Discover The Duke of York Pub, Fitzrovia’s Timeless Treasure!
Step into The Duke of York at 47 Rathbone Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1NW, and immerse yourself in a vibrant slice of London’s history. This iconic Victorian pub, first established in 1767 and reborn in 1897, stands proudly on the corner of Rathbone Street and Charlotte Place, its 1791 cornerstone beckoning you inside. Now thriving under McMullen’s stewardship since June 2025, this gem delivers an unforgettable, quintessentially British pub experience with its warm, traditional charm.
Dive into a storied past that pulses with intrigue and inspiration. In 1943, novelist Anthony Burgess and his wife encountered a notorious “razor gang” here, a moment said to have sparked his dystopian masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange. During the 1940s and 1950s, Fitzrovia’s literary elite flocked to the Duke, where landlord Major Alf Klein amassed over 1,500 ties from patrons and showcased his Great Dane, Colonel, star of The Hound of the Baskervilles. By the 1960s, the pub vibrated with the sounds of the South African Blue Notes quintet, shaping British jazz, and drew music legends like Donovan, Ian Dury, Rod Stewart, and John Lee Hooker. Today, its cultural legacy shines on, with a starring role as “The Tottenham” in the Strike TV series.
Savour the Duke’s expertly curated bar, brimming with cask ales like McMullen’s AK Original Mild, Country Bitter, and IPA, alongside craft beers and fine wines. While the focus remains on drinks, the upstairs function room, equipped with a private bar and AV system, offers the perfect spot for unforgettable private events. Nestled on a semi-pedestrianized street, the pub’s serene ambiance feels like a hidden oasis, inviting locals and visitors to unwind in authentic, off-the-grid style.
In 2012, former landlords Debbie Sickelmore and Alan Monks fiercely defended the pub’s license against Westminster Council, securing the joy of outdoor drinking. In 2014, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, lent his likeness to the pub’s sign—a rare honour until McMullen’s swapped it in 2025 for a classic, period-appropriate Duke of York image. With a stellar 4.2/5 rating on Restaurant Guru and Tripadvisor, guests rave about the friendly staff, superb ales, and enchanting decor, cementing The Duke of York as Fitzrovia’s must-visit gem.
Come for the history, stay for the atmosphere, and raise a glass to a pub that’s as lively as ever!