The Hoop and Grapes: The Great Fire Survivor You Can Still Visit
Constructed in 1593, The Hoop and Grapes is the oldest licensed house in London, a claim it takes great satisfaction in. From the busy Tudor age streets to modern metropolitan life, this Grade II listed structure has seen centuries of London’s development. The bar, despite its history, has remarkably endured many challenges, including the Great Fire of London, which stopped just 50 yards from its doors in 1666.
Key Facts About The Hoop and Grapes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1593 |
| Location | 47 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1AL |
| Survived | The Great Fire of London (1666) |
| Historical Significance | Only 17th-century timber-framed building in the City of London |
| Original Use | Private residence |
| Modern Use | Traditional English pub |
| Grade II Listing | Awarded in 1991 to save it from demolition |
| Name Origin | “Hops and Grapes,” reflecting beer and wine offerings |
| Nearby Transport | Aldgate Station (Circle and Metropolitan lines) |
A Great Fire of London Survivor
Devastated by the Great Fire of London in September 1666, over 13,000 homes, companies, and public buildings were lost. Strong winds and the flammable materials used in London’s buildings soon let the fire start at a bakery on Pudding Lane swiftly spread.
Remarkably, standing just 50 yards away, The Hoop and Grapes stayed strong against the flames. One of the few timber-framed buildings still in the City of London today, this amazing survival makes it unique.
The Hoop and Grapes: Their Architecture
- The unique Tudor style of the house shows timber framing and sash windows imported in the 1720s.
- Two oak posts with complex vine carvings guard the entry, honouring the building’s former name, “Hops and Grapes.”
- The slanted beams and irregular angles of the bar give it a distinctive, characterful look that carries guests to another age.
Inner the Hoop and Grapes
Inside you find a warm, old-world elegance. Attributes consist in:
- Low Ceilings: Original beams accentuate the Tudor-era feel.
- Historic Bar: The bar room has a classic vibe even after it was enlarged into the adjacent house.
- Largest Chimney Breast: The rear section features a kitchen from the sixteenth century with a huge chimney breast.
The Trip from “Hops and Grapes” to The Hoop and Grapes
Originally called Hops and Grapes, reflecting its twin offers of beer and wine, the bar has changed with the years. Its identity changed and it started to be known as The Hoop and Grapes. Early in the 1990s, it was set for demolition but was rescued with public efforts and a Grade II classification in 1991.
An eerie past?
Given its more than 400-year past, it is hardly surprising that The Hoop and Grapes has a lot of ghost stories. Reports from staff and guests have included:
- Steps: Heard on the stairway in empty space.
- Shimmering Apparitions: One young child in a period clothing has been seen combing her hair.
- Spotted staring out a second-floor window, a top-hat man.
Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, the legendary past of the tavern gives your visit more mystery.
Why should one visit The Hoop and Grapes?
The Hoop and Grapes is a living element of London’s history not only a tavern. Visitors can take in:
- Traditional English cuisine consists of a menu of ales, wines, spirits and classic pub cuisine.
- Low beams, warped walls, and a window into London’s history define the historic atmosphere.
- Located just minutes from Aldgate Station, central location fits any London trip easily.
How to Travel?
The Hoop and Grapes is housed at 47 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1AL.
The Hoop and Grapes of Today
The Hoop and Grapes is evidence of London’s endurance and rich legacy due in large part to its Grade II designation and continuous preservation activities. A visit is a trip across history, not only a pint. This pub guarantees an amazing experience regardless of your interests in history or just searching for a special place to relax.
