It’s a very small club,
The 193-years-old club
It’s a very small club,
The 193-years-old club
It’s a very small club,
The 193-years-old club
It’s a very small club,
The 193-years-old club
A few stops along the
long and lively journey
that is our history
Where it all began. Charles Allen Young and Anthony Fothergill Bainbridge bought the Ram Brewery and 82 pubs.
Our funniest stories
(so far)
There was almost an elephant in the family
The power of elephants was something John Young witnessed firsthand when serving in Ceylon in WWII. He was a fighter pilot in the Fleet Air Arm (the Royal Navy’s air division), and thanks to monsoons, the jets would get stuck in the mud of the makeshift runways. Locals and their elephants would save the day by pulling the aircraft out of the mud.
Fast forward to John Young’s time as our Chairman and his thought that one elephant could do the job of six Dray horses (which would be very efficient indeed). He set about finding an elephant to join the family. And he found one in the UK called Elizabeth. He was in the process of buying her when an elephant expert pointed out that an elephant’s feet would not be comfortable on frosty ground. That put an end to that (he was an animal lover, after all). But it still stands that the stables at the brewery almost had to get bigger doors.
We had an unofficial city farm
From post-WWII to the day we shut our Wandsworth brewery in 2006, the stables became a sort of unofficial city farm. It started with the families of Young’s coming in to see the animals on a Sunday. And then it grew into visits from what must have been every Wandsworth local. It’s clear to see why this happened – it was some menagerie. There were Shire horses, donkeys, RamRod D’Arcy (our Dorset Horn ram), a flock of geese, peacocks, cats, ducks, chickens, guineafowls – all being treated like royalty and making Sundays in Wandsworth the best day of the week.
A swift pint for Swift
The Bull & Gate in London’s Kentish Town is no stranger to hosting future stars. Being the hallowed music venue it is, it has seen the likes of Coldplay and Nirvana play there in their young-and-up-and-coming days.
But back in October 2017, a megastar – none other than Taylor Swift – filmed part of her End Game video at the pub. Ed Sheeran was there, too. And so was Taylor’s Dad. Apparently, he loved the Guinness. Cheers, Mr Swift.
An interesting way in
Our Chairman, John Young, always up to mischief, conned his way into 10 Downing Street by masquerading as a waiter. He had always wanted to see what it was like inside, and this was his fun way of doing it. He poured drinks for the Prime Minister of the time, Margaret Thatcher, and her guests. He prepared snacks (prunes in bacon, which were fashionable in 1983). He carried big baths of ice up many flights of stairs. He had already been awarded a CBE at this stage, and some of the guests actually knew him in his Chairman of Young’s capacity, but not a soul recognised him out of context.
The characters
(well, some of them)
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Charles Allen Young
Charles Allen Young
We got our name from this chap – a cooper (the old-timey name for beer barrel makers) who was the son of a cooper who started us brewing in 1831.
RamRod D’Arcy
RamRod D’Arcy
Our mascot wasn’t just a graphic in a logo. He was a living, breathing, super-cute superstar of a pet who lived at the brewery stables, and met the Queen.
Adele
Adele
Not only did Adele bump into the guy she wrote her breakthrough album about in one of our pubs (Duke of Wellington), she also celebrated her first record deal here.
The Queen Mum
The Queen Mum
Dearly departed Queen Mum was a friend of the family. In 1987, she poured and enjoyed a pint of Young’s beer at The Queen’s Head, declaring it better than champagne.
John Young
John Young
No one could forget our Chairman for 42 years, between 1962 and 2006. Genius and mischievous, he was awarded a CBE for services.
Wandle Robert
Wandle Robert
One of the Shire horses to join our family. He was officially the tallest horse in England and, in 1971, was shown off to the Queen and the King of Afghanistan.
Richard Bentley
Richard Bentley
Our pub, Dirty Dicks, is named after this 18th-century dandy. Apparently, he inspired Charles Dickens to create the character of Miss Havisham.
Where we are today
Young’s pubs and pubs with rooms are at the heart of our local communities in London and the South of England. With more than 270 establishments, our award-winning design approach means excellence in ambience as well as service and location.
Every pub sign has a story
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Our pub signs are designed with history and heritage in mind – every single time. So, while you might see a pub name pop up more than once (did you know Red Lion is the most common pub name in the UK?), there’s nothing common about our pub signs and their from-the-archive designs.
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The Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark
Named after the UK's famed clipper ship, this pub has witnessed Greenwich's incredible maritime history since 1795.
