Old bars are really cool – they’ve got history, personality and they do what they do goddamn well. What better way to get started down a historic path and discover more than just classic cocktails than to drink at some of the oldest bars around the globe?
Sean’s Bar, Ireland
This bar was established in the year 900! Don’t believe it? Well, Guinnes Book of World Records would beg to differ. It is the oldest bar in Ireland and possibly the world. We’re sure the bartenders here have quite a few stories of yore that have been handed down through the generations!
The Bingley Arms, England
While the English don’t really have a umm… pretty past, they do have an ancient bar to boast of. The Bingley Arms’ official records say the place was opened in 953, but some evidence says the establishment goes back to 905. It was once called The Priests Inn and claims to have served as refuge for Catholic priests who were being persecuted.
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, England
England does have its fair share of oldies but goodies, doesn’t it? Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, established in 1189, has quite a past with even the crusaders enjoying a drink or two here on their journey to the Holy Land. It is also scenic since it is built into Castle Rock and the caves near it once served as a brewhouse, believe it or not.
Brazenhead, Ireland
In the city of Dublin, the city where Guinness flows freely, is Brazenhead which once was a coachhouse in 1198 (the year it came into being). The decor will tell stories of its former days and while many say it was built much later, we’ll have to believe Brazenhead. Irish writers like James Joyce and Jonathan Swift were known to stop over here for a drink from time to time.
Ye Olde Man & Scythe, England
The more I write this, the more I believe the English drank more than anyone else in history. Regardless, this pub has a rich, rather bloody history. It was mentioned in a charter in 1251, so safe to say it’s pretty old. Legend has it that the 7th Earl of Derby, James Stanley, had his last meal in the pub before stepping out to be beheaded for his role in the Bolton Massacre. We hope you can drink enough here to forget that!
