The Seven Stars: London's Historic Legal Pub
One of London’s oldest pubs, The Seven Stars blends centuries of history with a lively legal atmosphere and eclectic charm in Holborn.
The Seven Stars, located at 53 Carey Street in London, is one of the city's oldest pubs, dating back to 1602. It uniquely survived the Great Fire of London and has a rich history linked to Dutch sailors, Shakespearean performances, and literary inspiration from Charles Dickens. Today, it is a cherished free house known for its Victorian interior, legal clientele, and a diverse menu curated by its renowned landlady, Roxy Beaujolais.
A brief summary to The Seven Stars
- 53 Carey St, London, WC2A 3QS, GB
- +442072428521
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-9 pm
Local tips
- Try the daily-changing menu curated by landlady Roxy Beaujolais, featuring British classics and unique dishes.
- Explore the snug called the Wig Box, a former wig shop with authentic bewigged dummies on display.
- Admire the Victorian bar-back and etched glass doors that reflect the pub’s 19th-century heritage.
- Visit during weekdays to experience its popularity with legal professionals in a lively but historic setting.
- Enjoy a pint of Pilsner Urquell drawn from casks, a nod to the pub’s commitment to traditional ales.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Holborn Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to The Seven Stars. The station is well connected and accessible, with frequent service throughout the day. No additional fare beyond standard London Underground charges.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including routes 8, 25, and 242, stop near Carey Street. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses accept contactless payment or Oyster cards, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £8 and £15. Note that traffic congestion charges may apply during peak hours.
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Walking
If staying nearby in the legal district or Covent Garden, walking to The Seven Stars is feasible within 10-20 minutes. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing through historic streets of central London.
The Seven Stars location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Seven Stars
A Legacy Surviving Centuries
The Seven Stars stands as a remarkable survivor of London's turbulent history, with origins tracing back to 1602 during the reign of Elizabeth I. Unlike many establishments, it escaped the devastation of the Great Fire of London in 1666, preserving its place in the city's heritage. Originally named "The League of Seven Stars," the pub's name referenced the seven provinces of the Netherlands, a nod to its early Dutch sailor patrons. Over time, the name was shortened to The Seven Stars, reflecting changing political and commercial realities in Anglo-Dutch relations.Historic Connections and Cultural Ties
Situated near the legal heart of London, opposite the Royal Courts of Justice, The Seven Stars has long attracted a clientele connected to the law. Its proximity to Middle Temple also linked it to Shakespearean history, with performances of his plays occurring nearby. The novelist Charles Dickens is believed to have drawn inspiration from this pub for his depiction of The Magpie & Stump in "The Pickwick Papers." The pub's interior echoes its storied past, featuring Victorian bar-backs, etched and gilded glass doors, and distinctive brewery mirrors from the late 19th century.Atmosphere and Interior Character
Inside, The Seven Stars offers an eclectic and intimate ambiance, contrasting with the grandeur of its legal surroundings. The snug known as the Wig Box, once a wig maker’s shop, still displays bewigged dummies, adding a quirky charm. The ceiling is adorned with dried hops, and the wood-paneled walls are decorated with photographs and film posters related to legal dramas and famous barristers. The pub blends traditional pub seating with bistro-style tables covered in vintage gingham plastic, creating a casual yet historic environment.Gastronomy and Management
Under the stewardship of Roxy Beaujolais, a celebrated landlady and former private caterer, The Seven Stars serves a varied menu that defies easy categorization. British classics such as roast chicken and chicken liver pâté share space with more unusual dishes like dill-cured herring and dahl salad with tortilla. The pub is also known for its excellent selection of cask ales, including the historically significant Pilsner Urquell drawn from casks. Roxy’s management has been credited with revitalizing the pub, maintaining its reputation for quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.Architectural Evolution and Preservation
While the pub's frontage bears the date 1602, much of the building dates from the 1680s, with an extension added in 1878. The Victorian elements, including the bar counters and advertising panels, reflect the pub’s 19th-century modifications. Despite numerous changes over the centuries, The Seven Stars retains its Grade II listed status, preserving its architectural and cultural heritage. Its unique layout, with separate "private" and "general" counters, is a rare feature that speaks to historical class distinctions within London pubs.Community and Legal Hub
Today, The Seven Stars remains a beloved free house and a hub for the legal community, locals, tourists, and tradespeople alike. Its location in Holborn places it at the crossroads of London's legal and cultural life. The pub’s blend of history, character, and quality hospitality offers visitors a tangible connection to London's past and a vibrant venue for present-day socializing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Clement Danes Church
0.2 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
Prince Henry's Room
0.2 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Hare Pl
0.3 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
The Old Watch House
0.4 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.4 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.5 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Strand
0.6 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Bow St
0.6 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Victoria Embankment
0.6 km
Experience the tranquility of Victoria Embankment in London, a beautiful riverside promenade perfect for leisurely strolls and iconic views.
