Holborn pub guide - information about pubs and bars in Holborn # beerintheevening.com

Holborn pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Holborn - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Princess Louise, Holborn

Address: 208-209 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7BW [map]
Phone: 020 7405 8816
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.1 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), Farringdon (0.8 miles), City Thameslink (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Went in here for the first time in ages the other Saturday night. With it being bank holiday, the place was almost empty - enabling us to sit down and get pissed at our leisure. The staff were much better before the refurb (now most of them are like the blank-faced clones who work in the Cittie of Yorke up the road), and the beer is now pretty indifferent as well. I dunno, i've gone right off this place.

3 Sep 2008 16:34

I went in here for the first time in ages a couple of weeks ago. I'd forgotten what a cracking place it was, and it is a revelation considering it awful location (as far as being full with tourists that is, my pet hate in London pubs)

1 Sep 2008 10:00

Found this place on the weekend, (I don't really know Holborn too well) and it is an absolute joy. I love Sam Smith pubs and this has to be one of the finest. An architectural delight and perfect beer to admire it with. Instantly one of my top 3 pubs in London.

1 Sep 2008 08:49

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Address: 1, Ely Court, Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 1564) (Calls cost 10p/min)
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.2 miles), Farringdon (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest DLR station: Bank (1 mile)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), City Thameslink (0.4 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Dropped by this saturday for their GBBF open day. I had Hopback Summer Lightning - and it was one of the best pints I've ever had. They should give this gem of a pub the OBE.

11 Aug 2008 13:33

was in the mitre last week and had a few pints of very tasty tim taylors landlord. the jock tells me they're having a scottish beer festival this week. gonnna try and get down there this sat and take full advantage of the 1 weekend their open!!

5 Aug 2008 11:17

FANTASTIC !! Open weekend this weekend and it is the only weekend of the year that this treat of a pub opens... the beer is always brilliant and the staff are a real pleasure! You really should try this pub it's what real pubs are about.

4 Aug 2008 22:48

The Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

Address: 22 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BS [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 446) (Calls cost 10p/min)
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.1 miles), Holborn (0.4 miles), Farringdon (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.5 miles), Blackfriars (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent pub, but do try and visit when it's quiet so you can actually see all the details of the decor.

5 Aug 2008 10:51

Very interesting interior, and fantastic SS's prices. One of a good selection of pubs in the area...

5 Aug 2008 10:44

Re-visited again today after a gap of probabably 15 years. Despite its fairly unique interior, the missus couldn't remember it at all, must just be my saddo memory banks then! Love the layout with the line of booths, the long low bar and the vaulted ceilings with the enormous vats perched overhead. Beer was OK, but whilst I appreciate what Sam Smith's are doing to preserve a series of historic London pubs, I do wish they could open out their selection to at least one guest...would round off these pubs perfectly.

30 Jul 2008 00:20

The Penderel's Oak, Holborn

Address: 283-288 High Holborn, Holborn, London, WC1V 7HP [map]
Phone: 020 7242 5669
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.2 miles), Holborn (0.2 miles), Farringdon (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.5 miles), City Thameslink (0.6 miles), Blackfriars (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Large and inevitably crowded with people paying for everything by card instead of cash. A range of beers at least as some people have reported. Staff seemed ok.

17 Jun 2008 22:40

Spent a lovely couple of hours in there recently with a couple of glasses of wine and steak and chips. Good food, very friendly staff, excellent value and as it was a cold and rainy day we were happy to relax next to the open fire. Thumbs up for this one.

9 May 2008 17:33

I'm suprised this pub has got such positive reviews!

When I went here on a Sunday the service was terrible!

I also spotted a mouse running out from the kitchen with a piece of food in its mouth!

Shame as they had some good ales

3 May 2008 15:08

The Ship Tavern, Holborn

Address: 12 Gate St, London, WC2A 3HP [map]
Phone: 020 7405 1992
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Covent Garden (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.7 miles), London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Cosy little pub round the back from Holborn tube station, not too busy, ploughmans and pork pie and a pint of McMullens, good service, quite what was needed. Most people who use the local pubs like the Square Pig on the square, probably don't know the Ship is there. Worth a visit.

