Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom

Lab Bar - Lab's had its day by thamshere

thamshere — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:18:13 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7437 7820

Website: http://www.lab-townhouse.com/

Popped in here on Thursday night with a friend from out of town on the basis of the previous reviews here and was very underwhelmed. The place is in need of a radical refurbishment. It looks old, tatty and dirty. I was asked to take my tie off, which annoyed me as it was part of my outfit. It's not like I was wearing a business suit. This gave me the impression that I was rather over-dressed for the place, which certainly appeared to be the case. It's not a place that anyone should ever bother dressing up for.

The cocktail menu is large and in the dim light almost unreadable. I found a pomegranate martini which seemed acceptable but proved rather dull with very little depth after the first sip. A couple of ladies at the bar ordered a shot each only to find it was some sort of flaming thing. Both of them looked quite disgusted before, during and after drinking it.

The music was overly loud given the small number of people in the bar, making conversation difficult.

If this bar was ever hip and fashionable it certainly isn't now. It's got no style, no elan, no... well, no anything much.

All in all, Lab is a bit of a mess.Popped in here on Thursday night with a friend from out of town on the basis of the previous reviews here and was very underwhelmed. The place is in need of a radical refurbishment. It looks old, tatty and dirty. I was asked to take my tie off, which annoyed me as it was part of my outfit. It's not like I was wearing a business suit. This gave me the impression that I was rather over-dressed for the place, which certainly appeared to be the case. It's not a place that anyone should ever bother dressing up for.

The cocktail menu is large and in the dim light almost unreadable. I found a pomegranate martini which seemed acceptable but proved rather dull with very little depth after the first sip. A couple of ladies at the bar ordered a shot each only to find it was some sort of flaming thing. Both of them looked quite disgusted before, during and after drinking it.

The music was overly loud given the small number of people in the bar, making conversation difficult.

If this bar was ever hip and fashionable it certainly isn't now. It's got no style, no elan, no... well, no anything much.

All in all, Lab is a bit of a mess.

Admiral Duncan - Admiral Duncan by sweettirana

sweettirana — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:48:57 +0000

Review by sweettirana

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 5300

Tags: live music, friendly, food

The Admiral Duncan is located in Soho, Central London and is a gay club, although everybody is welcome and anything goes.

The Admiral can get particularly busy on a Friday night and has a late licence. The drinks are reasonably priced - for Soho! Music is what you would expect - 80's and 90's pop and they also have a juke box.

The crowd at the Admiral is very friendly and it is a great place to go, have a boogie and generally shake your thing.

The pub is quite small but it has a really great atmosphere. I have only only ever been on a Friday so I cant comment on how it is during the week, but I would definitely recommend it on a Friday for men and women alike!The Admiral Duncan is located in Soho, Central London and is a gay club, although everybody is welcome and anything goes.

The Admiral can get particularly busy on a Friday night and has a late licence. The drinks are reasonably priced - for Soho! Music is what you would expect - 80's and 90's pop and they also have a juke box.

The crowd at the Admiral is very friendly and it is a great place to go, have a boogie and generally shake your thing.

The pub is quite small but it has a really great atmosphere. I have only only ever been on a Friday so I cant comment on how it is during the week, but I would definitely recommend it on a Friday for men and women alike!

All Bar One - Nice, relaxed bar by chinbergs

chinbergs — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:23:45 +0000

Review by chinbergs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7479 7921

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: relaxed, european, food

I like this bar. It has plenty of space to move around in, high ceilings.. it's a place you can breathe in, even when it's busy. I like the seating options available. There are small bar tables running along the entrance, which are handy when you're there with your partner or just a mate, or there are larger tables in the main bar if you're there with a group of friends.

The place is usually relaxed and chilled out - you can sit with a beer for hours and not feel like you're expected to order food or more drinks or give up your seats for other people.

The crowd is friendly, bar staff are friendly.. good atmosphere. This is a good place to go to during the day.

