A pint with a side of paranormal activity: The most haunted pubs in the UK revealed
On Halloween it’s believed the dead walk again, but there are pubs where the dead continue to live on 365 days a year. From ghostly landlords and phantom footsteps to unexplained sightings and centuries-old spirits who refuse to leave, the UK’s pubs have some seriously spooky stories to tell.
With Halloween creeping closer, Eat Drink Meet, a website that helps users discover nearby pubs, bars, and restaurants, has revealed thirteen of the UK’s most haunted watering holes.
Whether you’re a fearless ghost hunter or simply after a spine-tingling night out, discover some of the country’s most haunted pubs to enjoy a pint this Halloween. Just don’t be surprised if you’re sharing a stool with someone from the other side…
The Mitre Bar, Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city founded on sorrow, thanks to years of bloody battles with the English and multiple plagues. So, it should come as no surprise that it has haunted pubs, one of which is The Mitre Bar on the Royal Mile within a short stroll of North Bridge, Waverley Station, and Holyrood.
This traditional pub with its eclectic range of real ales and quality pub food combined with a dash of Scottish hospitality seems like any normal pub. But according to local legend, the pub is haunted by one of its former tenants John Spottiswood, the Bishop of St Andrews. It is said the Bishop’s throne is buried under the bar area, his spirit now walks the pub, and he takes a strong dislike to modern pop music. The Bishop is known to turn off the jukebox if he doesn’t like the song being played, so choose your music selection carefully when visiting.
The Hawes Inn, Queensferry
Just to the West of Edinburgh lies the town of Queensferry and The Hawes Inn with its beautiful views of the Firth of Forth. Said to be the inspiration for Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson’s book Kidnapped, legends say he stayed at the pub and wrote part of the novel in one of its rooms. But what many may not know is the pub is allegedly haunted by multiple spirits (and not of the liquid kind!).
It’s claimed one of the rooms in the pub’s B&B hotel is home to several spirits, one of whom can be heard breathing heavily by patrons throughout the night. The same room is also hard to warm up, almost as though something or someone is trying to prevent guests taking the chill out the air. However, the pub’s location near a pier means it could be the spirits of one of the few tragic souls who met their untimely end nearby.
If you’re brave enough to stay the night, the pub offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of the pub’s nine characterful double rooms. Each one furnished to a high standard and with a Hypnos bed to ensure you should get a great night’s sleep providing you are not too afraid to turn out the light.
The Old White Swan, York
York is considered to be the most haunted city in Europe, so of course it’s home to a haunted pub or two and The Old White Swan is no exception. Formerly a collection of nine historic buildings dating back to the 16th century, this Grade-II listed building became an inn in 1703 and is thought to be one of York’s oldest pubs. Rumour has it that this charming pub is haunted by a group of Catholics who were planning their escape to France. According to witnesses, the group have a habit of rearranging the furniture and relighting the fire on a cold night.
But if you’re not scared by ghosts with an underlying interest in feng shui, then The Old White Swan might be your new local with its take on pub classic dishes such as Fish Pie, Sausage & Mash or Sirloin Steak Sandwich. Or if you’re looking for something to warm you up this Halloween, indulge in one of the pub’s exquisitely poured cask ales such as Nicholson’s Pale Ale or enjoy one of the pub’s many whiskies including The Balvenie 12-year-old Doublewood or Aberlour 12-year-old.
The Punch Bowl, York
This York pub is said to have the ghosts of at least three unfortunate souls. With a history dating back over four centuries and having suffered two major fires, this is a site with many a tragic tale to tell.
According to locals, The Punch Bowl is haunted by one of its former landlords who died after becoming trapped in the pub’s cellar during a fire, a lady in grey who died after her husband abandoned her for his new lover and a young woman who was murdered in the 1700s.
Whether you’re visiting for a ghost hunt or for a spirit of a different kind from the pub’s extensive whisky and gin collections, The Punch Bowl considers itself to be one of York’s proud pie connoisseurs so it’s worth enjoying one of its delicious pies alongside the supernatural guests.
The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath
One of the oldest pubs in London, The Spaniards Inn dates back to the 16th century and according to seasoned ghost hunters is haunted by the ghost of the legendary outlaw and highwayman Dick Turpin. Guests have reported seeing shadowy figures near the fireplace and hearing phantom footsteps. With its low wooden beams and candlelit corners, The Spaniards Inn is the perfect setting for an encounter with the spirit world this October.
Or if you’d prefer to visit during the day, the pub offers a great tasting lunch menu including Sirloin Steak Sandwich, Chicken Caesar Sandwich, Beer-Battered Fresh Atlantic Haddock & Chips or Risotto Verde.
The Volunteer, Baker Street
Another of London’s haunted pubs is The Volunteer, not far from the home of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. History claims the pub dates back to the Victorian era and was built over the remains of a 17th-century mansion after it was destroyed in a fire that sadly killed the occupants, the Neville family. The pub is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a well-dressed gentleman who is thought to be one of the Neville family.
Both guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, seeing flickering lights and feeling an eerie presence coming from the old cellar, the only surviving part of the original Neville house. With its historic setting and atmospheric corners, are guests really having a brush with the supernatural or is it all just the mind playing tricks?
Offering a classic British pub menu, the pub is perfect for everyone from those looking for a mid-week treat to those catching up with friends over snacks and drinks or those looking for Sunday lunch. If you don’t have a nervous disposition, then The Volunteer might be your new favourite haunt.
Williamson’s Tavern, London
The Williamson’s Tavern’s ghost story has a twist. The site is said to have been the original residence of the Lord Mayors of London, with the original pub on the site dating back to the 17th century before being rebuilt in the 1930s.
