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Holborn-Clerkenwell is a district in central London that is in many ways a buffer zone between London's West End and the City of London financial district.
Understand
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Holborn has long been associated with the legal professions, notably in the Lincoln's Inn area, and was also a major centre of the old British newspaper industry before the advent of new publishing technology.
Clerkenwell is full of architects and publishers, and as a result many new bars and restaurants have cropped up; the area continues to be a target for more development. The drinking scene varies from family-oriented wine bars to huge clubs and cool underground bars, and it compares well to its more artistic, trendier neighbour, Shoreditch (in the East End).
Get in
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By Tube
[edit | edit source]The district is serviced by the following tube stations, all in Zone 1:
- Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) is at the junction of High Holborn and Kingsway.
- Chancery Lane (Central line) is the best station for accessing Lincoln's Inn and the other Inns of Court.
- Farringdon (Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth lines) is the best station for accessing most of Clerkenwell's nightlife.
By train
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1 Farringdon station. All National Rail services are provided by Thameslink, there are trains to Brighton, Bedford, Cambridge and Stevenage. As well as direct connections to both London Gatwick 
and London Luton airports.
- Thameslink overland rail services between London St Pancras International and City Thameslink stations. There are other services throughout London and the home counties, including: St. Albans, Peterborough, Sevenoaks and Welwyn Garden City.
- Elizabeth line services from Reading to Shenfield. Farringdon is between London Paddington and Stratford, with connections to Abbey Wood and London Heathrow
.
See
[edit | edit source]Landmarks
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- 1 Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, 38 City Road, EC1Y 1AU (entrances on Bunhill Row and City Road; tube: Old Street NOR ; bus: 55, 205, 243 (among others)). Dawn-dusk. First used to bury bones to make space at St Paul's, it was designated as a burial ground during the Great Plague of 1665. Notable interments include Daniel Dafoe, John Bunyan and William Blake. This small graveyard is a rarity in central London, and seems oddly tranquil in comparison to the nearby bustling streets of the City. Some 120,000 bodies are believed to be buried here: as the inscription reads, it is a burial ground for 'nonconformists'. Notably, Bunhill Fields contains the graves of William Blake, Daniel Defoe and John Bunyan. The watchful eye will notice that the paved way across the field is actually made up of tombstones. Free.
- 2 The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn (Gray's Inn), Gray's Inn Rd, WC1 (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ), ☏ +44 20 7458-7800, fax: +44 20 7458-7801. One of the four Inns of Court in London who hold the exclusive right to call qualified legal professionals to the bar, i.e. to become barristers at law. The grand buildings housing the inns are arranged around lovely green gardens. There are records of Gray's Inns operating from this location since the 14th century.
- 3 The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn (Lincoln's Inn), Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3TL (tube: Holborn CEN PIC or Chancery Lane CEN ), ☏ +44 20 7405-1393, mail@lincolnsinn.org.uk. Like Gray's Inn, one of the four societies of the bar. The wonderful old buildings here are arranged around the open spaces of Lincoln's Inn Fields and a walk around this area will give any visitor a real sense of the history and grand traditions of the legal profession in London.
- 4 Myddelton Square Park, Myddelton Sq, EC1R (tube: Angel NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7278-6075. Nice shady park next to St Marks Church. Small children's playground.
- 5 Royal Courts of Justice, Strand (tube: Holborn CEN PIC or Charing Cross BAK NOR ), ☏ +44 845 4568770, fax: +44 20 3334-4087. Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM (Aug-Sep: 10AM-2:30PM). The building holds the High Court and the Court of Appeal, two of the highest courts in the United Kingdom, though only civil cases are heard here. Trials are open to the public, but tourists would probably be more interested in seeing the impressive entrance hall, and admiring the stunning Victorian Gothic exterior. Free.
- 6 Staple Inn, High Holborn, WC1V 7QH (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ). See the rare range of Tudor half-timbered buildings. Staple Inn was built in 1585 and served as an inn Inn of Chancery (law school). Most of it escaped both the Great Fire and the German air raids, unlike other buildings in the area. The western end is actually from a different, adjoining building—which was incorporated into the Inn with a unified facade during restoration work in 1936, although the difference can still be seen in the roofing and slightly different style. One of Charles Dickens's homes was on the site and it was featured in his Mystery of Edwin Drood.