7 Jun 2008 17:26

Lovely pub 5 real ales on offer tried the Theakstons dark mild....good pint....The Deuchers IPA also excellent...good atmosphere

3 Jun 2008 10:59

Popped in yesterday for a swift pint. They currently have a beer festival on: I tried a pint of Merrie Monk and it was very nice indeed. Continues to be a favourite calling point whenever I'm in the area

20 May 2008 11:57

The Calthorpe Arms, Holborn

Address: 252 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8JR [map]
Phone: 020 7278 4732
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Russell Square (0.4 miles), Chancery Lane (0.5 miles), Holborn (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.6 miles), Farringdon (0.6 miles), London St Pancras (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Traditional unspoilt Youngs pub within walking distance of The Lamb in Lambs Conduit Street.

Mainly a locals pub - it's always nice to be reminded that you're not the only English person still in London - well worth calling in if passing by.

Run by a long standing tenant, the pub is unspoilt as yet by the Youngs refurbishment hit squad

25 Feb 2008 13:30

Spent a pleasant couple of hours here this evening enjoying the atmosphere of a proper London pub which has avoided the passing fads of fashion, and which has remained a traditional local boozer.

The beer is superbly kept - and may be "only Youngs" to quote an earlier reviewer, but you won't find a finer pint of it for miles.

I'd go back.

22 Feb 2008 01:04

Great Local. Youngs always in tip-top shape. Very friendly, excellent service and good food. What more could you want. I know several buses stop just outside.

13 Feb 2008 13:59

The Newton Arms, Holborn

Address: 33, Newton St, London, WC2B 5EL [map]
Phone: 020 7242 8797
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.1 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.6 miles), Farringdon (0.8 miles), City Thameslink (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Surprisingly quiet at 6pm, when just around the corner the Princess Louise was heaving. I suppose that it is difficult to compete on price with a neighbouring Sam Smith's pub, but the Adnams here is excellent.

6 Feb 2008 22:51

Great place with friendly staff and good service. When visiting london we usually always manage a beer or two here. My wife says the ladies needs re-decorating but then nowhere's perfect.

3 Feb 2008 10:55

The Adnams here is as good as any pub in Southwold and I've yet to find a better one in London! Its not a fancy pub but well run and always the same friendly faces behind the bar. Food is just above findus crispy pancakes but is as cheap as the beer. The wine is well priced too albeit plonk. Good place to meet up.

6 Jan 2008 15:04

Prince Of Wales, Holborn

Address: 150-151 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5TD [map]
Phone: 020 7240 9935
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Holborn (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), City Thameslink (0.8 miles), Farringdon (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I drank here a real good ale from Cornwall. I liked it very much. I did not tried the food.

5 May 2008 13:13

Awful. awful, awful. I was served mouldy bread here and when I complained it came back scraped off with a tut. They had half full pints sitting under their pumps filled from drip trays, there was no paper in the ladies for the missus, the cutlery was dirty, the place smelt funny, the staff didn't speak English and the Manager was drunk. I'll be back to witness this disaster again but I'll be bringing my own refreshments. Don't waste your money.

30 Apr 2008 12:55

Bit crowded in a bad way, hard to get to the bar. A staff member saw me and a friend line up in a bad place, recommend we move over, then asked us what we want. This surprisingly quaint staff attitude was then quelled by two female patrons who thought we were served above them. Well, the staff offered, and im sure if it was the other way around you wouldn't be complaining but smiling as well...

28 Jan 2008 12:42

The Yorkshire Grey Pub and Kitchen, Holborn

Address: 29-33 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8PN [map]
Phone: 0207 405 2519
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.3 miles), Farringdon (0.4 miles), Holborn (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles), London Barbican (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

My fourth visit, I think. I like this place and I can't figure out how to describe it best. My last visit was on a Friday evening with after work crowd. A big part of my work is after-work type shuffling and I find the location and service here nice and smart. I was meeting 4 contacts who were catching the 9.20 back to Leeds from Kings X and this Pub again was a good spot to catch up, have a quick bite (Yorkshire Grey Classic Burger for all)...and praise each other for a great week of sales (Not houses obviously). We sometimes meet at the George in Liverpool street...and now sometimes here. Keep an eye on this baby!

