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The Viaduct Tavern, Holborn Viaduct, EC1
EC1
EC1A 7AA
Pub Type
Fuller'sReviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Gill Smith left this review about Viaduct Tavern
This was the first pub visited on a trip to see some inventory pubs in Central London. Beautiful as it was inside it was so difficult to see round it as it was packed with drinkers yesterday lunchtime. We had Fullers Traitors Gate at 4.5%. Our first experience of London prices at £4 a pint. They have an area outside for smokers to stand in a cordoned off area, which was pleasant in the sunshine to get away from the crowds. Downstairs toilets.
On 16th November 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1339 recommendations about 1222 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about Viaduct Tavern
This pub was built in 1869 and named after the Holborn Viaduct that was built the same year. The prison cells in the cellar are those of Newgate prison, which used to be here, mainly on the site of the Old Bailey which is opposite. I’m told it is possible to view the cells, although I’ve never done so.
The pub itself has the remains of a classic Victorian pub fitting. Pride of place belongs to the marble-framed three paintings of female figures on the right, which represent “agriculture”, “banking”, and “Arts”. One of them was supposedly shot by a soldier who was (justifiably I would say) overly exuberant due to the end of WWI. I did see a hole in one that could indeed have been caused by a bullet. The typically Victorian mahogany fittings are present, as well as some excellent cut glass mirrors.
This is still a Fuller’s pub, with Pride, discovery and Bengal lancer on when I was in the other day. Sandwiches were either £5.35 or £6.60 depending on filling, and I spotted a hotplate with food on it, but whatever it was it wasn’t listed on the menu that I saw. Furnishings are standard for Central London – a tall pedestal and tall stools, a sofa, a bit of banquette seating, plus some standard issue tables and chairs. As a pub it’s like many others in London, but what sets it apart is the unique Victoriana and although I wouldn’t make a special effort to come here just for the beer and food, it is well worth a visit to see a tour de force of mid-Victorian pub fitting.
On 2nd December 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Viaduct Tavern
Fairly ornate corner pub, with an attractive curved exterior. Plenty of interest inside, with some interesting decoration above the horseshoe-shaped bar and around the ceiling. Famous for the historic prison cells in the cellar, it is apparently also one of the most haunted pubs in the country. As you would expect, it can get very busy at office closing time (and they also play music at an unnecessarily loud volume). Four real ales from the Fullers/Gales range on handpump, including an excellent pint of Pride at 3.25.
On 6th May 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]