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The Lamb: Historic Victorian Pub on Lamb's Conduit Street, London

Step into The Lamb, a historic Victorian pub on Lamb’s Conduit Street, where literary heritage meets authentic British ales in a charming, preserved setting.

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The Lamb is a charming Grade II listed Victorian pub located at 94 Lamb's Conduit Street in London. Known for its distinctive etched glass snob screens and rich literary history, this traditional Young’s pub offers a cozy atmosphere with classic British ales and seasonal food. The pub stands on a street named after William Lamb, a 16th-century philanthropist who funded a vital water conduit for London, embedding The Lamb deeply in local heritage and culture.

A brief summary to The Lamb

  • 94 Lamb's Conduit St, London, WC1N 3LZ, GB
  • +442074050713
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-12 am
  • Friday 11 am-12 am
  • Saturday 11 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-11 pm

Local tips

  • Try the real ales from Young’s brewery, known for quality and tradition.
  • Look out for the etched glass snob screens at the bar—an iconic Victorian feature.
  • Reserve the Empire Room upstairs for a more private dining experience.
  • Visit the small rear garden for a quiet outdoor drink enhanced by decorative mirrors.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Piccadilly Line to Russell Square station, approximately a 7-10 minute walk from the pub. The station is fully accessible with escalators and lifts. Tickets cost £2.50-£6 depending on travel zones and time.

  • Bus

    Bus routes 7, 17, 45, 46, and 242 stop near Lamb's Conduit Street. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from central London locations. Single fares cost around £1.75 with an Oyster card or contactless payment.

  • Taxi or Ride-Hailing

    A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £10-£20. Note that street parking near the pub is limited and pay-and-display zones apply.

The Lamb location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about The Lamb

A Legacy Rooted in London's Water History

The Lamb is situated on Lamb's Conduit Street, a name honoring William Lamb, a wealthy 16th-century cloth merchant and philanthropist who funded the rebuilding of the Holborn water conduit in 1577. This conduit was a crucial water supply for Londoners until it was demolished in 1746. Lamb’s generosity extended beyond infrastructure; he provided 120 buckets to poor women, enabling them to earn a living by selling water. Though the original conduit no longer exists, its legacy endures in the street’s name and the pub itself, which stands as a living monument to this history.

Architectural Charm and Victorian Heritage

The Lamb occupies a Georgian building dating back to the early 18th century, with a facade that reflects Victorian and Edwardian influences. It is Grade II listed, preserving its historic character and interior details. The pub is renowned for its double range of etched glass snob screens—frosted partitions installed in the 1890s to offer privacy to patrons while allowing bar staff to monitor discreetly. These screens, along with the yellow stock brickwork, two-tone green Edwardian tiling, and a distinctive cast-iron lamp bracket outside, contribute to its authentic Victorian atmosphere.

A Hub for Literary and Cultural Figures

The Lamb has long been a magnet for literary and artistic figures. Charles Dickens, who lived nearby, was a frequent visitor, and the pub later became a meeting place for the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of influential writers and intellectuals active in the early 20th century. It also hosted romantic rendezvous between poets Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. This rich cultural heritage adds a layer of intrigue and charm to the pub’s welcoming ambiance.

A Traditional Pub Experience with Modern Comforts

Today, The Lamb is a thriving Young’s pub known for serving a selection of real ales and traditional British dishes with seasonal specials. The interior has been sympathetically restored, maintaining its Victorian charm while offering a comfortable dining room upstairs known as the Empire Room, which can be reserved for private events. The small rear garden, enhanced by mirrors, provides a tranquil outdoor seating area. Notably, the pub features an original working polyphon—a predecessor to the gramophone—that can be played for charity, adding a unique auditory experience.

Community Spirit and Independent Character

Lamb's Conduit Street is celebrated for its independent spirit, with The Lamb standing as a proud example of a local pub resisting the tide of chain establishments. The street’s partly pedestrianized layout and mix of boutique shops, food cooperatives, and historic venues create a distinctive atmosphere. The Lamb’s presence here enriches the street’s character, making it a favored spot for after-work drinks or a cozy retreat after exploring nearby attractions like the British Museum.

Preserving a Piece of London’s Past

The Lamb is more than just a pub; it is a repository of London’s social and architectural history. Its preservation as a Grade II listed building ensures that future generations can experience a slice of Victorian life. The pub’s combination of historic features, literary associations, and community focus makes it a unique and valuable landmark in Bloomsbury’s vibrant cultural landscape.

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