please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Nice little place to pop in, good for a couple of beers but maybe not a whole evening. Found the bar staff pretty friendly when I was there.
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I like this pub for some reason. Tiny little pub but room to drink outside on a sunny evening. This was pub 8 of a crawl and despite that I managed to visit the toilets without breaking my neck. Must have the steepest steps to a toilet in London.
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A good pub with an eclectic juke box...
Pip-pip!!!
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Couldn't not go back, and was with a knowledgeable friend (he seems to have an almost encyclopedic A-Z / OS co-ordinate feel for all pubs in Central London) one late afternoon t'other week. Beer was fine, and guy behind the bar happy, and then one of the earlier encountered bar persons came in to work. Said hello, nice to see you, or words to that effect. All quite friendly and welcoming, so we enjoyed another beer before leaving. So happy to re-rate upwards, and look forward to another visit next month.
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2 bar staff tonite, more interested in chatting to their mates; one had a friend 'on tv' switched off (very good juke box) and resented objections. And then had one of their friends star giving grief. Questioning their customer focus - glass removed still with beer in, and then ignored by both of the women chatting to their friends, and when someone else came in and was served I tried to attract attention, to be informed that one was rude (as the barperson hadn't been allowed to see their friend on TV, and one shouldn't use traditional methods to attract attention) ... and wouldn't be served .... DON'T GO THERE!
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Visited this pub on Saturday evening. It has a serious problem with the smell eminating from the gents toilet, which could do with a deep clean. Staff not very friendly so will not be returning.
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Well worth a visit - friendly staff,limited but tasty choice of ales,a jukebox that seems to play only great stuff (and at an acceptable volume too),and a thrillingly precarious descent to the toilets,of the type I'm discovering more and more while visiting London's hostelries!
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Nudging the top40? I don’t get it. Nice to find this little old pub down an alleyway, but the beer choice is very limited and that descent to the loo may as well have the Styx running down it.
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I visited this place for the first time yesterday and kicked myself that I'd missed it all these years.
Good atmos, good music, and the right sort of punter. Wells Bombardier well kept, and bar staff efficient.
10/10
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Visited today for the first time on recommendation - what a wonderful pub! It would be a huge tragedy to lose it. I expect to be back tomorrow :-)
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A national institution. No one should be allowed to knock this place down.
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Petition now signed. By the way the sandwiches were excellent.
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Visited yesterday after a long absence, still as welcoming as ever. Bombardier on good form. Somewhat niffy inside, maybe it was always like that and not noticable in a smoky atmosphere. It would be a crime to destroy an individual establishment like the Nell, I'm off to sign the petition.
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Thats good to hear. Hopefully the tide is turning in favour of the Nell.
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Thanks for the news JohnBonser
Where there"s beer there"s hope !
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Went there on Saturday - barman said that they would remain open till Xmas - after that it's all up in the air - so I guess it's watch this space for further news
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Do any of you other posters know how the petition and the situation regarding the Nell is going?
thanks for replies in advance.
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Yes, save the Nell, or it's a 'spoons pub for all of us!
Anyway, for those on Facebook (if not, why not?), there is a group dedicated to saving this most treasured of pubs, so come on and sign up!
On the petition front there is now just over 1600 signatures there,if you haven't already, please sign up!
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LOOK......take the trouble to find this pub.....have a great pint......enjoy yourself....BUT......PLEASE FOR GOODNESS SAKE SIGN THE PETITION......
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/savethenell
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COME SEE THE PARADISE !
(that is the nell)
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Save the Nell
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/savethenell/
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A gem of a pub amongst the bland places which proliferate in central London these days. If it survives, perhaps a more interesting beer choice would be welcome. The Courage Best was perfectly drinkable but tasted not much more than coloured water. The Sky Sports News on the TV looked very out-of-place but the sound was turned down and loud music was the order of the day.
Yes, a good pub, but it could be better. The most important thing though at the moment is to ensure its survival.
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As of today, 30th May 2007 @ 1520Hrs, there are 1,186 signatures on the petition. Which is great (would never get us all in the Nell at the same time though!). Still think we are going to need more names on the list to save ourlittle pub..........KEEP IT GOING!!!
