please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The problem with some of pubs in this area is that they don't open at weekends, and so it goes with the Old Nick. This is a great shame because it offers much. The area directly in front of the bar isn't up to much, but down to the sides and around the bank there's enough to justify a visit, where proper traditional pub décor permeates, especially in the sectioned off bit at the back. The lighting could do with being dimmed a little, mind. 7/10
|
An oasis of Tanglefoot withing the City. Populated by legal types, it is somewhat unexicting buy day, but a bit edgier, given the proximity of Bloomsbury, in the evenings.
Good pint of Tanglefoot
anonymous - 2 May 2013 10:45 |
Good beer ("Firkin Fox" excellent), friendly staff, really nice pub.
|
Good renge of Badger beers, including a fine pint of Tanglefoot.
|
Shut weekends.
|
Used this pub many times back in the mid 90,s..Lovely place..what ever happened to megan? great manageress
|
Out of the way pub serving Hall & Woodhouse beers, Tanglefoot, First Gold and the seasonal Hopping Hare which was a decent pint. Busy on a Friday night but there was room to sit down further around the back. Typical red frontage for the chain. Not bad.
|
On my recent visit here there were three ales from Badgers available along with HB and HB Export and my Guinness was on good form and served by a friendly barmaid. The pub is of a decent size and still maintains a cosy atmosphere due to its layout. I spotted one plasma screen which was showing muted BBC News and there was a quiz that didn�t seem to have many participants going on in the back.
This place is ok for a quiet pint, but I wouldn�t stay all night.
|
After work traditional boozer with good beer on tap (German HB lager, Badger bitter as well as a seasonal ale), usually quick and friendly service.
This is a great 'local' for Holborn workers, particularly the legal types.
|
Not been in here many times, always very nice experience though, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service. It often seems a little unorganised, tables not cleared even though it's not very very busy, but thats about all. I'd go back, maybe try the food sometime.
|
Wandered into here recently one lunchtime, and was surprised I'd not visited before, having worked within 20 minutes' walk of it for the last seven years. Pleasant, traditional interior, with the large windows onto the street giving a nice airy feel. Badger beers on handpump: I like Badger a lot, and whilst (it being lunchtime) I stayed on softies, I will be back to sample the ale at some point. Manager very helpful when the games machine swallowed a couple of quid of mine.
|
I went to this pub because the landlord used to run the Darby's Corner in Poole. A pleasant enough boozer, that is full of legal types during the day from the nearby Inns/courts.
Evening has more passing trade, but it is off the beaten track. Beers are excellent, with the Tanglefoot probably the best in the City.
Sometime the staff get overwhelmed by demand and service can be slow. But the reasonable ambience and good beer make up for any 'service delivery' shortcomings.
anonymous - 22 Jun 2009 10:35 |
Decent pub with Badger beers kept in good condition. Fairly quiet last Tuesday afternoon but only found it by reading reports on here as it is not the sort of place that you are likely to stumble across by accident.
|
Again, just around the corner for us. Great Badger beer in here, Foods ok and staff are friendly. A good one.
|
I've only recently discovered this place and whilst I'm not usually a fan of Badgers beers I've enjoyed a few good pints of Fursty Ferret. Seems popular with the local office crowd and as it isn't on a main road drinking often spills out onto the street
|
Stumbled upon this pub the other night, very friendly landlady and nicely renovated inside. I had a pint of the HB lager, OK but a bit hoppy! reminded me off the Sam Smith's Pure Brewed. Like the fact that ambulances are parked outside, might come in useful!!!
|
This is a great little pub, BadgerBeers on tap which is quite unusual.
|
nice pub , unfortunatly badger beer,hall & shithouse.
BUT the tanglefoot was passable.
|
Thought this was a lovely place. It's a Hall & Woodhouse pub which serves some of the best beer in the country.
|
Was one of the best pubs on the planet. Sad to hear it not so good, I'll have to go and investigate again...
I wonder if they keep the stella artois glasses as well polished as they did?
oh Bob, you forgot your card again.
:o)
|
Don't go here for food!!! Just went for a pub lunch at the Old Nick - and it was preety horrendous! We stupidly ordered our drinks before looking at the menu so kind of got stuck here. Waited for about 40 mins for our food even though the place was dead quiet. When we got the food it was pretty dire. Sandwich look like it was thrown together by a 2 year old, 'mixed salad' consisted of a lettuce leaf and a dried up piece of cucumber, 'thick hand cut chips' were cold greasy McDonalds stle fries. The whole things was awful. Pints were ok but wouldn't really bother with here.
|
My favorite thing about theis pub is the way people let the hair down and relax after work. Its not just me!!!
Staff are efficient and undersatand that all we want to do is wind down...
