Bloomsbury, London

Location of the Bloomsbury area in London

This article is about three neighbourhoods of central London: Bloomsbury, St Pancras and Fitzrovia.

Bloomsbury is the hub of London's university district, is home to the British Museum and is next to the British Library. St Pancras is a largely residential area with many fine 17th- to 19th-century townhouses built around pretty squares with gardens of varying levels of privacy, and the perfect place for a wander to soak up the atmosphere of being in London. This is also a promising place to look for accommodation, from cheap student hostels to 4-star hotels and apartment rentals. What Fitzrovia lacks in attractions it makes up for in an excellent variety of pubs and bars, most of which cater for a young, intellectual crowd of students, media types and junior doctors.

Understand

Bloomsbury is a vibrant historic district made most famous by a group of turn-of-the-century writers that included Virginia Woolf and EM Forster (the "Bloomsbury Set"), economist John Maynard Keynes and the artist Roger Fry.

It is also the location of the British Museum, the campus of University College London and numerous historic homes, parks, and buildings.

Fitzrovia is to the west of Bloomsbury. The border between these 2 districts is the Gower Street–Bloomsbury Street axis. Allegedly, Fitzrovia was named after the Fitzroy Tavern. The BBC's New Broadcasting House is at the western end of this district.

Get in

Map of the Bloomsbury district

By tube

Bloomsbury can be easily accessed from several convenient tube stations as follows:

• Euston (Northern and Victoria lines)
• Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines)
• Goodge Street (Northern line)
• Great Portland Street (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines)
• Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines)
• King's Cross St Pancras (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern (Bank Branch), Piccadilly and Victoria lines – yes, that many!)
• Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines)
• Russell Square (Piccadilly line)
• Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines)
• Warren Street (Northern and Victoria lines)

By train

Nearby Camden has 3 mainline rail stations within walking distance: King's Cross, Euston and St. Pancras International.

Euston is the terminus of the London Overground Lioness line  LIO  (formerly Watford DC line) from Watford Junction via Willesden Junction.

Tottenham Court Road is on the Elizabeth line from Reading and Heathrow Airport to Shenfield and Abbey Wood.

Get around

Most of the sites are reachable by foot or a single stop on the tube.

See

Museums and exhibitions

Ceiling of the Great Hall, inside the British Museum

Rosetta Stone The Rosetta Stone is the most viewed artefact in the British Museum and is on permanent display near the entrance. The inscription is the same royal decree written in Ancient Greek, Demotic and hieroglyphs allowed Egyptologists to finally figure out how to read hieroglyphs for the very first time.

• 1 British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), ☏ +44 20 7323-8000, fax: +44 20 7323-8616, information@britishmuseum.org. Sa-W 10AM-5:30PM, Th F 10AM-8:30PM; Central Great Court remains open Sa-W until 6PM, Th F until 11PM. A vast repository of the world's cultures, controversially including hundreds of items from all over the world. Entire sections are devoted to Egyptian, Greek, and Middle Eastern artifacts, as well as the piece which united them all, the Rosetta Stone. Other items on everyone's list are the largest collection of mummies outside Egypt and the Elgin Marbles. The collection also includes some of the world's finest collections of Chinese and Sub-Saharan African art; perhaps the most famous of the latter are the Benin bronzes. A definite highlight of a trip to London. Temporary exhibitions are invariably excellent and meticulously researched, but can be expensive. It has a fine store, mainly selling replicas of items in the collection. Free. (updated Feb 2024)

• 2 Cartoon Museum, 65 Wells St, W1A 3AE (tube: Oxford Circus  BAK  VIC  CEN ), ☏ +44 20 7580-8155, info@cartoonmuseum.org. Tu W F-Su 10:30AM-5:30PM, Th 10:30AM-8PM. A vast collection of cartoons and comics on display with special, often topical, exhibitions. £8.50, concession (60+) £5, students £3, under-18s free. (updated Oct 2022)

• 3 Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty St, WC1N 2LX (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7405-2127, fax: +44 20 7831-5175, info@dickensmuseum.com. M W-Sa 10AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM), Tu 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM). Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer. £5, students and seniors £4, children £3, families £14 (two adults and up to five children), special group rates apply.  