Defector's Weld
Defector's Weld
This pub name originates from the fact that one of the famous "Cambridge five" Cold War spies worked nearby at the BBC.
Dirty Dick's
Dirty Dick's
Dirty Dick's was originally called The Old Jerusalem until William Barker renamed it after Richard Bentley, a filthy merchant known for his dirty habits.
Double Locks
Double Locks
Named after its proximity to the Exeter Canal, it dates back to 1565 and was the first canal to feature a pound lock.
Green Man
Green Man
Once a spot for pre-duel drinks and post-win celebrations, this pub is steeped in the area's history of duelling and its role in marking both rivalry and victory.
Hand & Spear
Hand & Spear
Named after the Baron of Ockham's family crest, this former summer house is now a welcoming community space for all.
Hollywood Arms
Hollywood Arms
Made famous by two ambitious balloonists, this site saw their first ascent from the military academy once located here in 1784.
Lass O'Richmond
Lass O'Richmond
Overlooking Richmond Park, this pub celebrates the romantic image of a lass with a thornless rose, while highlighting the area's natural beauty.
Duke of Cambridge
Duke of Cambridge
With Battersea's historic ties to the lavender fields of the 18th and 19th centuries, this pub looks to honour it local roots.
Finch's
Finch's
Named after the H.H. Finch estate purchased by Young's in 1991, this pub reflects a blend of past and present.
Founder's Arms
Founder's Arms
The Founders Arms in London celebrates its industrial past while offering iconic views of St. Paul’s and The Gherkin, highlighting the city’s transformation.
Hammersmith Ram
Hammersmith Ram
Originally "The Great Angel" and later "The Angel Inn," this pub became was renamed "The Hammersmith Ram" and now features Young's iconic Ram Head in its signage.
Lamb Inn
Lamb Inn
Located in Wiltshire, this pub once served as headquarters for a notorious smuggler and is rumoured to have tunnels used as contraband storerooms
Marquess of Anglesey
Marquess of Anglesey
In the heart of Covent Garden, The Marquess of Anglesey dates back to the 19th century and honours The Battle of Waterloo hero Henry Paget.
Brewer's Inn
Brewer's Inn
Just a stone's throw from the old Ram Brewery, this site celebrates the craftsmanship and engineering behind two centuries of Young's beer
Every pub sign has a story
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Our pub signs are crafted to honor history and tradition, making each one unique. Did you know pubs were once identified by symbols like a boot or a crown, so even the illiterate could find them? Today, these signs carry forward that legacy with archive-inspired designs, blending heritage and artistry
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The Beaufort
The Beaufort
Just 200 yards from the RAF Museum, this pub honours the area's WWII aviation history and is named after the Type 152 Beaufort aircraft.
White Hart
White Hart
Nestled in the hamlet of Ford near Chippenham, the White Hart, dating to Tudor times, is a charming former coaching inn linking London to the West Country
Bunch of Grapes
Bunch of Grapes
Located in the heart of London bridge, this pub is nestled away between the Shard and Borough Market helping neatly represent the heritage and future of London
Crown
Crown
Located in St. Margaret’s, a mile from Twickenham Stadium and near Marble Hill Park, our spacious pub blends Georgian heritage with a Victorian hall restaurant.
Devonshire
Devonshire
Located in the heart of Balham, this landmark site embodies the rich heritage that surrounds the area.
The Lion and Unicorn
The Lion and Unicorn
Tucked away from Kentish Town and Camden's bustle, The Lion and Unicorn boasts two award-winning gardens, perfect for a cosy evenings with friends
The King's Head
The King's Head
In the heart of Winchmore Hill, this regal pub is a community hub offering cask ales, craft beers, wines, and a menu of British classics with a twist
The Manor Arms
The Manor Arms
The Manor Arms, a cherished Young's pub, blends historic ties to manorial estates with modern hospitality, serving as a cornerstone of community life and tradition
Merlin's Cave
Merlin's Cave
Merlin’s Cave, named after the legendary figure, blends local history and folklore with a warm atmosphere, offering a space where tradition and imagination meet.
The Hand in Hand
The Hand in Hand
The Hand in Hand reflects unity and rural traditions with classic charm and warm hospitality, it remains a cherished pub embracing the local community spirit.
Hare & Hounds
Hare & Hounds
The Hare and Hounds reflects its pastoral name and ties to countryside traditions. A timeless retreat, it blends history with modern hospitality for all to enjoy
The Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent, honours royal tradition with elegance and charm, serving as a cherished hub for community, history, and hospitality
The Seagate
The Seagate
Steeped in coastal heritage, the Seagate reflects its maritime roots, blending history with modern hospitality as a symbol of the area's seafaring traditions.
