The Coal Hole in City of London, Westminster

Basement bar can get very cramped when busy, nice range of beers and fr6bar staff.

Visited this place for lunch and came back for drinks. The holiday decorations were superb and the old world charm made for a perfect atmosphere. Delicious drinks and hearty foods

Fab place! Can’t wait to come back!

Really awesome old fashioned pub with a great choice of ales.

The food was delicious and the service was fast and pleasant. Our waitress did everything to make us feel at home. Thank you for such a great evening!

Lovely old London pub tucked around the back of The Savoy Theatre. Great atmosphere

Had a few drinks on a Sunday evening. It’s a lovely pub, gets quite busy. Music was a bit loud, especially as it wasn’t overly busy. We had difficulty talking to each other at times.

Brillant service fantastic food

The place is great to share some beers with your friends, good food. Chiara was just great 😊

Perfect spot for after-work drinks and a casual meal! The service is outstanding; the staff go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need. Highly recommended for a relaxed yet high-quality experience!

We were lucky enough to visit at a time of day when they had a live performer. Good beer, nice atmosphere and friendly staff - what else do you need to end the working day! Keep up the good work, guys! p.s Shoutout to Said for the whiskey suggestion, it was spot on!

Excellent experience. We had appetizers and drinks. Everything was delicious! Our server was attentive, friendly and so kind - we had to go to the theater, so she made sure our service was timely. Enjoyed the ambiance.

Overall, everything was great! From the atmosphere of the pub inside (since the outside is unfortunately surrounded by scaffolding, so it was impossible to see it in all its glory), to the friendly service and delicious food

The food was fantastic. The chicken Snitzel was very tasty, and the beer was amazing. The server was amazing, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Highly recommend.

Located on the Stand near theaters and shopping. Real authentic pub feel with above average pub food and friendly staff. Busy with locals.

Great atmosphere excellent service reasonable prices

Nice selection of beers and delicious food for having noon good talk

Fun place with super friendly people and amazing food. Special shout to Kasra for exceptional hospitality!

Good food and Sophia was very helpful. The upstairs restaurant had a good atmosphere and it was interesting to read all about the history of the venue

It's rather nice! I had a Schnitzel with a beer plus crumble with custard in their upstairs seating area. The food & service were great, and the genuine olde worlde atmosphere is lovely too. Even the price is quite decent - considering what & where it is...

Lamb shank shepherd's pie is a very good dish and our lunch was made even better with a lovely little waitress valeria serving me and my girlfriend. Will definitely be returning

A lovely old bar but the soup portions are ridiculously small, they could be served in tea cups. The waiter agreed and explained that portions are premade in packets and nothing can be done about this. Oh well, get the beer, avoid the soup

Excellent pub! Fish and chips were delicious. Our server Valeria was excellent! Friendly atmosphere and very welcoming.

Good pub prices but with better fayre. Good service.

My wife and I have been coming here for thirty years.. The pub had a great history with the coal workers from the Thames.. Always had a good vibe about it, pleased to report it still does have, plus great beer..If you want a break from sightseeing ignore the scaffolding and pop in… you won’t be disappointed…

This isn't a review, but the guarantee of a visit review in the very near future ! Let me explain. Many MANY years ago, 45 years ago to be precise ! I did a Chef apprenticeship at 'Simpsons in the Strand' , a mere few steps down the road and part of the Savoy Hotel. To fill 3 hours in between shifts ( before all day opening and having to work splits) many chefs from Simpsons and the Savoy Hotel and Grill used to hook up for a pint or two (!) in the downstairs bar on many afternoon...which in those days was basically breaking the law The pub doors were locked, and other than a sea of Chefs 'whites' and the classic tall chefs hat, the pub was empty !!! Now back in London I've been trawling Google maps on old places of work and areas in general, and got quite emotional when I came across Simpsons and the Coal Hole, affectionately known between the chefs and other staff as 'our second home' So having looked and reminisced for a short while I was bowled over by the number of extremely positive reviews, and consistently so over time, which is definitely a good sign. Some reviews had gone to great length and trouble to describe certain dishes so much so that I've already decided on the Shepherds Pie on my upcoming visit !! So in the meantime me please ignore the stars and what have you that I've posted here... A genuine review will follow in the next fortnight or so ! I look forward to seeing you then.. and I promise I won't turn up in Chefs whites !!!🤣

Booked a table here prior to taking my Daughter to watch Mean Girls at The Savoy Theatre which is seconds away. We arrived earlier than expected but was not an issue. We were shown to our table and was given excellent service from Valeria. I had the Fish & Chips, my Daughter had the Chicken Burger. Both were excellent. Can you also tell Valeria, Mean Girls was excellent.

