The Sherlock Holmes - Charing Cross - Pub Reviews

Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, the Sherlock Holmes Pub is a Victorian-styled pub at 10 Northumberland Street (St. James’s), just a short stroll from Charing Cross station and Trafalgar Square. This Greene King–owned tavern is famed as one of London’s original themed pubs – an establishment that immerses visitors in the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective. Stepping inside truly feels like stepping back in time: the pub deliberately preserves “a little pocket of Victoriana in modern London”. Dark wooden furnishings, gaslight-style lamps, vintage photographs, and Sherlockian curios line the walls, evoking the atmosphere of an old London inn. Over 60 years old in its current form, this historic venue doubles as a working museum for Sherlock Holmes fans, complete with an upstairs re-creation of the detective’s study. It’s more than a pub – it’s an immersive Sherlock Holmes experience – one that some visitors even find “rather more interesting than the museum” dedicated to Holmes on Baker Street.

History & Heritage

The building’s story stretches back to the 19th century. Originally it was a small hotel in the 1880s, known briefly as the Northumberland Hotel and later as the Northumberland Arms. Conan Doyle himself immortalised the location in fiction – the Northumberland Arms appears by name in the 1892 Sherlock Holmes story “The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor”. (In that tale, Holmes’ client Lord St. Simon stays at the Northumberland, linking the real hotel to Sherlock’s world.) The surrounding neighbourhood even finds its way into the Holmes canon: a Victorian Turkish bath once stood next door at 25 Northumberland Avenue, and Dr. Watson notes in “The Illustrious Client” that he and Holmes frequented the Northumberland Avenue Turkish Baths. Some Sherlockian scholars have speculated the present pub building might even be the “Northumberland Hotel” referenced in The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901), though this remains conjecture. What is certain is that by the late 19th century the Northumberland Arms thrived as a public house in this bustling area near Trafalgar Square.

Fast-forward to the mid-20th century, and the pub’s Holmesian identity took shape. In 1951, London’s Festival of Britain featured a popular Sherlock Holmes exhibition on Baker Street, curated by the Marylebone Public Library with Conan Doyle’s family’s support. Enthusiasts painstakingly assembled a collection of Sherlockiana for display, including props like Holmes’s Persian slipper (for tobacco), Dr. Watson’s revolver, a gasogene for soda water, and even a jack-knife used to pin correspondence to the mantel – all arranged as a detailed replica of Holmes and Watson’s sitting room at 221B Baker Street. After touring internationally, this entire exhibit was looking for a permanent home. Enter Whitbread & Co., the pub owners at the time, who seised the opportunity to purchase the entire Sherlock Holmes exhibit after the festival’s end. They closed the old Northumberland Arms for refurbishment and, in December 1957, reopened it under a new name – The Sherlock Holmes – as a shrine to the great detective. The pub was carefully restored with late-Victorian decor to match the theme, and the prized exhibit, a meticulous recreation of Holmes’s study, was installed on the upper floor behind glass. Visitors could now enjoy a pint and peer into Sherlock’s Victorian lodgings, complete with period furniture and personal effects, as if Holmes and Watson had just stepped out. (Notably, the mounted head of the Hound of the Baskervilles – used in an early stage adaptation – still “presides” over the bar!) Over the years the displays have been augmented with even more memorabilia, from theatre posters to photographs of the actors who’ve portrayed Holmes and Watson on screen. The entire collection is curated with help from the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, underscoring the pub’s role as part museum, part pub.

Today, the Sherlock Holmes Pub is owned by Bury St. Edmunds-based brewer Greene King, which has continued the legacy of celebrating Holmes. In fact, this pub became a de facto Sherlock Holmes museum decades before the official Sherlock Holmes Museum opened on Baker Street in 1990 – and many aficionados still regard the pub’s 221B replica as a more authentic homage to the detective. In early 2025, Greene King invested a “significant” six-figure sum to rejuvenate the venue while carefully preserving its historic character. As Greene King Pubs Managing Director Zoe Bowley explained, “The Sherlock Holmes…over the years, has become known as a working museum among Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.” The goal of the 2025 refurbishment was to do the pub’s heritage justice: “This investment has rejuvenated the pub, preserving key elements of the Victorian era whilst reaffirming its prime position in St James’s”. The renovation included a complete interior and exterior overhaul – with the exterior signage, lighting and patio seating refreshed to evoke Victorian London – and even introduced new themed dining areas. Visitors can now dine in “The Parlour” or the “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Room,” cozy sections named to enhance the Sherlockian atmosphere and available for private bookings. Through all these changes, the pub’s identity remains inseparable from its literary theme. The Sherlock Holmes Pub stands today as a vibrant piece of living history – a little slice of Conan Doyle’s world lovingly preserved in modern London.

