Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623

About us

The Holy Tavern is located within the grounds of one of London’s most ancient hostelries -The Clerkenwell Priory. The priory was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers in England. The monastic order of the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem's beginnings goes back to the Crusades. The priory dominated Clerkenwell from its foun2dation until the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII. Bloody Mary briefly refounded the Priory that her father had partly torn down when she became Queen. Mary had fond memories of the Priory as she had often resided there when she was younger and she enjoyed watching heretics she was having burnt at nearby Smithfield market. The Priory gatehouse, just down the ancient medieval alley (St John's Path running next to The Holy Tavern), has a museum with a discretely curtained display dedicated to England's most bloodthirsty monarch - Queen Mary. Just draw back the black velvet and look upon Bloody Mary. The museum traces the history of the Knights from their origins caring for sick pilgrims through the Crusades and their modern incarnation as the St John Ambulance - the international first aid charity.

The priory was founded in the 1140s during the reign of Henry II and run on Augustinian rules. It was built on five acres of land just outside the City of London that stretched from St John's Street down to the River Fleet. The Knights dressed in black cloaks emblazoned with a white cross.

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Facilities

Beer gardenFoodOutside areaReal aleReal fireCask Marque
Pub reviews

Reviews

philip rowley

2 months ago

I wasn't eating, but dropped in for a pint of IPA on way home. Loved the eclectic layout and querky history on display. It's a great busy, unique little pub, and the staff ensure no one is waiting long. Genuinely friendly atmosphere.

Dominic

2 months ago

So wonderful! I've walked past many times but only visited last night for the first time. Lovely atmosphere from the place itself, but more, a real vibe from the staff and many of the customers. Bar staff helped create an engaging, genuine connection, sharing themselves - and would love to have learnt more about her (assuming pronouns) art, after seeing those doodles of her bar colleagues! Not sure - comments welcome- if it's a place to turn up by yourself & feel part of the community? - with a friend last night, but rarely in that part of town with other people

Abay Wicks

2 months ago

Very quirky ancient pub. Above all the bar keep is hilarious. Bar keep has a brilliant dry sense of humour. So if you are a snowflake may want wear an extra sunscreen

Morten

2 months ago

Not an old pub, but a new’ish one designed to look old. Charming place but a bit cold upon my visit (an open front door and no heating made sure of that). Good ales and good food. Not cheap and I was very surprised to see a 12.5% service charge added to my bill. I paid at the bar so I don’t know what service I paid for…

Mehmet Agop

5 months ago

Had been meaning to go to this place when it was called Jerusalem Tavern. Finally went and it has a new name. Fabulous ambience, old decor has been retained. We had the burger and fries which was surprisingly good - excellent in fact!

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Opening Times

Mon12:00 – 23:00
Tue12:00 – 23:00
Wed12:00 – 23:00
Thur12:00 – 23:00
Fri12:00 – 23:00
Sat12:00 – 23:00
Sun12:00 – 21:30
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Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623