The food menu isn't too bad but quite pricey for what it is, in my opinion.I like this bar. It has plenty of space to move around in, high ceilings.. it's a place you can breathe in, even when it's busy. I like the seating options available. There are small bar tables running along the entrance, which are handy when you're there with your partner or just a mate, or there are larger tables in the main bar if you're there with a group of friends.

The place is usually relaxed and chilled out - you can sit with a beer for hours and not feel like you're expected to order food or more drinks or give up your seats for other people.

The crowd is friendly, bar staff are friendly.. good atmosphere. This is a good place to go to during the day.

The food menu isn't too bad but quite pricey for what it is, in my opinion.

The Montagu Pyke - good food and cheap beers modern pub by volcom883

volcom883 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:17:01 +0000

Review by volcom883

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 6039

Tags: food, real ale, friendly

this is a very modern looking british pub owned by jd wetherspoons. its got 2 entrences. one is from greek street and the other from charing cross.

they serve a lot of types of beers. even some foreign ones. My favorites are the polish ones

prices of pints start from 2.20 only

the best thing about this place is their food prices.

anytime deal: hamburger, chips and beer Â£4.99!

thursday day: indian, thai food + beer Â£6.99!

their toilets are huge and always clean.

they also got a huge projector screen for football events. though you better book your place in advance for guaranteed places.
this is a very modern looking british pub owned by jd wetherspoons. its got 2 entrences. one is from greek street and the other from charing cross.

they serve a lot of types of beers. even some foreign ones. My favorites are the polish ones

prices of pints start from 2.20 only

the best thing about this place is their food prices.

anytime deal: hamburger, chips and beer Â£4.99!

thursday day: indian, thai food + beer Â£6.99!

their toilets are huge and always clean.

they also got a huge projector screen for football events. though you better book your place in advance for guaranteed places.

Electric Birdcage - Bizzare but beautiful. by messydesk

messydesk — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:22:02 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7839 2424

Website: www.electricbirdcage.com

Tags: cool & smart, cool, posh

This place is the most fabulously decorated bar in town with dÃ©cor like you've never seen before in your life. The waiting staff wear awesome air hostess style uniforms and the mixologists certainly know their stuff. I love everything about it, from the fairground ride bar to the stools shaped like hands and the amazing black and white tessellating floor and walls I can't think of anywhere I like more.This place is the most fabulously decorated bar in town with dÃ©cor like you've never seen before in your life. The waiting staff wear awesome air hostess style uniforms and the mixologists certainly know their stuff. I love everything about it, from the fairground ride bar to the stools shaped like hands and the amazing black and white tessellating floor and walls I can't think of anywhere I like more.

The Brewmaster - I like it by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:13:31 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 1038

Website: http://www.whitbread.com

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

If you are in leicester square, its very difficult to find a pub where you don't grow old waiting at the bar. Brewmasters is a traditional english pub that is serves good food and beer and even though, its centrally located never seems to be very crowded. There are few chairs outside where you can sit and relax with your drink. You do get occasional Big Issue sellers if you sit outside.

The service at the bar is very good. The food served is traditional english fare and good. A good pub to start your evening with and enjoy a pint in a traditional environment.If you are in leicester square, its very difficult to find a pub where you don't grow old waiting at the bar. Brewmasters is a traditional english pub that is serves good food and beer and even though, its centrally located never seems to be very crowded. There are few chairs outside where you can sit and relax with your drink. You do get occasional Big Issue sellers if you sit outside.

The service at the bar is very good. The food served is traditional english fare and good. A good pub to start your evening with and enjoy a pint in a traditional environment.

The Sports Cafe - Sports Cafe by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:03:05 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7839 8300

Website: http://www.thesportscafe.com

Tags: relaxed, sport pub, american

With a TV screen where ever you turn your eyes, the Sports Cafe is truly for the sports enthusiast. There are lots of screens and they show all Sky and Setanta games (no dodgy satellite channels though). The place is usually crowded on weekends, when there is a game of football on. The bar is ok but very crowded, specially during the half time. Upstairs there are more TVs for watching the footie and they do have some pool tables.

