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Real ale, Sunday roasts, live sport, and a room for a hundred

UNCHANGED & UNMATCHED

Walk in and the first thing you notice is that nothing is trying too hard. The classical columns dividing the bar have been here since before the current building went up in 1961. The wooden furnishings carry the kind of wear that takes decades to accumulate honestly. The function room holds up to a hundred people, the bar is stocked for whatever the evening requires, and the staff have been looking after this street long enough to know exactly what you need before you ask.

People clinking colourful cocktails at a restaurant table.

Heroically priced Happy Hour in central London, every weekday from 4pm

Happy Hour in Holborn

Clock off at four and let the labours end there. Until seven, two for one on cocktails, gin and tonics and stone baked pizza, cask ale at a price from another era, prosecco by the bottle. Mondays extend the kindness to the cocktail list, all evening. Settle into a room that predates the Georgians, catch the Premier League, and let Covent Garden carry on without you. Pubs with happy hours are common. Ones like this are not.

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Cocktails being prepared at The Hercules Pillars pub bar on Great Queen Street, Holborn
Cask ale taps and the gilded Hercules figure behind the bar at The Hercules Pillars, Holborn
Sunday roast with beef, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and vegetables at The Hercules Pillars, Holborn
Bar staff pouring a pint at The Hercules Pillars, a traditional pub near Holborn and Covent Garden

Food, drink, and sport how it should be

YOUR PUB IN HOLBORN FOR  EVERY OCCASION

Whether you are here for a weekday lunch, a stonebaked pizza and a cocktail after work, or a table for the Premier League on a Saturday afternoon, the kitchen runs until nine and the bar runs later. The menu covers British pub classics from fish and chips to sausages and mash. The projector and four HD screens mean that whatever is on, you will see every second of it.

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Where the Holborn local watch the game

LIVE SPORT

Great sport is better in a great pub. We screen the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, major darts, cricket, and the World Cup  throughout the season, in surroundings that have been welcoming a crowd for longer than most venues in the area have existed. No gimmicks. Just good sport, well served, in a pub that knows what it is doing.

  • World Cycling

    15 Oct
    10:00

    UCI Track World Championships 2026

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  • UEFA Europa League

    15 Oct
    16:45
    • Red Bull Salzburg logo featuring Hercules Pillars with football and bulls.

      Red Bull Salzburg

    • AC Milan football club logo with red and black stripes and cross, 1899.

      AC Milan

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  • UEFA Europa League

    15 Oct
    16:45
    • The Hercules Pillars logo featuring a lion and the Lyon OL emblem.

      Lyon

    • Crystal Palace

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  • UEFA Europa League

    15 Oct
    19:00
    • Benfica crest featuring an eagle, shield, and club initials S.L.B.

      Benfica

    • Celtic

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Watch this space

WHAT’S ON

Nations Championship 2026

Rugby live in Holborn

4th July 2026 - 29th November 2026

Group of friends enjoying drinks and celebrating outdoors at The Hercules Pillars.

Premier League

Watch the Premier League live in Holborn

21st August 2026 - 30th May 2027

Group of people enjoying a lively celebration at The Hercules Pillars pub.

Europa League

SIXTY-FOUR CLUBS. ONE PUB WORTH WATCHING THEM IN.

16th September 2026 - 27th May 2027

A foamy cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden tray at The Hercules Pillars, Holborn

Happy Hour

At 4pm on any weekday, The Hercules Pillars becomes one of the best value pubs in Holborn.

4pm - 7pm, Monday to Friday

An Aperol spritz cocktail on a wooden tray at The Hercules Pillars, Holborn, available for £5 on Mondays

£5 Cocktails

No catch, just our mixologist's best creations at a great price.

Every Monday

Spooky skeleton decoration behind a window for Halloween at the Pillars.

Halloween at the Pillars – The Last Ride

Join us for a full weekend of Halloween thrills, devilishly good cocktails, and live music in our old and haunting venue. Dress to impress (or terrify)!

