It’s hard to beat London’s pubs. From centuries-old inns to contemporary taverns, they’re some of the most unique places in the city. I’ve been to a lot of great ones in central London over the years, and now I want to share my guide to the best pubs in Holborn with you. Right next to Covent Garden, this historic area has lots of good places to eat and drink. Read on for my list of favorites. I’ve included a map and everything.
Holborn Pubs
I’ve been spending time in this part of London since I moved to the UK capital. I’ve put in a lot of afternoons and evenings with friends in the local pubs here over the years. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Holborn, not least because this area has more than its fair share of famous watering holes.
I’ve enjoyed summer days outside Ye Old Mitre, and winter evenings holed up at The Ship Tavern. Which is to say nothing of the nights I’ve whiled away marveling at the etched glass and wood paneling in the Princess Louise. In short, I’ve earned myself a comprehensive knowledge of Holborn pubs.
Whether you’re looking to try quintessential English drinks, tuck into classic British food, or go to historic or modern pubs, this area has something you’ll love.
While each pub on my list is worth its own trip, you can see several of them in one day on my free self-guided Holborn walk. It’s an easy way to take in the highlights of the area and stop for food and drink en route. If you prefer a guided tour, you can book this one.
And if you’d like to spend multiple days giving each its due, there are plenty of good places to stay in the neighborhood. My top pick is The Hoxton Holborn. It’s in an amazing location near London attractions like the British Museum, and it has contemporary style.
You can see a variety of other options and book one here as well. Alternatively, if you’re interested in staying in a pub you can call home-away-from-home, take a look at my blog post about the best pubs with rooms in London. It has a good spot for you.
1. Ye Olde Mitre
I’ll start my list of the best pubs in Holborn with Ye Olde Mitre. Located down a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it passage between Hatton Garden and Ely Place, this historic watering hole dates back to 1547. It’s one of my favorite pubs in London.
With a warren of wood-paneled rooms and an atmospheric outdoor area, Ye Olde Mitre will whisk you off to a bygone era. The pub has featured in famous London movies like Hatton Garden and Snatch, too.
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s off the beaten path but still centrally located, this is the perfect choice. Just keep in mind it’s closed on Sundays.
2. Princess Louise
Next on my list of the best Holborn pubs is the Princess Louise. Built in 1872 and with an interior from the 1890s, this place is known for its historic “snob screens”. They partition a series of stunning wood-paneled spaces.
Grade II*-listed and mentioned on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, the Princess Louise is a prime example of a Victorian Gin Palace. With loads of etched glass, tile, and oak, being here feels like stepping back in time.
It’s fun to walk around and explore all the little nooks while sipping a drink. The men’s loos are worth a special trip, too. They’re listed along with the rest of the pub.
3. The Ship Tavern
The Ship Tavern is another of my favorite pubs in Holborn. Dating back to 1549, this family-run establishment is the perfect place to stop if you want to have a drink in one of the city’s historic ale houses.
Part of the fun of going to The Ship is finding it. The pub is tucked away down a narrow lane off High Holborn near Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a mahogany-paneled room with low light, lots of atmosphere, and real ales.
If you want to stay a while, you can head upstairs to enjoy a meal in the candle-draped Oak Room. The menu features quality home-cooked British pub fare sourced from local markets.
4. Cittie of Yorke
The Cittie of Yorke is another of the best pubs in the area. Right on High Holborn, this Grade II-listed number has a storied past. While the current building dates back to the 1920s, there’s been a pub on this site since 1430.
The interiors of the Cittie of Yorke are worth a special trip to see. They’re bursting with old-world charm, and there are multiple rooms (including an impressive larger-than-life one), little alcoves, and portraits lining the walls.
Everyone from Dylan Thomas to Charles Dickens has written about the Cittie of Yorke. The thick timber beams and huge wooden barrels make it a fun one to cozy up in for an afternoon or evening.
5. The Seven Stars
Next on my list is The Seven Stars. Located in an unassuming spot on Carey Street, it’s one of the oldest pubs in London. This place dates back to 1602, and it numbers among the few that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666. It’s thought that some interior beams remain from the original construction.
While neither the outside nor the inside of The Seven Stars is especially noteworthy from an aesthetic point of view, the pub is still important from a heritage standpoint. Additionally, the small rooms have colorful decor and green checkered tablecloths to brighten up the space.
This pub is also on the route of my free self-guided London pub walk. It’s a great one to do if you want to see a range of the city’s historic watering holes in one go. You can see my video of it here.
Map of Pubs in Holborn
As promised, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all the pubs I mentioned on my list. You can see it here. It can help you get a feel for where they are in relation to one another.
Best Pubs in Holborn
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of my favorite Holborn pubs. This neighborhood is a fun place to eat and drink in the UK capital. I’m sure you’ll enjoy visiting these spots as much as I do when you’re in the area.
If you want to explore further afield, The Viaduct Tavern in the City of London is worth discovering. And that’s to say nothing of The Duke and The Lamb in Bloomsbury.
If you’re interested in seeing more of my top picks, I’ve written a lot about London pubs. You can take a look at my pub itinerary for a start.
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