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what's the web address for the petition?
bulky - 18 May 2007 17:32 |
It was a bit loud. And I'm not sure about that picture up in the toilet. Otherwise, another great night in the Gwynne. Can't believe it might be gone soon.
anonymous - 11 May 2007 11:58 |
Great pub, though last night's bitter was borderline. Good, very loud music. Well worth saving
bulky - 11 May 2007 09:54 |
Got the other half to sign the petition re:13 FEB
if she can be moved to save a pub it must be worth saving!!
A pub is for life not just for christmas!
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And my signature today made the number the same as Boeing's famous jumbo jet!
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I live in Clerkenwell where there are loads of great pubs within a few minutes walk. I try to avoid the West End as much as possible but when I do head down that way the Nell Gwynne is the only pub I look forward to being in. The 'only' decent boozer in the West End, Great Pint, Staff and Juke Box.
anonymous - 4 May 2007 09:38 |
Great pub.
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637 signatures as of just now...shamefully, I have yet to visit the Nell, but will now make it a high priority...
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My name has been now been firmly planted on the growing list of petitioners. Keep it up everyone!
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589 signatures on the petition as at 12.45 pm today
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Well, the John Bonser roadshow reached this pub yesterday evening - probably my first visit since the early 80's.
Well, what can I say that hasn't been said already it's a gem of a pub and is well worth fighting to save.
Incidentally, the Wells Bombardier was on fine form.
DO SIGN THE PETITION IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY
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Petition signed and email sent to friends who I have taken here to get them to do the same.
Surely they can't close my favourite pub in London ... can they?
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We had the pleasure of visiting "The Nell" twice last weekend.Upon our return we promptly signed the petition hopefully slowing the dismantlement of our pub infrastructure.A real gem of a pub tht reeks of history and times long gone by.Spread the gospel and try to save this little diamond of a boozer.We'll be back there soon.
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Signed! Bringing it to the attention of all my pals who drink in the Nell as well.
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Sign the petition!
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SavetheNell/
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In the Nell on Friday afternoon - all the talk was that the development is going ahead, sometime in July or August. There was also talk of a legal challenge on the cards.
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Cramped, small, dark and smoky - that's the Nell Gwynne. Plus a sortie to the toilets is an adventure in itself with the narrow, steep stairs and head-banging beam. A tall girl wearing high heels and who has had a few has got no chance of making it - she'll probably go head first into the ladies! But the beer is OK and the place has undoubtedly got atmosphere and character and is certainly worth a visit to see one of London's most historic hidden pubs.
Surelt the developers are not going to get away with getting rid of the Nell Gwynne are they? In my borough - Merton - at least one planning application to demolish a pub has been given the thumbs down by the planning committee on the basis that it would be a loss of a valuable local amenity. But maybe different considerations apply here - there is not exactly a shortage of pubs in The Strand area. CAMRA tend to object to the loss of pubs generally, and I can't believe that they would condone the loss of a pub with the history of the Nell Gwynne. Let's see if the local committee know any more.
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It would be a great shame if this pub was to close and is there really any need for more office space in this part of London can't the floors above be kept as flats? sounds like yet another greedy landlord trying to make as much money as possible. I would suggest applying to English Heritage to see if they can help.
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I hope the Nell doesn't close it would be a crying shame if that happened.I live in North London but when I'm in Central London I try to pop in for a few, this is one of my favourite London pubs.
It's atmospheric,historic,dark and serves good beer.
What is wrong with these people who are hellbent on destroying our heritage and traditional pubs.
Long live the Nell.
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This news is unwelcome and unacceptable to those who have come to love the Nell. We must do something to persuade these faceless jobsworth's (read "Developers") That we won't sit by and watch another of Londons historic pubs be consumed in the name of "modernisation" and "Development".
There are plenty who have written here who clearly love the Nell for what it is and amongst us all we surely have the skills needed to make our voice heard!
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OMG: it might close!
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/restaurants/article-23391627-details/Nell+Gwynne%27s+local+threatened+with+closure/article.do
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
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A real London boozer, not many left now. Lets hope it stays that way...I love it!
