Halloween in London: Haunted Pubs & Legends
- alanjohnjeffery
- Oct 10
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 15
London’s pubs are steeped in centuries of history—and some of that history refuses to stay buried.
Beneath the clinking of pint glasses and the hum of conversation lies a darker layer of the city’s past: tales of betrayal, murder, and restless spirits that still linger in the shadows.
This Halloween, step beyond the ordinary and explore the city’s most haunted watering holes, where ghost stories aren’t just folklore—they’re woven into the very walls. From the footsteps of Jack the Ripper’s victims echoing through Spitalfields, to the spectral soldiers haunting Belgravia’s quiet mews, each pub offers a chilling glimpse into London’s supernatural side.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique night out, this guide will lead you through five legendary pubs where the beer flows and the ghosts roam. Expect eerie encounters, fascinating historical facts, and a pub crawl that’s anything but ordinary.
👻 The Ten Bells, Spitalfields
Our Visit to The Ten Bells: A Chilling Step Into History
One rainy evening, my wife and I found ourselves drawn to the flickering glow of The Ten Bells, nestled in the heart of Spitalfields. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we were entering a different time—one steeped in mystery and shadow. The pub’s connection to the Jack the Ripper murders isn’t just a footnote in history; it’s something you feel in the air, in the creak of the floorboards, and in the quiet corners where time seems to stand still.
We sat near the window, sipping our drinks and watching the world go by, all the while knowing that Annie Chapman and Mary Kelly—two of the Ripper’s victims—once did the same. It was haunting to think that Chapman was last seen leaving this very pub before her tragic end.
As the evening wore on, the atmosphere grew eerily still. The staff shared stories of ghostly footsteps echoing on empty staircases, sudden chills that swept through the room, and fleeting glimpses of a woman in Victorian dress disappearing into the shadows. We didn’t see her ourselves, but there was a moment—just a flicker—when we both felt something watching.
Whether it was the spirits of the past or just the power of suggestion, The Ten Bells left us with goosebumps and a story we’ll never forget.
Historical Facts:
The pub was established in the mid-18th century, originally known as the Eight Bells Alehouse.
It was renamed The Ten Bells after the installation of ten bells in Christ Church Spitalfields, just across the street.
Inside, you’ll find a Grade II listed Victorian interior, complete with ornate tiling and a mural titled Spitalfields in ye Olden Time, which pays tribute to the area’s rich weaving heritage.
In the 1970s, the pub was controversially renamed The Jack the Ripper to attract tourists, but public backlash led to the restoration of its original name—a reminder that some stories are too grim to glamorize.
“I was cleaning up after closing when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs—slow, deliberate, like someone descending with purpose. I called out, thinking a guest had stayed behind, but no one answered. Then I saw her. A woman in Victorian dress standing near the back wall, her face pale and eyes distant. She didn’t move, didn’t blink. I turned to grab my phone, and when I looked back, she was gone. But the air was thick, and the silence felt unnatural.”
- Ten Bells staff member, anonymous account
🕯️ The Viaduct Tavern, Holborn
Spooky Story:
Into the Depths: Our Night at The Viaduct Tavern
One evening, my wife and I, joined by a few close friends, decided to explore one of London’s most atmospheric pubs—The Viaduct Tavern. Known for its ornate Victorian interiors and rich history, it’s also infamous for something far darker lurking beneath the surface.
After a few drinks and some lively conversation upstairs, we were invited to take a look at the cellar. We’d heard the stories—how staff had been mysteriously locked in, how whispers echoed through the air, and how the pub’s proximity to the old Newgate Prison seemed to stir something in the stones below.
Descending the narrow staircase, the mood shifted. The cellar was dimly lit, the air noticeably colder. We joked to keep the mood light, but there was a tension none of us could shake. Then, without warning, the heavy door slammed shut behind us. We all turned, startled—no one had touched it.
For a moment, we stood in silence. Then came the faintest sound—like chains dragging across the floor. One of our friends swore they heard a whisper, low and pleading, as if someone was still begging for mercy. The deeper we moved into the cellar, the heavier the air became. It felt like the walls were watching, remembering.
