Lyceum Tavern

boxinghefner

cheap and friendly service 28th August 2008

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the lyceum pub is a strange creature: involving a weird mix of theatre fiends, local drunkards and students from Kings College near-by. It remains a fairly large pub (two floors) that is bound to provide you with a cheap and tasty ale at a price that will put a smile on your face. A must for those times when it is less likely to be busy (week day evenings), a pain during those times when it is (whenever something is showing at the theatre next door).

ONscotland

Great prices, nice surroundings 15th September 2007

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Have you ever had that sense of impending dread when you realise that you've agreed to meet someone for a 'cheeky half' at around half five? Navigating central London pubs at that time is daunting, and for that reason I salute the Lyceum.

Located on The Strand, just opposite Lancaster Place (which leads on to Waterloo Bridge), the Lyceum is a traditional pub run by Sam Smiths. For the uninitiated, Sam Smiths pubs are pretty special - they only serve Sam Smith's drinks, prices are incredibly cheap (£1.76 for a pint in London!) and there's a good range on offer. Perhaps for that reason, the pub doesn't tend to get quite so busy in the evenings, and at my age (!) getting a seat is more or less the first thing I look for. At theatre time the place empties, and you can enjoy the comfy sofas, banquettes or the nooks downstairs.
Food is hit and miss, but I suppose you don't go there for the food; sadly service can be hit and miss too, but of all my visits I can't say it has marred them that much.