• 4 Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Sq, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7841-3600, fax: +44 20 7841-3601, enquiries@foundlingmuseum.org.uk. Tu-Su 10AM-5:30PM. A museum and a gallery telling the story of the Foundling Hospital, an orphanage for abandoned children founded in the 18th century. Massive art donations by British artists and the involvement of George Friederic Handel as a patron made this childcare organisation an early centre of art and music. £5, concessions £4, children free.  

• 5 Fitzroy House (L. Ron Hubbard House), 35/37 Fitzroy St, W1T 6DX (tube: Warren Street  NOR  VIC ), ☏ +44 20 7255-2422, fax: +44 20 7255-2422, info@fitzroyhouse.org. A historic house that was inhabited by playwright George Bernard Shaw, it is where writer L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, worked in the 1950s. The building is reminiscent of the time, complete with Adler typewriters, Grundig tape recorders, and Western Union telefax. Tours by appointment. Free. 

• 6 Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, Malet Pl, WC1E 6BT (tube: Euston Square  CIR  H&C  MET . The museum can be hard to find. Malet Pl is a narrow lane opposite the end of Maker St. Find the large Waterstone's Bookstore on the corner of Malet St-Malet Pl continue over Torrington Pl. Venturing down the lane, the museum's banner should be prominent on the left hand side. Go through the doors and ask the porter for the museum), ☏ +44 20 3108 9000, museums@ucl.ac.uk. Tu-Fr 1-5PM Sa 11-5PM. Formerly the teaching collection of Sir Flinders Petrie, one of Britain's greatest archaeologists, now preserved by University College London. Exhibits include beaded dresses, sculpture and wall reliefs, items of everyday use, papyri, cartonnage and pottery. Fascinating! Free. (updated Oct 2024)

• 7 Pollock's Toy Museum, 1 Scala St, W1T 2HL (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7636-3452, pollockstoymuseum@gmail.com. M-Sa 10AM–5PM. A treasure trove of antique toys exhibited in a warren of 6 rooms above the toy shop of the same name. A very charming place indeed, though the doll rooms are a bit gruesome. £9, Concession £8, child 4-15 £4.50.  

• 8 Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE (Euston Square  CIR  H&C  MET ), ☏ +44 20 7611-2222. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM, Th 8PM. Sir Henry Solomon Wellcome's vast collection of medical artefacts and art work that together explore what it means to be human. Special health related exhibitions. Free. (updated Mar 2018)

• 9 Camera Museum, 44 Museum St, WC1A 1LY, ☏ +44 20 7242-8681. M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa noon-6PM, Su closed. A downstairs museum dedicated to cameras from the 1800s to present day, including a camera rifle like the one used in Licence to Kill. The museum is a quick visit and worth the stop even for someone with a moderate interest in photography. £3. U10 free. (updated Mar 2024)
• 10 Brunei Gallery, SOAS University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG (on Russell Square opposite the main entrance to SOAS), ☏ +44 20 7898-4915, gallery@soas.ac.uk. Tu–Sa 10:30AM–5PM, Th 10:30AM–8PM. An exhibition space that hosts a programme of changing contemporary and historical exhibitions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, aiming to present and promote cultures from these regions and to be a student resource and public facility. There are live music performances every last Wednesday of every month except December and July. Free. (updated Jun 2022)

Landmarks and parks

Bedford Square in Bloomsbury - wonderful Georgian architecture

• 11 Bedford Square, WC1 (Russell Square  PIC ). This wonderful square was built between 1775 and 1783 as an upper middle class residential area takes its name from the Dukes of Bedford, who were the main landlords in Bloomsbury. Distinguished residents have included Lord Eldon, one of Britain's longest serving and most celebrated Lord Chancellors. This is one of the best preserved set pieces of Georgian architecture in London and the majority of the buildings are grade I listed. The gardens are private and always remain locked.  

