The Princess Louise, Holborn

Built in 1872 other than perhaps the nearby Viaduct Tavern there isn’t a finer example of a living Victorian Gin Palace in central London. Put plainly this building is spectacular and always delights.

Everything on the architectural and historical tick list of mirrors, mosaics, tiles, brass, and separate bars split with dark mahogany partitions are present. With her glorious features accentuated amongst the high ceilings, island bar, marble and stained glass you have a splendid example of a magnificent Grade II listed treasure.

With London’s Theatreland, Courts of Justice and muckraking Street of Shame all within a short walking distance its certain these walls have heard some stories over the last 149 years. Who knows the what scheming and plotting took place in the dark very corners that twenty first century Londoners and visitors are still blessed to be able to sit in.

It’s a Sam Smith’s pub which often divides opinion due to the quality of their booze along with the no swearing and mobile phone policy. Regardless, it’s a breathaking pub and in normal times is naturally convivial and packed to the rafters, but maintains further links to the past with no live music or televisions.

Although normally heaving if you time it right in the early afternoon it can be joyously experience drinking in the deafening silence, with only the odd clink of a glass being cleaned by the staff momentarily breaking it.

With the madness of the streets of Zone 1 London immediately outside embracing the tranquillity of solitude and some quiet reflection is a cherished moment in here. Most London pub aficionados would likely concur there aren’t more palatial surroundings to enjoy them in.