29th October 2026 - 31st October 2026

Christmas

Get into the festive spirit in Holborn's most charming venue.

2nd November 2026 - 24th December 2026

A group of friends clinking pints at The Hercules Pillars in Holborn, a pub showing Formula 1 live in central London

Formula 1

Its lights out at The Hercules Pillars. Watch the Formula 1 live in Holborn.

6th March 2026 - 6th December 2026

The Hercules Pillars

private hire

Great Queen Street has been hosting Londoners since long before the age of the booking form. The Hercules Pillars has been part of that history since 1982 and somewhere along the way, it built the most distinctive spaces in Holborn.

Whether you’re gathering fifteen or seventy, there’s a space with your name on it.

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Experience The Hercules Pillars

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Paul T profile picture 
 
 
 Paul T 
 
 
 
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Excellent
Great location, food was excellent and the staff were even better, the evening was perfect.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Horns D profile picture 
 
 
 Horns D 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Top notch experience
We had a private dining event and the whole experience was amazing. The staff were welcoming and accommodating, the food was plentiful and delicious, the location was perfect. We will definitely be back. Thank you
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Mark P profile picture 
 
 
 Mark P 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Well worth a visit
The bar staff were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, offering great recommendations from an impressive selection of beers. As we were a relatively large group, we dined in the downstairs restaurant area, which had a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I have to say, the three-course meal was outstanding value for money — every course was excellent. It would be hard to find another establishment of this kind in central London offering the same quality, service, and overall experience at such a reasonable price.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Alvadura profile picture 
 
 
 Alvadura 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Another excellent business lunch in an outstanding venue with fantastic staff!
Manager Kaan and his wonderful staff arranged and delivered an outstanding venue for a working lunch, with attentive service, sensitive to dietary restrictions and needs. The meal was sumptuous! Well done the Pillars!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 John D profile picture 
 
 
 John D 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Great place
Great pub, great vibes. Friendly efficient staff.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 kilcos01 profile picture 
 
 
 kilcos01 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Great service
Lovely pub, Charlie was very friendly and couldn’t do enough for us as a group of 10 people, asset to the pub! Good food too.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Kevin profile picture 
 
 
 Kevin 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Charlie’s service was sublime.
Really friendly inviting pub , we ordered some food fresh and tasty and one member of staff CHARLIE was exceptional with his service and his whole demeanour always smiling and eager to please….well done charlie we had a great evening.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 John H profile picture 
 
 
 John H 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Good pint and good food
Had to pop in for a pint and something small to eat. The place was clean and more importantly, the staff were attentive and very efficient. Please to say that the Doombar pint was good and the crispy chicken dish was a good size and tasty.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Aliden24 profile picture 
 
 
 Aliden24 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Nice pub.. bit crowded
Nice pub, well situated for Holborn Station and not far from Covent Garden. Food ( burger) was very nice… very busy and noisy on a Saturday evening with sports playing on a large screen…
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Sally B profile picture 
 
 
 Sally B 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Great place to be
Not the first time ive been and certainly not the last. Called for breakfast on my way to Euston and they did not disappoint. Jade and Victoria were wonderful hostesses and couldn't do enough to help. Lovely friendly atmosphere. A suitable place for any age.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Ainsley Carter profile picture 
 
 
 Ainsley Carter 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
A nice place to chillax anytime of the day...the staff are so friendly and welcoming...The atmosphere is pleasant and also have outdoor facilities for those who wants to drink and have a smoke....overall a 10 in my books..
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Ed Park profile picture 
 
 
 Ed Park 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
One of the few bars left in London that has seats at the bar. I have no idea why they got rid of bar seats in London. Do you really expect someone by themselves to sit at a table? This bar also has a big screen for football.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Daniel Teasdale profile picture 
 