But you can come here while your wife is shopping in Oxford street, get a pint and ignore everyone to enjoy the live sports.With a TV screen where ever you turn your eyes, the Sports Cafe is truly for the sports enthusiast. There are lots of screens and they show all Sky and Setanta games (no dodgy satellite channels though). The place is usually crowded on weekends, when there is a game of football on. The bar is ok but very crowded, specially during the half time. Upstairs there are more TVs for watching the footie and they do have some pool tables.

But you can come here while your wife is shopping in Oxford street, get a pint and ignore everyone to enjoy the live sports.

All Bar One - Central but Crowded by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:13:57 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7747 9921

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: relaxed, european, food

Crowded but what can you expect for a bar right in Leicester square. There is plenty of seating area spread over 3 levels and there is a area outside as well. But still, the bar is very crowded and it takes forever to get a drink from the bar.
Overall its a nice place for its location and if you arrive early. On offer is a standard all bar one menu and drinks selection, so you won't be disappointed. I prefer sitting outside if the weather permits as inside it can get very noisy. Another advantage is that you can get table service outside, so no standing forever at the bar.Crowded but what can you expect for a bar right in Leicester square. There is plenty of seating area spread over 3 levels and there is a area outside as well. But still, the bar is very crowded and it takes forever to get a drink from the bar.
Overall its a nice place for its location and if you arrive early. On offer is a standard all bar one menu and drinks selection, so you won't be disappointed. I prefer sitting outside if the weather permits as inside it can get very noisy. Another advantage is that you can get table service outside, so no standing forever at the bar.

Waxy O'Connor's - Crowded but fun by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:08:31 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 0255

Website: http://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk

Tags: friendly, different pub food, live music

The first thing you notice about Waxy O Connors is that its huge. There is even a tree inside it. Its quite popular amongst the tourists and the young Soho crowd, and as a result its very very crowded. There are few bars with plenty of drink options (Irish and otherwise). They do show rugby games sometimes, but last time i went it was not on. The staff are friendly but the bouncers at front are strange ( you will asked to open your bag)
Overall, if you want peace of mind, stay away. if you like to get in the mood with the crowd, Waxy may be your type. For tourists coming to london, i would definitely recommend it.
The first thing you notice about Waxy O Connors is that its huge. There is even a tree inside it. Its quite popular amongst the tourists and the young Soho crowd, and as a result its very very crowded. There are few bars with plenty of drink options (Irish and otherwise). They do show rugby games sometimes, but last time i went it was not on. The staff are friendly but the bouncers at front are strange ( you will asked to open your bag)
Overall, if you want peace of mind, stay away. if you like to get in the mood with the crowd, Waxy may be your type. For tourists coming to london, i would definitely recommend it.

Zebrano at The Establishment - Good for a Friday by baks162

baks162 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:41:14 +0000

Review by baks162

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 2051

Website: http://www.zebrano-bar-london.com/

Tags: friendly, cool & smart, cool

Went to Zebranos for a leaving do from work expecting to go home after a couple of drinks... I ended up staying there till well past midnight. It was really good, great crowd and good cocktails! Food's okay, nothing special.
Went to Zebranos for a leaving do from work expecting to go home after a couple of drinks... I ended up staying there till well past midnight. It was really good, great crowd and good cocktails! Food's okay, nothing special.

Bar Red - red! by kathlane

kathlane — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:37:59 +0000

Review by kathlane

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 3417

Website: http://www.bar-red.com

Tags: cool, trendy, food

This is quite a unique and strange place, the frontage is all red glass and the interior red and black ! its very striking yet manages to be funky rather than garish with its low lightening and trendy music. This place is cocktail heaven and each one is made with great attention to detail. They have a huge rage of cocktails including one thats a lovely mix of rasberry and cranberry, this is nice and sweet and a vibrant red and actually works quite well. As you would expect it isnâ¬"t a cheap place but the bar staff really are well trained in the art of cocktails and were able to reel off all the ingredients of a vast array of them until we made our minds up. Very unusual and bold.This is quite a unique and strange place, the frontage is all red glass and the interior red and black ! its very striking yet manages to be funky rather than garish with its low lightening and trendy music. This place is cocktail heaven and each one is made with great attention to detail. They have a huge rage of cocktails including one thats a lovely mix of rasberry and cranberry, this is nice and sweet and a vibrant red and actually works quite well. As you would expect it isnâ¬"t a cheap place but the bar staff really are well trained in the art of cocktails and were able to reel off all the ingredients of a vast array of them until we made our minds up. Very unusual and bold.

