A hidden drinking den that dates back to 1546 – but you might also recognise it from films like Guy Ritchie’s Snatch (perhaps Brad Pitt drank from your glass..). The pub was originally built for the servants of the Palace of the Bishops of Ely from Cambridgeshire and is actually still officially part of Cambridgeshire and not the City of London. It has its own mini religious dominion (perhaps a little like the Vatican). The police can’t enter the pub unless invited to do so by the commissionaire, although whether these traditional rules would still be obeyed if you started turning over the tables remains to be seen.Although the pub was first constructed in the 16th century, it was demolished and rebuilt in 1772 and has remained pretty much in the same condition since it was reconstructed. It’s thought that the current pub construction includes a stone mitre (a distinctive 90 degree joint) from the old Palace of the Bishops of Ely gatehouse. This has been built into the wall – hence the name. The pub is located on Ely Place, which is also home to St Etheldreda's. This is the only medieval Catholic church in London and the last remnant of the old palace.During the reign of Elizabeth I, Sir Christopher Hatton – who was one of the Queen’s favourites at the time – took an interest in the land around St Etheldreda's and wanted to build himself a magnificent palace there. Bishop Cox, who was in charge of the land only complied when the Queen threatened to defrock him if he didn’t allow the construction to go ahead. It was the Queen’s friendship with Christopher Hatton that led to the legendary tale of her dancing around a cherry tree with him – a cherry tree that stood at the door of Ye Olde Mitre pub.Part of the charm of Ye Old Mitre is that its only accessible by alleyways – from two separate streets – and is hidden away with that curiously cramped design that indicates a truly traditional London pub. The pub serves food, such as scotch eggs and traditional pies and chips and the drinks selection includes plenty of ales and beers.1 Ely CourtEly PlaceHolbornLondonEC1N 6SJMonday – Friday: Until 23:00 Saturday: CLOSED Sun: until 22:30 Food? YesTube: Chancery Lane, Farringdon