We didn’t stay long. As we climbed back into the warmth of the bar, we all agreed: The Viaduct Tavern isn’t just a pub—it’s a portal to London’s haunted past. And we had just brushed against it.
Historical Fact:
Built in 1869 and remodelled in 1898, The Viaduct Tavern is one of London’s last surviving Victorian gin palaces, a glittering relic of the city’s boozy past. It stands directly opposite the Old Bailey, once the site of Newgate Prison, where public hangings drew crowds and left a permanent mark on the area’s psyche.
Though the pub’s cellars were long believed to be former prison cells, they were likely used for storage. Still, the close proximity to centuries of suffering and death lends the tavern a chilling aura that no amount of renovation can erase. The ghosts of justice—and injustice—may still be waiting below.
“I was restocking bottles in the cellar when the door slammed shut behind me. I thought it was a draft, but the air was still. Then I heard it—low murmurs, like someone whispering just out of reach. I called out, but no one answered. The lights flickered, and I felt something brush past my shoulder. I left everything where it was and didn’t go back down for days.”
- Viaduct Tavern staff member, anonymous account
🦴 The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
A Cozy Afternoon at The Spaniards Inn
One crisp autumn afternoon, my wife and I found ourselves wandering through the leafy paths of Hampstead Heath, craving a bit of warmth and character. That’s when we stumbled upon The Spaniards Inn — a historic pub that feels like stepping into a storybook.
From the moment we walked in, we were charmed. Low beams, flickering fireplaces, and centuries-old wooden floors gave the place a timeless feel. We grabbed a quiet corner table near the fire, and it felt like we’d discovered a secret hideaway.
Lunch was hearty and delicious — I went for the steak and ale pie, while my wife had the roasted squash salad with goat’s cheese. We paired it with a couple of local ales and took our time, chatting and watching the world go by through the old leaded windows.
What made it even more special was the history. Apparently, Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman, once drank here — and the pub even gets a mention in Dracula. It’s rare to find a place that’s both cozy and steeped in legend.
After lunch, we took a slow walk back through the Heath, feeling full, relaxed, and just a little more in love with London.
Historical Fact:
Dating back to 1585, The Spaniards Inn is one of London’s oldest and most storied pubs. Its low ceilings, crooked beams, and candlelit corners have welcomed literary giants such as Lord Byron, John Keats, and Charles Dickens. Keats is said to have penned parts of Ode to a Nightingale in the pub’s garden, while Dickens immortalized it in The Pickwick Papers.
The pub also appears in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adding to its gothic legacy. With its creaky floors, shadowy alcoves, and centuries of history soaked into the wood and stone, The Spaniards Inn is more than just a pub—it’s a portal to London’s haunted past.
“It was just after closing, and I was sweeping near the old fireplace when I heard the sound of hooves outside—slow, deliberate, like a horse pacing. I looked out, expecting to see someone riding past, but the street was empty. Then I heard a voice behind me whisper, ‘He’s coming.’ I turned, heart racing, but no one was there. The room was still, but the scent of tobacco and leather lingered in the air, like someone had just walked through.”
- Spaniards Inn staff member, anonymous account
🕸️ The Grenadier, Belgravia
Ghosts, Ale, and Candlelight: Our Chilling Visit to The Grenadier
It was a misty October evening when my wife and I made our way through the quiet, cobbled lanes of Belgravia. The air had that eerie stillness that makes London feel older than time itself. We were on a mission — not just for a pint, but for a brush with the supernatural at one of the city's most haunted pubs: The Grenadier.
Tucked away behind Wilton Row, The Grenadier doesn’t shout for attention. It whispers. The flickering lantern outside, the ivy-covered brickwork, and the creaky wooden door all felt like an invitation to step back into another century.
Inside, the pub was dimly lit, with candles casting long shadows across the walls. Military relics hung everywhere, and the ceiling was covered in money — offerings from visitors hoping to appease the ghost said to haunt the place. Legend has it that a soldier was caught cheating at cards and paid the ultimate price. Some say he never left.
We settled into a corner table, half expecting the temperature to drop or a glass to move on its own. I ordered the beef Wellington, rich and warming, while my wife had the fish pie — comfort food with a side of suspense. Every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the lights added to the atmosphere.
