A Pint of History at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: England’s Oldest Pub and the Stories It Tells

By Dirk Ebener

The afternoon sun filtered through the autumn haze as I wandered Nottingham’s winding streets, drawn by the legend of England’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, nestled beneath Nottingham Castle.

This ancient establishment offers more than just drinks—it’s a journey through English history, featuring tales of crusaders, haunted cellars, secret tunnels, and hearty fare. For those who seek history and legend, this destination is a worthy pilgrimage.

A Trip Back to 1189

Tucked into the rock upon which Nottingham Castle stands, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is not just a pub—it’s a living relic. The sign above the entrance proudly proclaims its founding year as 1189 AD, the year Richard the Lionheart ascended to the throne and called for the Third Crusade. Though legend claims that knights preparing for their journey to the Holy Land would gather here for one last drink, giving the pub its curious name, the true origin of the tradition remains unverified.

Although records can’t confirm the exact date—some say parts are younger—it remains among the oldest pubs in England. The patchwork of medieval stone, half-timbered facades, and cellars carved into sandstone, stands as evidence of its enduring legacy.

As I stepped through the low wooden door, ducking slightly to avoid the weathered beam overhead, I could almost feel time shift around me.

Drinking Beneath the Castle

Inside is snug and atmospheric. Dark beams, crooked ceilings, and candlelight create a medieval feel. The thick, cool walls belong to the original caves, once used as storage, dungeons, and brewery cellars.

I ordered a pint of house ale in the Rock Lounge, a chamber carved from the cliff. The beer, an earthy and robust English bitter, fit the setting perfectly.

Locals and tourists mingled in hushed tones, as though speaking too loudly might wake the ghosts rumored to haunt the pub. I was told about the Cursed Galleon, a dusty model ship hanging above the bar that has supposedly brought death to anyone foolish enough to clean it. Needless to say, no one’s touched it in years.

A Menu with Medieval Roots

Naturally, I couldn’t leave without tasting what the kitchen had to offer. The menu at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a charming blend of traditional English fare with nods to its historical roots. It’s easy to imagine a weary traveler from the 12th century tucking into something quite similar.

I started with Nottinghamshire Stilton and Leek Soup and rustic bread. The creamy, rich soup blended sharp Stilton and sweet leeks—perfect for a cool afternoon.

For the main course, I had Steak and Ale Pie—slow-cooked beef in pastry, with mash, peas, and thick gravy. The pie used the same ale served at the bar, rooted in tradition and very satisfying.

The pub also offers a medieval-style Ploughman’s Lunch, complete with sharp cheddar, crusty bread, Branston pickle, and apple slices—a nod to the simple sustenance of farmers and soldiers alike.

Legends in Every Corner

What makes Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem so captivating isn't just the food or the drink—though both are excellent—but the palpable sense of history that lingers in every corner.

The Haunted Caves beneath the pub stretch far under the castle. One, the Brewhouse Cellar, once stored ale for the garrison above. Descending the narrow steps, I admired these ancient, enduring man-made caves.

In another corner of the pub is the Pregnancy Chair, a centuries-old wooden seat said to miraculously cause pregnancy to any woman who sits in it. Whether folklore or prank, the chair remains roped off—just in case.

The pub also features a Crusader Room, filled with period memorabilia and artifacts that harken back to its legendary origins. Looking around, it’s not hard to imagine chainmail-clad knights gathering here, downing ale, and preparing for their fateful journey eastward.

Nottingham’s Living History

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is more than a pub—it is a story, a living piece of Nottingham’s history.

The city has long been associated with the legend of Robin Hood, whose tales of rebellion and justice echo through Sherwood Forest and the corridors of Nottingham Castle. Just a short walk uphill from the pub, the castle now houses a museum and art gallery, and offers sweeping views of the city below.

After my meal, I walked the castle grounds, the site of monarchs and rebels. Old structures next to shops and cafes make the city both vibrant and vulnerable.

A Place to Return To

As evening came, I returned for a final pint in the Victorian Lounge, where a fire crackled and conversation filled the air.

The pub felt less like a tourist destination and more like a gathering place for those seeking something real—a connection to history, to tradition, and perhaps even to the unknown. In a world where change is constant, places like this remind us of what endures.

With every sip of ale, every bite of pie, and every whispered legend, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem serves more than food and drink—it serves memory, myth, and meaning.

Final Thoughts

For travelers like me, who seek not just the postcard views but the deep-rooted stories of a place, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a treasure. Whether you believe the tales or simply come for a pint, you’ll leave with more than you arrived with—a sense that you’ve touched a small part of England’s living, breathing history. So why not visit for yourself? Pull up a chair, savor a pint, and experience the legend firsthand. Share your stories—you might just add to its centuries-old lore.

If You Go:

Address: Brewhouse Yard, Castle Road, Nottingham NG1 6AD,

Founded: Circa 1189 AD (debated)

Highlights: Haunted caves, historic lounges, medieval decor, traditional English fare, house ale

Hours: Typically open 7 days a week—check their website or social media for seasonal hours

Website: www.triptojerusalem.com

Recommended Dishes & Drinks:

• Stilton & Leek Soup

• Steak & Ale Pie

• Ploughman’s Lunch

• Trip to Jerusalem House Ale

• Sticky Toffee Pudding (if available—it’s an indulgent finish!)

Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.

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