Interior & Atmosphere

Step inside and the atmosphere is richly nostalgic, as if one had wandered into Holmes’s era. The walls are densely adorned with framed Victorian prints, antique bric‑a‑brac and countless relics of Sherlock lore. As one travel writer noted, the interior is “loaded with references” to Sherlock Holmes stories and their film and television adaptations. Everywhere you turn, there’s something to catch the eye of a Holmes enthusiast – from violin and pipe motifs to portraits of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The ground-floor bar area hums with the cozy bustle of a traditional British pub, yet around every corner are museum-like display cases filled with Victorian gadgets, old police handcuffs, magnifying glasses, and other Holmesian memorabilia. Tucked in a corner, Dr. Watson’s old service revolver peeks out from a case, and above the bar hangs the infamous stuffed head of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a whimsical nod to one of Holmes’s most famous cases. Despite the vintage decor, the ambience is warm and inviting rather than stuffy. The main bar is lively and convivial with the din of conversation, but there are also intimate nooks and crannies that feel like a Victorian drawing room where one could imagine Holmes himself quietly pondering a case by lamplight. Low-lit lamps and period music (on quieter evenings) add to the bygone mood. There are no blaring TVs or neon gaming machines here – modern distractions are kept to a minimum, allowing patrons to genuinely feel transported to Conan Doyle’s London.

The show-piece of the pub’s interior is found upstairs: a meticulous recreation of Sherlock Holmes’s and Dr. Watson’s famous sitting room at 221B Baker Street. Set behind a plate-glass wall, this tableau looks as though the detective and his companion have just stepped out and might return at any moment. Peering in, guests will spot Holmes’s violin perched near the hearth, chemical equipment and test tubes for his experiments, a clutter of books and papers, and personal items described in the stories – the Persian slipper by the mantel, a tobacco pouch, a pipe rack, and more. A mannequin of Dr. Watson stands in period attire, overseeing the cozy chaos of the room. This incredibly detailed exhibit has its origins in the 1951 Festival of Britain display and has been preserved here since 1957. It’s viewable from the upstairs dining room (aptly dubbed the Sherlock Holmes Restaurant) and from a small rooftop garden/terrace area outside. Many visitors linger here, taking in every detail of the study that has been lovingly arranged according to Conan Doyle’s descriptions. The illusion is powerful – with the dim glow of Victorian-style lamps and a faint scent of old books, one can almost imagine Holmes lounging in his armchair or hear Watson scribbling notes for his next case. It’s a delight for literature buffs and casual tourists alike, and notably, you won’t find anything quite like it in any other pub. (The Baker Street museum has its own displays, but no beer on tap – here you get both the exhibit and the pub experience in one!)

Despite functioning as a mini-museum, the Sherlock Holmes is very much a traditional pub at heart. The long, wooden bar – polished to a shine – offers a wide range of libations, and friendly bartenders in period-style waistcoats are happy to pour your pint. Being a Greene King establishment, the pub keeps an excellent selection of well-kept cask ales and beers. In fact, The Sherlock Holmes brews two signature house ales – the “Sherlock House Ale” and “Dr. Watson’s Amber Ale” – created exclusively for this location. These beers, one an English bitter and the other an amber ale, pay homage to the characters and add a unique touch you won’t find elsewhere. Regular patrons and beer aficionados appreciate that these house brews draw on local brewing tradition while tying cleverly into the theme. Alongside them, you’ll find Greene King’s popular ales (like IPA and Abbot Ale), seasonal guest ales, and a variety of craft beers on tap. The bar is also stocked with plenty of British cider and stout, plus wines and spirits lining the shelves behind. Not a beer drinker? No problem – the pub offers classic cocktails, from Pimm’s Cup in summertime to hot toddies in winter, as well as non-alcoholic options. Even traditional English sherries and port wines can sometimes be ordered, adding to the Victorian vibe. One end of the bar features a small gantry (shelf) displaying fine whiskies and gin, and on the walls you might notice old advertisements for spirits and brewery memorabilia, reinforcing that classic pub feel. Crucially, there are no TV screens blasting sports here – a deliberate choice to maintain the old-fashioned mood. Instead of televised football, you’re more likely to hear the murmur of conversation and perhaps the strains of a fiddle or piano music softly playing in the background. In short, everything down to the lighting and decor is chosen to help guests suspend disbelief and imagine they’ve stepped into Holmes’s era. It’s a rare feat: the Sherlock Holmes Pub manages to be both a lively watering hole and an intimate literary museum at the same time.