• 12 British Telecom Tower, Maple St, W1T 4BG. Not open to the public. 191-m (627-ft) skyscraper can be seen from far away and is the sixth highest building in UK.  

• 13 Bloomsbury Square, Bloomsbury Sq, WC1A 2LS (Holborn  CEN   PIC  / Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7974-1693, fax: +44 20 7974-1543. Dusk-dawn. This garden square was established by Lord Southampton in 1665 and is the oldest square in London. It was opened to the public in the 1950s. The square is surrounded by a number of beautiful 18th- and 19th-century buildings and terraces. Free.  

• 14 Coram's Fields, 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN (Tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7833-2393. A park which is run as children's play area. Facilities include a pet's corner, lawns, sports pitches and a nursery. No adults are allowed to enter the park unless they are accompanying children. All visitors are welcome to join the local kids.  

• 15 Russell Square, WC1B (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7974-1693, fax: +44 20 7974-1543. 7:30AM-10PM. The largest square in London. It was established in 1806 by the 5th Duke of Bedford and his statue can still be seen in the square. There is also a café.  

• 16 Senate House Building, Malet St, WC1E 7HU (Russell Square  PIC  then walk through Russell Square). Art deco headquarters of University of London featured in the film Nineteen Eighty-Four. (updated Mar 2021)

• 17 St George's Gardens, Heathcote St, WC1N 1AB (Russell Square  PIC ), info@friendsofstgeorgesgardens.org.uk. Peaceful gardens and interesting monuments including the daughter of Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell. 

Other

BBC Broadcasting House

• 18 Goodenough College, Mecklenburgh Sq, WC1N 2AB (Russell Square  PIC ). Goodenough College offers accommodation for international postgraduate students. The college's student community of approx 650 represents over 90 countries, offering a unique experience through stimulating intellectual debate, fostering cross-cultural activity and providing an exceptional social environment. Tours around the college are offered every Friday at 1PM and every first Saturday of the month at 11AM.  

• 19 University College London (UCL), Gower St, WC1E 6BT (tube: Euston Square  CIR  H&C  MET , access from the northern end of Gower St), ☏ +44 20 7679-2000, postmaster@ucl.ac.uk. Includes a small but beautiful quad and an interesting Neo-Classical facade. The core buildings of UCL were built after the university's foundation in 1826.  

Outside the BBC's The One Show studio

• 20 BBC Broadcasting House (New Broadcasting House aka NBH), Portland Place (tube: Oxford Circus  BAK  CEN  VIC  or Great Portland Street  CIR  H&C  MET ). Due to security reasons the Broadcasting House is not open to visitors. The complex incorporates the Old Broad House built in 1930s. The façades of which feature the famous sculpture of Prospero and Ariel and the Ariel friezes by Eric Gill and Gilbert Bayes. BBC's The One Show is transmitted from the studio at the ground floor every weeknight starting from 7PM. The studio is quite visible from the plaza outside and some parts of the show are performed from outside of the studio – in the plaza. (updated Dec 2015)

Do

1 Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image (BIMI), 43 Gordon Sq, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1H 0PD, ☏ +44 872 148 2992, bimi@bbk.ac.uk. Cinema owned by Birkbeck, University of London, featuring screenings and lectures. Most events are free but pre-booking is advised. 

2 Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon St, WC1H 0AH (tube: Euston Square  CIR  H&C  MET ). Theatre owned by University College London staging both student and professional productions. Broad range of performances.  

3 Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 7AQ (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ). A large London theatre that tends to show mainstream blockbuster-type musical productions.  

4 London Mathematical Society, De Morgan House, 57-58 Russell Square, WC1B 4HS, ☏ +44 20 7637-3686. Based on Russell Square, they give lectures and exhibitions, for those numerically inclined.  

