The Nell Gwynne Tavern image

The Nell Gwynne Tavern

Bar Pub

Traditional pub with dark wood decor, hanging lamps and jukebox, serving draught beers and toasties. People often mention great, music, hidden, small, London, beer, atmosphere, people, staff, Strand,


Address

2 Bull Inn Ct, London WC2R 0NP, United Kingdom

Website

www.thenellgwynne.com

Contact

+44 20 7240 5579

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 10:30 pm
  • Monday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 12 to 11 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (19) music (13) hidden (12) small (12) London (11) beer (11) atmosphere (10) people (10) staff (9) Strand (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jennifer C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little pub hidden down a small side street near to The Adelphi Theatre. They have a great selection of beers and spirits and staff are nice and friendly too. £3 for a pint of Tribute amazing!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David S. 2 years ago on Google
    This lovely, traditional pub is located in an alleyway just off the Strand, so close to the theatres and grand hotels. Popular for after work drinks and pre/post-theatre visits, so it does get very busy. Normally a great atmosphere, both inside and in the alley, and drinks are reasonably priced for the area. An historic hidden treasure, definitely worth a visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J. Q. 6 months ago on Google
    It is a bar that hidden in a little alleyway near Charing Cross station. Lots of people standing in front of the bar drinking, the atmosphere is very light and casual, people are chatting happily and also smoking. There are quite a lot draft beers selections. There are some pickled eggs at the bar. The bartender said that it is a tradition of this pub however I didn’t get to try it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The London Pub M. 2 years ago on Google
    🚇 Charing Cross 🍺 £5.30 Guinness ❤️ A historic and hidden treasure which is steeped in local history. . Tucked away in an alleyway just off The Strand you’ll find the Grade II listed Nell Gwynne Tavern. Nell Gwynne was a long term mistress of King Charles II but was in her own right a local celebrity “Pretty Witty Nell”. This pub was rebuilt in the late 1890’s on the site of the Old Bull Inn which existed in 1667. Today the pub endures and is a very atmospheric and charismatic place. As you walk up the alleyway to the pub from The Strand keep an eye out for the ornate tile work on the walls. As you enter the pub you are immediately transported back in time as you immerse yourself in to the dimly lit and sumptuous surroundings. Luckily for me the pub wasn’t overly busy, so I managed to see more of the decor and makeup of this boozer. The walls are covered in a deep red wallpaper with an eclectic mix of photos. Also, the ceiling is dark red which adds to the atmosphere and feel this pub gives you. The woodwork here is dark, there is beautiful ornate bar area and a simple fireplace. I had a pint of Guinness which was decent enough and not overly priced. The service was good, the girl serving me had the brasso out polishing up the cask ale hand pumps which is no envious job. . I loved visiting this old and historic pub, I tried to imagine what it was like all those years ago when this pub would have been full over flower sellers from Covent Garden and maybe some local gentry. This pub is one of Londons hidden gems and thoroughly enjoyable pub experience. . 📊 Information correct on visiting 17/03/22 .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Tollets T. 4 years ago on Google
    Pub hopping for the day and came across this tiny pub while poking through the alleyway out of curiosity. One of the smallest pubs I’ve been to in London. Atmosphere was uncrowded thus restful . Sat next to the piano and imagined what it would be like having a singalong there. It’s historical connection to royalty is interesting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 eric w. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely local pub with a lot of flare . U miss it when u don’t know it . Keep ur eyes open for the little street
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Poom S. 11 months ago on Google
    Cool little gem of a pub!! A pint of beer was £7. But what I liked most was the music and the fun atmosphere with nice crowd on a Saturday night. The last drink bell rang about 10:40 pm. If I’m in the area, I will definitely go again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great pints, great memories (or lack thereof), cockney singalongs also add value
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnathan S. 2 years ago on Google
    Centrally located in the heart of London a perfect place for anyone who loves classic pubs. Fish and chips are amazing!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 oriana t. 1 year ago on Google
    Was looking for a spot near Covent Garden and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a great place for a casual meet up- drinks are cheap and the music is fun. Open Sundays until 8pm. The staff is very friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin B. 5 months ago on Google
    Great pub but stairs down to the toilet are so dangerous. Way too steep and limited head hight. Be careful if you have been drinking as you could end up in a pile at the botoom. Shame as great pub with lovely atmosphere. Superb beers. Gin served in a tall glass which is wrong. Should be a bowl glass. We had a superb time in here. Will be back soon
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 EM W. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome pub offering the basics in a very memorable setting. It's tiny and people often spill out into the alley, which just adds to the ambiance. It's got a piano, cold beer and sarcastic bartenders. What more could you ask for?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Roger F. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice small alleyway pub, not as expensive as some others in the area. But the beer, awful. Pint of Sambrooks Wandle was just awful, did not taste like Sambrooks and when i mentioned this, i was told this was the first day open this year. Try tasting the beer before you sell it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little pub in a side alley you might never find if you don't know where it is. Small and homely with a good range of beers and ales. People drink outside all the time which is fun as well. Smallest stairs in history down to the bathrooms, watch your head! Definitely worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Irena S. 2 months ago on Google New
    Cute little pub with great selection of drinks.. no food though, only crisps. Such a shame about the loudly blasting music which was overpowering any conversation... Couldn't even order a drink without having to shout twice. Also the smell of bleach was quite strong when we visited. The toilets are downstairs, so might not be suitable for those with accessibility needs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jack S. 4 years ago on Google
    Classic British boozer with great tasting Guinness, warm and friendly staff not afraid to give a bit of banter
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cathy D. 1 year ago on Google
    I turned a corner in Central London's theatreland the other day, down a very small alley, and discovered this wonderful little tavern. A great place for a pint and catch-up with an authentic feel and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Russ S. 1 year ago on Google
    On of my favourite pubs in central London. This is a small pub in a narrow alley off Strand. No frills or gimmicks. My only negative is that I’m not a fan of TVs in pubs as it’s distracting. Good beer and reasonably priced - they also offer a ‘flight’ of 3 x 1/3 pints for those people who want to try a range. Nice touch. Free Wi-Fi. Mind your head on the way back from the toilet - catches me every single time.

