Pub in London WC1
Friend at Hand
2-4 Herbrand Street, London, WC1N 1HXClosest station: Russell Square, about 1 min walk4.3out of 5 on Google, from 1,904 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Friend at Hand
Traditional pub with stripped floors and multi-screen live sports.
Easily missed, just around from Russell Square, off Bernard St (note the pub sign), close to the Horse Hospital, built in 1797, originally a purpose built stable for 24 horses, now an arts venue. The street also housed London’s first public ambulance station. Lots of dark wooden panelling, dark rose and cream wallpaper, a low red ceiling and soft lighting create a warm, cosy feel for this more traditional pub. It has a welcoming atmosphere as its size encourages the clientele to talk as diners mingle with drinkers. Maybe this is the way it has always been, being built in 1735 it has had plenty of time to build its reputation; reportedly Dickens was a customer. Food is traditional fayre with the piece de resistance being a four pie platter with mash, peas and gravy, served until 21.30.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating: Pavement seating in Summer
- Sports TV: Three screen not always showing the same game.
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Cask Marque
- Disabled Access: To pub only
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Greene King
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7837 5524
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.3out of 5 on Google, from 1,904 ratings
5 out of 5Jeremyon Google, September 2024
Great little pub close to Russel Sq and British Museum. Good food, fish and chips and pies. Wide variety of drafts for about 7 pounds. Clean washrooms and spacious dining room. Off the main road so never too busy but right behind the Piccadilly line train so super convenient!!
3 out of 5James Alec Hardyon Google, June 2024
Beer good and on standard. Steak and Kidney Pie- at first site looked promising though felt a bit short changed on the mash. On opening the pie a flood of gravy oozed out, and a very disappointing amount of actual filling. In fact 3 morsels of steak/and or kidney. The meat was short- like the pastry,so much that it could probably be described as vegetarian. For £15 rather disappointing.
5 out of 5Jeff Zimmermanon Google, January 2024
Exceptional pub, friendly atmosphere, good food with tasty beers. I love the overall essence of the place, truly a home away from home. Get in early for dinner or drink, and it can get busy. Cheers!
5 out of 5Peter Checkettson Google, July 2024
Friend at Hand - forget Pret etc - tucked away in quiet mews off Bloomsbury Square - perfect for pint & a pie - felt v local - great bakery Fortitude v close - forget Pret The foot is from the British Museum, also nearby
4 out of 5Graham Andreon Google, May 2024
Got there early afternoon and very quiet but soon filled up as the FA Cup was on. Nice TV screens and friendly bar staff.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.