As a pub traditionalist, the only negative is the hardword floor and modern conveniences! Whats happened to bare lightbulbs and peeling paint?
anonymous - 25 Jun 2007 21:37 |
I have found this to be one of the best pubs in Holborn area. FANTASTIC PLACE!!!. The bar staff and the new manager have created a warm and friendly atmosphere serving some of the best pub food in the area. Most of all to be recommended because this kind of place is becoming a rarity now.Magda
MAGGY - 25 Jun 2007 15:21 |
One thing that cannot be doubted is the attractiveness of this place and its d�cor. The most beautiful pub I've visited. Good staff and brilliant drinks! Loved the atmosphere. Lovely place to chill early evening. This is a pub worth a visit. Definitely be going back there in the near future.
|
It�s a very stylish, nice pub. Whenever I'm in Holborn I always head to this pub. Fabulous selection of drinks with friendly service. The food is great. Definitely I will be popping back for a few pints. I would give it a 9 out of 10!!
|
Can only think recent reviews are a blip - have used the pub fairly regularly since new manager took over (looks a bit like Uncle Fester from the Addams family!!) and never had any problems with food, service or staff - In fact quite the opposite, everything has been great. Will check again next week to see if anyting has changed and report back
|
nice pub with good beers and good food. prompt friendly service from all the staff.would highly recommend for food or just a good nights drinking
|
Nice friendly pub, great atmosphere. Had a great night on friday. Can recommend the Pimms Jugs and the stinger ale. The french girl who served us was excellent. Great Pub can recommend to all.
|
I think its a great little pub the new guvnor is spot on.
|
I've been to this pub quite a few times and I've always enjoyed it. It has a nice atmosphere, the staff are always welcoming, it's clean and comfortable, and I've no complaints about the food or service.
|
sure it was one off for bad review, I use old nick when in London, always found staff pleasant, kitchen no complaints
|
Not impressed. Got there early for lunch at midday and was still waiting for our order to arrive an hour and half later! Would be fine for a liquid lunch but do not attempt to order food otherwise you may be waiting for as long as it would take an elephant to give birth (18 months)!
Avoid avoid avoid!
|
What a joke this place is. I had to convince my two English mates who are creatures of habit (i.e. Witherspoons) to venture to what is advertised as a fine ales and food pub. Ahem! Nowhere near it. In terms of appearance, yes looks good, but unfortunately it is like the young lady or man (depending on gender), on the other side of the bar you might see at 9pm on a Friday night... i.e. good from far, far from good. We arrived at 12 noon. Ordered food at 12.05, and waited 60 minutes before being informed the chef had not arrived and the Manager was down stairs flipping burgers. Fair play but being a city guy with limited time, this place did not deliver and I would not recommend it chancing it in future. Two thumbs down. I do feel sorry for the girls behind the bar who are probably right now being beaten death with empty pint glasses due to a lack of food and not clearing table since 10.00am today!!!!
|
THIS IS THE WORST PUB IN LONDON. We ordered food at 1200, and by 1340 it had still not arrived. The service was poor, and people seemed not to care. Absolutely gutting, and ruined our team lunch this Friday.
|
This used to be a delightful back street pub. Back in the 1990's it was run by Bass Charringtons. It was then operated by the sites owners; Youngs.Called the three cups throughout this time, the name has masonic connections, I believe.
|
There was definitly a pub on the site years ago, but not sure what it was called.
The building was then empty for a while before H & W reopened it (much as they did with the Ship & Shovell nr Charing X
|
In answer to RexRattus the Three Cups was certainly there in 1969. However, only visited it once, my normal pubs in those days were the Princes Louise for the beer and the Three Compasses for darts. Sad to see the latter reduced to being a trendy bar.
|
Does anyone know how long this pub has been there? Stumbled upon it in the summer, and wracked my brains to remember ever having seen it before, either as the Old Nick or the Three Tups. I worked in Theobalds Road in the early 70s, and with like-minded colleagues made it my business to know all pubs within easy walking distance and can't believe that we could have overlooked a pub only a couple of minutes walk away. But you never know, we might have done. It did not have the "feel" of an old pub, with the oldness seeming to be somewhat contrived. Personally I do like H&W ales and would certainly visit again if in the area, but I don't think it is worth going out of one's way to visit.
|
Definitely worth a visit, these other reviewers just had a bad night I think! Good beer and friendly service, and nice to find a pub you can actually have a convesration in without needing to shout! It has plenty of standing room, which is nice! Please give it another go or if it's your forst visit, don't be put off by the above!
|
Interesting to read other comments about beer quality. Went today and a few things leap out.
1.) Service. Poor one guy not big on the use of English, another chatting to his mates and one actually serving. Problem was he did not serve you in the order of waiting, he was rooted to the spot and only served anyone who was standing in front of him.
2.) Beer. Tried a pint of Stinger. Yes I know its hot but it was so so off. Took a bit of debate to get it changed and then another arguement to get a refund (as the replacement cost less.) The reason for no refund? I don't know how to do it!
Shame as last time I went here it was a cracking pub and I am a big fan of H & W.
