96 Marchmont Street
Bloomsbury
London, WC1N 1AG
Nearest Transport: Russell Square
020 7388 0500
Lord John Russell serve a variety of beers, wines and spirits as well as selection of pub snacks. Seating on the pavement area is provided, weather permitting.
The title is rather misleading as I have never had any shots in the Lord John but I thought it made for a snappy tag line.
When I moved into the area in 2000 I tried several of the other 'local' pubs in the Russell Sq area and found them to be a mixture ranging from utterly crap to p**s poor (this has improved slightly although many are of the p-poor rating stil).
For some reason the LJR stood out. The bar staff were always attentive & friendly (although the previous landlord took some getting used to - he was lovely when you got to know him).
The pub is now run by a new couple (Chas and the lovely Caroline) who have taken the pub on and improved it with 'basic' changes like changing the decor, putting up newer/better pictures etc.
Good range of beers (hand pump or keg), atmosphere is always relaxed and a good mixture between locals, office workers and passing trade makes for pleasant evenings (or days if you're a drunkard).
If I had one gripe it would be that there is a lack of 'decent' music played at an audible level.
If you're passing, drop in and give it a go, I think you'll like it.
A one-room freehouse pub with lots of character and huge windows making it ideal for gawping at the world passing by. Nice simple decorations, and the new landlady does a lovely job of brightening the place up with flowers, candles and hanging baskets. Plenty of outdoor seating, some of it sheltered.
It does a reasonable range of beer on tap (deuchars, bombardier, directors, usually well-kept, and there's a good range of lagers from the standards like fosters and kronenbourg to more unusual ones like budvar, dark budvar, and baltika. I think they do bulmars or magners for those that are that way inclined.
It attracts a strong local element (me included) but there's also a good mix of local workers, students etc. Its an amicable and diverse crowd. The bar staff are efficient and seem friendly to everyone.
It could do with some better music at a higher volume, but on the other hand, at least you can hold a conversation without losing your voice.
Recommended if you like a good beer in a nice pub with no pretensions.
PS it does food at weekday lunchtimes but sadly I'm never about to sample it. Prices look reasonable though.
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