Okay, I’m going to need you to hear me out for a moment. I know that not too long ago I told you that Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn was London’s hardest-to-find pub. And whilst I stand by the fact that Ye Olde Mitre is incredibly difficult to locate; we may have just discovered a Belgravia boozer that gives it a run for its money.
Tucked away down a series of surreptitious side streets and picture-perfect private roads near Hyde Park is The Grenadier. Originally built in 1720 as the Officers’ Mess in the courtyard of an army barracks; this secret spot has a fascinating history – and plenty of tales to tell.
Credit: @pintsofinterestlondon via Instagram
The history of The Grenadier
It wasn’t until 1818 that The Grenadier was opened to the public as a watering hole – although back then, it was named The Guardsman. It was later renamed The Grenadier in honour of the actions of the grenadier guards during the Battle of Waterloo. Proudly perched in one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods of the capital, the pub has unsurprisingly welcomed its fair share of classy clientele. According to their website, the Duke of Wellington and King George IV were often found there, and more recently, it’s been visited by the likes of Madonna and Prince William.
Famed for being – quite possibly – the most haunted pub in London, The Grenadier has quite a gruesome past. It’s said to be haunted by the ghost of a young grenadier named Cedric, who was supposedly beaten to death by his comrades after cheating in a game of cards. Plenty of ghostly happenings have been reported over the years, including the sounds of faint footsteps and distant moaning, blurry figures being seen fleetingly, objects disappearing at random, and the smell of cigarette smoke. So, proceed with caution, folks…
The Grenadier nowadays
The Grenadier continues to be a sparkling gem of London’s treasure trove of taprooms. And although it needs to be actively sought out, rather than stumbled upon; you’ll be pleased you put in the effort once you arrive. The pub’s facade features white walls, blue panels, and a bright red door and sentry box. It’s all very British, really. Inside, the décor is traditional and cosy, with the walls decked out with paintings and images that pay homage to the pub’s military heritage. And one of the pub’s most notable features is the sea of signed banknotes and dollar bills adoring the ceiling, put there by previous patrons in an attempt to clear poor Cedric’s debt.
The Grenadier serves up a decent array of classic pub grub and drink options, and provides plenty of cosy nooks and cranny’s for you to enjoy them in. It’s a pub that’s steeped in history, and is surprisingly inviting considering its haunted history.
📍 18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR.
🚇 Nearest station is Hyde Park Corner.
