Holborn

Holborn is part of Central London, at the western edge of the City of London. It was named after Hole-bourne, the name of a stream that used to flow through the area. The river, in turn, was named after a hamlet that was established in the medieval times. The present Holborn is a known location of offices as well as entertainment venues.

Sights & Activities:

Visitors to Holborn who appreciate historic architecture should take the time to stop by the St. Etheldreda’s Church, situated on Ely Place. The church holds the distinction of being the second oldest church in England and is composed of a crypt and a chapel. St. Etheldreda is often associated with healing infections of the throat and every year, the church dispenses the Blessing of the Throats. When exploring its interiors, visitors should take note of its beautiful stained glass windows and statues of saints located in its north and south walls.

Another religious landmark in the area is the St. Andrew Holborn Church, located along Shoe Lane. The church underwent restoration after being bombed in 1941. It is classified as a non-parochial Guild Church.

Lincoln’s Inn, or more formally known as The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, is located along the Great Turnstile. It is one of the four Inns of Court and is housed in stone buildings that features an impressive Great Hall. Across it is the Lincoln’s Inn Fields, a large public square that locals and visitors can use for leisure. It was established in 1895 and features tennis and netball courts. Visitors should look out for the Camdonian statue, made by Barry Flanagan, at the northeast corner.

On the northern part of the square is the Sir John Sloane Museum, which contains memorabilia and works of Sloane, a neo-classical architect. Apart from items related to architecture, the museum also showcases collections of paintings and antiquities. Another item worthy of note is the sarcophagus of Seti I which is situated in the museum’s basement.

Holborn is home to yet another member of the Inns of Court, The Honorable Society of Gray’s Inn, or simply called Gray’s Inn. It is located along Gray’s Inn Road.

There are also venues for theatre lovers in Holborn. The Peacock Theatre along Portugal Street stages dance and music performances, while the Cochrane Theatre presents dramas and art events.

Eating Out:

Like any other areas in London, there are a lot of options available for visitors and locals who wish to dine out in Holborn. Gaucho Grill along Fleet Street primarily serves Argentine dishes while the nearby Chez Gerard offers French cuisine. For those who want to sample Japanese cuisine, there’s the Shimo Restaurant on Took Court, the Japanese Canteen along  High Holborn, and the Sushi Hiroba along Kingsway. The Pearl Restaurant & Bar along High Holborn caters to high end patrons seeking fine dining experiences while across the street is the Café Pasta that boasts of a casual atmosphere.
 
For those seeking to relax and unwind, there are some unusually named bars and pubs in the area. The Square Pig on Proctor Street is quite popular among middle class patrons, just like the Bung Hole along High Holborn. Another popular place to hang out is the All Bar One along Kingsway.