As we sipped our drinks, we chatted with the bartender, who casually mentioned strange noises, cold spots, and the occasional unexplained shadow. We didn’t see anything ourselves — but we both agreed there was something... off. Not scary, exactly. Just present.
We left The Grenadier with full stomachs and Goosebumps, walking back through the fog with the feeling that we’d just shared a pint with history — and maybe something else.
Historical Fact:
Built in 1720 as the officers’ mess for the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, The Grenadier was a place of camaraderie, discipline, and secrets. It opened to the public in 1818, and was later renamed in honor of the Grenadier Guards’ victory at Waterloo.
The pub has hosted some of Britain’s most iconic figures, including the Duke of Wellington and King George IV. Its military heritage is still visible in the décor—flags, regimental memorabilia, and portraits of stoic soldiers line the walls. But beneath the patriotic pride lies a darker legacy, one that continues to stir the shadows after dark.
“I was alone in the back room when I felt a sudden drop in temperature. My drink trembled in my hand, and then I saw it—just for a second—a shadow in full uniform standing by the fireplace. I blinked, and it was gone. But the air stayed heavy, like someone was still watching.”
- Anonymous visitor, October evening at The Grenadier
🧛 The Flask, Highgate
Our Chilling Visit to The Flask
It was one of those damp, moody nights when London feels like it’s holding onto secrets. A few of us — just close friends looking for a bit of eerie fun — decided to head up to Highgate and visit The Flask, a pub with a reputation for good beer, great food, and a ghost or two.
Tucked away near Highgate Cemetery, The Flask has that perfect haunted pub vibe. The moment we stepped inside, we felt it — low ceilings, creaky floorboards, and candlelight flickering against centuries-old brick. It’s the kind of place where you instinctively lower your voice, as if not to disturb whatever might be lingering.
We grabbed a table in the back room, the one rumoured to be haunted by a Spanish barmaid who supposedly took her own life there. The air felt heavier somehow, and every time the lights flickered, we exchanged glances — half laughing, half wondering.
Dinner was excellent. I went for the Sunday roast, while the others tried the fish and chips and a hearty mushroom pie. The ale was flowing, and so were the ghost stories. One of the staff told us about cold spots, glasses moving on their own, and a phantom figure spotted near the cellar. Naturally, we had to go take a look — and yes, it was creepy.
We didn’t see anything ourselves, but there was a moment when the room went oddly quiet, and one of us swore they felt a tap on the shoulder… with no one behind them.
We left The Flask with full stomachs and just enough unease to keep the conversation going all the way down the hill. It was one of those nights where London’s history felt alive — and maybe watching us.
Historical Fact:
A pub has stood on this site since 1663, making The Flask one of Highgate’s oldest drinking establishments. The current building dates to the early 18th century and was once used for autopsies, with bodies allegedly brought in from nearby Highgate Cemetery. The pub has hosted a remarkable cast of historical figures, including Karl Marx, William Hogarth, and John Keats.
Despite its ghostly reputation, The Flask still celebrates quirky traditions like “Swearing on the Horns,” a mock initiation ceremony for newcomers to Highgate. But beneath the laughter and lore, the shadows remain—and they’re never far from the surface.
“I was enjoying a quiet pint near the back of the pub when I felt a sudden chill—like a breeze had passed through, though no windows were open. Then I saw him. A pale figure in a red military coat, standing by the fireplace, staring straight ahead. His eyes didn’t blink. I looked away for a moment, and when I turned back, he was gone. But the air stayed cold, and the hairs on my neck wouldn’t settle.” - Visitor account, recorded in the pub’s guestbook
🕯️ Final Toast
This Halloween, don’t just read ghost stories—live them. London’s haunted pubs offer a unique blend of history, horror, and hospitality. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you’ll leave with stories that linger long after the last pint.
🍻 Disclaimer: Sip Responsibly, Wander Wisely 🍻
While we celebrate London's legendary pubs and spirited history, we encourage all explorers to enjoy alcohol in moderation. Know your limits, hydrate like a hero, and never let a pint turn into a poor decision. Your liver doesn’t have a rewind button—and neither does your Uber rating.
There are many Guide Books on London Pub Walks available. Here are a few I recommend;
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