Why Walk Into The Blue Posts?
Just around the corner from Carnaby Street’s busy shopping crowds, The Blue Posts on Kingly Street is a handsome Victorian corner pub that’s easy to walk past without noticing its historic details. With its distinctive red-brick turret, traditional hanging sign and historic entrance details, it’s worth a short detour if you’re exploring Soho’s old pubs.
The present building dates to 1892, although the pub’s history stretches back much further. Before stepping inside, look up at the octagonal corner turret and the hanging sign depicting a woman being carried in a sedan chair. Then look down at the entrance, where a tiled mosaic spells out the pub’s name.
Know Before You Go
Crowd Expectations — Just steps from Carnaby Street, The Blue Posts attracts shoppers, tourists and local office workers. The small ground-floor bar can become standing room only during busy evenings and weekends. Visit earlier in the day if you’d prefer a quieter drink.
Food & Dining — Expect traditional British pub favorites, including fish and chips, savory pies and Sunday roasts.
Reservations — Booking ahead is recommended if you’re planning a meal, particularly Sunday roast. Walk-in seating may be limited during busy periods.
Visiting with Children — Families are welcome during the day, but check with the pub directly about any age restrictions during evening hours. The upstairs dining room may be more comfortable for a family meal.
Accessibility — The ground-floor bar is compact, and the upstairs dining room is reached by stairs, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Where to Settle In: Downstairs or Upstairs?
Downstairs: The Pub Bar — Step inside for a pint or a casual meal in the traditional ground-floor bar, with its wooden fittings, mirrors and lively Soho atmosphere. If you’re ordering food, find a table first, note the table number, then order and pay at the bar. Take your drinks back with you, and your food will be brought to your table.
Upstairs: The Dining Room — Head upstairs for a quieter sit-down meal away from the busy bar below. If you’ve booked a table or are seated upstairs for dining, a server will take your food and drink orders at the table.
What’s the Pint Pick?
Order a pint of Abbot Ale if it’s available. This traditional English ale from Greene King has a rich, malty character with a slightly fruity finish. The Blue Posts serves a selection of Greene King ales alongside lagers and other draught beers, although the cask lineup can change.
Order your pint or half-pint at the bar and pay when you order. If the card machine prompts you for a tip, you can press skip. Digital prompts are increasingly common these days, but tipping is still not customary when buying drinks at a London pub bar counter.
The Story Behind the Blue Posts
So why is this pub called The Blue Posts?
One explanation takes us back to eighteenth-century London, when wealthy residents traveled through narrow, muddy streets in sedan chairs. Carried by two men, these enclosed chairs could be hired much like taxis, and blue-painted posts are said to have marked places where the chairmen waited for customers.
There’s another story, too. Soho was once part of Henry VIII’s royal hunting grounds, and local folklore suggests that blue posts marked the boundaries of the king’s property. It’s a colorful explanation, although the connection to this particular pub hasn’t been established.
And despite the shared name, this isn’t the Blue Posts on Rupert Street, which houses Evelyn’s Table restaurant. Kingly Street is the traditional Soho pub.
Address: 18 Kingly Street, Soho, London W1B 5PX
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus
Website: The Blue Posts
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