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A perfectly acceptable boozer in a prime location, but perhaps a little too lionized given the wealth of opportunities available elsewhere in Central London.
4 beers on Friday (Courage’s Best and Directors, Speckled Hen and Bombadier) which in fairness were served very well.
However it was so dark it felt like I was having a pint in a comedy brothel (yes I know who Nell Gwynne is) and I could easily imagine myself dropping off after a couple.
So we have the pseudo Victorian interior, but then have the two flat screen TV's on the go with no sound. Bearing in mind that this place has the same capacity as a midgets motor home, what's the point?
Jukebox is indeed a very Indie-centric creature, probably more at home in The Good Mixer than here, I would be expecting some Knees Up Mother Brahhhn, or maybe Flash Harry's theme from St Trinian's given the interior style.
Reaching the toilets is like a challenge from the Crystal Maze, though having the timely bash on the head gets you wakened.
I'd recommend it for a slow pint now and then, but not much more.
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This must be my favourite pub in London and usefully a work local. The staff are brilliant, theres San miguel on tap, footie on the telly, a decent jukebox. Its unitimidating, unpretentious and relaxed. What more could you want after work? Other posters are not joking about the stairs to the toilets after a few. Mind your head as well!
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Found by my eagle-eyed other half on a recent trip to london.Really good little pub with loads of character and charm .We were going to stay for a cheeky pint but ended staying half the night!.The Directors and Guinness were on top form and the other half was happy stay there always a good sign in my book!!
PS expect to see the stairs to the toilet on an episode of Fear Factor soon!
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Great down to earth pub, down an obscure alley which doesn't stop plenty of people finding it (including walking tours). Beer in great nick, staff very friendly, stairs to the loos are an erection of rare beauty, not to be attempted by the clumsy....
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It is a cliché but this is a very friendly, if undersized, pub, tucked away in an alley off the Strand.
The ales were nothing exceptional (Bombardier, OSH, Best and Directors) but it had a certain hum and buzz that is lacking in many places nowadays.
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Excellent little pub called in Sat 13th for one about 8pm not to crowded very nice pint of speckled hen they also had courage directors wells bombadier and one other which was off also has san miguel on tap which is a rarity especially in London will definitely be going again.
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Fantastic pub smack bang in the middle of London, mind you not the best place for a session as after a few when you need that inevitable trip to the loo you are faced with a trip so hazardous that it should only be undertaken after a few weeks instruction on a local climbing wall!
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A real pub in the centre of London. Excellent!!!
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Friendly, cramped pub, all jewel colours and dim lighting inside. Good selection of beers, cracking jukebox and - if you are lucky - somewhere to sit. Tiny but fortunately not touristy, and with stairs down to the bog that require all your concentration. Not much fun to stand outside in the alleyway though, which has an unfortunate tendancy to smell like piss.
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good old pub with a nice atmosphere but not a great ale selection and they did give me a pint in a hot glass!! However, for some reason I didn't give a monkey#s!
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Will be taking in a couple of "cheeky" pints when next in the smoke. Don't miss much about London, but safe to say the Nell is one of those rare things that I do!
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this is an ace pub. have had many good hours in here. good jukebox, frienly people, always has a buzz. and it has history. its great.
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The perfect place for a long night with the boys. It has a warm atmosphere and the jukebox has one of the best selections I have come across. Topdog Andy is right, though. If you don't get yourself a seat, your evening can be disturbed by people trying to get past you to get to the bathroom every few seconds, which can be a bit frustrating. Get yourself in there early, grab a seat, bung some tunes on the jukebox and enjoy your night. A quick stumble to Charing Cross for the last train, too.
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To the people sat inside - congratulations! You have some of the most sought after property in London, and I'm very jealous. Enjoy your pint and soak in the warm surroundings. This pub is a gem.
To the people standing inside - I admire your dedication. In order to enjoy this beautiful pub you're willing to be constantly jostled and uncomfortable (there's virtually nowhere to stand out of the way, it's that small). A tip of the glass to you.
