For a traditional Victorian knees-up, the Princess Louise certainly feels the part. Its restored interior and exceptionally cheap drinks make it an ‘old man’ pub experience with a twist of unique character.

The Venue
Found on High Holborn, just over the road from Holborn tube station, the Princess Louise is hard to miss on the street. It looks every bit the old English pub, with ‘Princess Louise’ etched in gold on its black masthead. At first, the interior is like a maze. An island bar lies in the middle and the rest of the pub is divided into traditional partitions that have been restored from the Princess Louise’s glory days, which go back as far as 1872.

All features are intricately designed to recreate the Victorian feel. The glass partitions are patterned with gold leaves that match a border trim that runs the length of the pub, dividing up the oak-panelled walls. In the centre of the island is an old, wooden bar with a vintage tower clock at its pinnacle.

The Atmosphere
Princess Louise is dingily lit, adding to the historic feel of the pub. The partitions allow punters to have a number of experiences in this traditional pub, with one booth offering intimacy and comfort while the next may invite a lively old knees-up. The pub attracts sole drinkers, couples, students and rowdy groups of all ages. Some customers are Londoners through and through, while others are tourists hoping to experience a traditional British pub. Expect to make some friends at the Princess Louise, the partitions invite a shared experience.

The Drink
The pub is owned by the Samuel Smith brewery, so don’t come to the Princess Louise for a range of world beers and wines. However, the prices are dirt cheap here, further cementing the Princess Louise as something out of the ordinary in Holborn. On draught are Samuel Smith bitters, stouts, ciders and lagers. A pint of Old Brewery bitter or a pint of Alpine lager won’t cost more than a couple a quid a pint. Samuel Smith beers and ciders also come by the bottle, including an organic cherry fruit beer (£3.71) that’s a bit different but not hugely enjoyable.

Scintilla hold the monopoly on soft drinks, with their fruit juices and colas costing just as little as the Samuel Smith beers. There is a limited range of spirits behind the bar, but the prices are astoundingly cheap. A London extra dry gin will cost just £2.02 while a shot of tequila costs £2.39. Wines are equally as limited, with just four wines on the menu. A white wine spritzer comes to £2.75, and although it’s a bargain, don’t expect it to be the finest tipple you’ve tried.

The Last Word
Princess Louise is a quirky pub with an authentic London feel that will continue to attract tourists and Londoners alike. The drink options are limited, but prices like this are hard to come by in Holborn, especially in such a distinct, Victorian ambience.

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