5 Renoir, Brunswick Sq, WC1N 1AW (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7837-8402. Cinema showing arthouse and foreign language films. £3.50-6.80. 

Walks, ☏ +44 20 7388-8822. Bloomsbury has a number of famous walks that cover the lives and works of the Bloomsbury Group. 

Bloomsbury Festival. Takes place in the Summer around the environs of Bloomsbury, concentrated in Russell Square, and hosts arts and crafts fair, children's painting classes and dance workshops. The food stalls are good value too. 

Buy

Bookshops

With University College London being a dominant presence in Bloomsbury, it is no surprise that there are a lot of bookshops. The area around Marchmont St and the Brunswick Centre (north of Russell Sq) rivals Charing Cross Road to be the bookshop capital of London.

1 Gay's the Word, 66 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AB (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7278-7654, sales@gaystheword.co.uk. M-Sa 10AM-6:30PM, Su 2-6PM. The leading gay-related bookshop in Britain. It has been around since 1979, during which time it has been closely linked with LGBT rights and other activism, including the 'Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners' campaign in the 1980s. Visitors will find fiction books and a large academic stock.  

2 Judd Books, 82 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AG (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7387-5333, info@juddbooks.com. M-Sa 11AM-7PM. Large stock of used, remaindered and academic books especially in the fields of architecture, history and philosophy. 

3 Persephone Books, 59 Lamb's Conduit St, WC1N 3NB (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7242-9292. Specialises in 20th-century fiction by women writers.  

4 Skoob, 66 The Brunswick, WC1N 1AE (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7278-8760, skoobbooks@btconnect.com. Wide selection of second-hand academic books, philosophy, modern literature and classics. Very popular with students. 

5 Collinge & Clark, 13 Leigh Street, WC1H 9EW (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7387-7105, info@collingeandclark.co.uk. Specialises in graphic design and typography. It was also used as an exterior location for the Channel 4 sitcom Black Books. (updated Jun 2022)

6 Treadwell's Books, 33 Store Street, WC1E 7BS London (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), Info@treadwells-london.com. M-Sa noon-7PM, Su noon-6PM. Bookshop specialising in esotericism, occultism and magic. Also offers tarot readings. (updated Sep 2023)

Clothing

7 Roberto Revilla, Savva Tailors Workroom, Shropshire House, 179 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 7NZ, ☏ +44 20 3006-8451, contact@robertorevillalondon.com. M–F 8AM–5:30PM, closed Sa Su. Bespoke tailoring services and luxury accessories. (updated May 2021)

Other

8 Millenia, 147 Oxford St, W1D 7GE (tube: Oxford Circus  BAK  CEN  VIC ). Pop culture merchandise from famous franchises such as Pokémon, Harry Potter and Dungeons & Dragons. (updated Oct 2022)

9 Tottenham Court Road. The centre for electronics retailers in London. If you are visiting the city and need to buy or replace an electronic item, you will not find a better selection nor better prices than here. Explore both sides of the street to the north of Tottenham Court Road station. (updated Nov 2018)

10 The Brunswick Centre (between Brunswick Square and Russell Square). Shopping centre with a large Waitrose supermarket and some other shops. (updated Nov 2015)

Eat

Budget

This area is teeming with students so there is a wealth of cheap (relative to London prices) eating options. Charlotte Street near Goodge Street underground station, parallel to Tottenham Court Road has a number of nice restaurants, some of them very reasonable. Look for the cheap Korean restaurants under Centre Point at Tottenham Court Road. They are great value and very close to the British Museum.

