My "to do" list in London consisted pretty much of only pubs. I went to a LOT of pubs. Many incredibly historic and beautiful pubs. I did research ahead of time to find only the most amazing pubs. And Princess Louise did not make my list. I stopped in on a whim during my last day in town, and WOW I'm so glad I did! It's likely that people able to visit beautiful pubs at any time wouldn't feel awed by a pub like this. But it was so incredibly beautiful! A very unique Victorian style compared to the other pubs I visited, complete with booth-style mini rooms with direct bar access. I imagine it would be hard to find a spot when the place is busy, but I got lucky with a table in the back. I'd highly recommend a visit, this place was amazing! read more

Great old place and quiet refuge from the main road. Didn't get any food but it was great spot to just relax and enjoy a beer. Stop in and have a pint. read more

Princess Louise - Pint at the bar. What else. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

For true walk back into old english history,i recommend this establishment.I t drips with atmosphere of old days and and the food was outstanding. The service was very good. read more

Other than the mice running through the dining area and possibly the worst hamburger I've ever eaten, this place is great. Just go for the beer and atmosphere; not the food. read more

Great classic sam smith pub. Part of any proper pub crawl. The design in the pub is amazing with nice little seating areas around the bar. AMazing stained glass, iron work, and wood work. Enjoy the pub and the drinks. I haven't eaten here. Service was solid and friendly. There were not many people here when we came. They were out of a couple things on draft. read more

Husband left two phones at the Princess Louise and they were safely tucked away when we finally checked back the next evening...whew! Very kind people read more

This Princess Louise was a huge disappointment. We never even got any food, because no one ever waited on our table. We visited the place solely because it was highlighted in the Rick Steve's tour book of London. First of all, although there was space downstairs, we were asked to go upstairs to dine. It was a story & half winding staircase. At the top, the bartender saw us & said we could sit anywhere. The dining room was half full, & we sat at an empty table. However, the table was wet from several glasses that had obviously sweated on the table. There were menus in a holder on the table. They were each one page, but two sides. The menus were filthy with all kinds of marks and stains on them. We didn't want to hold them, but couldn't put them down on the wet table. We waited at least 15 minutes, & no one came to clean off the table or to take our order. So we left. read more

Very interesting old classic British pub. Cool environment and reasonable priced drinks. read more

Princess Louise - Grand lobby - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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Place has an old ambience. Lots of old wood all around. Cool "stalls" or private lodges" around the bar. They serve Samuel Smith beer, a small local brewery. Place inexpensive. read more

Princess Louise - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Great people, great atmosphere, and solid food make for an all around excellent London experience!

This splendid Victorian pub has one of the most amazing interiors in London, (if not the country) have benefited from a £1 million refit. Built in 1872, the original Italianate façade hides a High Victorian refit of 1892 by the architect Arthur Chitty, on which no expense was spared. It is a grade II* listed building and features prominently on the National Inventory of Pub Interiors. The decoration is formidable: etched mirrors line the walls, surrounded by polychromatic tiling, elaborate terracotta friezes, patterned ceilings, marble pillars with gilt capitals, tiled floors (mosaics in the corridors) and stained and painted glass. The decorative scheme continues into the lavatories: (well, the Gents' at least) - there are decorative tiles on the floor and walls, with a heavy marble urinal surround. (Only the Philharmonic in Liverpool is more impressive.) Although the interior has always been impressive, the screens were removed in the 1960s to simplify the layout. But owners Sam Smiths have gone for a full restoration, reinserting all the privacy screens around the bar according to the original scheme. The screens all of which are copies of the originals have polished wood and etched and cut glass patterns. The result is to spilt in the bar into 9 different spaces, around the enormous central servery: Effectively, this splits the pub into two halves, so if you are meeting someone, specify left or right hand side! There is a long narrow space at the front (accessed from either side corridor), three screened 'snugs' on each side of the bar, and rooms either side at the rear. Although this impedes circulation, and makes it a real maze, it does make it more intimate. If you manage to bag a snug with some mates, you have your own private drinking space for the evening. As others have said, the drinks on offer even the soft drinks all come from the Sam Smiths range. For the beer, this means decent real ale at low prices (less than £2 a pint). Service is OK, but be warned it can get feverishly busy just after work, although during the week it tends to calm down by 9pm. Overall, this is a pub worth making a special trip to see. read more

