📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Salisbury
★ 3.0(1 review)Bar
historictraditionalcozy
About the Vibe
Tucked away on St Martin's Lane, The Salisbury is a proper Victorian gin palace that's seen better days but still packs serious historic charm. Built in 1899, you'll find yourself surrounded by carved mahogany, scarlet booths, and those iconic bronze flower-nymph lamps that scream old-school British pub. It's the kind of place where Liz Taylor got engaged and where you can still feel the weight of London's theatrical history pressing down on your pint. The food is about as traditional as it gets - think steak-and-ale pie, fish and chips for tenner prices, and chicken tikka masala that'll make you question your life choices. The Young's ales are solid, the service is friendly enough, and if you're dog-friendly, they'll welcome your four-legged friend with open arms. Just don't expect anything fancy - this is comfort food in its most unpretentious form. It's been a celebrity hangout since the '60s, though these days it's more about the locals and tourists snapping photos than rubbing shoulders with the stars. The beer garden's a nice touch when the weather's decent, and the app might just get you a free pint if you're lucky.
Known For
- •Victorian gin palace interior
- •carved mahogany bar
- •steak-and-ale pie
- •celebrity history
Best For
traditional pub experiencedog-friendly visitsgroup drinks
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 10, 2026
A Historic Pub with Character
The Salisbury is a London classic that's seen better days but still delivers on atmosphere. Step inside and you're immediately transported back to Victorian London with the carved mahogany bar, scarlet leather booths, and those stunning etched glass mirrors that catch the light beautifully. It's Grade II listed for a reason - this is authentic British pub architecture at its finest.
The food is exactly what you'd expect from a traditional pub: hearty, unpretentious, and reasonably priced. The steak-and-ale pie is decent, though don't expect Michelin-level innovation. The fish and chips at tenner prices is a solid deal for a quick bite. Service is friendly but can be slow when it's busy, which is to be expected at such a popular spot.
What really sets The Salisbury apart is its history and character. It's been a celebrity haunt since the '60s, and you can still feel that theatrical energy in the air. It's not the fanciest place in Covent Garden, but it's got soul. Perfect for a proper British pub experience without the tourist trap pricing of some nearby establishments.