• 1 YouMeSushi, 37 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 1BY (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), ☏ +44 20 7323-2266. Temporarily closed as of May 2022. Founded in 2008, YouMeSushi has gone from strength to strength with the opening of three additional venues. Eat in, take away or have sushi delivered straight to your door (within a 3-mile radius). 
• 2 Jin's kitchen, 232 Shaftesbury Ave. Korean (updated May 2022)
• 3 Bibimbab Cafe, 37 Museum St. Korean (updated May 2022)
• 4 Seoul Bakery, 14 Great Russell St. Korean (updated May 2022)

• 5 PaStation, 76 Tottenham Court Rd. Italian cuisine (updated May 2022)
• 6 Cafe Metro Express, 6 Windmill St. Moroccan cuisine (updated May 2022)
• 7 Siam Central, 14 Charlotte St.. A Thai restaurant (updated May 2022)
• 8 ICCO - "The People's Pizzeria", 46 Goodge St. (updated May 2022)
• 9 Thai Metro, 38 Charlotte St.. (updated May 2022)

• 10 Mary Ward Cafe, 42 Queen Sq, WC1N 3AQ (tube: Holborn  CEN  PIC , Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7269-6000. M-Th 9:30AM-8:45PM, F 9:30AM-8PM, Sa 9:30AM-4PM. Temporarily closed as of May 2022. A selection of veggie and vegan dishes that changes daily. Cakes, pastries, and salad available as well. Busy, eat in or take away. Under £5 for a heap of food. 

• 11 Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square. Breakfast: M-F 7:30–9:15AM, Sa Su 8–9:30AM; Lunch M-F noon–2PM, Sa Su 12:30–1:30PM; Dinner: M-F 7–8:30PM, Sa Su 7–8:30PM. The hostel's restaurant is open to the public. (updated Mar 2017)
• 12 Ravi Shankar Bhelpoori House, 133-135 Drummond St, NW1 2HL (tube: Euston Square  CIR  H&C  MET  or Warren Street), ☏ +44 20 7388-6458. noon-10:45PM. Indian restaurant named after the famous Indian sitarist and composer. A superb vegetarian Thali can be had for under £10. Wash it down with a Kingfisher and you are set for the night. 
• 13 Bang Bang Vietnamese Canteen, 53 Warren St. (updated May 2022)
• 14 Fish Bone, 82 Cleveland St. Traditional fish 'n' chips restaurant. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range

• 15 Attendant, 27A Foley Street, W1W 6DY (Goodge Street  NOR ; corner of Foley St and Great Titchfield St, outside the Crown & Septre), ☏ +44 20 7637-3794, info@the-attendant.com. M–F 8AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 10AM–4PM. An independent coffee shop in a converted Victorian public toilet. (updated May 2022)
• 16 Salaam Namaste, 68 Millman St, WC1N 3EF (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7405-3697, info@salaam-namaste.co.uk. M-Sa 11:45AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11:30PM; Su 11:45AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11PM. Indian restaurant with dishes from around the country. Mains from £5.95. 
• 17 Great Court Restaurant, The British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), ☏ +44 20 7323-8990, eat@britishmuseum.org. Sa-Th noon-5:30PM, F noon-9:30PM. Housed in the British Museum, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. For history buffs, its the perfect setting to sit down and enjoy familiar favourites. Reservations recommended. Main courses from £16.25. 
• 18 Mortimer House Kitchen, 37–41 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JH (Tube: Oxford Circus  BAK  CEN  VIC  or Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), ☏ +44 20 7139-4401, kitchen@mortimerhouse.com. M–Th 7:30AM–11:30PM, F 7:30AM–midnight, Sa 9AM–midnight, Su 9AM–6PM. Creative cuisine, starting from an Italian base, but with bigger plates and smaller, more exquisite food. Extremely friendly and helpful service. The small tables and easy chairs in front can serve as a bar or café if you don't want a meal. (updated May 2020)
• 19 North Sea Fish, 7-8 Leigh St, WC1H 9EW (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7387-5892, info@northseafishrestaurant.co.uk. Takeaway fish and chips next to a very popular fish restaurant that even serves Skate. (updated May 2022)
• 20 Master Wei Xi'an, 13 Cosmo Pl WC1N 3AP, ☏ +44 20 7209-6888. 10:30AM–9:30PM. Northern Chinese restaurant, specializing in authentic Xi'an dishes. Try the biangbiang noodles or the steamed dumplings. (updated May 2022)

