The Sherlock Holmes, one of London’s original themed pubs with a history dating back centuries, is the latest historical site in Greene King’s portfolio to receive significant investment from its owner, restoring a pocket of Victoriana in modern London.
Said to have featured in the 1892 Sherlock Holmes story ‘The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor’, the Sherlock Homes is themed around Conan Doyle’s world-famous detective and has contained a large collection of memorabilia related to the character since the 1950s.
The pub, which is located on Northumberland St, has received a six-figure investment to revive the interior and exterior of the site – all mindfully curated to evoke the atmosphere of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales.
Zoe Bowley, Managing Director for Greene King pubs, said: “Pubs are a key part of the history of our country, so we’re always very mindful when we make investments in historic pubs to do them justice.
“The Sherlock Holmes is an important part of our central London offer and, over the years, has become known as a working museum amongst Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts. This investment has rejuvenated the pub, preserved key elements of the Victorian era whilst reaffirmed its prime position in St James’s.
“The pub reopens as the third in our ‘Premium Heritage’ collection, making it perfect for customers looking for a classic pub experience, but where they can feel steeped in local history and enjoy refined hospitality over a special meal or after-work drinks with friends.”
The Sherlock Holmes investment brings a complete interior and exterior overhaul, including thoughtfully-designed spaces that lean into the pub as a working museum and the introduction of new dining zones throughout the pub with ‘The Parlour’, ‘The Library’ and ‘The Sir Conan Doyle’ rooms, bringing atmospheric dining to the fore. The exterior has also been completely revamped, with an improved outdoors space with new seating, lighting and signage.
Pete Brown, writer and historian, said: “The Sherlock Holmes, albeit under different names, dates back to the 1800s, and has a rich history on Northumberland St. It’s said to have originally been a hotel, before becoming a pub and receiving a new name, the Northumberland Arms, in the process. It got its current name in 1957, when the pub became home to a detailed replica of a corner of Sherlock Holmes’ fictional apartment from Sir Conan Doyle’s well-known stories thanks to its reference in ‘The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor’. The replica, along with numerous other memorabilia, remains in the pub in the present day, attracting visitors from across the world.”
The Sherlock Holmes is the latest of Greene King’s historical pubs to receive investment, with the Crown – which dates back to 1833 and is the last remaining pub on the Seven Dials in Covent Garden – and the Garrick Arms, on Charing Cross Road, both reopening recently.
The Sherlock Holmes reopened on Monday, 14 April and is located at 10 Northumberland St, St James’s, London, WC2N 5DB. For more information visit here.
