The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

A tribute to one of London’s most characterful pubs

Tucked into Endell Street on the fringe of Covent Garden, the Cross Keys is a Grade II listed pub built in 1848–49, on a road originally laid out as part of a Victorian slum-clearance scheme. Its grand marble-columned facade, topped with two cherubs holding the keys of Saint Peter, is almost entirely swallowed by hanging baskets and foliage — and that’s before you even get through the door.

Inside is a permanent amber-lit clutter of brass instruments, ships’ diving helmets, old kettles, horse brasses, road signs, stuffed fish, and a small shrine of pop-culture memorabilia — including, at various points, Beatles bits, a napkin signed by Elvis Presley, and signed letters from David Beckham. It’s less a pub than a cabinet of curiosities you can drink in.

Gallery

The Cross Keys pub facade, Endell Street — Photo: [credit from Commons file page] — CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cross Keys pub facade in sunlight, Endell Street — Photo: [credit from Commons file page] — CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cross Keys building, Covent Garden, WC2 — Photo: [credit from Commons file page] — CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

A note on this site: This is an independent, unofficial tribute site dedicated to the Cross Keys — one of the best-loved traditional pubs in London. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by the pub’s owners or staff. For current opening hours, contact details, and reviews, please visit their Google Maps listing.