Ever wondered how many secrets these walls hold? Welcome to The Seven Stars. It is a historic pub with tales as rich as the ale served within.
The Seven Stars stands as a Grade II listed public house. You’ll find it at 53-54 Carey Street in Holborn. What makes it truly remarkable is its survival of the Great Fire of London.
Let’s step back in time. The Seven Stars likely originated in the 17th century. Some say it dates back to 1602. It was once known as The Log and Seven Stars. While the frontage might say 1602 the building probably dates to the 1680s.
The name Seven Stars is believed to be a corruption of “The League of Seven Stars”. This referred to the seven provinces of the Netherlands. It was a clever way to attract Dutch sailors. They were known for enjoying a drink.
In those days the Fleet River was navigable. The Seven Stars was practically a portside pub. Today it is nestled between Lincoln’s Inn Temple Bar and the Royal Courts of Justice. This makes it a popular spot for those in the legal profession.
Who knows what stories have been whispered within these walls? Especially back when a guilty verdict could mean a gruesome end. Even Carey Street itself seems to have had a rather uneventful history.
However Sir George Carey is a different story. Carey led a colourful life filled with royal connections daring feats and theatrical events. He even met a memorably sordid end.
Sir George was a second cousin to Elizabeth I. He earned a knighthood in 1569. He helped to quell a Catholic rebellion. Later he defended the Isle of Wight against the Spanish Armada. He was also a patron of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. This was the acting company that premiered Shakespeare’s plays.
The first performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor was probably staged to celebrate Sir George becoming a Knight of the Garter. Despite his impressive life Sir George died from venereal disease and mercury poisoning.
The Seven Stars’ interior is quirky. Traditional pub seating mixes with 1950s-style bistro tables. One room used to be a wig shop. Bewigged dummy heads remain on display. The ceiling is covered with dried hops. The walls feature customer photos and legal film posters.
The clientele is equally diverse. Locals barristers tourists and tradespeople all gather here. The stairs to the restroom are steep and narrow. It is a recent addition. Before customers had to use public facilities nearby.
The Seven Stars serves a range of cask beers. They also offer home-cooked food. The menu changes daily based on the landlady Roxy Beaujolais’s preferences. The pub also has a cat that wears a ruff.
According to its website The Seven Stars is one of London’s oldest pubs. Ancient roof beams are visible in the upstairs kitchen. The floorboards are very old oak. The narrow steep stairwell dates back to Elizabethan times.
Shakespeare may have frequented The Seven Stars. From 1608 to 1612 he worked at the Blackfriars Theatre. This was half a mile away. The pub’s exterior features a quote from Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well. It reads “…to make the coming hour o’erflow with joy And pleasure drown the brim.”
The Seven Stars is a place where you can escape the modern world. Enjoy good company good food and a pint.