Splurge

• 21 Elysee, 13 Percy St, W1T 1DP (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7636-4804. Greek restaurant fun to go to with plate smashing, music and belly dancing. (updated May 2022)
• 22 Hakkasan, 8 Hanway Pl, W1T 1HD (Tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), ☏ +44 844 858 0682, mail@hakkasan.com. M-W noon-3:15PM, 6-11:30PM; Th F noon-3:15PM, 6PM-12:30AM; Sa noon-4:30PM, 6PM-12:30AM; Su noon-4:30PM. Michelin-starred kitchen based on Cantonese tradition but also experimenting in other areas. Small mains from £14. 
• 23 Pied à Terre, 34 Charlotte St, W1T 2NH (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7636-1178, info@pied-a-terre.co.uk. M-F 12:15-2:30PM, 6:15-10:30PM; Sa 6:15-10:30PM. French restaurant with one Michelin star. Starter and main course £56.60.  

Drink

Fitzrovia

1 Bubbledogs, 70 Charlotte St, W1T 4QG (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7637-7770, info@bubbledogs.co.uk. Tu–Sa 11:30AM–4PM, 5:30–11PM. Champagne and cocktail bar serving gourmet hotdogs. From £6–11.50 (glass of wine/champagne), £6–8 (hotdogs). 

2 Flying Horse (formerly The Tottenham), 6 Oxford St, London W1D 1AN (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI ), ☏ +44 20 7636-8324. A Grade 11 listed Nicolson's pub. (updated Oct 2021)

3 The Wheatsheaf, 25 Rathbone Pl, W1T 1JB (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7580-1585. Freehouse with beautiful leaded windows. Used to be Aleister Crowley's regular. (updated Oct 2021)

Sam Smith's Pubs (Samuel Smith's Old Brewery). Check also a map with pub locations. £2-4 per pint. 

• 4 The Blue Posts, 81 Newman St, London W1T 3ET, ☏ +44 20 7637-8958. (updated Nov 2015)
• 5 The Bricklayers Arms, 31 Gresse Street. (updated Nov 2015)
• 6 The Champion, 13 Wells Street. (updated Nov 2015)
• 7 The Cock, 27 Great Portland Street. (updated Nov 2015)
• 8 Fitzroy Tavern, 16 Charlotte St, W1T 2NA (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7580-3714. Owned by the Samuel Smith brewery, the Fitzroy Tavern offers good, cheap beer. The pub, which took its name from a local aristocrat, the Earl of Fitzroy, in turn inspired the name of the surrounding area of Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, and was a popular drinking place for BBC broadcasters (including George Orwell) following the Second World War. A very friendly pub, with nice outdoor seating in summer.  
• 9 The Horse and Groom, 128, Great Portland Street, W1W 6PS. (updated Nov 2015)
• 10 The Yorkshire Grey, 46 Langham Street, W1W 7AX. (updated Nov 2015)

Bloomsbury

There are a number of pubs and wine bars around the British Library and University College London campus.

11 The College Arms, 18 Store St, WC1E 7DH (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 872 148 2469. Pub frequented by students from nearby University College London and Birkbeck College.  

12 The Harrison, 28 Harrison St, WC1H 8JF, ☏ +44 20 7278-3966. (updated Mar 2023)

13 The Jeremy Bentham, 31 University St, WC1E 6JL (tube: Warren Street  NOR  VIC ), ☏ +44 872 148 1528. Named after the prominent political philosopher and early supporter of University College London, and located very near the main entrance to the college, the pub tends to attract more senior academics than does the College Arms. 

14 The Lamb, 94 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3LZ (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7405-0713, lambwc1@youngs.co.uk. M-W noon-11PM, Th-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. Food: daily noon-9:30PM. This beautifully preserved Victorian pub attracts many young and old patrons. Classic ales and some great food. Crowded after 5PM.  

