Counterfeit

One Word Sunday

The Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell looks very old and you’re helped along by the Anno 1720 on the sign. The inside is very spartan, but the beers are usually very good.

I have to admit that I was at first fooled by the overall look of the place, but research showed that the name comes from a now defunct tavern in the locality from around the same date, however, this incarnation dates from the late 1990s. The interior was modelled to look like one of London’s coffee houses from the early 18th century. I’ve sat and listened a number of times to visitors who excitedly discuss how old the tavern is and wonder about the deeds and events that have happened inside it. I’ve never put them right, because ignorance is bliss.

endean0's avatar

By endean0

Hi, I'm Steve, a London tour guide and owner of A London Miscellany Tours, a guided walking tour company who specialise in small number tours of the greatest city in the world!

4 comments

    1. It closed for a few months in February and has now re-opened as the Holy Tavern. The interior has been left as it was and although not old it was atmospheric. I believe that the new owners run a candlelit evening on a Tuesday which must make it quiet nice

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