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This is a beautiful Sam Smith pub with the name of one of Queen Victoria's children, located on High Holburn. Originally built in 1872, it still features tilework and original Victorian stained glass and wood paneling circa 1891. The way it's set up is interesting: as you enter, you'll move down a narrow entrance--featuring slightly chipped tile that only adds to the character--with more tiles and mirrored panels on each side leading to an interior door. Once you open this, it leads inside, where you can see a huge island bar in the centerpiece partitioned with booths and counter height stools. Upstairs is a separate dining area. We went upstairs, absolutely starving, and ordered a pint of the Taddy Lager with our meal. I couldn't find a menu anywhere, but it looks like I got a meat pie, smothered in gravy, with mashed potatoes and veggies (sliced carrots, broccoli, cabbage). The food was good, but I honestly never had a bad meal in the two weeks of eating in the UK. Casual, delicious, comforting type of hearty British fare. THE VERDICT: With its casual, inviting atmosphere, and private booths, this pub was loud and boisterous in the middle of the week. It definitely seems like the sort of pub you'd want to bring a group of friends for after-work drinks, or the perfect meet-up point for a celebration, where you can take over your own booth. But if you're looking to meet and chat with locals, this may not be the pub for you. We DID want to chat with locals, but even knowing that now, I'd come back to this pub, but only if I wanted a bit of privacy. read more

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Not my favorite on the list of cool local pubs that we visited. It was super congested , loud due to design, and not my idea of having an experience. However, if your mission is to go out and meet up with a group - there was plenty of that going on, just not an intimate experience compared to other pubs we've visited. Bathrooms cool old architecture, but a frat type odor that I could have done without. read more

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I recommend it because it's a historical pub. However, probably the worst bartender in London works there. Every place I visited in London had excellent service except this one. He even recommended these awful beef flavored chips to go with our drinks. The place was empty on a Tuesday at 5pm. All other pubs were bursting at the seems, now I know why. read more

I find myself in this London pub, quite frequently. This time, I was sorting it out with my co-workers. I don't know if its the traditional decor, or the cubbyholes that separate groups, or the Bitter cask ales, or the talented barmaids, or the loads of local-after-work peeps, or the lamb kidney and onions / steak and kidney pie / giant fassh n chaaps, that I love about this spot. Nah, I know. It's everything I mentioned, dumb dumb. read more

Princess Louise - Ohfuhfukssake - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

This bar is a must visit if you're vacationing and want something to talk about when you fly home. This Victorian style pub sets itself apart from all other standard pubs with it's hand crafted wood dividers which provides a sense of privacy while still being able to order drinks from the bartender. Décor is old world charm with pristine hand crafted furnishings. Great selection of craft beers and brewery is just outside of London. This is definitely one of my top 3 pubs in London. Prices were reasonable, clean and bar keep was friendly. read more

Though I must have walked past it dozens of times it was only the other day that I went to the Princess Louise for the first time. It is an interestingly designed bar set across three floors. The ground floor is the most interesting part of the place. It is divided into panelled standing booths arranged around a large open central bar. The booths are perfectly suited for one small group. When I was there we were mixed in with others and it felt a little crampt. It is a Sam Smiths pub and so sells all there usual drinks which, as ever, means a limited selection with poor spirits but with really cheap prices. The atmosphere was quite lively, and I did not feel isolated from it within the booth. The Princess Louise is a curious pub that is worth trying. read more

Princess Louise - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

This is what I'm talking about! I sought out the Princess Louise because it's a Sam Smith's pub (and I must visit all Sam Smith's pubs before I leave London in September). The pub looks traditional enough from the exterior but is absolutely adorable on the interior. There are several private-ish rooms surrounding the centre bar (allowing you direct access to the bartender), great natural light, a whole lot of wood and lead glass and charming old pub architectural details, plus Sam Smith's cheap pint goodness. I wish the Princess Louise was my local. It's by far my favourite Sam Smith's (to date) and I hope to visit several more times before the summer is over. read more

Princess Louise - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

My first 5 star rating of London and it's because I'm used to high alcohol beer and this was the first place we went with 8-9%. Prices were decent and the bartender was very friendly. I also appreciated the wood paneling. read more

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Walked in with the intent of enjoying the upstairs and a pint, after reading Yelp reviews. Entered on the bottom floor, which is made up of little booths (private sub-pubs?) Waitress/bartender seemed put out that we were there, and told us that upstairs was closed. We left. Another American left at the same time and was commenting that he felt unwelcome. Our sentiments exactly! read more

