April 22, 2012
If you’re going to visit only one Sam Smiths pub, this should probably be it. The Princess Louise is a beautifully restored pre-Victorian bar located only a stone’s throw from Holborn station. The Bar is a wonderful representation of the pubs of the pre-long bar days of the 18th and early 19th century. As such, the bar is divided into sections around a central bar, allowing you a seemingly private drinking experience from other groups. The pub has been restored beautifully, there’s wonderful ceramic tile walls, stained glass, and a well appointed wooden bar. The beer is Sam Smiths, so take from that what you will. The beer isn’t the draw of this pub. With that being said, the condition is usually fine, and I’ve had a good number of cheap nights out here.

December 30, 2011
This is a gem of a boozer, from a Victoriana and architecture point of view. The place is just beautiful, and I would defitely go back in here for a pint and avail myself of one of the booths to sit in. Sam Smith, so no real selection, although you can get their full range of handpulled and bottled beers here, and a knockdown price of £2.25....and this was, until recently, extortionate for this pint! OBB is a decent pint, a great session ale, and a real example of good honest Yorkshire beer. Recommend heartily.

May 15, 2011
Near Holborn underground station. Different place with 5-6 booths around the bar. 6-8 Samuel Smith-beers. Lowest prices of all the pubs I visited!

April 22, 2011
Absolutely beautiful interior right down to the ornate bogs. Only two quid for a pint of Sam Smiths. Snugs restored a couple years back. Have a butchers and a pint, then move along as there are better beer selections elsewhere.

October 26, 2010
This is the most beautiful pub I have ever been to! The toilets, the booths and the lounge couches on the first floor. Beautifully decorated! The beer selection is limited. The food is delicious and the bartenders and staff are really friendly!

March 14, 2010
Charming old pub serving Sam Smith ales on cask. While there may not be much interest in the beer itself, the pub is worth a look and I enjoyed poking around the ’cubby’ holes. A few regulars at the bar too.

September 4, 2009
Outstanding recreated interior, with small booths. For someone like me who has only had the bottled export beers there was a lot of rating to do as well. A very nice visit

September 30, 2008
The best place to try Samuel Smith’s beers in the capital - the Old Brewery here is particularly good. Recently restored Interior is stunning - a superb example of High Victorian. As with all of Smith’s pubs the prices don’t hurt the wallet too much.

July 5, 2007
It’s a Sam Smiths - one real ale, Old Brewery Bitter, but that’s a good one. So what else? Victorian, Victorian, Victorian. Glass, Glass, Glass. Tile, Tile, Tile. Stained glass in the Gent’s. It’s close to Lincoln’s Inn, so you may have to tolerate lawyers, but at least the British lawyers are tolerable. Gammell rates the cuisine as outstanding. Interesting mix of people. Don’t miss this one!

July 4, 2007 [ Updated September 6, 2007 ]
I can only repeat the earlier comments. Visit this pub for the interior rather than its products. The Sam Smith’s beers are ok but it was a better pub under the previous owners.