic feel to it, especially if you descend towards the bowels of the bottom bar. Sam Smiths is good, and still the cheapest pint in London. Food was good when we have eaten here, but service is always slow due to large numbers of customers. Worth experiencing, and possible better if you can get into the old top bar with the fire,

November 18, 2011
Probably the oldest and most atmospheric pub you’ll ever go into. Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, there’s been a pub here since 1538. Inside is a maze of bar rooms and cellars. The range is Samuel Smiths so a lot of solid hitters (Oatmeal Stout, Extra Stout, Old Brewery Bitter, Wheat Beer, Pure Brewed Lager) if nothing truly remarkable. Go for the history and take in the atmosphere. Check out The Tipperary opposite which was the first pub in London to serve Guinness and still has the original 19th Century fittings. Poor beer range though.

August 12, 2011
Little bit dark inside but a very good ambiance. You can feel the spirit of history. Three Samsmith ales, two Samsmith lagers and a hefeweiss on tap. Three (four?)separetad rooms, all have their own tap systems. I was enjoyed it.

August 7, 2011
This gets points mostly for atmosphere. Dark, old, slanted, and fun. Like a dungeon maze! Usual Samuel Smiths beers. A must stop for the history and architecture.

June 12, 2011
Pretty cool pub, if a little touristy. Cool building, cheap Smiths beers, nice place to eat/drink

April 22, 2011
Dr. Samuel Johnson drank here, apparently. Me, too.

February 26, 2011
Absolutely beautiful old pub. Samuel Smith beers, so nothing spectacular, but the pub itself is fantastic.