The Soho - designer interior by kathlane

kathlane — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:18:47 +0000

Review by kathlane

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7025 7844

Website: http://www.thesohobar.co.uk

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

This is a remarkable place, well thought out, well designed and just truly amazing, they have like a red leather room, or rather a large kind of booth or cove, like the walls are part of a chesterfield sofa, it has red leather benches around the side and you are just cacooned in this amazing redness. There were about 12 of us and it still wasnâ¬"t full! There are a few more booths like this each with different themes and we plan to go back to them all! The celing is quite low and the dance floor isnâ¬"t large but this is a truly unique place and a must see. The cocktails are amazing, food wise its more steak and burgers. The staff here are friendly and welcoming, highly recommened especially if you go as a group â¬ book in advance if you doThis is a remarkable place, well thought out, well designed and just truly amazing, they have like a red leather room, or rather a large kind of booth or cove, like the walls are part of a chesterfield sofa, it has red leather benches around the side and you are just cacooned in this amazing redness. There were about 12 of us and it still wasnâ¬"t full! There are a few more booths like this each with different themes and we plan to go back to them all! The celing is quite low and the dance floor isnâ¬"t large but this is a truly unique place and a must see. The cocktails are amazing, food wise its more steak and burgers. The staff here are friendly and welcoming, highly recommened especially if you go as a group â¬ book in advance if you do

Revolution Bar - Revolutionising Vodka by Barney752

Barney752 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:22:27 +0000

Review by Barney752

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 0330

Website: http://www.revolution-bars.co.uk

Tags: cool, food, friendly

If you like vodka, or just socialising in a funky bar, then revolutions might just be the place for you. True to its theme, the primary colour is red, the whole bar is swathed in red, red lights, red boothes. There are tv's displaying slighting funny revolutionary propaganda. But the real reason to go to revolutions is the drinks. Â£12 will get you a tray of 6 multicoloured and multiflavoured shots. The flavours themselves vary hugely from birthday cake (rather sickly sweet) to minty choc chip. There is securtiy on the door and the atmosphere within the bar is friendly. The music is very loud which might not be a problem for some but you have been warned, overall a great bar.If you like vodka, or just socialising in a funky bar, then revolutions might just be the place for you. True to its theme, the primary colour is red, the whole bar is swathed in red, red lights, red boothes. There are tv's displaying slighting funny revolutionary propaganda. But the real reason to go to revolutions is the drinks. Â£12 will get you a tray of 6 multicoloured and multiflavoured shots. The flavours themselves vary hugely from birthday cake (rather sickly sweet) to minty choc chip. There is securtiy on the door and the atmosphere within the bar is friendly. The music is very loud which might not be a problem for some but you have been warned, overall a great bar.

The Slug And Lettuce - Chilled out by chinbergs

chinbergs — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:31:01 +0000

Review by chinbergs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 1400

Website: http://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

This is another venue that's good to chill out in after work. It has plenty of tables and seats, so you can usually get somewhere to sit down and have a relaxing beer for that afterwork drink. It's also good at the weekends when you want somewhere to avoid the crowds of shoppers around Oxford St.

The crowd is usually 20s, 30s, young professionals. The crowd is usually relaxed and energetic. I never find the atmosphere stale or boring in here - it's never party party, but a good atmosphere nonetheless.

The food is ok - pretty standard bar food. Prices are ok but not great value for bar food.This is another venue that's good to chill out in after work. It has plenty of tables and seats, so you can usually get somewhere to sit down and have a relaxing beer for that afterwork drink. It's also good at the weekends when you want somewhere to avoid the crowds of shoppers around Oxford St.