- 7 Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Rd, EC1Y 1AU, ☏ +44 20 7253-2262, fax: +44 20 7608-3825, administration@wesleyschapel.org.uk. Museum: Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM; Sun noon-1:45PM. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, laid the foundation stone, preached here and is buried behind the chapel. The site also contains the Museum of Methodism. Free (donations welcome).
- 8 St Mary le Strand, Strand, WC2R 1ES (tube: Temple DIS CIR ), ☏ +44 7821 611023. Mon-Fri noon-4PM. Baroque church in the Strand completed in 1724 to a design by James Gibbs. Free (donations welcome).
- 9 St Clement Danes, Strand, WC2R 1DH (tube: Temple DIS CIR ), info@stclementdanesraf.org. Wed-Fri 10AM-noon, 1PM-4PM, Sat Sun 10AM-3PM. Church in the Strand designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1682 that is now used by the RAF. Free (donations welcome).
- 10 Two Temple Place (Astor House), Two Temple Place, WC2R 3BD (tube: Temple DIS CIR ), ☏ +44 20 7240-6044, Alexandra@bulldogtrust.org. Only during exhibitions Jan-Apr: Mon Thu-Sat 10AM-4:30PM; Wed 10AM-9PM; Sun 11AM-4:30PM. A former home for William Waldorf Astor, a wealthy American moved to London at the end of 19th century. This Victorian house, built between 1892-1895 by John Loughborough Pearson. is in an eclectic Neo-Gothic style. It's richly decorated from outside, but even more rich and heavily eclectic inside. The building is owned by the Bulldog Trust and it's open to the public during exhibitions. For exact dates/time check with the exhibitions schedule. A café, a shop and a cloakroom are open for visitors during these days.
Museums
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- 11 Hunterian Museum, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7405-3474, fax: +44 20 7869-6564, museums@rcseng.ac.uk. Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM. Inside the Royal College of Surgeons. Exhibitions on the history of surgery, including medicine, natural history and art. The museum was established by John Hunter (1728-1793), the founder of scientific surgery. Free, booking recommended.
- 12 Islington Museum, 245 St John St, EC1V 4NB (tube: Angel NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7527-3235, islington.museum@islington.gov.uk. Mon Tue Thu-Sat 10AM-5PM. Local history museum.
- 13 Museum of the Order of St John, St John’s Gate, St John’s Lane, EC1M 4DA (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ELI
), ☏ +44 20 7324-4005, museum@sja.org.uk. Mon–Sat 10AM–5PM. Museum in the former English headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, covering the history of the order from crusading knights to modern first aid organisation. There are paid guided tours available to see the crypt. Free - donations welcome. - 14 Sir John Soane's Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7440-4263. Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM. The former home of architect Sir John Soane, the building has been converted into a museum, displaying some of the objects he collected during his lifetime, including the alabaster sarcophagus of Seti I, and paintings by artists including William Hogarth. There is a display of some of Soane's architectural plans on the upper floor. Be sure to wait in the picture room until the guides open the walls up to reveal further paintings behind. The museum is a little-known tourist attraction, but well worth a visit. Admission free (but you're encouraged to leave a donation), you can walk in on the day.
- 15 Somerset House, Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA (tube: Charing Cross BAK NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7845-4600. 10AM-6PM. Somerset House is home to three art galleries: The exceptional Courtauld Institute displays a collection of 19th- and 20th-century art, including well-known works by Degas, Matisse and Kandinsky; The Gilbert Collection presents a collection of decorative art; and the Hermitage Rooms, the most recent addition to Somerset House, hosts temporary exhibitions of works on loan from the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. The central courtyard is filled with fountains in the Summer, but in the Winter, an ice rink is installed, it is very popular, so visitors should book in advance, or expect to wait a long time to skate. £5 (admission fee to each of the three galleries).
- 16 Novelty Automation, 1a Princeton St, WC1R 4AX (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20, info@novelty-automation.com. Thu noon-8PM, Fri Sat 11AM to 6PM. A home for automated arcade machines. Free entry but need to pay £1 per token to use each machine. 10 tokens for £9 and 33 tokens for £25 (33 tokens are needed to try every machine)..
- 17 Postal Museum (Mail Rail), 15-20 Phoenix Pl, WC1X 0DA, archives@postalmuseum.org. Besides exhibits about the history of the postal service, the museum also has Mail Rail, an operating segment of a former underground railway that used to carry mail to various post offices within London. Visitors can ride a miniature train through the original tunnels. The ride is not for visitors who are large or have mobility problems. The Postal Museum and Mail Rail are in two separate buildings across the street from each other.