Food & Drink

The menu at the Sherlock Holmes Pub sticks to hearty British pub fare, perfectly suited to its traditional atmosphere. Greene King describes the offerings here as “refined pub classics,” highlighting the kind of nostalgic comfort foods that warm the soul. Guests can expect all the beloved staples of English cuisine. Fish and chips is, of course, a star attraction – a large fillet of cod fried in a crispy golden batter, served with chunky chips and mushy peas, often praised by visitors for its flaky freshness. Savoury pies and stews feature prominently, from steak-and-ale pie (made with Guinness or a hearty stout) to chicken and mushroom pie, usually accompanied by rich gravy. Traditional bangers and mash (sausages over creamy mashed potatoes) is another favourite, as is shepherd’s pie when on the menu. In keeping with the Victorian theme, you might even find a toasted cheese sandwich or a fish-finger sandwich, homely touches that Sherlock Holmes himself might have enjoyed on a rainy London day. There’s also a rotating selection of seasonal British dishes – in winter, perhaps a warming beef stew or a curry (a nod to the Victorian era’s love of Indian cuisine), and in summer, lighter fare like ploughman’s lunch or cold pies. Sunday roasts with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, and veg are commonly offered on Sundays, satisfying the British tradition. And for those who fancy something more modern, the pub does offer burgers and fries and even some international pub favourites (like nachos or macaroni and cheese) to ensure every palate is happy. Importantly, the Sherlock Holmes Pub’s kitchen keeps up with the times in terms of dietary needs – vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available for many dishes. So whether you’re a carnivore craving steak pie or a vegan in search of a plant-based fish and chips, you’ll find an accommodating menu. For example, the pub advertises that “vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten dishes are also available” alongside the classics. This inclusive approach means everyone can enjoy a meal amidst the Holmesian ambiance.

Visitors consistently praise the quality and generous portions of the food here. Many reviews single out the fish and chips – noting the crispy batter that doesn’t get greasy and the tender fish inside – as well as the succulent pies that arrive steaming hot with flaky crusts. The mashed potatoes served with the sausages are described as buttery and plentiful, and traditional desserts like bread-and-butter pudding or sticky toffee pudding make for a sweet finish to a hearty meal. If you have room, indulging in a classic British pudding with custard is highly recommended! Service hours for the kitchen are convenient for both lunch and dinner: food is typically served from around 12:00 noon until about 10:00 pm most days. (The pub itself opens earlier for drinks – generally at 11:00 am – and closes around 11:00 pm, slightly earlier on Sundays, in line with standard London pub hours.) This means you can pop in for a midday meal, an afternoon snack, or a late dinner after an evening walking tour. Many tourists take advantage of the location to have lunch here before hitting nearby museums, or drop by for supper after a day of sightseeing. It’s also a fine spot for a pint and a pie in the evening before catching a West End show. And if you’re only a bit peckish, the pub offers lighter bites and shareable platters too – ideal for an afternoon break with a beer.

