I need to write a new review about this fabulous pub...still love it and every time I have visitors in town I take them here to experience this cozy pub. My favorite place to hang out is the cozy section up the little staircase overlooking the tiny pub. On a recent visit I made the acquaintance with Tommy, the local cat. Tommy is such a friendly cat, just waiting for patrons to scratch his tummy. (Oh, sometime between my previous review and this one, the pub seems to have undergone a name change from Jerusalem Tavern to Holy Tavern...but nothing changed - still fabulous! If you want to read up more on the history of this pub, I encourage you to check out their website.) read more

Holy Tavern - The cat loves it here as well - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Quite the popular pub in Clerkenwell, Jerusalem Tavern is renowned for its long standing as an historical place for a proper pint. If the massive size of the crowd outside on a sunny summer weekday afternoon is any sign, JT's doing something right. If you're popping by for a real ale or two after work, be certain that you don't stray beyond the bounds of the pub's storefront. Apparently the neighbours get disgruntled if you do, and one of the folks from this establishment will be quick to let you know. It's great to be conscientious about clogging up the ingress/egress of nearby buildings, however it's worth noting that outdoor standing room is effectively limited. Especially if you plan to bring along a large group of people. I could see cozying up to this joint on a cold winter's day, having some stick-to-your-ribs pub grub, and whiling aways the hours watching the grey pass by. read more

Holy Tavern - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The United States and England are not only two countries divided by a common language. We are also two countries divided by a common beverage; both nations adore beer but we cannot agree at which temperature to serve it. This disagreement is so pronounced that in a joint press conference at the White House in July with Prime Minister Cameron, President Obama said: "We have just concluded some excellent discussions -- including whether the beers from our hometowns that we exchanged are best served warm or cold. My understanding is, is that the Prime Minister enjoyed our 312 beer and we may send him some more. I thought the beer we got was excellent -- but I did drink it cold." I have a feeling that if Barack had joined me and my American drinking companion at the Jerusalem Tavern last Friday night he would have come away with similar feelings to us. This pub, steeped in history, is just the sort of drinking establishment one hopes to claim as their local when living in England. On a Friday night it is heaving with people sat 'round tables exchanging war stories from their harrowing weeks in architecture, banking, design, the internets. The beer selection is wide and includes multiple local and organic choices. But why, oh why must it be served so warm? I got a glass of the cream stout and could not finish it. Guinness-like in its flavour and consistency, I expected it to arrive cold but it was far from it. Thick, warm, creamy soup? Any day of the week! Thick, warm, creamy BEER? No thanks! I know there's a happy middle ground for me at the Jerusalem Tavern and I have a sneaking suspicion it might include adding ice to my future pints. And no, I'm not above that (in fact, I love it when bartenders make wild generalizations about me based on my accent and offer me the ice before I request it!) read more

I'm starting to get really confused about what is genuinely really old and what is hipster, you tend to find that hipster pubs install old furniture to increase their authenticity. I can 100% confirm that the Jerusalem Tavern is genuinely really old. Here's the ways you can tell; firstly they have original tiles on the wall that no matter how hip or quirky you were you couldn't replicate. Secondly there were original scorch marks on the ceiling form the light bulbs and thirdly no one, no matter how hipster, would install old uncomfortable benches like they have in The Jerusalem if they wanted customers to actually stay. Being from a land steeped in culture I love an old pub and to be fair The Jerusalem Tavern has all the makings of an absolute gem! Good beers on tap, a nice ambiance and low ceilings that create that allow conversations to echo around the bar. All in all I had a great experience, I tip my hat to The Jerusalem Tavern. read more

Holy Tavern - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Just moved here from San Francisco and I was eager to try this place. St. Peter's is a popular English microbrew in crunchy California due to the fact that they make organic ale. It did not disappoint. In addition to serving a far more impressive array of beers than they export to the States, this is some of the best pub food I've had in London, or anywhere in the world for that matter. The menu changes, but if the roast pork sandwich with crackling (see picture) is on the menu then you've got to get it. Even if you're Jewish or Muslim. read more

Holy Tavern - Roast pork & applesauce sandwich with crackling. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Jerusalem Tavern is owned by the St Peter's brewery, who are based in Norfolk, and sells only their beers. Slightly off the beaten track in Clerkenwell, the pub has existed since the 1300s, but this building dates from 1720. The frontage is perfect early Georgian, and the interior is decorated in a very simple, stripped-down style, with painted walls in muted shades and bracket lamps. The bar is simply a wooden counter in the middle room, and there is some seating on the pavement outside. The staff are very friendly, and service is good despite the limited space, but the real draw is the beer: the grapefruit-tanged Fruit Beer has an amazing nose, and the rich, dark Stout or fruity Porter should be enough to keep any ale aficianado happy. Worth looking out. read more

