Why Walk Into The Salisbury?
If you’re exploring London’s historic pubs near Covent Garden, The Salisbury on St Martin’s Lane is worth seeking out for its spectacular Victorian interior. Rebuilt in 1892, this Grade II listed former gin palace is filled with ornate decoration, from its sweeping mahogany bar to richly decorated ceilings and etched glass.
Step inside and you’ll find a grand central bar surrounded by polished woodwork, mirrors and elaborate Victorian fittings. The Salisbury is one of those pubs where the building itself is the main attraction.
Know Before You Go
Crowd Expectations — The Salisbury gets particularly busy before West End theatre performances, when finding a seat can be difficult. Weekday afternoons are generally quieter if you’d prefer to admire the Victorian interior without the crowds.
Food & Dining — Expect traditional British pub favorites, including fish and chips, savory pies and Sunday roasts. Vegetarian options are also available. If you’re ordering food, find a table first and note its number, then order and pay at the bar. Drinks come back with you, while food is brought to your table.
Reservations — Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead is recommended if you’re planning a meal before a theatre performance. Reserved tables follow the same bar-ordering system.
Visiting with Children — Families are welcome, although the pub can become particularly crowded before evening theatre performances.
What’s the Pint Pick?
Look for Timothy Taylor Landlord on the handpumps. This award-winning English pale ale has a balanced, hoppy character with a gentle citrus finish. If it’s not available, Greene King Abbot Ale is a good alternative for a traditional English bitter.
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.
Once you’ve got your pint, take a closer look at the extraordinary details surrounding the bar.
The Salisbury’s Victorian Details and West End History
One of the pub’s most unusual surviving features is its collection of bronze female figures holding flowers fitted with electric lights. Look for them mounted on the mahogany partitions around the bar. They’re a reminder of an era when electric lighting was still something worth showing off.
The etched glass also tells a story. Look for the intertwined letters SS, standing for Salisbury Stores, the pub’s original Victorian name. Outside, the elaborate stonework above the corner entrance includes the Cecil family coat of arms. The pub takes its name from Lord Salisbury, the Victorian prime minister.
Address: 90 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AP
Nearest Station: Leicester Square
Website: The Salisbury
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