Will try again though
|
Not a gay bar. At all.
anonymous - 18 Jun 2006 13:21 |
Interior is a bit too manufactured in my opinion - and atmosphere is lacking. I wouldn't count myself as the biggest fan of Badger beers, but they are certainly above average and their tied houses can be a decent port in a storm. Gets full of suits and the odd law student from BPP Law School nearby - which is a definite negative.
6/10 from me I'm afraid.
anonymous - 16 Jun 2006 17:39 |
I agree with Dynamo1. Been drinking there about 9 months now and the Badger First Gold is a top drop, never been served anything other than a first class pint. Food's ok, too.
bammo - 12 Jun 2006 20:54 |
Oooh that Badger, how this pub consistently turns out such a good crystal clear pint amazes me.
|
Yes, Mr Martini - it used to be a Youngs pub called The Three Cups, until Hall and Woodhouse ( Badger Beers ) took it over
|
Took a day off work to check this place out as I'd heard it was closed at weekends, and was very glad I did so. Apparantly used to be a Youngs pub but if so it was one of the few I'd not discovered. Delighted to confirm reports I'd heard that there is disabled access and a disabled persons'WC.
I was there from mid-afternoon onwards on a warm early summer day: the inside was pleasantly comfortable rather than crowded - as noted by others below, the clientele consists largely of suits but they seem to prefer standing outside on the wide pavement. As suits go they seemed a reasonably tolerable bunch but then this is still west enough to be Holborn rather than The City.
There's a good range of drinks too. A previous comment referred to Sussex Bitter, and initially I was disappointed to find this wasn't what I was expecting: I thought this would be from Harvey's in Lewes. It isn't, it's from King and Barnes, in Dorset, but after all the confusion it's still a damn good pint, reminding me of well-kept Fuller's London Pride.
To cap it all, the staff are both efficient and friendly. Recommended highly.
|
Went here last night in quite dead (though not empty) with only one member of staff on duty, who was frantically putting cutlery and condiments on tables and ignorning people trying to buy drinks at the bar. We'd walked out of our way from Ye Olde Mitre to get here so persevered and had a very reasonably priced and good pint of Tanglefoot. But I will definitely never come back - a slightly soul less place, the interior is not what I remembered it as being when I was last here three years ago - its a bit like a Fullers ale and pie house, contrived modern mock-up o a Victorian pub (or at least that's how it looks).
|
So many good things said so had to try it. Unfortunately it was a Thursday night and absolutely heaving. The beer was good, the crowd was young and the women were good looking but somehow.... it just seemed to lack a bit of soul. Memo: must try again not on a Thursday night but for the moment only rates a .....
|
Top pub. Badger beer on draft plus King & Barnes. Nice friendly crowd and wasn't too busy on the night we were there. Very friendly staff. Well worth a visit and well worth the short walk from Holborn. Don't arrange to meet in the Penderels Oak meet here you won't regret it.
|
Attractively done out place w/ a pleasant atmosphere. Bit of a bugger to find. One of the few pubs in central London that could plausibly have seating outside (but doesn't).
Don't know what's so bad about being 'rammed with barristers and office workers'. Lovely sets of people, both of them and as deserving of a drink as the next man.
|
Fancied a different venue this lunchtime, so came here...a pub I normally only walk past.
Very nice, very smart. Had a couple of pints of badger and a sausage and onion baguette with chips. While I can't speak for the other food on offer the baguette was very good; good sausages, good amount of chips and only �4.95.
Definitely going to keep this one in mind in future.
|
Very smart and attractive pub.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
|
Great place, if completely rammed with barristers and office workers on a Friday from midday onwards. Good range of beers (particularly the Sussex), and plenty of space outside to mill around (no seats outside). Massive plasma screen TV dominates one side of the interior, although it's on mute unless a major sporting event is on show. At which point you can't hear yourself think.
Definitely worth a look, and it's gets weekly repeat business from me.
anonymous - 30 Aug 2005 14:54 |
Really excellent pub - beautiful inside, great if you can find a seat and waste the evening. Polite, relaxed crowd, and lovely ales.
|
A fantastic pub with a great landlord. Well worth a session. The ales are well cellered - the Sussex Bitter and the Badger are very good quality pints!
BenEd - 28 Jul 2005 11:15 |
Friendly pub with good beer (and full measures today!) Nice atmosphere and not too busy. Prompt service and well kept real ale. Will definitely go back again
|
I have always been impressed with this pub on previous visits , but last Tuesday, I got served short measure ( approx 3/4 of an inch ). I stood at the bar like a lemon to see if it would be topped up unasked, but no such luck. Admittedly it was readily topped up with good grace when I subsequently asked, but this sort of episode leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. I may give this pub a wide berth for a while, which is a shame as the previous contributor is otherwise spot on in his comments
|
very friendly and welcome new addition to the Holborn pub scene.
anna - 20 Aug 2004 17:56 |