- 18 The Perimeter, 20 Brownlow Mews. Contemporary art gallery tucked away in a quiet cobbled mews. Hosts a couple of exhibitions a year, entry needs to be booked in advance. Free.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Sq, WC1R 4RL (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7242-8032, fax: +44 20 7242-8036, conwayhall@ethicalsoc.org.uk. Theatre and concert hall. Home of the National Secular Society and the South Place Ethical Society: often hosts lively debates on religion, politics and secularism.
- 2 Gresham College, Barnard's Inn Hall, EC1N 2HH (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ), ☏ +44 20 7831-0575, enquiries@gresham.ac.uk. Attend free public lectures, in Barnard's Inn Hall (mostly, but other venues are used as well), renowned historic Inn of Court featured in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
- 3 London School of Economics, Conference and Events Office, Houghton St, WC2A 2AE (venues vary within the campus, see individual listings. tube: Holborn CEN PIC or Temple DIS CIR ), ☏ +44 20 7955-6043. LSE hosts a prestigious public lectures programme, which is nearly always free to attend, but may require a ticket in advance for a lecture by a Head of State or Nobel Prize winner. Usually free.
- 4 Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, WC2A 2HT (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7492-1593. Booking Mon-Fri 8AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-5PM. Owned by LSE, and part of their campus, this theatre is leased to Sadler's Wells as "Sadler's Wells in the West End".
- 5 Sadler's Wells Theatre, Rosebery Ave, EC1R 4TN (tube: Angel NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7863-8000. Leading dance production theatre with an amazing history back to the 1690s. Everything from classical ballet to hip hop. For ballet fans, you have often got a much better chance of securing a ticket here than in the Covent Garden venues. Also attached is the Lilian Baylis Theatre, primarily performances by students.
- Somerset House Ice Rink, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (tube: Charing Cross BAK NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7845-4600. In the courtyard of Somerset House, this has become a Londoner's favorite, although how it will compete with the newcomers remains to be seen. It is preferable to visit at night, when the Christmas tree is lit up.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QA (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C or Angel NOR ). Mon–Sat 9AM–6PM. Area with lifestyle, fashion, health, book and interior shops. Trendy independent shops on a pedestrianised street.
- 2 Hatton Garden, Hatton Gdn, EC1N (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ). This street is the centre of London's jewellery trade and especially famous for diamonds. A lot of dealers and designers to choose from, both contemporary and traditional.
- 3 Leather Lane Market, Leather Ln, EC1N (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ). Mon–Fri 10AM–3PM. Not much leather sold here these days but worth a visit for some great cheap finds. Clothing, electrical goods, toiletries and food. Combines well with a visit to Hatton Garden which is in the next street east.
- 4 The Old Curiosity Shop, 13–14 Portsmouth St, WC2A 2ES (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7405-9891. closed. The original shop immortalised in the Charles Dickens' novel by the same name. Nestled amongst the campus of LSE, it is worth a visit just for the old Tudor design itself. The shop is closed but the building still stands, there is some talk of a restoration project but information is limited.
- 5 Smithfield Market, 225 Central Markets, EC1A 9LH (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ELI ), ☏ +44 20 7248-3151. Mon-Fri 3AM-noon. Smithfield Market is London's largest wholesale meat market and hence a great source of fresh meat from Britain and around the world. Additionally, there are many good restaurants in the vicinity.
- 6 Tesco Express, 1-23 City Rd, EC1Y 1AG. Small, local branch of the supermarket. Starbucks and Eat next door.
- 7 Waitrose, Cherry Tree Walk Centre, Whitecross St, EC1Y 8NX. Slightly more upmarket supermarket.
Eat
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[edit | edit source]- 1 Hare Krishna cart, Houghton St. Mon–Fri 1–2PM. Shows up on the edge of Houghton St regularly on weekdays offering free vegan food, if you don't mind the sogginess and queue.
- 2 Whitecross Street Market, 1 Whitecross Street, EC1V 9AB, ☏ +44 20 7527-1761. Mon–Sat 10AM–5PM. Eclectic street-food market.