Great pub for after work drinks and a bite to eat! Service to the highest standard, highly recommended

Let itself down badly. Food was largely okay (except the carrots, which were probably the worst I've ever had served. Large carrots cut in half lengthways and partially cooked with a tiny amount of herb). Beer was also okay. We were discussing whether to leave a tip but the bill seemed too expensive. When we looked closer, we had been charged a 10% service charge. Nobody had told us and there was nothing on the menu. We argued our case and they agreed to refund the service charge. However, they had added 20% VAT to the service charge and wouldn't refund that. This is so obviously wrong. You can't refund an unfair charge but keep the tax on it (taxing something that wasn't paid?). Dodgy, dodgy, dodgy.

Really good pub, serves nice food and the staff were brilliant too

We were exhausted after arriving in London and spending the first day walking around the city. We were in search of a great fish & chips meal to end our day. We gave up on walking to our first choice and decided to pop into the Coal Hole. We could not have been more pleased by this choice. First, we were greeted by our server, Valeria who made sure we had a clean table on the upper level. Although she covered the whole upper level, she was always checking in with us to make sure we had what we needed. Everything was perfect with our order, and she did not rush us out the door. Valeria is the best. All four of us ordered the Nicholson's Fish & Chips, and it was the best fish & chips I ever had. It was one large piece with all white meat that was perfectly cooked that it looked buttery. The breading was also done to perfection. And even the fries (chips) were perfect. You can tell they change their frying oil often because everything was golden brown. On a side note, we noticed others getting the double decker Nicholson Burger and the Meat Pies. It all looked amazing. I would highly recommend going to the Coal Hole and make sure you ask for Valeria to be your server on the upper level.

Solid pub. Not much more to be said.

We just ate at the Coal Hole, and it was fabulous. The shepherd’s pie was over the top amazing. Although the bar was hopping, we were seated in good time for a Saturday night without a reservation. Sophia was a great server, and she saw to it that we had everything we needed. We would definitely go back.

Disappointing Fish and Chips. Really pathetic number of chips served with unexciting fish.

We were underwhelmed by the food. The salad choice on the menu had quinoa and brown rice as proteins but arrived with none. The fish pie should have been called mash pie with a few bits of fish!

A popular and fun place, I’m sure, however, the 2 stars are mostly for the food. I ordered the Nourish Bowl. It was listed as “crispy kale, quinoa, brown rice, Asian slaw, etc”. The table next to us ordered two, also. We all noticed that there was no quinoa or brown rice. Those are pretty key ingredients. When we questioned the staff we were told that the menu had an error. They were printed wrong. That seems like a very ridiculous reason. Then why not change the menu or add the listed ingredients or, at the very least, let us know beforehand. My husband ordered the fish pie which he said was marginal. Not a lot of fish and the shrimp was the tiny shrimp that was tough. Additionally, when I ordered a glass of wine, without asking me they poured the largest size. Maybe that is the practice here. And note that the word you should use when you ask for water is “tap water”. They automatically give you a bottle of spring water if you don’t want bubbly.

Authentic pub with decent ale, ideal place to pause for a pint if you are in this part of town.

Fantastic pub, had live music on the night which made it even better. Plenty of seats and room outside a plenty, very pleasant staff too

Love this place, friendly staff, very good food. As a bonus we enjoyed the life music.

Sophia was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, the food was delicious. Very glad to have had this place recommended and would happily return

Was at the theatre and was making our way to Camden when we passed this great wee pub we heard the singing and popped our heads in to see everyone dancing away to the live singer decided to stay and 100% glad we did great atmosphere and singer was great (Keith O'Reilly Music) I would highly recommend going for anyone

Food was lovely and perfect portion size. Valeria was an amazing waitress super polite and friendly.

A quick lunch in this typical London pub with the family (10 people). Impeccable service from Sophie. THANKS! We will come back.

Went here very late at night, very good atmosphere, live music by Keith was rather good. Extensive selection of drinks.

Great pies 🥧 the start of our Cheshire Cat adventure

Very good Fish and Chips. Sophia helped us, super friendly.

Amazing atmosphere and music, very quick service and lovely food. Highly recommended pub especially when live music is on

One of my favourite pubs in Central London. Good beer, decent food at reasonable prices, and always a good atmosphere.

Beautiful pub with wonderful staff (shoutout to Sophia) and amazing British beer selection

Love the atmosphere and character of the Coal Hole! Great service and the best gin cocktails in London!

An old school institution. Worth a visit.

Last time I see my best friend before she move back to Italy (she use to work here that's why we came) good was so delicious 😋 and Valeria was the best server we could have asked for. Thanks guys to make our last dinner a special one x

We had dinner on Sunday! Valeria was great with us, made us feel like home! :)

I would of said more, however you were extremely busy and most of the time we were outside. The service at the bar eventhough how busy you were was prompt polite and well read. The gentleman on the door was an extremely nice bloke, welcoming and professional as an ex doorman I can say this with experience. Overall 10/10 Next time I am near I will definitely be dropping in again 👍

A lovely pub on The Strand with a very good selection of real ale .. Have eaten here on several occasions and I cannot fault the food on offer . Overall a brilliant pub ..