  • 5/5 Suraj V. 1 year ago on Google
    Good selection of beers and great atmosphere. A hidden gem of london.

  • 5/5 Colin W. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely pub tucked away off The Strand, staff really friendly and welcoming, prices a little bit expensive but this is London.. in a January night you notice that the bar has no central heating and sat by a fire place that had no fire it was a little cold. Still, second time here and will definitely return.

  • 4/5 Daniel M. 4 months ago on Google
    Solid selection of cheeses, beers but you're not here for that - the atmosphere of what must be one of the smallest pubs in the UK is awesome. Genuine traditional English pub, great wee spot.

  • 5/5 Steve B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a lovely pub full of character and not too packed. Prices are reasonable for London and the ambiance in the place make you feel comfortable. It has a free duke box which is a nice touch and the music is at a comfortable level so you can still talk.😊

  • 4/5 Keith S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice pub with friendly staff. Toilets are a bit of a trek down some treacherous stairs but clean enough. Nice beer, but not a huge selection of Real Ales.

  • 5/5 Bobby 1 year ago on Google
    If you're looking for a beautiful pub in a tourist area that doesn't get a lot of tourists, The Nell Gwynne Tavern is the perfect spot. Tucked away in an unassuming location, this hidden gem is easy to miss but definitely worth seeking out. Upon entering, you'll be struck by the intimate and cosy atmosphere. The pub is small, but it's the perfect size for a quiet drink or a catch up with friends and there's always room to stand outside if its busy there on a Friday or Saturday night. The decor is classic and understated, with beautiful wooden beams and antique furnishings adding to the old-world charm. Its hidden location means that it doesn't get overrun with tourists, so you can enjoy a drink in a charming and authentic pub without feeling like you're in the busy West End

  • 5/5 Brad A. 11 months ago on Google
    Amazing pub, great selection of beer

  • 3/5 Uvais M. 1 year ago on Google
    I don’t go to pub. Its prohibited. Sorry

  • 5/5 Chamba 7 months ago on Google
    Small little pub located behind a small ally. Reminded me of the small bars in Tokyo and people drinking outside. Nice place for some brews. Doesn’t look they serve food but have chips hanging on the walls. Great place to check out.

  • 5/5 James G. 8 months ago on Google
    A delightful hidden gem of a pub just off the Strand. Always playing cracking music. Tiny and bustling, the bar is a squeeze with locals and tourists, and on a summer’s day there’s space to stand outside and perch with a drink for a good catchup with friends. An all-too-rare find in London these days: a proper pub, popular with locals and Londoners, serving good ales, and brilliantly positioned for all the sights and delights of Theatreland.

  • 5/5 P. D. 7 months ago on Google
    I love this little pub. Went here for a quick drink with a friend everyone was in there trying to get out of the quick down pour which came on. Loud music playing everyone singing along some were even dancing outside when the rain stopped.i had a lot of fun😝

  • 4/5 Andrea C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Secret pub along the Strand. The search itself deserve a star. The rest is a small but cosy place where drinking a beer far from the noisy Covent Garden.

