Princess Louise — Restaurant in London

🚇Holborn 🍺 £6.70 Taddy Lager

The Princess Louise is located on bustling High Holborn in Central London. The nearest Tube is Holborn which is just around the corner.

This pub was built in 1872 and is Grade II listed. Princess Louise was the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and this is the only UK pub named after her. In 2007 the pub went through a comprehensive restoration which saw the reinstatement of the original multi-roomed layout with wood and etched glass dividing walls.

The decor here is jaw droppingly beautiful, this is one of the finest preserved Victorian pub interior’s in London. At the centre of the pub is an ornate mahogany servery with a carved wood back bar. Fanning off the servery are several bars, snugs and booths. Upstairs is a carpeted bar predominantly used for dining. Everywhere you look there are stunning details like enormous engraved and gilt mirrors, Portland stone columns, etched mirrors and stained glass, marble fireplaces and Victorian tiles. You’ll find some the best finery is in the corridors, the mosaic flooring is just exquisite. The Gents toilet is also something to marvel.

This is a Sam Smith’s pub, so the beer offering is all in house brews which included two cask ales. I decided on a pint of Taddy Lager, my pint was great, price point was high. The food menu is hearty pub classics.

I arrived around 2pm on a Friday afternoon in April. I thought I’d visit before the post work rush so I could have a good gander at the splendour. The pub wasn’t overly busy and felt calm and relaxed. As most of you know Sam Smith’s pubs have no TV’s or background music, so you could have heard a mouse fart. The service was excellent, I had a nice chat with the Guv’nor who has also run The Yorkshire Grey near the beeb.

Holborn is an area I love visiting as it is a goldmine for beautiful boozers. The Princess Louise is a simply stunning pub, its opulence and grandeur is something to behold. If you are ever in this part of town, be sure to visit this beautiful London pub.

ℹ️ Info correct on...

This was my first visit here, with a group of friends, some of whom have been here before. I interacted with a few different staff members during the evening and I find that they were mostly friendly, patient and helpful, although once upstairs had closed the downstairs staff more or less told us to piss off outside, so we took the hint.

I had a look through the food menu for dinner, but it is all on the rather pricey side for pub food so I just had a tiny pie for £3.50 (cut into about 4 mouthfuls.

I drank Taddy, which was good.

The decor etc upstairs is pleasant.

Downstairs seems to be completely screwed off into private booths which is interestingly different... but very wasteful of space if it's full of small parties of 2-4 people, as they'd hold twice as many people, bit you're probably not going to share a private area with strangers.

The tall etched glass screens date back to the Victorian age, so are a piece of history, but they don't afford any real privacy as there are people walking past, the barman right there, and as the screens are made of glass they don't keep conversation noise in or out. All they'd really help with is stopping other people in the room checking you out.

There were 8+ of us so we needed to go upstairs as the downstairs booths were mainly full with couples or small groups. The screens make it quite bewildering for a first time visitor as you can't see how to get around the pub or see if there's anywhere to order a drink.

I only saw a single unisex toilet upstairs and it wasn't...

The Princess Louise, located in Holborn, is a true gem among London’s historic pubs, offering a charming glimpse into Victorian-era grandeur. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, with its stunning interior design that has been lovingly preserved to reflect its 19th-century heritage.

The highlight of the pub is its ornate Victorian décor, complete with etched glass panels, intricate tiling, polished wood, and cozy snugs that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The beautifully partitioned booths add a unique touch, giving patrons a sense of privacy while still soaking in the lively pub vibe.

Known for its well-kept Samuel Smith’s ales, The Princess Louise delivers both quality and affordability. Whether you’re a fan of a classic pint, a refreshing cider, or something softer, the pub’s selection caters to a wide range of tastes.

Its central location makes it a popular choice for both locals and visitors, offering a quintessential British pub experience. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming, with a mix of after-work crowds, tourists, and those simply looking to enjoy the pub’s historical charm.

Whether you’re there for the beautifully restored Victorian interior, a quiet drink in a snug, or just to soak up a piece of London’s rich pub culture, The Princess Louise is a true treasure that embodies the spirit of traditional...