Pub in London WC1
Calthorpe Arms
252 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8JRClosest station: Russell Square, about 11 min walk4.2out of 5 on Google, from 440 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Calthorpe Arms
Traditional Victorian corner pub with banquettes and heavy curtains, for real ales and British menu.
On a quick visit in October 2024 just 2 beers available as listed. Great friendly pub and reasonable prices for this bit of London. Background music is played but when busy you won't hear it!
NOTE - the website listed was that set up by the previous tenant and so bears little resemblance to what you will find today. The Facebook page does appear to be operarted by the new tenants.
Following the sale of the pub to Punch and the retirement of the long-standing licensee before Xmas 2021, it is fair to say that this pub has gone through some changes. There are now three televisions and a juke box. Clearly refurbished on the change of ownership but with the exception of the additional electronic devices the same feel as before. The kitchen is (Feb 2022) closed but it is planned to reopen. The function room is still in use eg the folk club is meeting there.
On the corner with Wren Street, where pavement seating is available, this comfortable, single bar pub is popular with locals and office workers alike. In 1830, it was used as a temporary magistrates' court after the first recorded murder of a policeman on duty. Young’s bought the pub in 1984 but in 2021, as part of a larger sale, it was bought by Punch. Three times local CAMRA Pub of the Year while owned by Young's.
May 2024 - Planning applications – refused 2024/0052/L.*new Erection of two-storey infill extension at rear; reconfigurations to internal floor plan at all levels; and associated internal and external works.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating: Outside benches
- Sports TV: Usually sound off
- Serves Food
- Real Ale
- Function Room
- Events: Pub quiz Weds
- WiFi
- Good for Groups
- Smoking
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 11:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Price
- 1 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.2out of 5 on Google, from 440 ratings
2 out of 5Tony Duriezon Google, March 2024
Poor beer selection and unwelcoming staff on this small traditional pub. Walked in with a group or 6 people during quiet hours with a few locals present and plenty of space available seats . Four of us ordered drinks while the other two, who didn't want to drink anything, were asked to either order something or leave, despite the pub to be half empty. While I understand this is up to the pub to set up their own policies, this is rather unfriendly and is not a pub I would recommend to anyone.
5 out of 5Chris H J LOEternalon Google, April 2023
Lovely quaint pub Friendly staff and great jukebox. Barman Ben is a superhero and super nice and super efficient. The exceptional Kat is awesome and provides an extraordinary experience Go there for the best in London
1 out of 5María Paula Marroquín Ruizon Google, July 2024
I had the worst experience with the staff. They canceled a booking we had for the final of the Euros 24 hours before, and because of that, I asked to talk to the manager. She shouted, INSULTED, and threatened me in a phone call.
1 out of 5Lorenzo Beltrameon Google, July 2024
Booked a table for today's EuroCup final, been left stranded at the last minute with a text this morning "we don't take reservations for today, your table has been canceled". Very unprofessional behaviour, now me and my friends have to find where to watch the match, knowing everywhere it's fully booked. Awful Awful Awful
1 out of 5Doménica Rodríguezon Google, July 2024
Terrible service. They canceled the booking on the same day of the event, that we booked with one week of anticipation, and also the manager was extremely rude and disrespectful. Not the service a customer deserves.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.