You’re walking down Saffron Hill, dodging the overflow of office workers from Farringdon station, and you see it. It’s got that classic, forest-green facade that screams "Old London," but there’s something different about the vibe here. This is The One Tun Pub and Rooms. It isn’t just some generic chain pub where the carpet smells like spilled lager from 1994. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots in Clerkenwell that actually manages to balance being a legitimate gastropub with being a boutique hotel that doesn't feel like a sterile closet.
London is full of "pubs with rooms." Most of them are terrible. You either get a great pint and a room where you can hear the fruit machine through the floorboards, or you get a fancy room and a microwave-meal pub. The One Tun is different. It’s tucked away on the corner of Saffron Hill and Greville Street, basically a stone's throw from the Hatton Garden diamond district. If you’ve ever seen Oliver Twist, you might recognize the area—Charles Dickens actually immortalized the original One Tun in his writing. Yeah, the Artful Dodger’s gang used to hang out at the 1839 version of this place.
History is cool, but you can’t sleep on a Dickensian anecdote.
What the One Tun Pub and Rooms Gets Right About Modern London
Most people looking for a place to stay in Central London end up in a Premier Inn or some overpriced "lifestyle" hotel in Shoreditch that charges £300 for a room the size of a postage stamp. The One Tun has eight rooms. That’s it. Because there are only eight, they actually put effort into the design. We’re talking about 400-thread-count linens, Roberts radios, and Nespresso machines that actually work.
It’s the contrast that works. You walk through a bustling, loud, Pan-Asian gastropub on the ground floor, head up a narrow staircase, and suddenly it’s quiet. Well, as quiet as London gets. The rooms are surprisingly plush. They use dark, moody colors—deep blues and greys—that make the space feel bigger than it is. It feels like a secret.
Location is basically everything here
Farringdon is weirdly convenient. You’re right on the edge of the City of London, but you’ve got the Elizabeth Line, the Hammersmith & City, and the Thameslink all right there. If you’re staying at The One Tun Pub and Rooms, you can be at Heathrow in 35 minutes or the West End in ten. But most people stay here because they want to eat.
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The food isn't your standard "bangers and mash." They leaned into a Pan-Asian menu years ago, and it stuck. It’s a bit of a curveball when you look at the Victorian exterior. You expect a meat pie; you get crispy soft-shell crab with chili and lime. It’s bold. It’s also exactly why the locals—the ones who actually work in the nearby tech and design hubs—fill the place up by 5:30 PM on a Tuesday.
The Reality of Staying Above a Pub
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re a light sleeper who goes to bed at 8:00 PM, staying above a popular pub in Clerkenwell might be a gamble. They’ve done a lot with double glazing, and the rooms are on the upper floors, but this is a living, breathing London street. You’ll hear the hum of the city. For most people, that’s the draw. You feel like you’re in it, not watching it from a high-rise window in Canary Wharf.
The rooms are categorized simply: Double, King, and Super King. No weird marketing fluff.
- The "Indulgent" rooms are the ones you want if you have luggage.
- The "Cosy" rooms are exactly that—great for a solo business trip where you just need a high-quality mattress and a powerful shower.
The bathrooms are a highlight. Rain showers. Proper toiletries. It’s the kind of setup where you don't feel like you're sacrificing luxury just because you're staying in a pub.
Why the Dickens Connection Actually Matters
In a world where every new hotel is a "concept," the history of The One Tun Pub and Rooms feels grounding. The original pub opened in 1839. It was a notorious haunt for thieves and pickpockets in the 19th century. When Dickens wrote about the "Three Cripples" in Oliver Twist, he was basically describing the vibe of Saffron Hill at the time.
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Today, the pickpockets are replaced by diamond dealers from Hatton Garden and barristers from the nearby Inns of Court. The transformation of the area is wild. You can walk out of the pub and be at the Smithfield Market in five minutes. It’s the last surviving wholesale meat market in Central London, and it’s about to become the new home of the London Museum. Staying at the One Tun puts you right at the intersection of "Old London" and the massive "Culture Mile" redevelopment project.
The Gastropub Menu: A Survival Guide
Don’t just get the chips. I mean, the chips are fine, but the Thai-inspired menu is the real reason the ground floor stays packed. The red duck curry is legendary in this part of town. It’s spicy enough to remind you it’s authentic but balanced enough that you don't need a gallon of water. They also have a solid selection of craft ales. They change them out pretty regularly, focusing on London breweries, which is a nice touch for travelers who want to taste something local.
Navigating the Farringdon Neighborhood
If you're using the One Tun as your base, you've gotta know where to go nearby. You aren't just here for the bed.
- Leather Lane Market: Just around the corner. Go there for lunch. It’s one of the best street food markets in London. Avoid the generic stuff; find the falafel stand with the longest queue.
- The Charterhouse: A former Carthusian monastery that’s basically a hidden village in the middle of the city.
- Hatton Garden: Even if you aren't buying an engagement ring, the history of the 2015 heist makes walking down this street feel like you're in a Guy Ritchie movie.
The One Tun manages to feel like a neighborhood local while providing a high-end experience for visitors. That’s a hard needle to thread. Most places lean too far one way or the other. They either become too "touristy" and lose their soul, or stay too "local" and the service for guests suffers. Here, the staff usually knows the regulars by name but can still pivot to give a tourist directions to St. Paul’s without breaking a sweat.
Practical Logistics for Your Visit
Check-in is usually around 3:00 PM. Since it’s a pub, you just head to the bar. It’s casual. There isn't a massive lobby with a concierge in a gold-braided hat. It’s more like, "Here’s your key, do you want a pint?"
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For breakfast, they do a continental spread or cooked options for guests. It’s served in the dining area before the lunch rush starts. It’s quiet, sun-drenched if the London weather is behaving, and a great time to answer a few emails before heading out.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming from Heathrow, take the Elizabeth Line directly to Farringdon. Exit via the Cowcross Street or Long Lane exits. It’s a five-minute walk. Don’t bother with a black cab from the airport; it’ll take twice as long and cost four times as much.
Is it worth the price tag?
London hotels are expensive. Period. The One Tun Pub and Rooms usually sits in that mid-to-high tier of boutique pricing. You’re paying for the location and the fact that there are only eight rooms. You aren't a number here. If you want a soulless box with a gym and a 24-hour business center, go to a Hilton. If you want a room with character, a history of literary thieves, and a damn good curry downstairs, this is the spot.
It’s about the experience of being in Clerkenwell. This is the heart of London’s design district. You’re surrounded by architects, artists, and jewelers. The One Tun fits that vibe—it’s well-designed, slightly gritty around the edges in a cool way, and fundamentally high-quality.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
- Book Direct: Like most independent London pubs, they often have better rates or a "welcome drink" perk if you book via their own website rather than a massive booking engine.
- Check the Calendar: Farringdon gets quiet on weekends. If you want a peaceful stay, Saturday and Sunday are great. If you want to see the "City" buzz, stay Tuesday through Thursday.
- Dining Reservations: Even if you’re staying upstairs, the pub gets slammed. If you want a table for dinner, tell them when you book your room. Don't assume there will be a spot just because you're sleeping there.
- Explore Saffron Hill: Take ten minutes to read up on the history of the area before you arrive. It makes looking out your window at the surrounding brickwork much more interesting.
The One Tun isn't just a place to crash; it's a piece of London's evolving story. From 19th-century criminals to 21st-century techies, everyone finds their way to this corner eventually. You might as well have a room waiting for you when they do.