The Oldest Pub in the UK: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

The Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Hertfordshire is widely recognized as the oldest pub in the United Kingdom.

Key Claims

• Founded: 793 AD (per pub's claim) — though documented records date to 1174.
• Site history: Originally a pigeon house for St Albans Abbey; later an inn for travelers on the London–North road.
• Name: "Fighting Cocks" from 18th-century cockfighting; "Ye Olde" added later for antiquity appeal.
• Building: Timber-framed, octagonal dovecote structure (rare), low ceilings, open fireplace.

Other Contenders

• The Bingley Arms (Bardsey, Leeds): Claims 905 AD; documented 1552.
• The Porch House (Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire): Claims 947 AD; dendrochronology dates timbers to 1500s.
• The Royal Standard of England (Beaconsfield, Bucks): Claims 1213; documented 1663.
• Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (Nottingham): Claims 1189; carved into castle rock; caves as cellars.

Why Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Wins

• Continuous licensed premises on same site since medieval period.
• Recognized by Guinness World Records (formerly) and CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
• Extensive documentation from Abbey records.

Visit Today

Still a functioning pub—serves real ale, traditional food, hosts events. A living piece of history where you can drink where 12th-century monks' travelers once rested.

Note: "Oldest" depends on definition (continuous license, original building, documented record). Ye Olde Fighting Cocks holds the strongest combined case.