A Heritage of Hospitality
The Story of The Old Nick, Past & Present
Steeped in history and brimming with character, The Old Nick has long been a fixture in Holborn. From its early days as a 17th-century coaching inn to its current role as a welcoming pub, our story is one of tradition, transformation, and community. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of this unique spot, now lovingly run by Leanne and her dedicated team.
Our Present
Get to Know Us
The Old Nick blends its rich history with a modern ambiance that attracts a diverse crowd, from local workers and tourists, to Holborn residents. Under the attentive guidance of General Manager Leanne and her passionate team, the pub offers a welcoming space where guests can unwind and enjoy weekly events, and a fantastic selection of drinks.
With its mix of historic charm, eclectic event nights, and warm atmosphere, The Old Nick is the ideal spot to experience Holborn’s past and present in one memorable setting.
At The Old Nick, we’re all about creating a place where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re a local, a city worker, or a visitor discovering Holborn, we’re here to share our history, our events, and our passion for great hospitality. – Leanne (General Manager)
Our Past
The Old Nick, formerly known as The Three Cups, has a rich history dating back to a 17th-century coaching inn, once a bustling stopover for travellers leaving London. First noted on William Morgan’s 1682 map, its name is believed to reference the Worshipful Company of Salters, an ancient guild linked to London’s salt trade, symbolised by three cups.
Rebuilt in the late 18th or early 19th century, the pub was renamed The Old Nick in the early 2000s, paying tribute to a local barrister and nodding to folklore where “Old Nick” refers to the devil, once warded off by salt. Today, this hidden gem in Holborn invites guests to enjoy a unique blend of history, legend, and charm.
Discover More of Our History
If you’re intrigued by our story and enjoy a good dose of pub history, explore Tweedy Pubs on YouTube. Their channel dives into the fascinating backgrounds of London’s most iconic pubs, including The Old Nick. With captivating tales of heritage and character, it’s the perfect place to learn more about what makes pubs like ours so unique.
Explore Our Sister Venues
The Prince Edward
Just a short distance away, discover The Prince Edward in Bayswater, perfectly positioned near Notting Hill and Hyde Park, offering a welcoming atmosphere, hearty food, and a vibrant spot to catch live sports.
The Eel Pie
Nearby in Twickenham, explore The Eel Pie, a charming pub nestled near the River Thames, offering a cosy atmosphere and a perfect spot to unwind after visiting local landmarks like Twickenham Stadium or Marble Hill House.
The Shaston Arms
Close by in Soho, discover The Shaston Arms, a quintessential London pub offering a cosy retreat with a great selection of drinks, perfect for relaxing after exploring the vibrant heart of the city.
The Ship & Shovell
Nearby, uncover The Ship and Shovell, a truly unique pub split across two buildings, offering a warm atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, just moments from Charing Cross and Embankment.
St Stephens Tavern
A short journey away, visit St. Stephens Tavern, an iconic pub steeped in history, located near Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, offering classic British charm and a welcoming atmosphere.
Fundraising
Community is incredibly important to us and as part of this, we help to fundraise for a local charity. For more information on which charity we are supporting this year, speak to a local team member at the pub or view our company website.
RNLI Water
We currently serve Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Coastal Spring still and sparkling waters and 1p will be paid in support of the RNLI for each bottle sold. Payments are made by Cornish Natural Spring Water to RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd (Which pays all its taxable profits to the RNLI, a charity registered in England & Wales (No. 209603) & in Scotland (No SC037736). Charity No. CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
Blue Light Card Discount
Enjoy 15% off your whole bill when you dine with us Monday to Sunday when you present a valid Blue Light Card.
T&Cs: Minimum Spend £10. Valid for Food, Soft Drinks, Hot Drinks, Alcoholic Drinks & Accommodation. Excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday, Mothering Sunday, Fathers Day, Valentines Day and Bank Holidays. This discount cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer. Maximum size of table is 6 people when receiving the Blue Light Discount, for larger Tables the Blue light Discount does not apply
Impact Report 2024
Hall & Woodhouse is proud to present our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. As we approach our 250th anniversary in 2027, we’ve set ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality. Recent initiatives include £140,000 raised for Teddy Rocks supporting children with cancer, and £100,000 raised by our pubs for local charities. Explore the full report to see how we’re making a meaningful difference across the South of England.
Stay up to Date with What's Happening at The Old Nick
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