Gorgeous pub dedicated to a gorgeous woman Louise,Duchess of Argyll & independent minded daughter of Queen Victoria. If you like history,then there are photos on the walls here to sate your curiosity, showing this lovely woman. But the pubs interior is very very special, with etched glass,small booths,listed tiles & stained glass. Good beer & nice meals. read more

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Being in London for the first time, this pub lived up to what expected my pub experience to be like. Great beer options, scenic setting, nice bartenders, and friendly patrons. We went early, so didn't hit any major crowds, which allowed us to enjoy the beautiful bar. It has various partitions made of molded wood and stained glass windows creating like 6 mini bars in one. Amazing. Great beer options as well. I enjoyed various beer styles in this single bar I would definitely return. read more

Princess Louise - View behind the bar from one of the mini rooms. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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The Princess Louise is one of those pubs that has managed to combine old and new in a perfect fusion creating a relaxing but vibrant drinking experience. This comes in great part from the large refurbishment it has recently undergone. The venue is now seperated into several different areas. Upstairs you will find a no-nonsense restaurant serving good wholesome British food, a bar area downstairs which is small and cosy and the more lavish space found in the back room complete with gold inlaid celing and fixtures. The laid back feel of the decor lends itself to a very relaxed atmosphere, this is not somewhere for a particularly raucous occasion but for a relaxing afternoon pint there are few better. Drinks-wise you can expect a range of intriguing real ales as well as your more standard lagers and spirits. There is something here to suit every taste explaining its popularity with a range of ages. Whether you stop in here for a swift pint at lunchtime or an evening drink you can expect a comfortable and relaxing evening. read more

Princess Louise - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

It is a really atmospheric Victorian pub. It was fun for that perspective. The food was mediocre to poor. The atmosphere is pretty nice but I do want to talk about the bartender upstairs on the first floor. There was a woman who cut in front of me in line saying all, there's two lines ones for food ones not for food. And when s she turned away around your drink, I said there were not two lines and she said oh my goodness I'm so sorry I'll buy your cheesecake and she went and she paid cash for the cheesecake and then I went up to the barkeep and said oh so she bought my cheesecake and he goes no you have to pay for it. so he just took her money her cash didn't give me the cheesecake so he ripped off the customer ahead of me. so he is ripping off the customers and the establishment. Watch out! read more

Simple fare but it was homemade. No prefab food. Even lumps in the mash which in my book is a sign of fresh made. read more

Princess Louise - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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Wow! Yes, I am a tourist and yes I enjoy genuine British pubs! Princess Louise knocked me off my feet! Oh, how I love the interior of this pub! Gold, wood and mirrors! Sounds tacky but here it's not! I love the little private rooms you sit in around the bar. You can then just order where you sit. Perfect! Pints for around £3. I could wish for a bit better (wider) selection of draught, though. We were here the hour before closing time on a Wednesday and it was perfect - not crowded at all. read more

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Cute place in London. We dined upstairs for lunch and it was about half full. We ordered ciders and pies, and everything was tasty. We later discovered that the same menu is at a lot of different places in London, all owned by the same restaurant group. There's a decent selection so if you find yourself in a similar predicament, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. read more

Met my cousin for a quick drink. What a wonderfully quirky pub. The downstairs set up is an odd maze, we went upstairs to an open area with comfortable chairs, tables and a bar. My American friend found it to be very nice. You can tell how nice a pub is when you feel at home straight away! Of course my cousin and I talked away! I had the raspberry beer, delicious! If you are in the area, do yourself a favour and stop by this pub! read more

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The pub has beautiful Victorian decor and delicious Sam Smith beers. The first floor has cozy, enclosed spaces with stained glass. Unfortunately it was very full when we went, so we went upstairs and were happy to find a quieter area, with comfortable seating and open spaces. Hopefully next time we can snag a spot on the first floor! read more

Worst service I've experienced during my trip in London. The bartender was unnecessarily rude to our party. We asked one question because there was no menu and he responded so rudely that we got up and left. read more

Turned up for dinner and when we got there the Batman said the chef was a no show. A bunch of small rooms and so not sure how easy it would have need to get a table anyway. read more

Lovely place in central London. Very old , incredible ambiented Pub with the finest beer you can get and at affordable price. It doesnt have much place to sit but if you wait a little you can get a good spot to drink. Highly recommended. read more

The service was slow but the food was pretty good. The atmosphere, while in need of touching up, was interesting and pretty. We enjoyed our lunch here. read more