Ludgate Circus
0.6 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Royal Opera House
0.6 km
Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
Holborn Viaduct
0.7 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
Sicilian Avenue
0.7 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Bleeding Heart Yard
0.7 km
London's most haunted courtyard, where Gothic legend meets gritty Victorian history beneath ancient cobblestones.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
0.1 km
Explore the historic legal heart of London at Lincoln's Inn, where centuries of law, architecture, and tradition converge in a serene urban oasis.
Royal Courts of Justice
0.1 km
Explore the Royal Courts of Justice, a stunning Gothic architectural masterpiece in London, showcasing the city's rich legal history and vibrant culture.
Temple Bar Memorial
0.2 km
Uncover the historical significance of Temple Bar Memorial, a captivating landmark in the heart of London, reflecting the city's rich heritage and culture.
The Old Bank of England
0.2 km
Discover the historic charm of The Old Bank of England, a premier pub in London, offering delicious food, local brews, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Maughan Library
0.2 km
Explore London's grand neo-Gothic Maughan Library, a historic fireproof archive turned vibrant university research hub at King's College London.
St Dunstan-in-the-West
0.2 km
Discover St Dunstan-in-the-West, a neo-Gothic marvel on Fleet Street with a rich history spanning over a millennium and unique octagonal design.
London Silver Vaults
0.3 km
Explore the world’s largest underground silver marketplace beneath historic Chancery Lane, where centuries of craftsmanship shine behind steel vault doors.
The Old Curiosity Shop
0.3 km
A charming Tudor-era timbered shop in London, steeped in Dickensian legend and offering a rare glimpse of Elizabethan architecture amid the modern city.
Temple Church
0.3 km
Explore the exquisite Temple Church, a 12th-century architectural marvel in London, rich in history and breathtaking beauty.
Peacock Theatre
0.3 km
A dynamic West End venue dedicated to contemporary dance and innovative performances in a historic yet modern setting.
John Wilkes statue
0.3 km
Explore the dynamic bronze statue of John Wilkes on Fetter Lane, celebrating a fiery 18th-century champion of freedom and London’s political heritage.
Middle Temple Venue Hire
0.3 km
A stunning Elizabethan hall at the heart of London’s legal heritage, blending history, architecture, and tradition in a serene riverside setting.
Lincoln's Inn Fields
0.3 km
London’s largest historic square blending centuries of legal heritage, dramatic history, and tranquil green space in the heart of Holborn.
Staple Inn
0.4 km
Discover Staple Inn, London’s last Tudor timber-framed Inn of Chancery, a historic legal and wool trading hub that survived fire, war, and centuries of change.
Sir John Soane's Museum
0.4 km
Explore the extraordinary preserved home and collection of Sir John Soane, a masterpiece of architecture and eclectic art in central London.
Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.3 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Sarastro
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Margot
0.6 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.6 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
0.6 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.7 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Chez Antoinette
0.7 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Punch & Judy
0.7 km
Historic Covent Garden pub blending classic British fare, lively balcony views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.8 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Circus
0.8 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.8 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Rules
0.8 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.8 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.8 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Twinings - The Strand
0.2 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
The Store X
0.3 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
not just a shop
0.4 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.7 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.7 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.7 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.8 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.8 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.8 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.8 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Sugar And Style
0.8 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.8 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Pop Boutique
0.8 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Russell Street
0.6 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Plume Wine Bar
0.6 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.6 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Punch Tavern
0.6 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Black Parrot
0.6 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Princess Louise
0.6 km
Step into the Princess Louise, a stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, where opulent interiors and rich history blend in a timeless London pub experience.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.7 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
0.7 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Beaufort Bar
0.7 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
0.7 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.8 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Upstairs At Rules
0.8 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.8 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
The Understudy
0.8 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Lyaness
0.9 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Proud Late
0.7 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Roxy
0.9 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.0 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
1.0 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Heaven
1.1 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.2 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
London Best Night Clubs
1.2 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Club49Soho
1.2 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
1.2 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
The Penthouse London
1.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.3 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Café de Paris
1.4 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
