The Best Things To Do In Fleet Street

Welcome to Fleet Street, where the timeless echoes of ‘extra, extra, read all about it!’ still reverberates through the pavements. Once the epicentre of London’s press and publishing industry, this iconic thoroughfare has been etched into the collective consciousness as a Monopoly board staple. Now it’s a haven for corporate offices, adorned with charming cafes, inviting shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Allow us to be your tour guides, as we share our favourite things to do in Fleet Street (although, naturally, we would consider your journey incomplete without a visit to our Humble Grape Fleet Street wine bar).

Found on the lively east side of central London, Fleet Street extends from the Temple Bar and the Strand, towards the majestic sights of St Paul’s Cathedral. Think of it as the OG gossip hub: home to London’s first daily newspaper The Daily Courant, Fleet Street has also witnessed the hustle and bustle of The Times, The Daily Express, and The Sun, to name a few. Now the architecture that once housed these media giants stands like a living history book, so whip out your phones, take some snaps, and embrace your inner paparazzi!

Begin your visit to Fleet Street with the tube as your trusty steed. Chancery Lane and St Paul’s tube stations are host to the Central line, while Temple and Blackfriars cater to the Circle and District lines. And let’s not forget the City Thameslink railway station and National Rail services at Blackfriars too - plus a busy network of buses that’ll whisk you through the City of London in no time.

Humble Grape Wine Bar in Fleet Street

Discover our quirky Fleet Street wine bar hidden within the original crypts beneath St Bride’s Church. With turquoise seating and low-hanging light fixtures, the rustic style gives our underground city wine bar an ambience that you can’t help but adore.

With over 450 sustainable wines on offer, you’ll have the pick of the bunch at our Fleet Street wine bar and can even take a bottle home from our wine shop if you find one that tickles your tastebuds. We also have private and semi-private dining spaces for you to hire out, throw a party, or experience a bespoke corporate wine tasting in London – we can do it all!

And speaking of versatility, our menu is bursting with sustainable British cuisine, changing seasonally so you’ll always be excited to come back for more. Plus, we’re a dog-friendly restaurant in Fleet Street – so bring your pooch along for some Humble fun too!

To reach us, enjoy a journey as smooth as well-aged wine by using Blackfriars and St Paul’s tube stations, as well as the ever-hospitable City Thameslink, which are all within walking distance. Discover more details about how to find our Fleet Street restaurant and book a table.

Ready for a taste of central London like never before? We’ve collated some of our favourite things to do in Fleet Street to give you even more reasons to pop by our Humble Grape Fleet Street wine bar and restaurant.

Our top picks for your visit to Fleet Street

1.     Grab a pint and soak in some history at one of Fleet Street’s pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

One of the oldest pubs in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was destroyed in the Great Fire of London but has been rebuilt and standing tall since 1667. If the centuries-old charm isn’t enough to lure you in, know that famous literary names have frequented its rooms: Dr Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens (who even featured it in A Tales of Two Cities) making it an iconic pub in Fleet Street.

2.     See a performance at the Bridewell Theatre

This Grade II-listed Victorian marvel is an off-West End theatre that opened in 1891. As well as plays and performances, the venue hosts talks, workshops, and events, and even contains an expansive library. Located directly beside our Humble Grape wine bar in Fleet Street, it’s a great evening activity, and you can take advantage of our pre-theatre menu too!

3.      Visit a museum in Fleet Street, such as Dr Johnson’s House

A small, historic townhouse that has been converted into a museum; Dr Johnson’s House is a dedication to the genius who created A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755. You’ll find Dr Johnson’s original research, an impressive library, and beautifully restored interiors. It’s one of the best things to do in Fleet Street to get a sense of its historical significance.

4.     Explore the Royal Courts of Justice

Looming on the Strand, the Royal Courts of Justice is one of the largest courts in Europe. Ornate and gothic, the court has miles of enchanting corridors that a tour guide can show you around, and you can even sit in on a public court case. This definitely deserves a place on your itinerary before your reservation at our Humble Grape wine bar in Fleet Street.

5.     Discover St Dunstan-in-the-West

Not to be confused with its slightly more famous twin, St Dunstan-in-the-East, this beautiful religious building has stood on Fleet Street for more than 180 years. With statues of Queen Elizabeth I and King Lud, and even a memorial to Lord Northcliffe, publisher and former owner of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror, this has to be one of the best things to do in Fleet Street before visiting a restaurant in the city.

6.     Brave a visit to Hen and Chicken Court

Fleet Street also gained its fame from the tale of Sweeney Todd, otherwise known as ‘The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’. Hen and Chicken Court is believed to be the location where Todd murdered his victims, so it’s not one for the faint-hearted. If you’d rather give it a miss, then simply spend more time at our Humble Grape Fleet Street wine bar instead!

7.     Grab a quick lunch from DiLieto Sandwich Bar

If you visit Fleet Street around lunchtime, you won’t be able to miss the long queue that snakes down the road from DiLieto Sandwich Bar. An unassuming hole in the wall, it has been selling unforgettable sarnies for 112 years and is a staple for city workers. If you’re looking for quick places for lunch in Fleet Street, this is the place to go.

8.     Explore Twinings Tea Shop and Museum

For unique things to do in Fleet Street, why not visit the oldest tea shop in London? The world-famous Twinings tea company was founded here, and a small museum exhibits the history of the brand. You can also get involved with tea experiences and masterclasses - if tea is not your thing, then try our Humble Grape Fleet Street wine bar’s masterclasses and tastings instead!

9.     Take some snaps of the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral

If you walk eastbound along Fleet Street, you’ll begin to see glimpses of St Paul’s iconic dome looming ahead between the buildings of London’s skyline. A vibrant church and London landmark, it’s a must-see while exploring the restaurants on Fleet Street.

10.  Grab a coffee at one of the cafes on Fleet Street, such as Fleet Street Press Coffee

Where there are London office workers, there will always be coffee - and this charming café on Fleet Street is an excellent choice. With high-quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably processed coffee, we just love supporting these values, as they’re important to us at Humble Grape too.