 
 Daniel Teasdale 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Fantastic pub. Service is brilliant and the food is excellent. The atmosphere inside the pub is one of a kind. A well worthy stop on any trip to London
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Ajay Sharma profile picture 
 
 
 Ajay Sharma 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Sophia C profile picture 
 
 
 Sophia C 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Good pub, good service, great for watching live sports and football
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 aaaJAKE profile picture 
 
 
 aaaJAKE 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our local pub from work, staff are great and also allow you to play a game - great for sports and always welcoming. Would recommend if your in the area
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Tom Bond profile picture 
 
 
 Tom Bond 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Lovely pub, lovely staff,
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Terry Hennessy profile picture 
 
 
 Terry Hennessy 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Brilliant service as always when the staff are up against it when busy! Always friendly and attentive. Well done all
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Lionel Correya profile picture 
 
 
 Lionel Correya 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Dropped in for a drink, great selection of beers on tap! Was served by Jade, she and the rest of the team were very friendly and attentive. Even got a shamrock on my Guinness!

Contact

Opening Hours

Monday: 12pm – 11pm
Tuesday – Wednesday: 11am – 11pm
Thursday: 11am – 12pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 1am
Sunday: 12pm – 10pm

Kitchen opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 12pm – 9pm

18 Great Queen St
London
WC2B 5DG

020 7242 2218
herculespillars.co.uk

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will all games be shown live?

    We show every fixture from the sports we cover — Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, major darts, and cricket — live as they happen. The fixture widget above is updated regularly with what is coming up. If you cannot find what you are looking for, drop us a message and we will check for you.

  • Can I still visit without a booking?

    Walk-ins are always welcome at The Hercules Pillars. For daytime weekday visits and quieter periods you will generally find a table without any trouble. During major fixtures or events the pub fills up, so a booking is worth making if you want to be certain of a seat. Reserve online or give us a call.

  • Do I have to pre-order my food?

    No. You can order from the full menu on the day, at your table. Pre-ordering is available for groups and private hire bookings, where it helps us make sure everything arrives together and on time. If you are coming as a larger party and want to take that option, get in touch when you book and we will send you the pre-order menu.

  • Can I cancel my booking?

    Yes, and we ask only that you give us as much notice as you can. A table released early is a table someone else can use. Cancel or amend through the link in your booking confirmation email, or call us directly. Private hire bookings are subject to the cancellation terms in your agreement — check those if you are unsure.

  • I need help. Who should I call?

    For table bookings, general enquiries, and anything on the day, call the pub directly on the number above. For private hire enquiries, the events team is the right first contact — reach them at party@bedsandbars.com. We are open Monday to Saturday from 11am and Sunday from noon, and someone will always pick up during opening hours.

Upcoming Event

4th July 2026 - 29th November 2026

From the first whistle in July to the Nations Championship Final in November, catch every fixture at The Hercules Pillars, two minutes from Holborn station.

What is the Nations Championship?

The Nations Championship is international rugby’s new biennial tournament, launching in 2026 for the first time. Twelve of the world’s best teams the Six Nations sides plus Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, and Japan compete across two windows, with every result feeding into a global table. Northern Hemisphere teams travel south in July. Southern Hemisphere teams come north in November. Then it all comes down to one Finals Weekend at Twickenham.

Key Dates

Autumn Series: 6 to 8 November, 13 to 15 November, 21 November 2026

1ST WEEKEND PREBOOKED SPECIAL OFFER

Free pint of Guinness per person. Only available with code FREE G. Pop code in special requests box when booking. Only available for games on 6th, 7th and 8th Nov. 

Finals Weekend, Twickenham: 27 to 29 November 2026

The Finals Weekend settles everything. Six matches across three days, North versus South at every ranking, with the first-placed team from each hemisphere meeting on Sunday 29 November to be crowned the inaugural Nations Champions.

Every round that matters screens live at The Hercules Pillars, two minutes from Holborn station. Secure your seat.

Upcoming Event

Group of friends enjoying drinks and celebrating outdoors at The Hercules Pillars.

