Steeped in history, the Nell of Old Drury is an authentic and passionate pub.

The Venue
In the heart of the theatre district, the Nell of Old Drury is an intriguing proposition. Rumour has it there was a secret tunnel beneath the street that led between the Theatre Royal and the pub that was used for clandestine meetings between Charles II and his mistress Nelly Gwynne. Although the pub was named The Lamb back then, it keeps hold of its roots and inside it works traditional features with posters and pictures that expose somebody’s infatuation with theatre.

From the street, the pub looks like the galley of a ship – its bulbous bay window jutts out onto the street and strains against its foundations. The wooden decking within doesn’t harm the maritime illusion, but the femininity piled into the bay courtesy of red cushions does just a little. This is the most comfortable place to sit with an excellent range for people watching. The rest of the pub is filled with plenty of seating over two floors.

The Atmosphere
The Nell of Old Drury uses the adjacent theatre to its advantage and its bough is filled daily, pre- and post-matinee and early evening. The smell of rose based perfumes waft from the collars of older females in pressed jackets over long high waisted skirts, given room to float fragrantly without smoke to penetrate. The pub isn’t lively in the generic sense of loud laughter and music, but it bustles along all the same.

The Drink
There’s no food served at the Nell of Old Drury, just a good selection of crisps to be mashed down by the draught lager that includes Stella, Kronenbourg and Carling on tap. Ales are popular here and as well as classics like Adnams you can find more obscure choices like Tanglefoot bitter.

The Last Word
The Nell of Old Drury has soaked up decades of memories from this area of London and is a charming place for a drink.

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