Princess Louise

Stop whatever you're doing and get yourself to the Princess Louise in London RIGHT NOW. No seriously, I mean it. This isn't just another pub - this is literally like stepping into a time machine that happens to serve perfect pints and incredible comfort food. Located in bustling Holborn, the Princess Louise is that rare gem where Victorian splendor meets modern-day revelry, and trust me, you haven't properly experienced London until you've spent an evening here.

First things first - your jaw WILL DROP when you walk in. The Princess Louise isn't just preserved, it's practically pristine 1872 perfection. We're talking intricate Victorian tiles that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy, etched glass partitions that belong in a museum, and a horseshoe-shaped bar that's basically architectural poetry. It's like someone took all the best bits of old-school London and crammed them into one gloriously atmospheric pub.

And can we talk about the VIBE? Holy moly. The ground floor is divided into these cozy little snugs (that's fancy pub-speak for intimate drinking nooks) that are basically designed for either falling in love or hatching elaborate plans with your mates. I once went in for "just one quick drink" and ended up spending five hours swapping stories with a group of locals who now feel like family. That's just the kind of magic this place conjures up.

But wait - there's more! Drag yourself upstairs (trust me on this one) and you'll find yourself in what might be the coziest dining room in all of London. Grab a window seat and watch the city buzz by while you demolish what could very well be the best steak and ale pie of your life. The food here isn't just pub grub - it's proper, hearty, soul-warming British cuisine that'll make you want to hug the chef.

Let's talk about the drinks because HELLO, this is still a pub! The beer selection is absolutely banging, with perfectly kept real ales that'll make beer snobs weep with joy. And the prices? In central London? You'll think they've made a mistake (they haven't - it's just that reasonable). Every time I bring friends here, they look at their bill twice because they can't believe how much quality they're getting for their money.

The staff here are like that perfect mix of professional and fun - they know their stuff inside out but they're also down for a laugh. They'll remember your usual after just a couple of visits, and they've got this magical ability to appear right when your glass needs refilling. It's like they've got some sort of beverage-level radar.

Now, insider tip time: The Princess Louise gets properly buzzing after work hours (because duh, it's amazing), so if you want one of those coveted snugs, either rock up early or prepare to practice your best puppy dog eyes. But honestly? Even standing at the bar here is an experience - you're literally leaning on history while sipping your pint.

The location is basically perfect - right in the heart of Holborn, which means it's ideal for after-work drinks, pre-theatre meetups, or that "let's grab one drink" situation that turns into an epic night out. The Tube's super close, but there are enough night buses nearby that you can stay for "just one more" without stressing about getting home.

Listen, I could go on about the Princess Louise all day (and trust me, I have), but here's the bottom line: This isn't just another London pub - this is a slice of living, breathing history that happens to serve amazing food and drinks at prices that'll make your wallet smile. Whether you're a local, a tourist, or somewhere in between, missing out on the Princess Louise would be like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower - technically possible, but why would you do that to yourself?

Get yourself down to Holborn, step through those doors, and prepare to experience one of London's most spectacular pubs. Your future self will thank you, your Instagram will thank you, and your taste buds will DEFINITELY thank you. Just don't blame me when you end up making it your regular spot - that's entirely on you!