Pub in London WC2
Nell of Old Drury
29 Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JSClosest station: Covent Garden, about 5 min walk4.5out of 5 on Google, from 298 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Nell of Old Drury
Pub drawing a crowd from the local theatre, linked to it by a tunnel (allegedly used by Charles II).
Small cosy pub opposite the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Licensed in 1835 as the Sir John Falstaff and rebuilt in 1883. Renamed by 1965 after the orange seller and mistress of King Charles II, Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn, reputedly born in a coalyard in Drury Lane. She was witty, shrewd, saucy and sexy, and a magnet for the period's alpha male, Charles II. A tunnel used by the king to visit Nell is reputed to link the pub and the theatre.
The present-day clientele is a mix of locals, tourists, after-work drinkers and, of course, theatregoers (who need to cross the road, since the tunnel cannot be found!); there is an interval drinks service available for the latter. The first floor offers extra seating and can be hired as a function room. If you are lucky, you may be able to bag the ground-floor bow window seats overlooking Catherine Street. Please note: no sports colours or large groups encouraged - it's a very small pub!
As at November 2021 planning app 21/06477/FULL "Construction of fourth floor roof extension and use of second, third and fourth floors as two residential flats (1x 1 bed and 1 x 2 bed flats) and associated external alterations" had been permitted,
As at start of July 2024 the licence is in the process of being transferred to "Pretty Witty Pub Company Ltd" with the DPS being Andrew Lawton who is a director of said company.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Live Music
- Sports TV
- Family Friendly: Children welcome upstairs
- Serves Food
- Real Ale
- Function Room: Upstairs
- Events: See venue website
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Newspapers
- 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 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7046 1304
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.5out of 5 on Google, from 298 ratings
4 out of 5Dave Ockendenon Google, July 2023
Nice atmosphere in this lovely old pub, filled with old and new posters of musicals. Decor was nice as was the beer 🍺 and the bar staff. Didn’t have any food on offer, but would happily eat and drink 🍺 here again 😊
5 out of 5Chad Greenblatton Google, March 2022
Great little relaxed pub in Covent garden offering a wide range of drinks on tap and some cocktails. The atmosphere on a Monday night was very relaxed and every table was enjoying themselves. Unfortunately they didn't have any garnishes for cocktails but it was late on a Monday. Highly recommend especially since it can go under the radar and nice relaxed atmosphere
4 out of 5Jean-François Lappason Google, October 2024
In a city full of pubs, it's easy to start settling for average. The Nell's got personality, a wonderful staff - and serves a good tipple.
5 out of 5Tom Ryan-Elliotton Google, April 2024
After living in London for over 10 years, I have never noticed this here. I'll be back again for such a great selection of beers and Guinness. The love of London and it's huge amount of pubs.
5 out of 5Aithne Tılsımon Google, June 2024
Lovely lovely owners lovely vibe, really chill which is hard to find in the area! My friend's bag got grabbed off her chair and one of the landlords came running out after the thieves and grabbed them, got her bag back, truly the definition of going above and beyond! (and it has seating outside which is a win!)
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.