The Old Red Cow

General information

Situated on Long Lane in Smithfield EC1 our “local beer house” concept is attracting customers from all over London who have come to sample some of the best beers available in town.

Our commitment to providing interesting and quality product is appreciated by both our regulars and visitors alike. Although beer is our first love, we also have developed a great wine list and sell quality spirits. Our food is freshly cooked and provides a selection of pub favourites as well as a number of “surprises.” Our ethos is built around quality, homely service and the love of the “pub” environment.

The local beer house idea was developed as a means to promote and serve “great beer” in a similar way to the beer houses developed in England in the early 19th century.

These were set up as an alternative to the gin houses of the time. Beer was considered much more respectable than gin and changes in the licensing law of that era allowed ordinary households to apply for a licence with a one-off payment of two guineas to sell beer or cider in their home (usually the front parlour) and even brew on the premises. So enjoy our 21st century parlour!

We have endeavoured to source products from a number of local breweries and feel we are committed to supporting these innovative people as well as sourcing quality product from further afield. So whether it be Camden, Redemption, Brodie’s or Sambrooks in London or Brew Dog and Harviestoun from Scotland or Stiegl from Austria we have a quality beer for every occasion.

So come and see us and enjoy all the Red Cow has to offer.