21st August 2026 - 30th May 2027

Watch the Premier League Live in Holborn

Every Premier League match is screened live on a large projector and multiple HD screens, two minutes from Holborn station. The Hercules Pillars has been the go-to Premier League pub in Holborn for years, a proper pub with a loyal crowd, real cask ales, and classic pub food served until 9pm. Whether it is a midweek fixture or a full Saturday programme, you will find a screen worth watching and a pint worth drinking. Just show up, find your spot, and enjoy the game the way it should be watched.

Upcoming Event

Group of people enjoying a lively celebration at The Hercules Pillars pub.

16th September 2026 - 27th May 2027

Sixty-Four Clubs. One Pub Worth Watching Them In.

Watch the Europa League live at Hercules Pillars and you get something the newer bars nearby cannot offer a room with genuine character, a crowd that has been coming back for years, and food available until 10pm to see you through to the final whistle. Sixty-four clubs. Thirty-two nations. The tournament that has a habit of producing the nights nobody saw coming. 18 Great Queen Street. Every fixture, every round.

Upcoming Event

A foamy cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden tray at The Hercules Pillars, Holborn

4pm - 7pm, Monday to Friday

At 4pm on any weekday, The Hercules Pillars becomes one of the best-value happy hour pubs in Holborn. Two hours and fifty-nine minutes of 2 for 1 G&Ts, 2 for 1 cocktails, 2 for 1 stone-baked pizzas, 2 for 1 Coronas, prosecco at £24 a bottle, and real ales at £3.80. Monday evenings add £5 cocktails to the mix. The only question worth asking is what time you are leaving the office.

Upcoming Event

An Aperol spritz cocktail on a wooden tray at The Hercules Pillars, Holborn, available for £5 on Mondays

Every Monday

Every Monday night at The Hercules Pillars, the full cocktail menu drops to £5. Not a reduced selection. Not a list of two. The full menu, all evening, in a characterful Holborn pub a short walk from both Holborn and Covent Garden stations. If Monday is the hardest sell of the week, £5 cocktails in central London make a reasonable counter-argument.

Upcoming Event

Spooky skeleton decoration behind a window for Halloween at the Pillars.

29th October 2026 - 31st October 2026

Join us for a full weekend of Halloween rides, thrills, devilishly good cocktails, and live music in our old and haunting venue. Dress to impress (or terrify) for some surprises along the way!

Try our cocktail specials 2 for £12

Rhubarb & Custard – Nostalgic haunt with Smirnoff Vodka with a tart rhubarb, creamy custard silky finish

Blood Orange Ginger Margarita – A tart and warming twist on a classic packed with flavour and heat

 

Upcoming Event

2nd November 2026 - 24th December 2026

The Hercules Pillars is a charming traditional English pub that can be found minutes away from Holborn Station, serving classic English dishes along with a host of real cask ales. Whether it’s after-work Christmas drinks, a hearty three-course meal, or a Christmas lunch with friends, family or colleagues, we’ve got everything you need to celebrate the season in style. If you’re looking for an exclusive space for a Christmas party, our function room downstairs is ideal, with room for up to 80 guests standing or 40 seated, plus its own private bar, HD screens, and a large projector to set the mood. Whether you’re planning a sit-down meal or a more casual buffet-style gathering, our team will make sure everything is just right. So gather your friends, raise a glass, and let’s make this Christmas one to remember at The Pillars.

 

Upcoming Event

A group of friends clinking pints at The Hercules Pillars in Holborn, a pub showing Formula 1 live in central London

6th March 2026 - 6th December 2026

From Melbourne to Monaco, every Formula 1 Grand Prix screens live at The Hercules Pillars. This is a pub that has been drawing sports crowds for years, and race day is no different. Pull up a seat, order from the kitchen, and watch F1 in London the way it was meant to be watched: with a drink in hand, in a room full of people who know what they are looking at.