To the people standing in the alley outside (there's always one group) - Seriously.....take a good look at yourselves. You are one microstep away from being a tramp. Unless you have some kinda fetish for the smell of stale urine, I cannot imagine the attraction of drinking outside of this place. It's not like the exterior is impressive! If you want to drink outside of somewhere, wander down Villiers Street, go to Gordon's Wine Bar, and stand outside at the edge of Embankment Gardens. The two plastic garden chairs outside of this place can only be a cruel in-joke by the pub.
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Don't know WTF stamford is on about. Perhaps he got confused with another pub? Who knows?!
What I do know (and I've posted this under other names on this site) is that the Nell is one of London's greatest unknown pubs. It rocks. I've had so many late, late lunches (former Civil Servant) and even later evening's in the Nell. It just is everything a decent pub should be.
And as for the bar staff, well, i can tell you that without a doubt, the best in in any pub in the west end.
Can't wait to have another beer in here, when I'm next in London.
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This dingy pub has the world's rudest bar staff, who don't give a damn. They sneered at customers and wantd to chuck someone out because they were sneezing! The music was decent but this pub isn't.
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Up an alley off The Strand, this dark little pub has acquired a reputation as a place of honest warmth and character. I've never been that impressed, yet it does have a tendency to linger in the memory - which does suggest it does have more appealing character than most pubs. It offers four standard cask ales - Courage Best, the Hen, Bombardier and Directors - in an indifferent and warm style, so don't come here for the beer. The raised wooden platform on the right creates a saloon area from where those seated can look down on the bar flies chatting with the intelligent and interesting bar staff. Some odd nik-naks and pictures on the peeling Victorian wallpaper, along with the general damp gloom create the feel of an abandoned old person's house. This is, to be honest, a fairly indifferent and tatty back street pub which every town has, and which most people avoid. But its appearance here in central London in a dark alley, and its associations with murder, Royalty and sex, give it a valuable character. As estate agents keep saying, it's all about location, location, location.
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Walked in at about 2pm on a sunny Saturday afternoon to enter a scene my girlfriend accurately described as being like a 2am lock in at an Irish pub in a foreign country. Having said that I can see wby it would be some people's cup of tea and maybe it was just that we wanted somewhere cheery - but one scan of the bar counter revealed there was nothing I wanted to drink so was out like a shot and up the Lamb & Flag.
anonymous - 27 Feb 2006 10:55 |
Good good pub. Nothing amazing but location is good atmosphere is good beer is good the carpet is good. My opinion : It's good.
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Absolutely brilliant. The best pub in the West End by miles. The trip to the toilets can be tricky after a few pints though!
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Easy to miss this pub as it's hidden down a narrow ally. But they have a great jukebox here! And not bad beer either. lol
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One of the smallest and hardest to spot pubs in London, sandwiched between 2 theatres down an alleyway between the Strand and Maiden Lane. The weathered sign at the Strand end hardly advertises the pub and but for a small plaque on the wall and a humorously written blackboard, there is no indication that there is a pub within the locality and yet it is barely 10 yards from the Strand. If approaching from the Strand end, notice the wonderful old tiling on the walls before the alley opens up by the pub. A sign on the pub wall gives a brief history of Nell Gwynn and tells of the murder of an actor outside one of the nearby theatres. The pub is said to be haunted (aren’t they all?). The pub itself is one small room, slightly terraced to take into account the hill down which the alleyway runs. The first thing you notice is that it’s dim, very dim, with heavy curtains, dark wooden panelling and wall coverings. The walls are adorned with vintage prints and paintings, some barely visible in the half light. Whilst small, the pub is well laid out and makes the most of its limited space, even managing to fit in an unobtrusive dart board. There are 2 well positioned TV’s usually showing Sky Sports. I picked a bad time to try the beers, they had just had a delivery and all 4 hand-pumps were out of action but there was the usual selection of lagers, Strongbow, John Smiths etc as typical prices for the area. At least I know they seem to take care of their beers, allowing them to settle before serving. The staff were friendly and welcoming. An excellent, if secretive pub, well worth checking out.
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Another great night in the Gwynne, or I should say out in the Alley Way. Good Beer as usual and when it got too cold and we had to move inside, what a Juke Box for an old Rock head
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Last Saturday, before attending a play across the street, we stopped in. There was a good crowd and the staff were really on top of it all. We opted to have our "interval" refreshments at the Nell.. and everyone was so polite we went back after the show for a few more... beer and service excellent!