15 The Lord John Russell, 91-93 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AL (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7388-0500. Authentic pub popular with university students. 

16 Mabel's Tavern, 9 Mabledon Pl, WC1H 9AZ, ☏ +44 20 7387-7739. (updated Mar 2023)

17 The Museum Tavern, 49 Great Russell St, WC1B 3BA (tube: Tottenham Court Road  CEN  NOR  ELI , opposite the British Museum), ☏ +44 20 7242-8987. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su noon-11:30PM. A very good pub, offering a wide range of real ales, and some excellent food. Can get busy in the summer months. 

18 TCR Lounge Bar (formerly, and commonly still known as, Ye Olde Surgeon), 183 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 7PE (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ). A common drinking place for medical students from University College Hospital, who jostle alongside office workers. Gets exceptionally crowded after office hours. 

19 Yorkshire Grey, 2 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PN, ☏ +44 20 8176-6990. noon-11PM (closed Su). (updated Mar 2023)

Sleep

Bloomsbury is a great choice of district to stay in as there is a large range of hostels, B&Bs, budget hotels and four-star hotels in the area.

Budget

Hostels

• 1 Astor Museum Inn Hostel, 27 Montague St, WC1B 5BH (Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7580-5360. For 18-35 year-olds. 
• 2 Generator Hostels London, Compton Pl, (off 37 Tavistock Pl), WC1H 9SE (Tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7388-7666, fax: +44 20 7388-7644, ask.london@generatorhostels.com. Right in the heart of Bloomsbury. Communal showers and cold water, all-night parties and generally an architecture obviously designed exclusively with the easy clean-up of bodily fluids in mind. It is cheap, though, in London terms. Dormitory from £22.50, private single £60. 
• 3 YHA London Central (London Central Youth Hostel), 104 Bolsover St, W1W 5NU (tube: Great Portland Street  CIR  H&C  MET  or Warren Street  NOR  VIC ), ☏ +44 845 371 9154, londoncentral@yha.org.uk. The newest of the five London YHA hostels, with state-of-the-art interiors, and a short walk from Regent's Park. Dormitory from £24.50 excluding breakfast. 
• 4 YHA London St Pancras (St Pancras International Youth Hostel), 79-81 Euston Rd, NW1 2QE (tube: King's Cross St Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC , Euston  NOR  VIC  LIO ), ☏ +44 870 7706044, stpancras@yha.org.uk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10:30AM. The largest of the five London YHA hostels, minutes walk from St Pancras International railway station. £26.50 per night (dorm); Breakfast £4.50. 
• 5 UCL Summer Residences (University College London), Bloomsbury and King's Cross. Student halls of residence which are made available for rental during academic holiday periods. 

Hotels

Many of the budget hotels are located on Argyle St in the very northern part of the district, nearest tube station: King's Cross St Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC .

• 6 Alhambra Hotel, 17-19 Argyle St, WC1H 8EJ, ☏ +44 20 7837-9575. Well-known multi-lingual (Spanish, Portuguese, French) family hotel. Free wireless Internet. Single from £50, basic double £60, excellent English breakfast included. 
• 7 The Apollo Hotel, 60 Argyle St, WC1H 8EP (tube: King's Cross St Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC ). Clean, but staff somewhat unhelpful. WiFi Internet. Single from £48, basic double £58, English breakfast included. 
• 8 Excelsior Hotel, 42 Argyle Sq, WC1H 8AL (tube: King's Cross St Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC ), ☏ +44 20 7837-0571, fax: +44 20 7713-5835, booking@excelsiorhotel.co.uk. Budget hotel in a quiet, leafy square close to King's Cross Station. All rooms have high speed internet connection. From £59. 
• 9 Guilford House Hotel, 6 Guilford St, WC1N 1DR (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7430-2504, guilford-hotel@lineone.net. A little shabby but well-located and fair value. From £59. 
• 10 The Jesmond Dene Hotel, 27 Argyle St, WC1H 8EP (tube: King's Cross St Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC ), ☏ +44 20 7837-4654, fax: +44 20 7833-1633, info@jesmonddenehotel.co.uk. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. A budget hotel run on a bed & breakfast basis. Free WiFi Internet access. Basic single £50, basic double/twin £80. 
• 11 The Ridgemount Hotel, 65-67 Gower St, WC1E 6HJ (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ), ☏ +44 20 7636-1141. Basic double £50. 

