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Friend at Hand, London

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Opens at 11:00am
Real ale discount scheme
Operator: Greene King
2-4 Herbrand Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 1HX (View on Google Map)
(020) 7837 5524
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Easily missed, just around from Russell Square, off Bernard St (note the pub sign), close to the Horse Hospital, built in 1797, originally a purpose built stable for 24 horses, now an arts venue. The street also housed London’s first public ambulance station. Lots of dark wooden panelling, dark rose and cream wallpaper, a low red ceiling and soft lighting create a warm, cosy feel for this more traditional pub. It has a welcoming atmosphere as its size encourages the clientele to talk as diners mingle with drinkers. Maybe this is the way it has always been, being built in 1735 it has had plenty of time to build its reputation; reportedly Dickens was a customer. Food is traditional fayre with the piece de resistance being a four pie platter with mash, peas and gravy, served until 21.30.

Information for this venue is provided by the North London Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Camden
Last updated
18/04/2025
Last surveyed
28/11/2018
Leasehold owner
Greene King
Freehold owner
Pantheon Holdings Ltd
Pub ID
NLD/6301
Asset of Community Value
Monday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Monday
11:00am - 10:00pm
Tuesday
11:00am - 10:00pm
Wednesday
11:00am - 10:00pm
Thursday
11:00am - 10:00pm
Friday
11:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday
11:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday
11:00am - 10:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves no changing beers and 4 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot Premium Bitter • 5%
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot

Premium Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 5%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Hardys & Hansons - Bitter
Hardys & Hansons - Friend at Hand Best Bitter - House Beer Hardys & Hansons - Bitter Session Bitter • 3.9%
Hardys & Hansons - Bitter
Hardys & Hansons - Friend at Hand Best Bitter - House Beer
(Hardys & Hansons - Bitter)

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.9%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
GREENE KING IPA PUMP CLIP FRONT
Greene King - IPA Session Bitter • 3.4%
GREENE KING IPA PUMP CLIP FRONT
Greene King - IPA

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Taylor's Landlord Pump clip
Timothy Taylor - Landlord Session Bitter • 4.3%
Taylor's Landlord Pump clip
Timothy Taylor - Landlord

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 4.3%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
Sky & TNT. Three screen not always showing the same game. Boxing usually shown.
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Garden Garden
pavement seating in Summer
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Disabled Access Disabled Access
To pub only
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Member Discount Scheme Member Discount Scheme
10% discount off cask beer for CAMRA members
Cask Marque Beer and Cellar Hygiene rating
Cask Marque: Beer and Cellar Hygiene rating 5 out of 5
Transport
Close to bus routes
Nearby Station (900m)
London Euston
Close to London Underground/Overground/DLR (50m)
Russell Square

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