The Local Haunt podcast is a three-part exploration of the The Grenadier pub’s chilling past
There’s more than just history lurking in London’s oldest pubs. Creaky floorboards, sudden cold spots, and furniture moving with no explanation…some say these places are full of spirits — and not just the kind behind the bar. So, what’s the story with The Grenadier?
The Grenadier, Belgravia
Hidden down a cobbled alley in one of London’s wealthiest postcodes, The Grenadier is a small, red-brick pub with a terrifying tale. Legend has it that a soldier named Cedric was caught cheating at cards here and beaten to death by his comrades. His spirit — unsettled and angry — refuses to leave. Staff and patrons alike report strange smells, sudden chills, and unexplained rattling from the cellar. Some even pin money to the ceiling, hoping to appease the ghost.
If you’re a fan of the morbid, spooky, or gruesome, why not start at The Grenadier and embark on a ghoulish pub crawl from Belgravia to Bow? Here are my top recommendations for London’s most haunted pint!
The Rising Sun, Smithfield
The Rising Sun, just a stone’s throw from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, was once the local of choice for 19th-century body snatchers. According to legend, these so-called ‘resurrection men’ would drug unsuspecting drinkers, kill them, and sell their bodies next door to Barts for medical research. Gruesome doesn’t even begin to cover it. And after a night’s work? They’d likely return to the pub and spend their earnings — classic.
With a history like that, it’s no wonder supernatural activity has been reported ever since. One former landlady claimed she was mid-shower when the curtain was suddenly pulled back, and an icy hand traced down her spine. But perhaps the most chilling tale comes from two barmaids who lived upstairs — each woke in the night to find a ghostly figure sitting at the end of the bed, slowly pulling the covers away.
The Viaduct Tavern, Holborn
The Viaduct Tavern, one of London’s original gin palaces, draws visitors with its grand interiors and rich history — but some leave with more than they bargained for. Beneath the pub lie disused prison cells, thought to be remnants of nearby Newgate Prison. While some historians dispute the connection, the eerie atmosphere below ground has fuelled tales of ghostly encounters for decades.
In the 1990s, a manager claimed he was trapped in the cellar when the door slammed shut and the lights went out, hearing a whisper — “There are just two of us down here now” — before his wife rescued him. A few years later, two handymen reported feeling a tap on the shoulder before watching a rolled-up carpet float eerily through the air. Whether rooted in fact or folklore, the Viaduct Tavern remains a favourite for ghost-hunters and gin lovers alike.
The Ten Bells, Spitalfields
The Ten Bells in Spitalfields is steeped in history — and not all of it is pleasant. Dating back to the 18th century, this atmospheric pub is perhaps most infamous for its ties to the Jack the Ripper murders. It’s believed that two of the Ripper’s victims, Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly, either drank at or were last seen near The Ten Bells before their deaths.
Unsurprisingly, ghost stories have clung to the pub ever since. Staff and patrons have reported unexplained cold spots, objects moving on their own, and the distinct feeling of being watched. Some claim to have seen the apparition of a woman in Victorian clothing wandering the upstairs rooms. Others have heard phantom footsteps pacing across empty floors. Restless spirits or simply echoes of a grim past — few would deny that a pint at The Ten Bells carries a lingering chill…
Bow Bells, Bow
Bow Bells in East London looks like any other traditional pub from the outside — but inside, the atmosphere can take a sudden, chilling turn. According to local legend, the pub is haunted by the ghost of a murdered barmaid who isn’t shy about making her presence known. One of the most famous stories claims that if you hear the bells of St Mary-le-Bow ringing while you’re inside, you might just catch a glimpse of her in the mirror behind the bar.
Over the years, staff have reported strange noises, unexplained movements, and shattered mirrors — said to be the work of a spirit unhappy with any attempts to redecorate. Believe the tales or not, but a drink at Bow Bells could come with a side of the supernatural.
Tempted to explore London’s haunted pubs for yourself?
If you enjoyed this article — or you’re brave enough to fancy a pint in one of these eerie spots — make sure to listen to The Local Haunt mini-series, available to stream directly from our website or on Spotify.
Just be warned: once you open the door to the spirits of London, they might just follow you home…