Mid-range

• 12 Euston Square Hotel, 152-156 N Gower St, NW1 2LU (tube: Euston NOR  VIC  OGD ), ☏ +44 20 7388-0099. Completely renovated in 2008. From £87. 
• 13 Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury, Coram Street, WC1N 1HT, ☏ +44 871 942 9222. 
• 14 George Hotel, 58-60 Cartwright Gdns, WC1H 9EL (tube: King's Cross St Pancras  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC ), ☏ +44 20 7387-8777. Historic building, full English breakfast. Double room, ensuite £75. 
• 15 Goodenough Club, 23 Mecklenburgh Sq, WC1N 2AB (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7837-8831, reservations@goodenough.ac.uk. 5 Georgian townhouses looking over the beautiful Mecklenburgh Square gardens. No lift. From £100. 

Splurge

• 16 My Bloomsbury, 11-13 Bayley St, Bedford Sq, WC1B 3HD (tube: Goodge Street  NOR ). Funky and fashionable hotel with interiors by Conran and no surprise that it is listed in Hip Hotels. Doubles from £206. 
• 17 The Russell Hotel (Hotel Russell), 1-8 Russell Sq, WC1B 5BE (tube: Russell Square  PIC ), ☏ +44 20 7837-6470, russell.reservations@principal-hayley.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. This gothic building is a real landmark and dominates the eastern side of Russell Square. Not a cheap hotel by any means but good value for the location and standard. Popular with families. See the magnificent ballroom which was designed by the same people who created interiors for RMS Titanic.  
• 18 Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners St, W1T 3NG (tube: Oxford Circus  BAK  CEN  VIC ). Hotel features the Courtyard Garden, Jeffrey Chodorow’s Spoon restaurant, the Long Bar, the Purple Bar, Billiard Room, Agua Bathhouse, penthouse suites and multi-service meeting spaces.  

• 19 Holiday Inn London - Bloomsbury, Coram Street, WC1N 1HT, ☏ +1 888 465 4329. from £184. 

• 20 Charlotte Street Hotel, 15 Charlotte St W1T 1RJ (tube: Goodge St or Tottenham Court Rd), ☏ +44 20 7806-2000. Part of the upscale Firmdale chain, this is a lively stylish hotel close to British Museum. No dogs. B&B double £300. (updated Sep 2020)

Go next

• North to Camden.
• East to Holborn and Clerkenwell
• South to Covent Garden and Soho.
• West into Marylebone.

Routes through Bloomsbury

North London ← Mayfair-Marylebone ←	W  E	→ Soho → Leicester Square
West London ← Mayfair-Marylebone ←	W  E	→ Covent Garden → The City
Hammersmith and Fulham ← Mayfair-Marylebone ←	W  E	→ Holborn-Clerkenwell → The City
Hammersmith and Fulham ← Mayfair-Marylebone ←	W  E	→ Holborn-Clerkenwell → The City
North London ← Mayfair-Marylebone ←	W  E	→ Holborn-Clerkenwell → The City
North London ← Camden ← Bank branch ←	N  S	→ Bank branch → Islington → The City
North London ← Camden ← Charing Cross branch ←	N  S	→ Charing Cross branch → Soho → Leicester Square
Westminster-Mayfair-Marylebone ← Holborn-Clerkenwell ←	S  N	→ Camden → North London
Westminster ← Soho ←	S  N	→ Camden → North London

Fitzrovia

Bloomsbury

St Pancras, London