The Newman Arms
Mon - Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Opening hours:
Address:
23 Rathbone St, London W1T 1NG
From brothel to pies: a historic Fitzrovia staple
The Newman Arms is one of the few independent pubs left in the beating heart of Fitzrovia. With roots dating back to 1730, this historic spot has seen it all — starting life as a candle-making shop, later becoming a brothel, and finally transforming into a pub in 1860. If you look closely, you might even spot a painting of a Victorian prostitute tucked into the top corner of the building!
Today, it’s a favourite among office workers, local creatives, and literary tour groups. Step away from the bustle of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, and you’ll stumble upon this tucked-away gem, easily recognised thanks to its bright red façade and proudly flying Union Jack.
Inside, a warm and cosy atmosphere awaits, with a beautiful central bar and brick floor setting the tone. The pub’s crown jewel? The ‘Pie Room’: all wooden floors, warm red accents, and dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in a gourmet restaurant. Here, the pièce de résistance is the delicious pie selection — as you might guess from the room’s name — golden masterpieces that steal the spotlight.
An inspiration for George Orwell
This pub has also seen many famous patrons come and go, including Dylan Thomas and George Orwell. The pub “Proles” in George Orwell’s novel 1984 and Keep the Aspidistra Flying was even based on the Newman Arms. Film fanatics might recognise the pub from its use in the film Peeping Tom by Michael Powell.