If you want a pub that is about the ale, the JT while a bit worn in, is cozy like a comfortable chair. This place is a good 'ol tavern with its worn wood and creaky floors, and I say that in the best possible way, its like taking a step back in time. This place is fantastic! The JT is the London outpost to the St. Peter's Brewery home brews. It serves its own ale by the cask and there are seasonal varieties that get rotated in. In many ways, this might be considered a beer lover's spot of choice as there is s certain exclusivity to the beer itself. The food isn't bad either, and the staff take pride in the place as well. For those in the know, this place is much beloved. read more

I'm actually a big fan of The Jerusalem, but then I'm a big fan of St Peter's Brewery (and particularly the organic). If you're lucky a table will be available in the loft overlooking the pub's tiny foyer or, failing that, in one of the windows where you can tuck in close with some friends away from the knocking of knees and occasional spilling of drinks in the crushed centre. It also hosts the occasional DJ night, which is interesting due to its very diminutive size. It has all the trappings of a makeshift dive bar, except it possesses much of the charm of Olde Englande. A very welcome diversion in Clerkenwell, if you ask me. Do be warned that the hours are ever so slightly unpredictable. I have been turned away before during what one would think was prime time on account of a private booking. Definitely have a back up in the area if you amble over in the afternoon. read more

Holy Tavern - ever so slightly closer up - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

An extremely cool little pub which makes you feel like you're drinking in the 1700s in a secret place no one knows about. Unfortunately we were in a rush to get somewhere the evening we stopped in so we only had time for one pint, but the selection alone should give it 5 stars. read more

Holy Tavern - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Not enough room to swing a cat,and the smallest bar in the area... but nonetheless a wonderful pub. For some reason, I only ever end up here at Christmas time, despite it being so close to work (I suppose 4 others are closer and I'm lazy...), but every time I go I remember how much I like it. St Peter's brewery brews some VERY nice beer. I did struggle with the grapefruit fruit variety today - because grapefruit is an aquired taste methinks - but generally, the beer is excellent, they always have a good selection - marked up on the blackboard. The food is also good, if you can manage to snag one of the 6, yes 6, tables in the place. Ye olde wooden pub decor is the order of the day. It's wonderful. All in all, I wish this was my neighbourhood local, though I'd spend far too long here.. as it is, it's a lovely, cosy, understanding (we got a bit raucous with the crackers one year), and friendly pub which deserves anyone's patronage. London should be full of these! read more

My Dad, Popa Orme, is famous in foggy London town for 2 reasons; firstly he was once a dragon tamer and used to wow the crowds with his legendary show and secondly because he has been known to seek out top bars that would otherwise go un-discovered. The Jerusalem Tavern is one such great discovery. A short walk from my present office i was immediately in love with the Tavern's bespoke, softly spoken interior and then equally impressed by its wide selection of beers and ciders. So many choices in fact make sure you aren't 60+ before you place an order or you will spend some time at the bar. A beer, a cider and a packet of nuts (essential in the Orme diet) set me back around 8 nuggets. Reasonable, but the important thing is that it's organic and it tastes delish. We had the pleasure of standing outside the Tavern and soaking up the atmosphere for an hour or so. It has exactly what i look for in a pub. Vibrant, but not pretentious. The Tavern was so enjoyable it has taken me a while to post this review, just in case there is a sudden wave of people that turn up there in the basis if this review... Selfish. Popa Orme and I would like to say thanks Jerusalem Tavern for making our monthly catch-up so pleasant. Sexy Rob read more

This is one of the best pubs in London. Apparently the building was an old clockmakers shop, and this pub certainly resembles a little Dickensian shop, and is very charming. If like me, you love real ale, this is a great pub to go to. The beer is exclusively from the excellent St Peters Brewery, and is their only pub in London. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. read more

This is a great little underground pub with a dance floor. Too bad the dj played a bunch of crappy 90's music. Vanilla Ice? Really? Aside from that, this place has a lot of potential. The bar is long and there are multiple bartenders. Service is fast and they're always willing to give you a discount at the door if you ask. One huge downside: the toilets smelled like someone pissed all over the walls! I could smell it before I even opened the doors! Get some new air fresheners please! read more

