Saturday 14 November 2026
Tucked onto Catherine Street, directly opposite the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Nell of Old Drury is one of the most characterful pubs in Covent Garden. Named after Nell Gwyn, the orange seller turned actress who became the mistress of King Charles II, it has been pouring pints for theatregoers, actors and locals for generations. It’s small, cosy and full of stories, from a legendary secret tunnel to a cameo in an Alfred Hitchcock film. Whether you’re grabbing a drink before a show or simply exploring theatreland, here are five reasons to step inside.
1. It’s the Perfect Pre-Show Pub
Location is everything in theatreland, and the Nell of Old Drury could hardly be better placed. It sits right across the road from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which makes it an obvious spot for a drink before the curtain goes up or a post-show debrief afterwards. The pub even offers an interval drinks service for theatregoers, so you can order ahead and skip the crush at the theatre bar. Its own website jokes that, because nobody can find the famous tunnel, audiences will simply have to cross the road instead. The crowd is a lively mix of locals, tourists, after-work drinkers and show-goers, which gives the place a buzzy, welcoming atmosphere on performance nights.
2. The Legend of Nell Gwyn and the Secret Tunnel
The pub takes its name from Eleanor “Nell” Gwyn, one of the most colourful figures of Restoration London. She is said to have been born in a coalyard on Drury Lane, sold oranges to theatre audiences and went on to become an actress and the mistress of King Charles II. The best-loved story attached to the pub is that a tunnel once linked it to the Theatre Royal opposite, supposedly used by the king to slip away and visit Nell unseen. Nobody has ever proved the tunnel exists, but the legend has become part of the pub’s charm. Sitting with a drink in a building so closely tied to her story is a lovely way to feel connected to theatreland’s colourful past.
3. Centuries of Covent Garden History
There has reportedly been an inn on this spot for centuries, and the pub itself says one has stood here since 1423. The building is said to date from 1720, and it was licensed in 1835 as the Sir John Falstaff before being rebuilt in 1883. It took on the name of Nell Gwyn in the 1960s, keeping its strong theatrical identity. The pub has also had its moment on the big screen: CAMRA notes that it featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1972 thriller Frenzy, alongside scenes of the old Covent Garden fruit and vegetable market, which moved away a couple of years later. For history lovers and film fans alike, it’s a pub with plenty to talk about.
4. Theatre Memorabilia and an “Upper Circle”
Step inside and the theatrical theme is everywhere. The walls are lined with posters and memorabilia from London productions old and new, and many pieces have been signed by casts who have popped in over the decades, so you can happily spend a drink spotting autographs. The pub spreads across two floors, and in a nod to its neighbour, the upstairs room is known as the Upper Circle. Downstairs, the bow window seats overlooking Catherine Street are the best seats in the house if you can grab one. The classic theatre-style frontage is just as photogenic, making the Nell a favourite stop for anyone wandering the West End with a camera.
5. Real Ale, Wine and a Cosy, Friendly Welcome
The Nell keeps things traditional, with real ale and a selection of world wines on offer. After a refurbishment a few years ago, its owners also highlighted gin, with a gin of the month and a menu ranging from London Dry to fruit infusions, plus cocktails and fizz. It’s a genuinely small pub, so the team asks that sports colours and large groups stay away, which helps keep it relaxed and intimate. Dogs are welcome, there’s free Wi-Fi, and the first-floor room can be hired for functions or used for extra seating. With Christmas shows starting across theatreland, it’s a cosy place to warm up before a festive night out.
Visit
Address: 29 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JS
Phone: 020 7046 1304
Email: hello@nellofolddrury.co.uk
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Opening hours: check the pub’s website before you go