Extremely nice service and good typical English food. They advised about what eat and it was a very good idea. Nice cider as well.

It was very hot and stuffy with limited seating. Beer quality and availability was good bur prices rather high.

Nice interior, good food, good beer, friendly and competent staff (noticed before I did that the first round of pints he'd pulled were at the end of the barrel and had turned and offered a suitable alternative without needing to be asked) prices ok for that part of town. Will visit again.

Food was superb and service from Sophia was excellent. We booked in advance. There was some tables free but I would book as a precaution as it can get busy as near a number of theatres and a popular place for tourists.

I was served by a very sweet and kind young lady, she was THE BEST and I will absolutely come back to be served by her! It was one of her early shifts and she smashed it, I look forward to being served by her again!

Really good pub, i’m French and i am here for few days and this is perfect, Sophie has serve us well !

Expensive cold and underwhelming food. The food didn’t even match the description on the menu. I’d avoid

The pub is very nicely decorated. Sophia was nice and accommodating. A place to be recommended

Faux old (a bit like The Blackfriar if you know it) resulting in a kind of art deco medieval. That isn't a criticism - it's really nice though, and with friendly staff. It's a Nicholson pub and the offer seems fairly typical of that brand.

Lovely little place for something to eat after the theatre. Was really great to get proper sit down table service and Sophia looked after us really well.

We were looking for an English pub and entered this one without looking at references. Good food, very attentive staff and live music. Please note that after 9pm minors cannot enter English pubs.

Bien accueillit par le personnel, bien mangé! Je recommande pour un repas dans un pub anglais avec le Fish and ship! Bonne déco

Good pub with fast bar staff even when very busy

Best food I've had in London, very cozy cafe/restaurant.

We had a slight situation and received fantastic assistance from Luke (I believe his name was) and another bartender that we did not get the name of.

A good place to avoid tourists, although a few occasionally sneak in and order things like coffee, which is not what a pub is about.

Watched the Euros final. Others were allowed to get out of control and the staff did nothing. I had alcohol dumped over my head as did a Spanish woman and the bar stuff didn't help at all. Terrible service.

Sophia and the team were amazing. The food and service was excellent.

Great place for a bite of good or a drink in central London, handy for the theatres and galleries

Our regular meet point in London. Good service and drinks.

Great place to have a drink or two.

A fantastic spot to take a break and enjoy a pint or grab a bite to eat. Great location and atmosphere, the staff made us feel right at home.

Good range of proper handpump beers.

It's a great place with a lovely atmosphere great beer range. The food was fantastic great steak pie and gravy

Awful pint of Rudgate ruby, really disappointed! Too cold, a little sour - going off?

Only popped in for a drink whilst watching the England match. Crazy atmosphere.

The food was perfect. We each had a different pie and were all very happy. My only slight negative would be that we had to go down to ask for more drinks.

Went for ex colleague's meet during the day. We met mid morning 'til around early afternoon. It was quiet for a central London pub. Food was okay, but not what I would go back for. Service was friendly. I think it gets busier once people leave work.

We had a great meal with excellent service

Even though it stipulates food to be eaten on mezzanine floor , we had groups just drinking and causing a nuisance . Blocking the stairs down and being rude . Mains was left on hotplate while starter was being served admitted waitress . Ruined what was supposed to be a special anniversary dinner.

Love this place, short wait for a table on a very busy day, our server Raine was amazing and we loved the food. Cannot recommend more. We will be back

I do love a Nicholson's pub. And this was a good one. They're old and always have a story. Beer selection is excellent.

Gorgeous old pub, great place to stop in for a pint

For me a proper pub, didn't order any food but a wonderful friendly and welcoming atmosphere with great beer. Will go again.

Sophia was wonderful. I have a tree nut allergy and she let me know what I could eat safely. We had a large group and she took great care of us. Thank you!

Raine was a great server and suggested great items for us!

Good service and good food and Raine who served us was pleasant and helpful will come again.

After visiting Covent Garden happy to find the Cole Hole. Having nice snacks and good beer. Service very friendly, hope it does not take another 17 years to come back to London, my favorite town in the World.

Fantastic service from Karolina was attentive as I am in a sling went out of her way to help me with my drinks would highly recommend a visit to an amazing place

It was a nice crowd & good service, decent beers, a good afternoon.🍻

Nice evening good entertainment

Good experience for a lunch or dinner. Food was good, but a bit understaffed. Would recommend overall.

Nice old style british pub on the strand. Lot of character

Very good pub to have a drink. It has live music performances. It is very large, it has two floors.

Really great looking bar. Really classy inside. Good quality Ale