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. As a “Victorian-themed public house” just a short stroll from Charing Cross station and Trafalgar Square, it immerses visitors in the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective. The Greene King–owned pub deliberately preserves “a little pocket of Victoriana in modern London”: dark wooden furnishings, vintage photographs, and Sherlockian curios line the walls, evoking the feel of an old London inn. Over 60 years old in its current form, this historic venue doubles as a working museum for Holmes fans.

History & Heritage

The building’s story goes back to the 19th century. Originally a small hotel in the 1880s (briefly called the Northumberland Hotel and later the Northumberland Arms), it even appeared by name in Conan Doyle’s 1892 story “The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor”. In 1957, the pub was completely refurbished and renamed The Sherlock Holmes, after Whitbread purchased the entire Sherlock Holmes exhibit from the 1951 Festival of Britain and installed it here. This included detailed replicas of Holmes and Watson’s sitting room from Baker Street, which remain on display behind glass on the upper floor. The pub’s interior was purposefully restored to a late-Victorian appearance, making it feel as if stepping into the pages of a Conan Doyle novel.

The Sherlock Holmes Pub has undergone further renovation recently. In 2025 Greene King invested a “six-figure” sum to rejuvenate the venue, carefully preserving its historic character and “key elements of the Victorian era”. Managing Director Zoe Bowley notes that the pub “has become known as a working museum amongst Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts,” offering a premium heritage experience for guests. In short, the pub’s identity is inseparable from its literary theme: the decor and ambience celebrate the world-famous detective, transporting both tourists and locals into a bygone era.

Interior & Atmosphere

Step inside and the atmosphere is richly nostalgic. The walls are crowded with framed old prints, Victorian-era bric‑a‑brac and countless relics of Holmes lore. As noted by travel writers, the interior is “loaded with references” to the Holmes stories. Upstairs, the recreation of 221B Baker Street – complete with period furniture, books, and Holmes’s famous deerstalker cap – can be viewed through glass windows. Overall, the space strikes a balance between cosy pub bustle and intimate “literary museum” feel. The main bar area remains lively and convivial, but tucked corners and the upstairs dining room feel more like a Victorian drawing room. Fans of Sherlock Holmes and history often linger, examining display cases of Victorian gadgets and Holmes memorabilia.

Greene King emphasises a classic pub atmosphere here. The bar is long and wood-panelled, offering dozens of cask ales and beers alongside bottles of spirits and wine. Behind the bar you might even spot Greene King’s own branded beers. Indeed, the pub brews two signature ales – the Sherlock House Ale and Dr Watson’s Amber Ale – specially for this location. These house-brewed beers (an English Bitter and an Amber Ale) draw on local tradition and tie into the theme. The bartenders are typically in period-style attire, and there’s no TV screens or flashing sports, helping preserve the old-fashioned mood. In short, everything down to the low-lit lamps and Victorian music (on quiet evenings) is chosen to make guests feel transported to Conan Doyle’s London.

Food & Drink

The menu focuses on hearty British pub fare to complement the atmosphere. Greene King describes the offerings as “refined pub classics”, highlighting nostalgic comfort foods. Guests can expect staples like fish and chips, pies and stews, and staples such as a toasted cheese sandwich or fish finger sandwich. In practice the menu has included items like bangers and mash, steak & Guinness pie, and bread-and-butter pudding – the kind of Victorian-era comfort dishes Holmes himself might have enjoyed. Burgers, sausages, and Sunday roast dinners are also common offerings. Importantly, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free variants are available, ensuring modern diets are catered for. For example, the pub advertises that “vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten dishes are also available” alongside the classics.

Patrons praise the quality and portions of the food. Many highlight the crispy batter and flaky fish on the fish-and-chips, generous mash with sausages, and indulgent puddings. The pub advertises that food service begins around noon (though drinks are served from opening) and continues through the evening. Its serving hours run roughly from 12:00–22:00 most days, with opening times 11:00–23:00 (closing 22:30 on Sunday). (According to Greene King, the bar opens daily at 11 am and typically closes by 11 pm, 10:30 pm on Sundays.) So one can start with morning ales or coffee, have lunch of pub classics, and enjoy dinner roast or pie into the evening.

The drink selection is similarly classic. In addition to the house ales, the pub offers Greene King’s range of well-kept cask beers and craft ales, along with lagers, wines and spirits. English sparkling wine and sherries may be found, and there are cocktails and non-alcoholic beers for special occasions. Since it’s a Greene King pub, expect no shortage of cider and bitters on tap. Soft drinks, teas and coffees are also available. In short, the drink menu is designed to please traditional pub-goers as well as Holmes fans (especially those eager to try the “Sherlock” and “Watson” brews).

Amenities & Accessibility

The Sherlock Holmes Pub is built with modern patrons in mind. It is wheelchair accessible and includes disabled-friendly restrooms. Families and dog owners are welcome: the pub advertises itself as dog-friendly and family-friendly. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building for guests. There is no on-site parking (typical for a central London pub), but convenient public transport access makes up for it – Charing Cross and Embankment tube stations are just a few minutes’ walk. In summary:

• Disabled access and facilities

• Dog- and family-friendly atmosphere

• Free Wi-Fi throughout

• No on-site parking (rely on Tube or bus transport)

Staff are generally noted to be attentive and helpful, reflecting Greene King’s emphasis on hospitality. Although no events (quiz nights, music, etc.) are regularly advertised, the unique decor itself acts as an attraction. The pub’s staff often assist visitors in understanding the displays and enjoy the interest they generate. Overall, the service is friendly, making guests feel welcome in this historic setting.

Surrounding Area & Attractions

Located in St James’s/Charing Cross (often considered the edge of Covent Garden), the Sherlock Holmes Pub sits amid London’s classic tourist and theatre districts. Right outside, one finds The Playhouse Theatre and bus stops for central London tours. A few minutes’ walk brings you to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, and The Strand’s nightlife and restaurants. Guests can easily stroll to Covent Garden’s market and theatres, or cut through to Leicester Square and the West End.

Thanks to its location between Embankment and Charing Cross underground stations, major sights are within easy reach. For example, Westminster’s Big Ben and Palace of Westminster are about a 15-minute walk (or one Tube stop) to the south-west. The London Eye and South Bank lie just across the river, also a short Tube ride away. Nearby streets are steeped in history: the original Turk’s Baths at 25 Northumberland Avenue were a favourite haunt of the fictional Holmes. In practice, many visitors use the pub as a starting or ending point for sightseeing: they can fuel up on a hearty British lunch before heading out to Buckingham Palace, or relax here with a pint after an afternoon at Westminster or nearby galleries. In other words, the Sherlock Holmes Pub is not far from several iconic landmarks, making it convenient for tourists and Londoners alike.

Conclusion

The Sherlock Holmes Pub delivers a distinctive blend of history, literature and British pub culture. It is more than just 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 the door, the pub’s Victorian charm and Sherlockian memorabilia create a memorable atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard Holmes enthusiast, a literature buff, or simply someone seeking hearty fare in a historic setting, you will find something to enjoy here. With its attentive service, classic menu and unique theme, the pub stands out in London’s dining scene.

In summary, The Sherlock Holmes Pub is a must-visit for anyone in London. It offers a cosy Victorian ambiance, traditional British food and Greene King ales, all wrapped in the lore of Britain’s most famous detective. Nearby attractions like Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Westminster Abbey mean a stop here can easily complement a day of sightseeing. Its unwavering dedication to Sherlock Holmes’s legacy, combined with warm hospitality, makes it a unique pub that truly honours London’s literary heritage.