The Wrestlers
Ancient Highgate pub haunted by the ghost of a former landlord who cannot leave his beloved establishment.
The Wrestlers in Highgate is one of North London’s most historic pubs, with origins dating back to 1547. Named after the sport of wrestling that was once popular on Hampstead Heath, the building has served travelers and locals for nearly five centuries. According to persistent reports from staff and patrons, the pub is haunted by the ghost of a former landlord who loved the establishment so much that he continues to oversee it from beyond the grave.
The spectral landlord appears as a burly, jovial figure in clothing that witnesses variously date to the late Victorian or Edwardian era. He is most commonly seen behind the bar or moving through the pub as if checking on customers and ensuring everything is running smoothly. Witnesses describe him as appearing solid and real, often making eye contact and seeming about to speak before vanishing abruptly. Some staff members report seeing him out of the corner of their eye, turning to serve him, only to find no one there. The ghost is said to appear most frequently during busy periods, as if still drawn to the energy of a thriving pub.
The paranormal activity extends beyond visual manifestations. Glasses and bottles move on their own, particularly being rearranged as if someone is tidying up after hours. Staff members opening the pub in the morning sometimes find everything has been neatly organized, with chairs placed exactly right and the bar perfectly prepared, despite being left in a different state the night before. The sound of footsteps crosses empty rooms, doors open and close by themselves, and there are regular reports of the feeling of a friendly presence watching over the establishment.
Some witnesses report hearing a cheerful whistling or humming coming from empty areas of the pub, and the smell of old pipe tobacco occasionally appears. Objects occasionally go missing only to reappear in logical but unexpected places, as if being helpfully moved by invisible hands. Temperature drops occur without explanation, and some patrons report feeling a reassuring hand on their shoulder when sitting alone. The haunting is universally considered benign and even protective, with the ghostly landlord apparently continuing to care for the pub and its customers just as he did in life.