Drinks, naturally, are a highlight – it is a pub, after all. In addition to the house-special Sherlock and Watson ales mentioned earlier, the beer selection covers a broad range. Greene King’s flagship ales (like IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale) are usually on tap, alongside rotating guest ales from around the UK. The bartenders take pride in keeping the cask ale lines well-maintained, so you’ll get a good pour of English bitter at the proper cellar temperature. Lager drinkers will find popular choices as well, from European pilsners to local craft brews. If you fancy cider, you can often find a refreshing English cider on draft – perfect in summer. Wines and spirits are available for those who prefer something else; the wine list includes a few reds, whites, and an English sparkling wine (a nice touch of local flavour), while the spirits shelf has all the usual suspects for mixed drinks or straight sipping. In fact, the pub makes a few classic cocktails too – think Pimm’s Cup, gin and tonic with premium London dry gin, or whiskey sour. Hot beverages are offered for daytime visitors or teetotallers: enjoy a cup of tea or a barista-made coffee, or even a decadent hot chocolate on a cold day. For a Sherlockian twist, one might imagine sipping some sherry or a hot toddy, in honour of Victorian tastes. And notably, non-alcoholic beers and low-alcohol cider are stocked as well, so if you’re the designated driver or just abstaining, you won’t feel left out. In short, the drink menu is designed to please both the traditional pub-goer and the Holmes fan seeking thematic brews. Don’t leave without trying at least one of the exclusive house ales – raising a pint of Sherlock House Ale in the very pub dedicated to him is a small joy for any fan of the Great Detective.

Amenities & Accessibility

Despite its Victorian theme, the Sherlock Holmes Pub is equipped with all the modern amenities to make guests comfortable. Accessibility is well thought out – the establishment is wheelchair accessible, with step-free entry and disabled-friendly restrooms on the ground floor. This ensures that fans of all abilities can enjoy the museum-like interior and pub grub without trouble. The management has also made the pub a welcoming space for families (children are allowed during dining hours, making this an educational stop for young Sherlock enthusiasts) and even for dogs – indeed, the pub markets itself as dog-friendly. It’s not uncommon to see a well-behaved pup snoozing under a table as its owner enjoys a pint; water bowls and the occasional treat for canine companions are often available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building, which is convenient for travellers needing to check maps or share their selfies in Holmes’s study on social media. You’ll find that even though the interior is filled with relics of the 1890s, you won’t be hunting for a phone signal or a power outlet – the pub quietly integrates modern conveniences without detracting from the historic atmosphere. The lack of televisions or loudspeakers has already been noted, but it’s worth mentioning again as an amenity of sorts: if you’re seeking a conversation-friendly pub or a place to relax without digital distraction, this is it.

One thing the pub doesn’t have is on-site parking – hardly surprising given its central London location. Driving isn’t recommended in any case, as the Sherlock Holmes is extremely well-served by public transport. Charing Cross railway station (for mainline trains and the Northern/Bakerloo Underground lines) is about a 2-minute walk, and Embankment station (District and Circle lines) is also just a few minutes away. Numerous bus routes pass near Trafalgar Square and along Northumberland Avenue, making it easy to get here from anywhere in the city. In lieu of parking, most visitors arrive by Tube, bus, or on foot as they tour the area. The pub’s staff are often praised for their attentiveness and friendliness – whether it’s helping a tourist find their next destination on a map, or explaining the story behind a particular piece of Holmes memorabilia in the display. There aren’t regular quiz nights, live music, or karaoke events at the Sherlock Holmes Pub (unlike many other London pubs), and that’s by design – the focus here is on the unique theme and relaxed social vibe rather than rowdy entertainment. However, the pub does cater to private events and functions: upstairs rooms like The Parlour or the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle room can be booked for gatherings, providing a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a birthday party or office get-together. Imagine hosting an event with Sherlock’s study as the conversation piece! Overall, the Sherlock Holmes Pub combines the historic charm of a bygone era with the hospitality and comfort expected by today’s patrons. It’s the kind of place where you can feel equally at home in a three-piece suit or in jeans and a t-shirt – as long as you have a sense of curiosity and a taste for adventure, you’ll fit right in.

Surrounding Area & Attractions

Part of the appeal of the Sherlock Holmes Pub is undoubtedly its prime location in central London. Situated in the Northumberland Street/Charing Cross area (on the fringe of Covent Garden and the Theatre District), it is surrounded by iconic sights and attractions. Step outside the pub and you’re mere steps from the Thames embankment and within the buzzing cultural hub of the West End. In fact, right around the corner is the historic Playhouse Theatre, and just beyond that lies the famous Trafalgar Square – home of Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery – which is only a 2-3 minute walk away. From Trafalgar Square, you can continue on to Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square with a 10-minute stroll, putting dozens of theatres, cinemas, and restaurants at your fingertips. The Strand, with its lively nightlife and eateries, runs nearby as well. Guests at the Sherlock Holmes Pub can easily incorporate it into a day of sightseeing: for example, one can tour the National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery in the morning, then pop into the pub for a hearty lunch, and be ready to catch a matinee show or explore Covent Garden market by afternoon. Covent Garden’s boutiques, street performers, and the Royal Opera House are an easy walk north of the pub. The location truly straddles several key areas – it’s at the junction of Westminster, Whitehall, and Covent Garden/Strand districts, making it incredibly convenient as a central meeting point.

