The pub, owned by Greene King, is famous for being one of London’s original themed pubs, and is said to have featured in the 1892 Sherlock Holmes story The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor.
Located on Northumberland Street, it is themed around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world-famous detective and contains a large collection of memorabilia related to the character since the 1950s.
Greene King said the Sherlock Holmes is the latest historical pub to receive investment, with the Crown – which dates back to 1833 and is the last remaining pub on the Seven Dials in Covent Garden – and the Garrick Arms, on Charing Cross Road, both reopening recently.
Working museum
Greene King pubs managing director Zoe Bowley said: “Pubs are a key part of the history of our country, so we’re always very mindful when we make investments in historic pubs to do them justice.
“The Sherlock Holmes is an important part of our central London offer and, over the years, has become known as a working museum among Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.
“This investment has rejuvenated the pub, preserving key elements of the Victorian era while reaffirming its prime position in St James’s.”
The Sherlock Holmes investment brings a complete interior and exterior overhaul, including spaces that lean into the pub as a working museum.
It has also introduced new dining zones throughout the pub with ‘The Parlour’, ‘The Library’ and ‘The Sir Conan Doyle’ rooms.
Rich history
The exterior has also been completely revamped, with an improved outdoors space with new seating, lighting and signage.
Pete Brown, writer and historian, said: “The Sherlock Holmes, albeit under different names, dates back to the 1800s, and has a rich history on Northumberland Street.
“It’s said to have originally been a hotel, before becoming a pub and receiving a new name, the Northumberland Arms, in the process.”
Brown added: “It got its current name in 1957, when the pub became home to a detailed replica of a corner of Sherlock Holmes’ fictional apartment from Sir Conan Doyle’s well-known stories, thanks to its reference in ‘The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor’.
“The replica, along with numerous other memorabilia, remains in the pub in the present day, attracting visitors from across the world.”