Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 17 and Version 16 of Princess Louise, WC1V 7EP

Sam Smith's pub in Holborn. Refurbished during 2007, reopened in January 2008.

The restorers have paid careful attention to the Victorian period detail in the Princess Louise, and have resurrected all the glass panelling downstairs, creating multiple 'compartments' around the bar, with a passage running around either side and a larger space towards the rear. Downstairs at the back are dramatic toilets with vast urinals (at least in the men's), looking pristine. The doors to the toilets take some decoding as the 'Gents' and 'Ladies' are written in the stained-glass doors, and not easy to spot.

The upstairs room is laid out with tables and chairs (and some sofas), with a small bar at the back and a sophisticated gentleman's club ambiance (minus the cigars and brandy). Until, that is, the office workers pour in around 6pm and the place becomes a heaving, noisy mass of drinkers.

This place is, in fact, one of the busiest places you could hope to come, so get in early for a seat upstairs. It also attracts its share of masons from the nearby Grand Lodge.

There's a small standard selection of food (steaks, burgers, pies and baguettes), with only a couple of options for vegetarians (a vege pie, macaroni & cheese, or cheese & tomato baguette). Spiral fries are perfectly good snack (though pricy, at £3.50). The vegetarian pie was tasty but nothing special, with good mash but fairly tasteless vegetables (carrots and peas), though better value at £5.95.

See also:

• Beer In The Evening comments
• Fancyapint review
• This Is London review
• Pubs.com

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