The Seven Stars, a tiny bohemian pub tucked behind the Royal Courts of Justice in Holborn, has long held a special place in London's drinking culture. Named Time Out's Best Pub of 2003, this historic establishment dates back to 1602, a full 64 years before the Great Fire of London, and remains a favourite among barristers, locals, and in-the-know Londoners seeking an all-night session.
A Pub Steeped in History and Character
The pub creaks with history, featuring ancient, rickety floorboards and terrifyingly steep steps leading to the loos. While the building's origins stretch back to the early 17th century, the interiors are largely Victorian thanks to decades of refits. Walls are adorned with vintage crime movie posters and photographs of legendary Australian landlady Roxy Beaujolais alongside the great and the good of Soho across the years, giving the place the feel of a rough and ready French wine bar.
One of the pub's most distinctive features is its resident cat, who wears an Elizabethan ruff. Currently named The General, regulars will remember its feline predecessor, Clement Attlee. The cat adds to the pub's unique charm, making it a memorable stop for visitors and a beloved fixture for regulars.
Famous for Martini and Hospitality
The Seven Stars is known not just for its feline resident but also for its near-lethal martinis. It is a place where barristers bring their clients for celebratory champagne or commiseratory scotch after a big case. More importantly, it is where in-the-know Londoners sequester themselves away for an all-night session under the watchful eye of Roxy Beaujolais, a London hospitality hero.
Seats at the tables covered with green and white checked oilcloths are hard to come by, but considerate bar staff do their best to alert customers to vacancies. For those feeling peckish, the blackboard bistro menu always delivers, offering a reliable option for pub-goers.
Practical Information for Visitors
The Seven Stars is located at 53 Carey Street, London WC2A 2JB. The nearest tube stations are Chancery Lane or Holborn. Opening hours are 11am-11pm Monday to Friday, noon-11pm on Saturday, and noon-10.30pm on Sunday. Food is served daily from 1pm to 9.30pm.
This pub remains a standout destination for those seeking a genuine slice of old London, combining historical charm with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a legal professional winding down after a case or a curious traveller, the Seven Stars offers an experience that is both quintessentially London and delightfully unique.
