Why The Cockpit Is Worth Seeking Out
You may have come looking for The Cockpit because you’ve been exploring the historic streets around St Paul’s Cathedral or because you’ve stumbled across it while researching London’s historic pubs.
The Cockpit doesn’t always appear on the classic historic pub bucket lists, but it certainly deserves a place on a hidden London list thanks to its tucked-away location, far from the City’s busy main streets. This unusual Victorian pub occupies a narrow, wedge-shaped corner where St Andrew’s Hill meets Ireland Yard.
The approach is part of the fun. Leave the traffic of Queen Victoria Street behind and follow St Andrew’s Hill uphill toward Ireland Yard. The narrow street opens onto an unexpected little corner of Victorian London, where The Cockpit’s distinctive black-and-gold frontage is waiting.
Before heading inside, take another look at the pub’s unusual curved frontage. Don’t be confused by the old Courage brewery lettering above the windows. It’s a reminder of the brewery that once owned The Cockpit, not a different name for the pub.
Step Inside The Cockpit
Step through the door and you’ll immediately notice that this isn’t an ordinary London pub interior.
The room curves around a compact central bar, with raised seating following the shape of the space. But the real surprise is overhead.
Look up at the wooden gallery overlooking the bar. Its railings give the room the appearance of an old spectator arena, as though a crowd might once have gathered above to watch the action below.
It’s a wonderfully theatrical effect, but the gallery is a later addition rather than a surviving feature of an original cockfighting arena.
The gallery is for looking at, not climbing into. Visitors can’t go upstairs to sit or take photographs from the railing, so enjoy the view from the bar below.
Take another look around the room before settling in. The framed illustrations of fighting cocks are another reminder of the rather gruesome history behind the pub’s name.
Were Cockfights Really Held Here?
Standing beneath the wooden gallery, it’s easy to see why The Cockpit’s name has survived for so long.
According to local tradition, cockfights once took place on this site, with spectators gathering to watch the birds fight and wager on the outcome. The sport was outlawed in England and Wales in 1835, before the present Victorian pub was built around 1860.
What’s the Pint Pick?
Order a pint of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord from the handpump. This classic 4.3% Yorkshire pale ale is one of The Cockpit’s regular cask beers, although availability can vary.
Order your pint at the bar and pay when you order. If the card machine prompts you for a tip, skip it. Digital prompts are increasingly common, but tipping is still not customary when buying drinks at a UK pub bar counter.
Looking for something to eat? Expect simple bar snacks rather than a full traditional pub menu. The Cockpit is a place to stop for a pint, not a sit-down meal.
The Cockpit — Quick Details
Address: 7 St Andrew’s Hill, London EC4V 5BY
Nearest Tube Stations: Blackfriars or St Paul’s
Area: Blackfriars / City of London
Keep Exploring London’s Historic Pubs
The Black Friar — Just a short walk away, this extraordinary Art Nouveau pub is covered in mosaics, carved friars and wonderfully eccentric inscriptions.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese — Head toward Fleet Street to discover a maze of historic rooms, literary connections and one of London’s most atmospheric old taverns.