Pub in London WC1
Rugby Tavern
19 Great James Street, London, WC1N 3ESClosest station: Russell Square, about 9 min walk4.2out of 5 on Google, from 501 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Rugby Tavern
Traditional pub with horseshoe bar, built on land donated by the founder of Rugby School.
IN August 2023 it reopened after a period of closure and at the end of Sept had 4 cask beers available which are as listed. It is not known to what extent (say) the Hobgoblin is a guest.. On the first floor find the ‘Bistro Bleu’ restaurant. In the bar there is a range of bar snacks." The food times given are for "Bar Food". The Bistro Blue opens Mon - Fri 12:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:30, Saturday: 12:00-21:30, Sunday 12:00-19:00.
This was the the first London project for the operator but due to work necessary on the pub it opened after their second venture - the former Knights Templar now the Last Judgment. Berkeley Inns are a Derbyshire gastropub operator and the Rugby Tavern will form part of a new London division. The pub group was established in November 2014, and now also operates the Horseshoes in Long Lane Village, Derbyshire; The Cow in Dalbury Lees; and the Bluebell Inn in Kirk Langley.
Formerly a Nicholson's, then a Fuller's house, then Shepherd Neame. It is so named because it was built around 1850 on land donated by the founder of Rugby School (they still own the freehold). There is a large seating (and smoking) area available outside, which, being in a car free zone, is extremely pleasant during the summer months.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Downstairs only
- Outdoor Seating: Pavement seating
- Sports TV: Large screen
- Family Friendly: Under 18s are welcome between 12:00-21:00 and must be accompanied by an adult.
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch: See text
- Serves Dinner: See text
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Function Room
- Events: Monday Quiz night from 7pm
- Disabled Access
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 9:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Berkeley Inns
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7405 1384
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.2out of 5 on Google, from 501 ratings
5 out of 5Yohinaron Google, August 2024
We are on holiday from Switzerland and we stumbled across this pub on our first day. Since then we went there almost every evening. Service and people are friendly, beautiful scenery and very quiet place. Also the beer is fantastic 🍻
5 out of 5patrick jacobson Google, March 2024
What a fantastic looking place with loads of outside seating. The interior is amazing so classy with beautiful art on the walls. I saw this place being renovated and it’s now under new ownership. The standards are very high here. I can’t comment about the food as the opening was on the 19/7/2023 so food was not being served as yet. The staff are lovely and polite which is always a positive. Lots of smiles and polite upselling which is always appreciated. I will return to add to this review when the food is being served. The area is very upmarket which great but expensive shopping nearby. If…
5 out of 5Karen Jones Citywealthon Google, May 2024
Sweet local pub. Classy glassware. Lovely outside space. Near Holborn.
5 out of 5Steven Fullagaron Google, June 2024
We've just enjoyed a wonderful alfresco lunch at this little gem hidden just off lambs conduit street. The sunshine obviously helped, but the food was exquisite and the service by Jericho was excellent. Will definitely be coming back
5 out of 5John Peerlesson Google, October 2024
Bar tender cares here. I was poured a lovely Dalwhinnie with just the perfect amount of ice. Calm vibes on a weekday evening Thank you.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.