Ohhh it's so small in here it makes me feel like I'm on the Northern Line during rush hour. The choices of brewed beers and ales may be good, but I just can't face coming in here after work. People spill into the street and road outside, which may be nice in the summer but not when it's so cold outside! I have never seen it empty, though that would be nice. This place is tiny and super old. Worth checking out as long as you can handle the tight squeeze! read more

I like Jerusalem Tavern..? Well okay, it's not a question, I do like it, but I also get to feeling a bit claustrophic in there. Apart from the tiny size, which is probably what adds to its quality, the place is a really cool, traditional, "take-me-back-to-the-day-when-i-dont-have-to-shave-my-arm-pits-or-shower" type of place. I'd describe it as creaky. Wooden. Old. And cute. The inside feels pretty intimate. It gets really crowded, and everyone typically just ends up hanging outside.. which you will be allowed to do until staff come and tell you to shut up/move inside around 10. Not a particular fan of ale either, which is what this place boasts, but I'm adventurous and I tried a couple different ones. And I can safely say, if I did like lukewarm alcohol, I would love their ales. A lot of different brews/flavors. I tried the honey porter, best bitter, and.. regular bitter. The food looks pretty decent and fairly priced as well. read more

When you can actually see the inside when it's not filled with the after work crowd, the tables are roomy and the inside is pretty neat. However, when this place does fill up with the usual after work crowd, it's charm still goes untouched. The bar lets you drink on the street directly outside AND across the street. I believe they only serve St. Peter's, but that doesn't matter - definitely worth checking out. Only downside is they close incredibly early! read more

I just love this pub. Full of character, old and thankfully unmodernised. They have a great beer selection and importantly very reasonable prices. Despite the crowds I always get served quickly since the staff are attentive and keep the place humming along nicely. A favourite in the Clerkenwell area. read more

Holy Tavern - Hot summer evening - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Jerusalem Tavern is the classic after work pub right in Smithfields where I put the hurt on. You know when you wake up, find a kebab liberally scattered around your flat, pieces of your clothing in random places and your body leaking alcohol out of its pores kind of hurt. It is old, very old, Americans would probably love it. It is also pretty cheap as you are just kicking back hard beers one after another. In the end it just serves its purpose as a place to get ruined at very well. read more

This is a brewpub which is part of St. Peter's Brewery. Stopped by here any had many pints. The beer is hand crafted in London and the atmosphere is really neat. Very young crowd here which is quite refreshing. Ended up sharing a table with a couple who live down the street and they picked up a round for us - cheers! While the beer was a bit pricy compared to other offerings at London pubs, the value is more made up for by the quality of the beer, the selection of brewed styles (red ale, strong ale, wheat, bitter, pale, etc), and as stated previously the atmosphere. Highly recommend just getting here early to get a good seat and staying the afternoon/evening with good company until they close. read more

Love this place, one of my favourite pubs in North London. There's quite a debate about whether it's a new, or old pub, but some digging appears to clear this up. There have been several Jerusalem Taverns in the area for many years, but although the exterior is obviously old, the current Jerusalem Tavern is a fabrication - the building was bought by St Peter's brewery in late 1990s and the internal construction was built then to create a pub. It had never been a licensed premises until then. Check out Martyn Cornell's history here: http://zythophile.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/the-jerusalem-tavern-clerkenwell-a-short-history/ read more

Can't add much more than has already been said other than this is a great typical pub. Never had a comfy chair to sit on (always a hard wooden bench), the paint is flaking off the walls, it is always packed, the real ale is always room temperature (I prefer cold beer) BUT this is exactly what a true British pub experience should be. In the summer, good luck getting in and getting to the bar, it is literally bursting at the seams! Try the pork scratching, they...are...epic read more

Got the little loft table, which is the best seat in the house. Victory! I'm not the biggest St. Peter's fan, but the loft table gave me a great chance to reconsider my opinion. Alas, St. Peter's is still not one of my favorite breweries, but The Jerusalem Tavern is one of my favorite pubs. The cramped space, the interesting crowd (from professionals pining for a pint to aging punks devouring crisps on the night of my attendance) and the irrefutable history all make The Jerusalem Tavern a must stop. read more

Hidden gem serving a great range of real beers. There's something very enjoyable about walking into a pub and not recognising any of the beers they have available. The process of discussing what each is like with the bar man and tasting a few is a great part of the real pub experience. I opted for a pint of the Golden Ale which was beauty. The bar itself is very small and intimate, with wood panelling, you can really imagine people sat in here a hundred years ago drinking beer out of tankards in their Victorian regalia. I had a pale ale after which wasn't quite as nice, but as they say, horses for courses. I would recommend this place for people who like real beer and traditional pubs. Oh, and on the continuing theme of the spiralling price of scampi fries, they are £1.10 in here so perhaps the Montpelier weren't taking the piss too much after all! read more