According to regulars, the pub is home to the ghost of Martha, a poltergeist who strikes fear into the hearts of even the bravest police dogs who refuse to go near the pub. It’s claimed by long-serving members of staff that they have seen a portrait of the mischievous Martha in different areas of the pub and yet no painting has ever been found…
Dare you go in search of Martha and her mysterious portrait this Halloween? Well, if you do, the Williamson’s Tavern offers a delicious collection of British pub classics, seasonal favourites and signature pies all crafted with high-quality ingredients. The pub also has a range of cask ales, gins, and wines to keep you topped up while you wait for Martha to make an appearance.
The Fighting Cocks, Moseley
Birmingham may be more famous for Peaky Blinders these days, but the city still has a ghost story or two to tell and The Fighting Cocks is no exception. The pub in Moseley is said to be haunted by a former landlord who met a tragic end in the cellar. Ever since his death, staff have reported glasses flying off shelves and unexplained cold spots. This is a pub for paranormal investigators and brave regulars.
But don’t let that chill down your spine put you off, a pub loved by locals for embodying the friendly vibe of Moseley and serves up guests the best in British hospitality for a truly laid-back drinking and dining experience. The pub also offers up spirits of the liquid kind including Grey Goose vodka; Kraken Black Spiced Rum and Monkey 47 Dry Gin perfect for steadying the nerves on an October evening.
The Trocadero, Birmingham City Centre
This Grade-II listed pub on Temple Street is one of the city’s hidden gems. As you’ll probably guess from the outside, this is a bar with a past. It started its life as the Fire Engine House for the Norwich Union Insurance Company before being converted into the Bodega wine bar in 1883, when it was owned by one Henry Skinner.
Unfortunately for Henry, he was murdered by brothers Herbert and Arthur Allen during a furious row over wages. Now he’s believed to haunt the building and spend his time knocking over glasses, flinging beer mats, and even throwing loose change at unsuspecting guests and staff. Rumours also swirl of The Trocadero being haunted by the ghosts of two girls who fell from a staircase in the building. However, some staff say the only spirits they have seen have been those kept behind the bar.
Why not pop in and discover a few spooky tales about Henry and co. over a pint or two and your favourite comfort food this October?
Fairfield Arms, Audenshaw
With its warm and inviting atmosphere, this pub in Audenshaw looks worlds away from a creepy haunted house. But the Fairfield Arms is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who was shot back when the pub was a private house. Now she’s said to wander the pub forlornly. Could she still be seeking justice from beyond the grave?
So why not do some ghost hunting this October and snuggle into one of the pub’s cosy corners with a drink or two and maybe even indulge in the pub’s dessert menu while you wait for her to appear…
Toby Carvery, Bolton
Formerly a mansion built by local mill owner T.M Hesketh back in the late 1800s, Toby Carvery Bolton is now rumoured to be one of the town’s most haunted buildings. After the family moved out, the house became a hospital for First World War pilots suffering from severe injuries before becoming a children’s hostel caring for child refugees from the Spanish Civil War.
With such a colourful history, it’s no surprise that guests and staff have reported seeing a mysterious lady haunting the upper floor of the building along with hearing disembodied footsteps and objects being moved. The cellar is also an area of supernatural interest, with many reporting feeling uneasy and as if they were being watched.
Luckily the dining area is ghost free so those diners of a nervous disposition can enjoy a classic roast with tender, hand-carved meats served with all the trimmings or if you’re fuelling up for a long day of ghost hunting with one of Toby’s all-you-can-eat breakfasts. The restaurant also offers a range of thirst-quenching drinks including beers, ciders, wines, spirits, and hot drinks to help keep out the chill this Halloween.
The Captain’s Wife, Penarth
This unassuming country pub has a dark secret. Originally called Sully House after the nearby Sully Island, the pub, which is now known as The Captain’s Wife, sits on a rocky stretch of Welsh coastline overlooking the waters of the Bristol Channel.
The area, which was formerly used by smugglers and pirates, has a tragic history, which is probably one of the reasons why the pub is now believed to be haunted. The Captain’s Wife is said to be home to several ghosts who haunt patrons. One of the ghosts is that of a Mrs Rhys, who ran away to sea with her young lover and drowned. Another of the ghosts is said to be that of the wife of the pub’s namesake, whose body was kept in a box in nearby woods, which was mistaken for treasure and stolen by thieves. According to eyewitnesses, her spirit appears as a dark shadow.
Another ghost of a mysterious woman is said to walk through the bar doors and the length of the lounge before disappearing into the fruit machine. The ghost of a man in his 40s with windswept hair can also be seen forlornly roaming the bar area. Others have heard the ghost of a young child in the upstairs bedrooms, while another child has been seen near the chimney in the bar area. It’s believed he died after trying to escape his violent father.
The Castle, Peak District
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Peak District, The Castle is said to be home to four spirits. Local legend claims one of the ghosts is that of a heartbroken bride jilted on her wedding day, while others report having seen the ghost of a nurse in the cellar. The pub, which is also a B&B hotel, is said to be haunted too, with room 4 said to be the scariest, with former guests reporting a restless night of coffee mugs moving, windows opening and a cold wind blowing. This is a pub that is only for the most fearless ghost hunters, dare you stay in room 4 this Halloween…
So, whether you’re brave enough to spend the night in the room of a ghost or would rather enjoy your supernatural encounters from the safety of the bar, these 13 haunted pubs prove that the UK’s drinking spots have stories to tell that go far beyond what’s on the menu.
