This authentically dingy, wobbly and warren-like pub is the kind of place in which to film a period drama. The main room is lined with conspiratorial dark wood alcoves, with old barrels over the long bar and framed portraits from Vanity Fair c.1870. Get your cheap booze fix from a range of Sam Smith beers on draught.
There are some seriously old-school pubs to discover in Holborn – from taverns hidden down the backstreets to former Victorian gin palaces, there’s plenty to please tourists and locals alike. But Holborn also hosts its share of forward-thinking drinkers within craft beer pubs and places with a modern gastro menu. Whether or not it’s historic pubs you’re after, you can guarantee these boozers will be buzzing as soon as the clock strikes five – so soak up that atmosphere.
RECOMMENDED: Find more fun in the neighbourhood in our Holborn area guide