I really liked this place. Quite interesting to find a traditional pub in the middle of corporate London. The staff were helpful when I chose one of the beers they stocked. They serve some really nice ales and local pale ales. Definitely a place id return to! read more

Quite a legendary pub in the area. It's been where is since 1720, but there was a Jerusalem Tavern on different sites in the area going back to the 14th century! This is a St Peter's brewery pub so has all their ales in bottle or in the barrel. Not sure how extensive their list of other drinks is, this is very much a beer pub! I love the shape of their beer bottles. Very cool. They taste pretty good too. Layout is quirky, but I like it. In the summer the drinkers sprawl out onto the street. It can be quite entertaining when it starts raining! read more

Located moments from the busy commuter hub of Farringdon station, the Jerusalem offers a different type of atmosphere due to its dark, small and often crowded interior. All beers and ciders served here, come from one source, The St Peter's brewery in Suffolk. The range of drinks will keep ale fans happy, however be warned that this is not the place to come for lager. For those of you who like to stand outside, be aware that the area is fiercely guarded by the staff who will not let allow you to put one foot out of line of their boundary. This pub will be best enjoyed tucked inside of the cozy interior on a cold winter day after work. read more

Went here on an early weeknight and was quite happy with the atmosphere and the layout. There are about 10 beers on tap but I didn't love the ales they had. As someone else mentioned, there are a lot of nooks and crannies so it's great for a couple of people or a small group. Would fill up quickly on a busy night, however. No TV is a plus. Warning: half of the people, including me, were Americans (mostly Californians) the evening I went. read more

The Jerusalem Tavern is one of the best pubs in London. As St. Peter's flagship, and indeed only, attached pub, you can be sure that you'll have a bitter experience bar none. The first time I went here and saw organic ale on draught, I was really very excited. They have faux-barrels set in the wall behind the tiny wooden bar, which is a nice touch. You can also procure a massive range of St. Peter's bottled ales you don't see anywhere else. If you're lucky, the "upstairs" seating area will be free - this is like a small pulpit which can seat 4 small, or 3 medium sized people! And you feel quite special sitting at everyone else's head height... Anyway, most times, to be honest you can't get a seat - so it's probably better for summer drinking standing out on the street. But full marks none-the-less. Great pub. read more

Good food at sensible prices (especially on Sausage Tuesday!), decent and friendly service, and an evocative ambience that sadly isn't so easy to find in London these days: the Jerusalem is one of my favourite pubs. The fact that they serve a full range of St Peter's beers (the brewery owns this Dickensian pub) probably has a lot to do with how much I love this place as well as the stumble-home proximity to my flat. My only complaint is that everybody else seems to like the Jerusalem too which can make getting a table in the evening a real challenge. read more

I've always blown hot and cold about The Jerusalem. I know it's a bit of a mecca for real ale enthusiasts - and I am definitely enthusiastic about real beer - and food is meant to be pretty good. But... I have had a few mixed experiences here. It has the potential to be a fantastic place. It has all the attributes - old building (former Methodist chapel I believe - hence the name), real beers, slightly ragged around the edges. All things I love. But... (and there's that word again) it's small, often very over-crowded and (whisper it) I'm not as impressed by St Peter's beers as everyone else is. Okay - that's the negative stuff out the way - having said all of that, Jerusalem is a good pub. It's just a victim of it's own success. I went there on a weekday lunch time and had a great experience. I avoided their organic ale which has a bit to much of a lemony taste, reminiscent of wheat beer, for me and went for a honey porter. Delicious. Bitter chocolate notes balanced by a savoury sweetness. Much, much better than my previous taste of St Peter's. And the burger was a bit of a revelation. While not setting the world alight in terms of quality, it was a really solid effort at something it's easy to cook, but hard to master. It was properly meaty, had some texture and was packed full of beefy flavour. It had obviously been grilled not fried and was served medium, as a burger should be with some decently fat chips. So, overall, if you pick the right time and the right beer, this is a great pub. Just steer clear of Thursday and Friday nights where it is so packed as to be unpleasent. Oh yes, and if you can - choose a beer to match your taste. Ask the bartenders of you're not ure - they're a friendly and knowledgeable bunch. read more