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 3 Necco, 52-54 Exmouth Market, ☏ +44 20 7713-8575. Mon-Sat noon-9:30PM. Japanese cafe bar with home-made sushi and a range of bento-box combinations. Friendly staff. Lunch around £6.50.
- 4 LSE Students' Union bar, Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, 1 Sheffield St. They sell tasty lunchtime meals
- 5 Wright's Bar, Houghton St, Clare Market. Excellent value little cafe with friendly Italian family serving, tasty sandwiches and coffee. Gets crowded with LSE students come lunch.
- 6 atis Old Street, 145 City Road, EC1V 1AZ, ☏ +44 7425 258177, oldstreet@atisfood.com. Mon–Thu 11AM–8PM, Fri 11AM–4PM. Bowls and salads with ingredients like quinoa, kale, and edamame, striking an impressive balance of healthy, tasty, and reasonably priced. £6–10 (Sept 2020).
- 7 Mola Cafe, 187 Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8QP, ☏ +44 20 7608-0024. Cheery cafe serving breakfast and lunch. £10–15 (Dec 2020).
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 8 My Old Dutch, 131-132 High Holborn. Pancake house. Offers £5 for any pancakes, but only on Monday. Nice selection of Dutch and European beers. £4–10.
- 9 The Green, 29 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7490-8010, hello@thegreenec1.co.uk. Easygoing gastro-pub with good quality, reasonably priced lunch menu, and tapas in the evening. £10-15 mains.
- 10 Isolabella, 45 Red Lion St, WC1R 4PF (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7405-6830, info@lingottorestaurant.com. Italian restaurant.
- 11 Moro, 34-36 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QE (tube: Angel NOR or Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7833-8336, info@moro.co.uk. Mon-Sat 12:30-11:20PM (2:30-7PM tapas only). Offering North African/Spanish cuisine and serving the best tapas in the city. While there are endless options for meat eaters, there are also some tasty delights for vegetarians. Mains £18.50.
- 12 Smiths of Smithfield, 67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ, ☏ +44 20 7251-7950. Mon-Fri noon-3PM, 6-11PM; Sat 6-11PM. Grade II listed four-floor restaurant in Smithfield Market. Opening hours listed are for top-floor restaurant and terrace. Ground floor cafe and bar open longer hours: M-F 7AM-5PM; Sa Su 9:30AM-5PM. Main meal from £16.
- 13 Daddy Donkey, 50b Leather Lane, EC1N 7TP, ☏ +44 20 7404-4173. Mon–Sat 11AM–8PM, Sun 11AM–4PM. Mexican restaurant with a simple menu of mix-and-match burritos.
- 14 Pham Sushi, 159 Whitecross St, EC1Y 8JL, ☏ +44 20 7251-6336. Two locations, one at 159 Whitecross St and one at 5 Moor Lane, EC2Y 9AP.
- 15 The George, 213 Strand, WC2R 1AP, ☏ +44 20 7353-9638. Established in 1723, not much of the decor has changed in this traditional English pub, where you can order happily inexpensive, tasty food.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- Bouchon Racine, 66 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BP (two minutes walk from Farringdon station, upstairs from the Three Compasses pub), ☏ +44 2072533368. Tue-Sat noon-3PM, 6-10PM. Traditional French cooking, done extremely well but with prices to match.
- St John, 26 St John St EC1M 4AY, ☏ +44 20 725 108 48. Daily noon-10:15PM. Famous English restaurant and pioneer of the 'nose-to-tail eating' concept.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Pubs and bars
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Clerkenwell
[edit | edit source]- 1 Betsey Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Rd (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ). Live music in the cellar every Friday. Venue is like a very small dungeon, but they know what is good music.
- 2 The Craft Beer Company, 82 Leather Ln, EC1N 7TR (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C or Chancery Lane CEN ), clerkenwell@thecraftbeerco.com. Mon–Sat noon–11PM; Sun noon–10:30PM. One of RateBeer's Top 50 bars in the world, and only one of two in the UK (see CASK Pub & Kitchen in Pimlico for the other). Famous for its vast selection beers: cask, keg and bottle.
- 3 Crown Tavern, 43 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0EG (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7253-4973. Mon–Fri noon–11PM; Sat Sun 10AM–11PM. A large, traditional pub, rebuilt in 1815 but claiming a history on this site back to 1641. In good weather, outdoor tables in the square can be pleasant. London legend claims that Stalin and Lenin first met in this pub, in a back room (under the "Conspirators' Clock") in 1903.