Thanks to its proximity to Embankment and Charing Cross stations, reaching other major landmarks is also straightforward. Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are about a 15-minute walk to the south-west (or a quick one-stop hop on the Tube). Many visitors will enjoy walking down Whitehall, past the Household Cavalry and Downing Street, on their way to Westminster – a route that starts practically from the pub’s doorstep. Buckingham Palace is a bit further (around 20 minutes on foot through St. James’s Park, or a short bus/Tube ride), but certainly close enough to combine with a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Pub on the same day. Just across the River Thames via the nearby Hungerford/Golden Jubilee footbridges, you’ll find the South Bank with the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, and other attractions, also only 10–15 minutes away. In essence, the pub sits amid a cluster of London’s top sights. It’s no wonder that many tourists plan to either start their day or end their day here: you can fuel up with a traditional English meal before tackling the sights, or unwind with a pint and dinner after a long day of walking and museum-hopping. The staff are used to sunburned sightseers and excited international fans – casual attire and cameras are as common as business suits in the mix of clientele.

For Sherlock Holmes fans specifically, the area has its own special points of interest. Just down Northumberland Avenue, for instance, is Craven Passage, where you can still see the remnants of the Victorian Turkish Baths that Holmes and Watson visited in Conan Doyle’s stories. A keen fan might take a short detour to spot the old bathhouse entrance – a hidden historic gem that the pub’s staff can point out. Additionally, the pub’s address itself (Northumberland Street) echoes through the Sherlockian canon, adding a thrill for those who know the references. While 221B Baker Street (and its museum) is in a different part of London, true Holmes aficionados often make a “pilgrimage” to both sites – Baker Street for the official museum, and Northumberland Street for the pub – comparing the experiences. Many conclude that the Sherlock Holmes Pub offers a more authentic Victorian vibe, with one travel writer calling it “more interesting than the museum” on Baker Street. At the very least, it offers something the museum cannot – real pints and pub food in a storied setting! Given the pub’s location amid such rich history and entertainment, it naturally complements a variety of itineraries. Whether you are exploring London’s literary landmarks, having a day out on the South Bank, or shopping in Covent Garden, the Sherlock Holmes Pub makes for a perfect stop along the way. It provides that rare combination of cultural insight (into both London’s past and Conan Doyle’s fiction) and creature comforts. Tour groups and independent travellers alike often cite this pub as a highlight of their London trip, not just for the theme but for the genuinely convenient and charming London experience it encapsulates.

Conclusion

The Sherlock Holmes Pub delivers a distinctive blend of history, literature, and British pub culture. It is far more than just a place to grab a meal and a pint; it’s an immersive experience dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved fictional characters. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re met with Victorian charm and Sherlockian memorabilia that together create a truly memorable atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, a literature buff, or simply someone seeking hearty fare in a fascinating historic setting, you will find something to delight you here. With its attentive service, classic comfort menu and utterly unique theme, the pub stands out in London’s dining scene as a destination in its own right. In fact, few pubs in the world can claim to house a mini-museum that enchants visitors daily – success is no mystery here, as the enduring popularity of the Sherlock Holmes Pub attests.

The Sherlock Holmes Pub is a must-visit for anyone spending time in London, especially if you want to soak up some literary heritage along with your ale. It offers a cozy Victorian ambiance, traditional British food and well-crafted Greene King ales – all wrapped in the lore of Britain’s most famous detective. Its location near major attractions like Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Westminster Abbey means a stop at the pub can easily fit into a day of sightseeing. And yet, once inside, you might forget the modern city outside as you get lost in contemplating Holmes’s violin or paging through an old volume on the shelf. The Sherlock Holmes Pub’s unwavering dedication to the detective’s legacy, combined with warm hospitality, makes it a unique establishment that truly honours London’s literary heritage. For fans and casual visitors alike, it offers the incomparable experience of having a pint in Sherlock Holmes’s world – a journey back in time, no magnifying glass required.