About The Hercules Pillars
The Hercules Pillars has kept its place on Great Queen Street, between Holborn and Covent Garden, since 1703. The name refers to the mythological gateway at the edge of the known world, and the current building, put up in 1961, still has the classical columns dividing the bar that predate it, along with a gilded figure of Hercules standing watch behind the counter.
The pub has been part of the Beds and Bars group since 1982 and makes a point of not trying too hard: the wooden furnishings carry decades of honest wear and the staff are known for long service on the street. Cask ales are kept to an independent Cask Marque standard, alongside wines, spirits and cocktails, and a function room downstairs holds up to a hundred people, with spaces for groups of fifteen to seventy.
A pub near Holborn station for roasts, real ale and sport
The kitchen serves classic British pub food seven days a week from noon to 9pm, from fish and chips and sausages and mash to stonebaked pizzas, with a Sunday roast menu at the weekend. A projector and four HD screens show the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, darts, cricket and Formula 1. A happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and cocktails are £5 every Monday.
What to expect on a visit
Hours run from noon on Monday and Sunday and from 11am the rest of the week, closing at 11pm early in the week, midnight on Thursday, 1am on Friday and Saturday and 10pm on Sunday. Holborn station is two minutes away and the piazza about five. For more rooms see our Covent Garden pubs, or walk a few doors to The George for its outdoor terrace. Between them the two make Great Queen Street an easy real ale stop on the way to the theatres.
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Reviews
I had a really great time at this pub and would definitely recommend it. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a perfect place to relax with friends after a long day. It has a nice balance between being lively and comfortable, so you can enjoy the vibe without it feeling too crowded or noisy. The service was excellent throughout the evening. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and always smiling. They made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in and were happy to help whenever we needed anything. It’s clear that they genuinely care about their customers and creating a good experience. The beer quality was also very good. Everything we ordered tasted fresh and was served at the right temperature. You can tell they take good care of their drinks and maintain a good standard behind the bar. There’s also a nice variety of beers to choose from, which is great if you like trying different options. Overall, it’s a great pub with great service, quality drinks, and a friendly atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back again.
Honestly it might be the best pub in Covent Garden. The food is genuinely restaurant quality and the staff are always so kind and lovely. Even though I live in the south, I keep finding myself coming back. I’m pretty much a regular at this point!
Had an absolutely brilliant time at this pub. The drinks selection is excellent with plenty of choice for everyone, and the food was fresh, tasty, and really good quality. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and always make sure you’re looked after properly. Perfect place to watch live sport as they show all the big games and events, with a fantastic atmosphere every time. Great vibes, great service, and a really enjoyable place to spend the evening. Highly recommend!