- 4 The Dovetail, 9-10 Jerusalem Passage EC1V 4JP, ☏ +44 20 7490-7321, dovetail@dovepubs.com. Mon-Sat noon-11PM. Small Belgian bar serving Belgian beer and Belgian food.
- 5 Fox & Anchor, 115 Charterhouse St, EC1M 6AA (tube: Barbican MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7250-1300, info@foxandanchor.com. Mon–Thu 7AM–11PM; Fri 7AM–midnight; Sat 8:30AM–midnight; Sun 8:30AM–10PM. Independent traditional pub quite close to the Barbican. Beers are often served in pewter tankards for the extra traditional touch. Six rooms are available for those who want to sleep where they drink (or just near the Barbican). Great atmosphere but it can be a little more expensive than average, especially the food and lodging.
- 6 Horseshoe, 24 Clerkenwell Cl, EC1R 0AG (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7253-6068. Irish pub where they play live Irish music every Thursday at 8PM (check it on the net!). But, be there in due time, else you risk house full!
- 7 The Holy Tavern, 55 Britton Street, EC1M 5UQ (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7490-4281. A converted Georgian coffee shop, which sells the Norfolk beer, St. Peters. The building is from the 1700s, remodelled in 1810, and it was converted in the 1990s, making this both a new and an old pub. The interior is a little small so, while well worth a visit, after 5PM on weekdays it gets quickly flooded with City workers.
- Zetter Town House on St John's Square: see Sleep for the madcap "Great Aunt Wilhelmina" cocktail bar.
Finsbury
[edit | edit source]- 8 Cafe Kick, 43 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL (tube: Angel NOR or Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7837-8077. Mon-Sat 11AM-11PM; Sun 11AM-10:30PM. Hidden down a backstreet away from the busier parts of Clerkenwell, lies a cosy little bar crammed with several table football machines, and a good selection of cocktails. In the summer people spread out onto the pedestrianised street and chat in the sun. Happy hour 4-7PM daily.
- 9 Water Rats Pub, 328 Gray's Inn Rd, WC1X 8BZ (tube: King's Cross MET NOR PIC CIR VIC H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7209-8747. Has regular live bands.
Holborn
[edit | edit source]- 10 Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn, WC1V 6BS (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ), ☏ +44 20 7242-7670. Mon–Sat noon–11PM, Sun noon-6PM. The interior gives the impression of being a historic relic but it was only built in 1924 (although there have been other pubs on the site since 1430). Lack of authenticity aside, it really is an impressive and atmospheric pub, a grade II listed building and on CAMRA's national inventory of historic pub interiors. Food is served Monday to Saturday.
- 11 The Knights Templar, 95 Chancery Ln, WC2A 1DT (tube: Chancery Lane CEN ), ☏ +44 20 7831-2660. Mon–Wed 8AM–11PM; Thu Fri 8AM–11:30PM; Sat 11AM–5PM. Part of the JD Wetherspoon chain. The building is the former Union Bank and it has nice high-vaulted ceilings with black pillars. The drinks range includes a range of often changing guests beers.
- 12 The Penderel's Oak, 286–288 High Holborn, WC1V 7HJ (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7242-5669. Sun–Thu 8AM–midnight; Fri Sat 8AM–1AM. Part of the JD Wetherspoon chain. The open-plan, L-shaped ground floor bar is known for a varied selection of guest beers (but poor Wi-Fi). The basement bar is actually part of the Lloyds No. 1 chain, with background music and a different atmosphere.
- 13 The Shakespeare's Head, 64-68 Kingsway, WC2B 6BG (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7404-8846. Mon–Thu 8AM–midnight; Fri 7AM-1AM; Sat 8AM-1AM; Sun 8AM–midnight. Part of the JD Wetherspoon chain.
- 14 The Square Pig, 30-32 Procter St, WC1V 6NX (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7691-3144. Mon–Fri noon–11PM. Can be pricey and crowded too, but that's because it's used for large language-exchange and online meet-ups.
