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3. The Nell of Old Drury:

• Location: 29 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JS.
• History: The building itself dates back to 1720, but an inn has stood on this site since 1423. That’s quite a legacy! It’s famous for its steaks served at The Guinea Grill and award-winning pies1.
• Trivia: The pub has a tunnel that connects to Drury Lane Theatre, which was allegedly used by King Charles II to meet his mistress, Nell Gwynn1.

1. Nell Gwynn and the Tunnel:

• The pub’s name pays homage to Nell Gwynn, a famous actress and mistress of King Charles II. Legend has it that there’s a secret tunnel connecting the pub to the nearby Drury Lane Theatre. This tunnel was supposedly used by King Charles II to visit Nell Gwynn without attracting attention. Imagine the clandestine meetings and whispered conversations that might have taken place there! 🤫🎭👑

1. The Ghostly Presence:

• Like many historic pubs, The Nell of Old Drury has its share of ghostly tales. Patrons and staff have reported strange occurrences, such as unexplained footsteps, flickering lights, and objects moving on their own. Some believe that the spirit of a former landlord still lingers, watching over the establishment. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the pub’s character! 👻🍺

1. Theatrical Connections:

Given its proximity to Drury Lane Theatre, The Nell of Old Drury has been a favorite haunt for actors, playwrights, and theater enthusiasts. Over the years, countless performers have relaxed here after their shows, sharing stories, laughter, and perhaps a pint or two. The walls echo with the echoes of theatrical triumphs and heartaches. 🎬🎶🍷

1. Historical Hangout:

The pub has witnessed centuries of London’s history—political upheavals, artistic movements, and societal changes. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate, commiserate, and create

Covent Gardens Most Historic Pub

Small cosy pub opposite the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Licensed in 1835 as the Sir John Falstaff and rebuilt in 1883. Renamed by 1965 after the orange seller and mistress of King Charles II, Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn, reputedly born in a coalyard in Drury Lane. She was witty, shrewd, saucy and sexy, and a magnet for the period's alpha male, Charles II. A tunnel used by the king to visit Nell is reputed to link the pub and the theatre.

The present-day clientele is a mix of locals, tourists, after-work drinkers and, of course, theatregoers (who need to cross the road, since the tunnel cannot be found!); there is an interval drinks service available for the latter. The first floor offers extra seating and can be hired as a function room. If you are lucky, you may be able to bag the ground-floor bow window seats overlooking Catherine Street. Please note: no sports colours or large groups encouraged - it's a very small pub!

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