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Well, I think we can all raise a glass to that news! Was in the Nell last night for a couple of "cheeky" pints.
London without the unique charms of the Nell, wouldn't be london at all!
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I can confirm that the recent rumor, worrying a number of our regulars, that we are being bought by the charmless Hogs Head chain is totally false. Spread after one too many ales. The Gwynne is hear to stay as Covent Garden's most authnetic and welcoming pub. The Gov.
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The wonderful Gwynne. Like a favorite pair of slippers, you can slip comfortably in and let the troubles of the day wash away. A great duke box, staff to die for and a fine selection of ales. Bucolic and welcoming this almost mythical tavern has everything. A.Giles.
anonymous - 23 Sep 2005 09:21 |
Fantastic on a Saturday afternoon watching the rugby and the footy scores. The Manager was fantastic (despite being a Palace fan!) and really friendly. An absolute gem of a pub despite the staircase to the loos!
Hucks - 18 Sep 2005 12:23 |
If it wasn't for the fact that I can't currently get in there due to "issues" around disability access, I would be in the Nell every lunchtime. Great atmosphere, great cider, almost edible sandwiches but the other bar snacks are fine. Some great staff over the years as well: Laura, Emma 1 and Emma 2 amongst many others, and let's not forget West Ham Gareth. Plus, of course, the multi-tasking Rob. As a pub manager, he makes a great stand-up comedian but even more so as a stand-up comedian he makes a great pub manager. No, I'm too cruel to be kind!
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Had a damn good night in there recently. Good music on the juke box and the cider was great. Decent atmosphere with friendly staff. Thoroughly enjoyed myself as did my partner.
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I was a regular in the Nell thoughout the 1980's and early 90's when Maureen and Charlie ran it like it was their front room.
Many happy memories of the only proper boozer in Covent Garden. Good to see you're all still banging your heads on the way down to the Gents!
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Very nice. A great atmosphere in here. I'll give it an eight - and I'm not usually that generous !
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What a pub? It is one of the best in London. Real Ale at decent prices and a perfect place to socialise with the girls at work!!
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The best pub in London!(followed by the Lamb & Flag)
avotech - 7 Oct 2004 21:09 |
Pub heaven. This pub should serve as a remider to all the chain pubs, that promise the world and deliver nothing.
Would live in the Nell G if i could!
Rob - 3 Sep 2004 16:07 |
Fabulous barmaids, excellent punters, doesn't hurt to buy the staff a drink... or two!
Marie Martell - 8 Aug 2004 19:08 |
Fantastic boozer this one. The perfect lunchtime venue, and good for the football as well. It also features those mythical London bar staff who actually want to chat to the punters.
Hoppo - 4 Aug 2004 13:10 |
one of the few last great boozers in london. top bar staff. contrary landlord. cheap beer. stonking juke box. it smells like a pub should. and those chalk boards bring a smile to my face on my way to work every day.
timmy hagan - 30 Jun 2004 18:01 |
WATCH YOUR HEAD GOING DOWN TO LOOS!!!!
Excellent pub
Small so frequently Drink outside (if more than 10 people drinking) all airconditioning and vents from nextdoor businesses/restaurants seem to blow hot air into alleyway so even in winter outside warm
Nice European al Fresco feel
Tom Williams - 23 Jun 2004 17:23 |
Very nice little pub,traditional and basic,perfect.Its stuck at the bottom of a dark alleyway and on a dark evening is very ambient.Good jukebox with elvis tracks available,never a bad thing.Good pub to take a bird and cozy up,if you know what I mean.
Nick Hamer - 22 Apr 2004 15:41 |
Nice pub with great atmosphere, quite small and cosy. Love the pressed metal ceiling. Trip down to the loo is not for the faint hearted (or seriously intoxicated) - low roof, so watch the head. Great service despite being packed on this occasion. Shame about the TV - unless you're a footy fan I guess: it tends to dominate the small space.
JamesC - 30 Mar 2004 16:04 |
best Jukebox in London?