- 15 Ye Olde Mitre, 1 Ely Ct, EC1N 6SJ (tube: Chancery Lane CEN or Farringdon MET CIR H&C ; down a narrow alley between Hatton Gdn and Ely Pl), ☏ +44 20 7405-4751, yeoldemitre@fullers.co.uk. Mon–Fri 11AM–11PM. Called the hardest to find pub in London. A small but historic and award-winning pub; it dates to 1586 and marked the boundary between the gardens of Christopher Hatton and the Bishop of Ely. Parts of the Tudor pub remain, although it was rebuilt in 1757 and partially altered in 1781 and 1930; now a Grade II listed building. It's tied to Fuller's brewery, so it has their usual range plus a few unusual guests. Only open one weekend in the year, to coincide with CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival in August.
- 16 Ye Old White Horse (The Horse), 2 St. Clements Ln, WC2A 2HA (tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7242-5618. Mon-Sat 11AM-11PM. Great little Victorian pub adjacent to the LSE campus. The Horse is one of the last remaining little boozers of its kind; a true throwback. Warm, welcoming, well-preserved interior, well-kept real ales, and a low-priced selection of sandwiches and pub meals make this place worth a visit while passing through Holborn.
St. Luke's
[edit | edit source]- 17 The Masque Haunt, 168–172 Old St, ☏ +44 20 7251-4195. Daily Sun 9AM–11PM. If you are into pubs and pub food, and especially the J.D. Wetherspoon concept, this is a very good spot. It is priced a notch under its more central sister pubs. The extensive menu consists of a good selection of general healthier pub food (pastas, salads, vegetarian burger, etc.), but also traditional food like potato & mash, fish & chips. For a good deal, go for the 2-for-1 at £6.99.
- 18 Old Fountain, 31 Baldwin Street, EC1V 9NU (tube: Old Street NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7253-2970. Mon-Fri 11AM-11PM; Sat Sun noon-11PM. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011. This traditional pub is best known for its large and varied beer selection, often from local and micro-breweries, both cask and bottled.
Clubs
[edit | edit source]- 19 Fabric, 77a Charterhouse St, EC1M 6HJ (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7336-8898. Thu-Sat times vary (check listings). A massive club (think cathedral scale) that provides a more underground version of Ministry of Sound and hosts some of the biggest names in dance music, from Goldie to David Holmes to the Scratch Perverts. There are always big queues, so get down early if you can. Entry £12-18, discount for NUS.
- 20 The Nightjar, 129 City Road, EC1V 1JB (tube: Old Street NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7253-4101, info@barnightjar.com. Sun-Wed 6PM-1AM; Thu 6PM-2AM; Fri Sat 6PM-3AM. Speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Regular live music fitting the prohibition era theme. Entry W Th £5, F Sa £7. Cocktails from £9.
- 21 Sosho, 2 Tabernacle St (tube: Old Street NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7920-0701. Tue noon-midnight; Wed Thu noon-1AM; Fri noon-3AM; Sat 7PM-4AM; Sun 9PM-6AM. Sosho is a former photographic studio and warehouse space converted into a two floor restaurant, bar, lounge and club with a 24 hour licence, midway between the city and central Shoreditch. Sosho is light and airy during the day time, candle lit and loungey in the evening. Serve carefully sourced and proper food, with world class cocktails and great music on one of East London's best sound system. With a 24 hour licence it is a late night drinking and DJ bar during the week and a cutting edge clubbing venue at the weekend.
- 22 McQueen, 55-61 Tabernacle St (tube: Old Street NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7036-9229.
- 23 XOYO, 32-37 Cowper St, ☏ +44 20 7608-2878.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]There are not too many hotel options in this district and visitors are better off looking in neighbouring Bloomsbury.
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 LSE Vacations (London School of Economics). LSE offers residences to the general public during spring, summer, and winter student vacation periods. There are seven sites in central London. Single from £32, twin from £50, triple from £64.
- 2 Swinton Hotel, 18-24 Swinton St, WC1X 9NX (tube: King's Cross MET NOR PIC CIR VIC H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7837-1451, swintonhotel@hotmail.com. Good value bed and breakfast in the north west of the district. From £55.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 3 The One Tun Pub & Rooms, 125 Saffron Hill EC1N 8QS (west side of Farringdon Station), ☏ +44 20 7405-1521. Check-in: 15:00–22:30, check-out: 00:00–11:00. Smart pub with Thai cuisine and rooms. B&B double £150.
- 4 Hotel Strand Contiental, 143 Strand, WC2R 1JA (tube: Temple DIS CIR ), ☏ +44 20 7836-4880, strandcontinentalhotel@gmail.com. Excellently-located on south side of the Aldywch, straddling Westminster and the City. While it could be noisy at night and it appears small and grimy from the outside, there is a superb Indian restaurant on the 2nd floor. From £70.
