It is said that the name comes from the satirical magazine Punch, who’s offices were in a small court on the other side of the road. The pub was certainly a favourite watering hole for it’s journalists and the concept of the magazine launch in 1841 may have been discussed within.
However the name comes from a much older connection. The pub is about fifty yards from Ludgate Circus, where Fleet Street intersects the Farringdon Road. Back in Tudor times crowds would gather here to watch the local Punch and Judy man perform.
A LONDON MISCELLANY 