Rob - 3 Mar 2004 10:32 |
Love the Nell! It's warm and cozy... great staff, friendly regulars and cheap drinks.
Jody - 28 Feb 2004 02:40 |
Everything that a "real" pub should be. Good beer, good jukebox, cosy feel to the place and most importantly.......friendly staff and punters. What a gem! Love this place.
Rob - 29 Nov 2003 16:53 |
As a student many years past this was a favourite for its character atmosphere, Guinness and friendly Drunk available to explain the deeper meaning of the Duke box Lyrics, and dam right, Owe watch out for the trip down to the loo if you’re taller than 4’6” beware!
Adam Aqua - 11 Nov 2003 10:53 |
I recently returned to this pub after a 20 year absence from London. Finding the pub was no mean feat as it’s tucked away down a tiny ally off the Strand (i.e. between Chicago and Stomp called Bull Inn Court, catchy eh – not) and the sign on the main drag had been weather beaten to a plain white plaque. Nothing had changed, OK the odd light bulb, cable TV (bad move), loo roll, or polished brass have been added but it’s still a genuine friendly old ale house. Speaking of loos, I don’t know about the ladies but the Gents –damn!!
Miguel - 7 Nov 2003 09:47 |
Cool pub, cold beer, frosty atmosphere........or so it says on the board next to the Abbey National in the Strand.
Still very nice though!
Rob - 5 Nov 2003 13:21 |
a right little gem, me hearties... a throwback to the good old days when pubs were pubs and walkabout was something aboriginals did. anyone with style, arrrrrrr, will love it!
jolly roger - 5 Oct 2003 13:59 |
dont go to it leave it alone - you are cluttering up my lounge. tip top pub and u are welcome - just not all at once
TiptopJB - 1 Aug 2003 11:57 |
I work just round the corner. We like to call this place the staff room. It has the most character of any pub in the area. Completetly unpretentious, no nonsense, dimly lit wee pub. My only gripe is that the ale is never of a very high standard. Bests ticking to the Guinness.
Jim - 19 Jul 2003 14:12 |
this place is too small..and ive seen better class of fillies in sloane square-so there!
pip pip
belgrave square boy - 17 Jul 2003 10:56 |
It had such a high rating a few friends and I arranged to meet up there on Sunday. However, it was closed - all day! (perhaps this site could list each pub's opening hours??)
Joie - 28 Apr 2003 11:27 |
Small Gem Great Little Boozer
Morphy Richards - 16 Apr 2003 14:31 |
I drank here when I worked near by.....well worth a visit but don't tell too many people it can only hold about 100 people standing up.
stuart - 16 Apr 2003 13:41 |
Love this place-a real find. Hope they don't change it. Struggle getting a seat but it has real charm and atmosphere.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2003 19:46 |
Not bad, but not being a local (a Northener in fact) doe sthis mean my opinion don't count when I say pretty good barmaids but not too good ale....
Bob - 3 Apr 2003 13:52 |
Have worked in Covent Garden for 4 years and have tried every pub within a mile and this is the best by far. Excellent service never get hassalled beer always good and barstaff good on the eye and friendly. doesn't pretend to be what it isn't- doesn't try to serve food for example. Just gives me beer at resonnable prices
arturo_morales - 18 Mar 2003 14:40 |
Best pub in Covent Garden by a mile - always gorgeous barmaids almost always excellent service always bang head going to toilet(watch ceiling coming upstairs- that's the killer always forget after a couple)Cannot recommend more highly just avoid when Chicago is throwing out the place gets bombed
lincoln mowbray - 18 Mar 2003 11:04 |
Spot on about the 'heads up' - managed to smack my noggin 8 or 9 times before I learnt the trick. Who says alcohol kills brain cells...
Paul H - 27 Aug 2002 10:56 |
Very very small pub,just off The Strand. Cute barmaids! Just mind your head on the way down to the toilets.....
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Small but perfectly formed - hardy band of locals often vying with theatre goers for an inch at the bar. And yes, the barmaids are lovely and there is a decent jukebox
Paul H - 9 Jul 2002 15:21 |
lovely barmaids...
...after 3 attempts
best boozer in London
anonymous - 13 Jun 2002 12:09 |