Ship Inn
Ship Inn
This charming Young's pub reflects East Grinstead's connection to old coaching routes. The Ship Inn blends historical charm with a nod to Britain's travel spirit.
Spotted Horse
Spotted Horse
The Spotted Horse in Putney blends local heritage with a welcoming atmosphere, honouring the area’s role in transport and trade along the Thames.
Every pub sign has a story
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Our pub signs are rich with history and tradition, each one with a story to tell. Fun fact: many pub names, like “The Swan,” reflect royal emblems or local legends. Every design is carefully crafted to honour these timeless inspirations.
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Spread Eagle - Camden
Spread Eagle - Camden
Named for strength and tradition, the Spread Eagle connects to Camden’s vibrant past, blending historical charm with modern energy, and honouring the community’s dyn
Spread Eagle - Wandsworth
Spread Eagle - Wandsworth
The eagle symbolizes nobility, linking the pub to Wandsworth’s growth from rural town to urban centre, blending rich history with modern warmth and hospitality.
Spring Grove
Spring Grove
Named symbols of growth and renewal, the pub reflects the area's natural beauty and rural roots, evoking tranquillity while staying connected to the community.
Tattenham Corner
Tattenham Corner
This pub, linked to horse racing and the Epsom Derby, evokes the excitement and tradition of this prestigious event that has drawn crowds for centuries
Teller's Arms
Teller's Arms
Renovated from an old bank, this site although new, feels like it’s been a pillar in the community for decades and its incredible interior matches its hospitality
Prince Albert
Prince Albert
Named after Queen Victoria's husband, this pub pays tribute to the would be in-mates of Kingston Workhouse who would bury coins to claim destitution
Alexandra
Alexandra
Named after the Princess of Denmark, this Wimbledon pub is now as iconic as the tennis it is known for with the local community being at the forefront of all it does
The Alma
The Alma
The Alma has long served as a space offering a welcoming environment where locals and visitors can come together to celebrate history, friendship, and camaraderie
The Bear - Cobham
The Bear - Cobham
An idyllic country pub since the 1700s connecting Cobham, Oxshott, and Leatherhead, this pub offers a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere with a passionate team
The Bear - Esher
The Bear - Esher
Dating back to the 18th century , once known for being a coaching inn, this pub continues to be a place of refuge providing a warm and inviting space for all.
The Bear - Oxshott
The Bear - Oxshott
Situated in a picturesque village known for its rural beauty, this pub offers a warm and welcoming space that reflects the timeless charm of this Surrey area
Morpeth Arms
Morpeth Arms
The Morpeth Arms honours the Morpeth family and British history, offering a welcoming space near London’s political landmarks
Mulberry Bush
Mulberry Bush
Near the old Mulberry Gardens, where trees were grown for silk in the 17th century, the Mulberry Bush honours its roots while embracing a lively modern culture
Narrowboat
Narrowboat
Along Regent's Canal in Islington, The Narrowboat reflects the canals 18th-century trade importance, offering a tranquil pub experience in bustling London
Nightingale
Nightingale
The Nightingale reflects Balham’s pastoral past and natural beauty. Near Wandsworth Common, it blends tradition and modern hospitality as a cherished community hub
Every pub sign has a story
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Our pub signs are steeped in history and tradition, making each one unique. Fun fact: hanging pub signs date back to 1393, when King Richard II required inns to display them. Today, our designs honour that legacy with a creative, archival twist
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Nine Elms Tavern
Nine Elms Tavern
The Nine Elms Tavern blends the area’s market garden and industrial past with its modern transformation, offering a stylish, welcoming hub for locals and visitors
Old Manor
Old Manor
A beautiful manor and barn style pub with character written over every beam. Located in the heart of Potters Bar Hertfordshire it provides the perfect pub retreat
Old Ship
Old Ship
The Old Ship celebrates its river and park proximity with classic maritime and foliage symbols, maintaining its natural architecture and community charm
One Tun
One Tun
The One Tun, near Holborn, references the "tun," a measure for barrels, tying it to London’s brewing history and vibrant tavern culture spanning centuries
Onslow Arms
Onslow Arms
The Onslow Arms honours Lord Onslow’s legacy in a picturesque Surrey setting. This historic pub blends rich heritage, tradition, and modern hospitality.