- 5 MiNC Eagle Court, Eagle Court, 10-11 Britton St, EC1M 5QD (tube: Farringdon MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7397-1325, sales@mincapartments.com. Studio, one and two bedroom service apartments. Very modern and nicely appointed. From £99.
- 6 The Hoxton, 199 High Holborn, WC1V 7BD (100 yards west of Holborn Tube station CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7661-3000. Lively modern hotel, some rooms are very small. They have another branch in Shoreditch. B&B double £220.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 7 Malmaison London, 18-21 Charterhouse Sq, EC1M 6AH (Tube: Barbican MET CIR H&C ), ☏ +44 20 7012-3700, london@malmaison.com. Around £200.
- 8 Rosewood Chancery Court London, 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN (Tube: Holborn CEN PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7781-8888, london@rosewoodhotels.com. Try this hotel for a very upscale experience. It is in an older building that has been beautifully renovated (formerly HQ of Pearl Assurance). There is high-speed internet, but the charge is £15 per day. The hotel is air-conditioned. The staff is very helpful. A great experience, if you can pay the rates. From £204.
- 9 The Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Sq, EC2A 1DX (Tube: Moorgate CIR H&C MET NOR ), ☏ +44 20 3873-4000, toll-free: +44 800 2888 100, info@montcalmroyallondoncity.co.uk. Spa hotel with spectacular rooftop bar-restaurant offering view over the skyline. Comfy rooms with all mod cons. Professional, unobtrusive staff. From £180.
- 10 The Rookery, 12 Peter's Lane, Cowcross St, EC1M 6DS (Tube: Farringdon CIR H&C MET ), ☏ +44 20 7336-0931, reservations@rookery.co.uk. Groaning with antiques, an atmosphere that more recalls a private gentleman's club than a hotel. No dogs. B&B double from £270.
- 11 The Zetter Hotel, St John's Square, 86 Clerkenwell Rd EC1M 5RJ, ☏ +44 20 7324-4444. Business hotel in a Victorian warehouse, good restaurant. Stylish but sensible (for something wacky, try their townhouses adjacent and in Marylebone). Assistance dogs only. B&B double £300.
- 12 Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell, 49 St John's Square EC1V 4JJ (next to The Zetter), ☏ +44 20 7324-4567. Offbeat hotel, the concept is that it's the home of dingbat "Great Aunt Wilhelmina". Gets good reviews for comfort and service, and it looks like the old lady could knock a few back - the splendid cocktail bar is open W-Sa 12:00-23:00, reckon £12 a snort. (Their similar townhouse in Marylebone is styled for "Great Uncle Seymour"). Assistance dogs only. B&B double £250.
Stay healthy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Portmans Pharmacy, 5 Cherry Tree Walk, Whitecross St, EC1Y 8NX, ☏ +44 20 7638-0067. Mon–Fri 9AM–6:30PM; Sat 9AM–5PM.
Cope
[edit | edit source]Newspapers and magazines
[edit | edit source]- The Clerkenwell Post[dead link], a local lifestyle paper.
Go next
[edit | edit source]| Routes through Holborn-Clerkenwell |
| Bloomsbury-Soho ← Covent Garden ← | W  E | → The City → East London |
| Mayfair-Marylebone ← Bloomsbury-Camden ← north side of loop ← | W  E | → north side of loop → The City → Continues on south side of loop |
| Westminster ← Covent Garden ← south side of loop ← | W E | → south side of loop → The City → Continues on north side of loop |
| Westminster ← Covent Garden ← | W  E | → The City → East London |
| Hammersmith and Fulham ← Bloomsbury-Camden ← | W  E | → The City → East London |
| North London ← Bloomsbury-Camden ← | W  E | → The City → END |
| Bloomsbury ← Islington ← | N  S | → The City → South London |
| Westminster-Mayfair-Marylebone ← Covent Garden ← | W  N | → Bloomsbury → North London |
| Mayfair-Marylebone ← Soho/Covent Garden ← | W  E | → East End → East |
| Routes through Holborn-Clerkenwell |
| Watford ← Islington ← | NW  S | → The City |
| Paddington ← Covent Garden ← | W  E | → The City |