I absolutely want to love this pub. And y'know what? I do. It's cute, it's quaint, it's got a damn fine ale selection. But it's tiny, and unfortunately it's a victim of its own success. I was here for TikiChris's private birthday party last night and a fabulous time was had by all. But there's no comfy place to stand it such a small bar. When you end up bumping into people that you really like and having a chat, this is awesome. But on a usual Friday, it would drive me up the wall. If there weren't any seats (and apparently there rarely are unless you're hear very very early), I'd probably try elsewhere. Although the cute little balcony seat is fun, and super handy for starting happy birthday singings and spying on people). I'm all for a lively and busy pub, but this one is too cramped for my liking. That said, I'd happily consider hiring it out for a private party, with all of your favourite people it's a lot of fun indeed. read more

Charming little pub with friendly staff and an impressive selection of real ales. I gather that it can be packed during the week - I was invited to the Jerusalem Tavern for TikiChris's birthday bash and while it was rather busy you were still able to squirm your way around quite easily. Nice place to take friends who are visiting London but I guess you must get there early. read more

The Jerusalem Tavern is an extremely quirky pub near Farringdon tube. It is the only pub owned by the St Peters Brewery which is based in Suffolk. As well as serving St Peters brews they also have the excellent German lager Bitburger on tap. The reason for this place's quirkyness is the fact that it's very small and doesn't open at all on the weekend. The pub is dated 1720 on its frontage and has been around this part of London since the 14th century! Well worth stopping by to have a beer and take a look around but probably best to avoid if looking for a rowdy time! read more

To the Hungry Gibbon, I must say they did in excellent job of mocking up an entire building from the 1700s in 1995 ... That's quite some effort for a decent pint, but oh how much better it makes the pint go down. Part of the experience of washing your throat with a hefty glass of real, stonking and beautifully tasting ale is the environs in which you imbibe and in going that extra hog they really have got the edge on many other places. When the market is ram-packed full of rubbish, it's good to set yourself apart and these guys do just that in many ways and I love them for it. Definitely my new favourite watering hole in the not so close vicinity of work. read more

Small, quaint, good service and good beverages on tap. The inside of the bar is really small but cosy. If you get a table, you're one of the lucky ones and you probably won't want to move the rest of the evening as it's great people watching. If you don't get a table, well then you're either going to be outside on the pavement or be bumped about by other customers trying to get to and from the bar. But it's not really a big deal because the staff and the beer are worth it. read more

The Jerusalem Tavern is a tiny little pub that serves lovely St Peter's ales. It's a great little wooden space that has been there since the 1700s. Basically, don't expect a jukebox to be playing 'Smack My Bitch Up' with people spewing up Red Bull and vodkas. At the rear of the pub is a stuffed fox in a glass case, which is nice to point at and say "Look! There's a stuffed fox!". The beer, of course, is great. The Golden Ale is definitely worth trying. The prices are pretty reasonable but it does get a little crowded thanks to being a popular pub. However, it isn't impossible to get a seat so don't be put off by that. It's not too far from the Farringdon and Barbican tube stops, so if you're visiting from outside of London, get your bearings first because there's a real gem of a pub is a very pretty part of London. read more

Meh. Crowded as can be so the old-world charm kind of gets cancelled out. Not a huge selection but some unique ales. It's definitely a unique place but it's just kind of awkwardly shaped for how many people go there. Still, one of the most atmospheric pubs in London and you can drink in the adjacent alleyway and out front if you need some space. Not my fav but I would come back if I'm in the area. read more

Wonderful little pub located on a street named after me! It's a St Peter's Brewery boozer that has won 2009 pub of the year in the 'Good Pub Guide', quite an accolade. Housed in a building which dates back to 1720, it's named after the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem (founded in 1140) and serves the finest of ancient St Peter's beers and ales as well as food and hot drinks during the week. In the winter the log fire is particularly comforting. read more

The undoubted highlight of a recent pub crawl in Clerkenwell, probably aided by the fact that we swung by around 9pm when we could get a table. Another place with plenty of history behind it and loads of charming nooks and crannies, the one thing that stuck most in my mind was the amazing beer from St Peter's Brewery. In my case this was the striking and unforgettable Grapefruit fruit beer, which although looking nothing like your average fruit beer and everything like your average pint, had a very clear and refreshing grapefruit taste. Really good - my friends were equally pleased with their choices too. I want to return asap. read more

Like no other pub in London. The interior is very plain, all exposed, unpainted wood. Slightly cramped with a small bar, this is not a place for big crowds. Thankfully there are some nice wooden benches outside. The range tends to include the general St. Peters offerings, but on occasion they will have a less generic beer. Prices are good. Definitely worth visiting. read more