London Attractions Unfamiliar Attractions Temple ChurchTemple Church - Inns of Court - Cheshire Cheese Pub - Cellar Gascon - ££
The Temple Church was founded by the Knights Templar. Over the road from the Royal Courts of Justice is a black gate with two smaller black doors, go
through the ajar door and head down the road (Middle Temple Lane) behind the gate. The Temple Church is signposted, bearing to your left (east).
The Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar, the order of crusading monks founded to protect pilgrims on their way to and from Jerusalem in the 12th century. The Church is in two parts: the Round (nave) and the Chancel. The Round Church was consecrated in 1185 by the patriarch of Jerusalem. It was designed to recall the holiest place in the Crusaders' world: the circular Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem (the church built on the site where Christ was crucified). 
The surrounding areas of Inner and Middle Temple make up two of the four Inns of Court. They are the ancient professional bodies which educate and select barristers. Though many barristers relocated with the increasing need for office space, many have remained in these traditional locations. They are notoriously quiet and feel rural despite being in the centre of a large city, with extensive gardens and open green spaces. They are also not passed by public transport and the entrances are off the beaten track so unless you look for them, you won't find them
Heading down Fleet Street, the tiny alley on the lefthand side (heading east) named Wine Office Court, contains the entrance to one of the City's most 
celebrated pubs - Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.
Close to Dr. Johnson's House, who was a popular patron of the establishment. The original pub was burned down in the Great Fire of London in 1666, with the present building being constructed a year later. The cellars, which hold numerous bars and dining rooms, originally belonged to a 13th century Monastry. To say they have an other-worldly atmosphere is an understatement, there really is no other pub like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. A favourite with Fleet Street hacks (including notables such as Charles Dickens when he was a journalist); until the newspaper industry moved from Fleet Street in the 1980s. Unique, fascinating and popular.
Continuing down Fleet Street to Ludgate Circus and turn left into Farringdon Street. Head north until you pass under the Holborn Viaduct, and turn right into West Smithfield, heading east. Take a right just before it becomes Long Lane and you will see Cellar Gascon on the corner. 
Included here for the quality of both the food and the wine, this is the next-door and sister operation to the Michelin starred Club Gascon. The food is nibble-style to complement the wine, but of a different class to that usually on offer. Potted duck and goose rillettes, duck carpaccio remoulade, wild mushroom and duck Gascony pie, to help the mostly French selections of wines ease down . There's also a 5 course food/wine taster menu, which is reasonably priced, so if you're looking for wine enthusiasts with stylish gastronomy in a comfortable enviroment - then you've arrived. (Weekdays only)
Temple Church, Inner Temple Lane, London, London EC4Y 7BB.
Temple Tube.
Call: 020 7353 8559
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, 145 Fleet St, London, EC4A 2BU.
Temple or Chancery Lane Tube.
Call: 020 7353 6170
Cellar Gascon, 59 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS.
Barbican or Farringdon Tube.
Call: 020 7600 7561