20 Jun 2008 18:59

What does she mean?? "Nice Place to come if you actually want to have a conversation with your drink"
Sounds like she either had one too many or the bars empty!Answer up Rachel any other beer heads know which she means???

17 Jun 2008 16:14

Quiet again on a Saturday. Had the Club s/wich which was nice. They don't do deserts. Nice place to come if you actually want to have a conversation with your drink.

22 Apr 2008 12:51

Old Nick, Holborn

Address: 20-22 Sandland Street, London, WC1R 4PZ [map]
Phone: 0207 430 9503
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.2 miles), Chancery Lane (0.3 miles), Russell Square (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles), Blackfriars (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

This is a great little pub, BadgerBeers on tap which is quite unusual.

22 Nov 2007 11:08

nice pub , unfortunatly badger beer,hall & shithouse.
BUT the tanglefoot was passable.

28 Sep 2007 18:11

Thought this was a lovely place. It's a Hall & Woodhouse pub which serves some of the best beer in the country.

14 Sep 2007 18:14

The White Hart, Holborn

Address: 191 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5QD [map]
Phone: 020 7831 0791
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.6 miles), Farringdon (0.9 miles), City Thameslink (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Pretty decent effort of a pub all in all. Cute barstaff that have obviously bucked their ideas up since previous reviewers visited, as there was no long wait for a drink and they were perfectly friendly to strangers like myself.
Choice of beer about average, but quality pretty good and prices par for the course.
Nicely decorated with comfy furniture and not too rammed or noisy, so a nice place to drop into for a couple of pints and a chat with your friends.
The pictures behind the bar of various drinkers who range from the local "characters" to C-list celebs are a bit off-putting but it doesn't seem to be particularly up itself or self-consciously whacky despite this.
If you are in the neighbourhood you can do a lot worse but not really worth making a specific destination for an evening's drinking. Although one of the barmaids is very attractive.

5 Jun 2008 11:22

I had to smile when I read the comments about delays in getting served I felt like the invisible man stood at the bar, it was very obvious that the staff were inclined to ignore you and serve familiar faces first regardless of how long you had been at the bar It wont put me off going back as I liked the place but you should not have to feel like being rude in order to get served. And as for Dick Turpin being a regular wasnt he hung in York ? perhaps he popped in once and got fed up waiting to get served and headed north.

31 Mar 2008 22:08

this pub has been done up in the last 6 months or so, what they have achieved is quite a pleasant lively bar which is worth ducking in to if you are in the area but I wouldn't go out of your way.

17 Mar 2008 12:02

The Melton Mowbray, Holborn

Address: 18, Holborn, London, EC1N 2LE [map]
Phone: 020 7405 7077
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.1 miles), Farringdon (0.3 miles), Holborn (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), City Thameslink (0.4 miles), Blackfriars (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The Melton Mowbray has currently got Fullers Vintage Ale (2008 vintage) on cask. It's limited edition beer as it's usually only bottle-conditioned and is pretty special. 8.5% ABV and £3.75 a pint so it's expensive but a real rare treat. Get down and try some.

20 Jun 2008 00:40

Fairly standard-issue Fullers pub, but the guest beer - Ossett Brewery Snow Drop - was excellent.

29 Feb 2008 23:21

The Melton Mowbray has been a reliable pub for a number of years now. Usual Fullers beers and there is often something else interesting, whether it’s a real guest or not I’m unsure. Expensive, but then again aren’t all Fullers pubs. One of it's big plus points is the friendly and efficient service. Food is popular but doesn’t stifle the drinking experience as it does in some pubs. This is a proper city drinking pub, and a pretty good one.

