May ‘25 – Princess Louise
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Of the many pub thresholds I have crossed in nearly 30 years of visiting the UK, there is still one that consistently takes my breath away, and that is the Princess Louise. Don’t get me wrong, I have many favourites, but very few are this stunning. You really need to go in the middle of the afternoon when the place is essentially empty to get a genuine appreciation for its beauty. My wife Ann and I have done this a few times over the years, most recently with Vic. You simply don’t have the same experience when it’s busy, and boy, does it get busy!
Grab a drink and wander around to take it all in. There’s a lot to take in. This is the epitome of a Victorian gin palace with its dark wood and etched glass. It’s not alone in this regard, as there are many fine examples of gin palaces in London. What sets the Princess Louise apart from many is the degree to which it has gone with its decorative aesthetic. You rarely think of looking at ceilings or floors when you’re in a busy pub, but if you go when it’s quiet, you’ll want to look at them here. If you think this is the end of all this beauty, you’re in for a surprise when you visit the men’s washroom (sorry ladies), but I won't spoil it for you here. You simply must go.
- Doug
