What is the shortest possible pub crawl consisting of four establishments in London?
This seemingly trivial inquiry presents an intriguing challenge. Could the briefest route be found in Soho, where pubs are plentiful, or perhaps in the City, known for its historic lanes and a workforce eager for refreshment?
Surprisingly, the answer lies elsewhere. Before revealing the findings, let’s outline the criteria for this unique pub crawl:
- The crawl must include four distinct pubs, which is considered the ideal number for such an outing.
- Each pub must be a separate business; for instance, the two sections of the Ship & Shovell do not qualify as two separate pubs.
- The establishments must be classified as pubs, not bars. While this distinction can be subjective, most cases are generally clear.
- Distance is measured from the doorway of one pub to the doorway of the next (side entrances may be utilized if they are publicly accessible).
- The route must be walkable, rather than simply a straight line through buildings.
- Measurements are taken using the ‚measure‘ tool on Google Maps, which, while not guaranteed to be perfectly accurate, provides consistency across calculations.
The Shortest Pub Crawl: Whitehall (North)
According to Google Maps, the shortest four-pub crawl in London measures just 63 meters (a little over 200 feet). For perspective, this distance is approximately half the diameter of the London Eye.
All four pubs in this crawl may be considered somewhat touristy due to their location. However, Walker’s tends to maintain a more tranquil atmosphere, thanks to its placement on a side street. The Horse and Guardsman, now operated by McMullen, may be better known by its former name, The Lord Moon of the Mall, a Wetherspoon’s pub recognized for its distinctive hanging sign featuring the chain’s owner, Sir Tim Martin.
Another Contender: Fleet Street (East)
However, there is another potential contender for the title of the shortest pub crawl.
This route measures 64 meters, just one meter longer than the Whitehall crawl. Given the potential for measurement discrepancies, this could indeed be the actual shortest pub crawl. It is also arguably the more enjoyable option, as three of the pubs are well-regarded classics. The Old Bell, reputedly constructed by Christopher Wren for the workers at St. Paul’s Cathedral, is celebrated for its historic interior. The Crown and Sugarloaf, a Sam Smith’s establishment, is often considered one of London’s most traditional pubs. The Punch, which boasts an ornate interior, was once part of the same pub complex as the Sugarloaf but has operated independently since the early 20th century. Although the Albion may lack the same historical charm, it remains a respectable choice.
A Third Option Under 100 Meters: Soho (East)
One might assume that Soho would be an ideal location for this type of challenge, yet finding four pubs within a 100-meter distance has proven difficult. The sole exception is this route:
This crawl includes four well-known West End pubs: the Coach and Horses, Three Greyhounds, Spice of Life, and The Cambridge. Although the distance of 96 meters may seem trivial, it is significantly longer than the previous two crawls.
After extensive exploration of other potential routes, no additional options under 100 meters have been identified. If you wish to test your own theories, you can use Google Maps by selecting ‚Layers‘ -> ‚More‘ -> ‚Measure‘ to access the measuring tool. Feel free to reach out via email if you believe you have discovered a winning route.
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Bildquelle: Foto von Jean-Luc Benazet auf Unsplash