17 Feb 2008 11:58

O'Neills, Holborn

Address: 40 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AA [map]
Phone: 020 7242 5560
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), City Thameslink (0.8 miles), Farringdon (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Nastic speaks the truth. Its not what it was, used to be the business for a booze up, burger and the football. I haven't been served off the same person twice, it used to be a local in the town. Its just another average pub with average everything. Damn shame.

9 Apr 2008 16:10

I've been watching rugby in here for the last year or so since I was looking for somewhere to watch Wasps v Leinster in the Heineken Cup. The regular staff are friendly and often come round the tables topping up our round & any pub which puts rugby on the big screen and football on the smaller TV in the back is good in my book.

6 Oct 2007 11:49

Maybe it's not the best one(too smoky), but definetely great lovely staff(this in London is not very common), and great atmosphere. My mates and me had an extraordinary evening, with table service, good music and always with a smile, even when it's busy.

5 Jun 2006 10:03

The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn

Address: Africa House/64-68 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6BG [map]
Phone: 020 7404 8846
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0 miles), Covent Garden (0.4 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), Farringdon (0.7 miles), City Thameslink (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I can only echo the last five postings. I check this place out every so often just to see if it's improved and I always regret it. No redeeming features whatsoever and not even the smoking ban has made the smell any better. Staff change but somehow always live down to the standards of their predecessors. The only useful function of the place is to syphon off the less appealing customers from the far superior Wetherspoons around the corner in High Holborn.

18 Apr 2008 20:58

Wetherspoons pub in need of a makeover. Bar area stank on vomit. Kronnenburg good though, as is the case generally with Wetherspoons beer. As a member of the Hand Dryers Appreciations Society, (toungue in cheek, find us on Facebook), I found the ususal Wetherspoons World Dryer as effient as ever, although the toilet is decorated in huge early 90's tiling. Oh, and my 27 year old girlfriend was asked for ID by the man on the door which I found amusing, (my girlfirend didn't).

5 Jan 2008 17:57

Greeted by an utterly filthy mess - more akin to a pig sty than a hostelry; those tables that were vacant were cluttered with used glasses, and dirty dishes. It would also seem that the tables had not been cleaned for sometime - more like they had been briefly wiped with greasy cloth with streaky marks and dried food stuck
to the surface.

The staff are generally courteous, and the Duty Manager was apologetic about the state of the place, but there is obviously something wrong here, since there were more than enough staff around.

Would not recommend until Wetherspoons has sorted out its act.

11 Nov 2007 15:53

The Duke (of York), Holborn

Address: 7 Roger Street, London, WC1N 2PB [map]
Phone: 020 7242 7230
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Russell Square (0.4 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Holborn (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.6 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.7 miles), London St Pancras (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Nice enough layout, liked the booths for sitting and eating/drinking in. Not a great choice of ales/lagers but could live with that. Biggest problem at the Duke is the food. Nice selection on the menu but when the food arrived, it was very salty and we felt a bit sore with the price we paid for that standard of meal. Very limited snacks menu. Friendly service but left early after blowing more money than we initially wanted to on a very poor quality meal.

20 Apr 2008 12:02

Food - orientated pub in a quiet Bloomsbury side street, but signposted from Guilford Street.

Retains many original Art Deco fixtures - and is worth visiting ( probably just the once ) for that alone - but this is not a beer drinkers pub and neither the Adnams Broadside nor the Greene King IPA ( its only 2 real ales apparently ) were available yesterday lunchtime.

I have not sampled the food - but it's pricey

25 Feb 2008 13:37

I booked at table at this pub for a work Christmas lunch. We had to pre-order the food and I wasn't expecting too much as you do at this time of the year. However the reception we got was fantastic, the food was superb and the service was excellent. The wine list was not extensive but we got a few good bottles to go with the meal. It was a really lovely little pub with a nice atmosphere and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone. I'm looking forward to returning.

7 Dec 2007 14:17

More information

Want to find out more about pubs in Holborn? Why not have a look at our advanced pub search or full text pub search? You might also want to browse pubs by county or region. Or have some fun with the random pub crawl generator.