  • 1/5 Andy K. 2 months ago on Google New
    We instantly liked the look of this pub and were lucky enough to get a table. Two problems - no food of any kind (apart from crisps). And the music. It was TOO LOUD. I asked the counter staff to turn it down - which he seemed to do - but it went up again even louder! Essentially we had to shout to have any kind of conversation and people at the bar ordering had to lean over and bellow. The barman even had to cup his ear because he couldn’t hear! Why was it so loud? No idea. A ploy to keep customers moving? Well it worked - we moved to a pub nearby and had dinner and more drinks. We would have stayed if they’d sold food and the music volume was tolerable. Such a nice place, such a shame.

  • 5/5 Travis M. 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous little pub next to The Adelphi theatre, serves a great pint of Guinness!

  • 5/5 David H. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a drink after a concert at the theatre. Giovanni made us feel welcomed.

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 4 years ago on Google
    Popped in here for a pint and all I can say is this is a hidden gem! As always you find great places like this off the beaten track, we’ll definitely go back!

  • 5/5 B L. 4 years ago on Google
    The Nell Gywnne - lovely cosy pub with great beer selection & friendly staff - winner 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly O. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely pub, great juke box, great staff

  • 5/5 Jane P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great mulled wine, real gem tucked away.

  • 5/5 pat c. 4 years ago on Google
    Very small but cosy, people were friendly

  • 4/5 John G. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely hidden historic London pub just off The Strand. Beer £3.70 per pint.

  • 4/5 Sally and Nigel S. 2 years ago on Google
    Old fashioned London pub. Very small inside and few tables, mostly high stools and a shelf around the outside. Full when we went in, 2 married women on a day out, then a huge crowd of blokes and 2 women came in and just kept coming in. We were pleased to leave them to it. But not very clever to choose the smallest possible place for such a large gathering! 😭

  • 5/5 Benjamin M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very homely tiny pub with a very nice interior and a feel to it. Has a traditional pub-cum-dive bar feel to it with a good old smell of stale beer and alcohol soaked curtains flirting with mould. :) Really cool intimate place. Will definitely be bringing people here. Very unique.

  • 5/5 松純 1 year ago on Google
    Aug 2022. It seem small house. However it is filled with good vibes and well maintained beers. There is free jukebox and soundless TV. I love beer with music. That’s great place for me. FYI, It is not gastro pub but traditional one.

  • 1/5 Patrick F. 1 year ago on Google
    Am a regular customer, love the place. However on the 18/7/2022 there was a new manager playing the music very loud - it was too loud inside the pub to maintain a conversation, so i asked if he could turn the music down a bit. But he refused, saying that "people come to pubs for loud music". We left after a single drink, as did two other tables. I guess he didn't get the memo: People go to CLUBS to listen to loud music. PUBS are places for conversation!

  • 5/5 vilma g. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this pub ..so much character and history .. I used to come here in the 70s when working at the Adelphi Theater .....lots of lovely memories.. Staff helpful and love the fact that The Nell Gwynn has a rich past of historic interest.. Tucked away in an Alley that has many stories of London's wonderful history ...

  • 2/5 A M G. 1 year ago on Google
    Dark n dirty. Mind ya head if using loos. You'll knock yaself out otherwise. Regulars and staff seem to enjoy people hurting themselves. Which I would imagine is a Health & Safety issue for the local council??? I knew it was like that as I'd made mistake of going in here before. Not again. Don't visit if your Claustrophobic!!!

  • 5/5 Igor K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great pub hidden in a small passage. Selection of beers, friendly service, nice atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Marcus B. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great classic British pub. Zach was was so great and accommodating. Love this incredible little find in central London.

  • 5/5 Frank G. 1 year ago on Google
    Blink and you'll miss the turning for this place. Located just off te busy Strand, the Nell Gwynne is a charming little spot ideal for a pre-drink or somewhere to spend the night in a relaxed environment...just mind your head going down the stairs to the toilets.

  • 5/5 Ahmad Shah I. 6 years ago on Google
    The term "authentic pub" gets thrown about in London a lot, but I reckon this fits the bill. If you're looking for a warm cosy place to have a pint with a friend after work in central London, Nell Gwynne is a good choice! As busy as any pub would be, but surprisingly low on tourists. I went on a Friday at 6 and I got 2 bar seats in reasonable time. Toasty wasn't too bad either!


Call +44 20 7240 5579 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Food at bar
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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