The quintessential (albeit a Samuel Smith Brewery Pub) pub. Beautifully appointed with wood and glass everywhere. No TVs or music. Great selection of amazing Samuel Smith Brewery beers, drinks, and lovely pub food. The upstairs is a quieter, sit down alternative to the livelier main level. Highly recommend! read more

Exactly what you would hope for from a London pub. Cozy tucked-away tables, effortless Victorian charm, boundless crisps options, and cheap (£1.99) pints. I plan to take all my visitors to Princess Louise because it's kind of what every American craves in an English pub experience. That might be a good or a bad thing, depending on your position on Americans, but I plan to remain a frequent customer regardless. Also, I'm told they have the oldest urinal in London. Or England. Or Northern Europe. Depending who you ask. Too bad I don't generally frequent the men's toilets, because it sounds quite impressive. read more

I would like to review this pub... but I can't.. I'm held back... it would be dishonest... Pardon...You say why? I've not been inside my namesake pub in 6 months. You can't get in through the door. Really. Anytime after 4, don't even try it. I've heard there's an upstairs but I've never made it that far through. I got in a couple of times just after the revamp, but the last three times I've tried to meet up there, we've been pushed bodily out into the street by the throng. Yes folks, that's right, the Princess Louise has become fashionable. Here you see the artisitic student and the suited business man mingle. I wouldn't mind but the overflow are decamping down the road to The Angel, where they steal my seat. Meanies. Actual review - building beautiful, beer cheap, atmosphere cosy. The gent's toilets are worth a special visit, irrespective of gender. It's a common thing to see a huddle of women going in to have a look at the tiling. Really. read more

For my seventh, seventh revue of an establishment in London, why not the heir, Princess Louise. Based just around the corner from the Holborn Station, this great pub is perfect for meeting up with colleagues and friends after a day of work...or working from home. Met up with a few fellow ex-pats, which is always a good way to get out of the flat after working most the morning and night in your flat. The downstairs was fully packed in each stall, and so was the upstairs, but at least there was room to spread your wings. With a good extent of Samuel Smith's lovely brews on tap, this was a good place to take advantage of the local brew. Did.Not.Disappoint. Although, I will say, I preferred the Lager to the Stout. The Stout was good, but I am not a fan of coffee flavored Stouts. No, I don;t mean only Guinness read more

I've been here twice and think it thoroughly deserves its popularity. The pub is laid out Victorian style so with compartments that give onto the central bar. This gives it a great little vibe and keeps quite a big pub intimate. The bar tenders are generally really friendly and the drinks are mega cheap (for London). You'll struggle to find a seat at peak times after work but it's worth hovering and jumping on one as it comes up. It was like £3.00 for a vodka tonic and I think about the same for a pint. read more

Possibly the only reason to spend time at Holborn after dark, the Princess Louise is a gem of a bar. Possibly the most lavish of the Sam Smith's pub empire, it's a real treat for drinking folks who find themselves at this rather dry intersection, and a welcome reminder of what it was like to drink in London before Cool Britannia swept through with its hair gel and gastro-pubs. Dissected by quaint classic pub walls into pew-like areas at the front of the main floor it can occasionally be challenging to find a comfortable place to install yourself at the Princess Louise, but then, after a pint or two you might lose your scruples. If you fight your way to the back you're more likely to find accommodation, especially if you are with a group. Upstairs indeed is all about food of the traditional pub variety. Being a Sam Smith's pub (a chain of pubs serving only beer produced by the Sam Smith's brewery, and forgoing a music license in favour of lower prices), the Princess Louise is also one of the best values in town - and especially in its area - for a quick pint after work, or any time of day. read more

I've been a long-standing patron of The Princess since I moved to London in 2008 - I remember after my first interview having a pint of Alpine and being amazed when I had £2 pushed back into my hand as I offered my £4 over expectantly. Whilst they no longer have Alpine proper (due to various legal wranglings) it's still a great pub. It was refurbed and returned back to its Victorian grandeur, and it really is a great looking pub. I can't speak overly for downstairs as I'm usually upstairs in the far corner by the fireplace, but the staff are great, friendly, a litte over-worked at times but happy all the same and the beer is quality. The prices have gone up (£3.75 for the premium beer last I checked my change) but definitely worth an evening with your mates. FYI - the only things that I think really let The Princess down are what let down almost all Sam Smiths establishments - microwaved meals. It's ok if you're in a pinch, but considering that you're not more than 5 minutes away from Covent Garden, I wouldn't make it a meal destination (although if you ask nicely they will bring you extra chips). read more