The crowd is usually 20s, 30s, young professionals. The crowd is usually relaxed and energetic. I never find the atmosphere stale or boring in here - it's never party party, but a good atmosphere nonetheless.

The food is ok - pretty standard bar food. Prices are ok but not great value for bar food.

The Yard Bar - Nice enough place by chinbergs

chinbergs — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:14:35 +0000

Review by chinbergs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 2652

Website: http://www.yardbar.co.uk

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

This is one of those venues that's good for an after-work drink, or for a chilled out drink during the day at the weekend. They do have a DJ for the weekend evenings, but it's not really a place that people party at or go to for the buzz of the music. It's more a place to stand around, get a bit drunk and talk with your mates. There's also The Loft upstairs, which is quite relaxed and a nice venue to chat with friends.

I have to say, it's not really my favourite place to go to - I always find it a bit lacking in energy and atmosphere.This is one of those venues that's good for an after-work drink, or for a chilled out drink during the day at the weekend. They do have a DJ for the weekend evenings, but it's not really a place that people party at or go to for the buzz of the music. It's more a place to stand around, get a bit drunk and talk with your mates. There's also The Loft upstairs, which is quite relaxed and a nice venue to chat with friends.

I have to say, it's not really my favourite place to go to - I always find it a bit lacking in energy and atmosphere.

Rupert Street - After-work crowd by chinbergs

chinbergs — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:58:11 +0000

Review by chinbergs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7292 7141

Tags: food, house, pretentious

During the week, Rupert Street is often busy with an after-work crowd of guys in suits. On a Friday night, it is often very crowded inside and people spill out on the street space.

The crowd here can be quite varied, though it's usually centered around lots of professional guys.

The atmosphere can also vary: sometimes there's a fun, young spirit, other times it can be a little edgy, and other times it can be a little pretentious (though the bar isn't really smart enough to merit pretention).

Usually a friendly enough crowd, though not the most laid back of places.

There's usually house music playing, which gives the bar energy. The bar staff are mostly pretty friendly.

It does serve food during the day (standard bar menu), which is actually of quite good quality.During the week, Rupert Street is often busy with an after-work crowd of guys in suits. On a Friday night, it is often very crowded inside and people spill out on the street space.

The crowd here can be quite varied, though it's usually centered around lots of professional guys.

The atmosphere can also vary: sometimes there's a fun, young spirit, other times it can be a little edgy, and other times it can be a little pretentious (though the bar isn't really smart enough to merit pretention).

Usually a friendly enough crowd, though not the most laid back of places.

There's usually house music playing, which gives the bar energy. The bar staff are mostly pretty friendly.

It does serve food during the day (standard bar menu), which is actually of quite good quality.

Bear & Staff - Excellent by me123

me123 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:38:43 +0000

Review by me123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7930 5260

Tags: cool, friendly, food

I have visted this traditional english pub a few times and it is great. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is lovely. There is a really cosy atmosphere in this pub. It is lovely to sit outside on a sunny summer day (rare in London!)There is a normal nice bar area downstairs and a eating area upstairs where i have not been to yet. There is a lovely clean dark woodpolished floor which really makes the pub nice. The pub does a range of food including speacials, serving traditional English food. Visit if you really like good food.I have visted this traditional english pub a few times and it is great. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is lovely. There is a really cosy atmosphere in this pub. It is lovely to sit outside on a sunny summer day (rare in London!)There is a normal nice bar area downstairs and a eating area upstairs where i have not been to yet. There is a lovely clean dark woodpolished floor which really makes the pub nice. The pub does a range of food including speacials, serving traditional English food. Visit if you really like good food.

Yates's Wine Lodge - Great pre club bar by Rhydster

Rhydster — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:17:38 +0000

Review by Rhydster

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7839 7967

Website: http://www.yatesbars.co.uk

Tags: food, cocktails, friendly

Yatesâ¬" Leicester Square is very popular as the after work venue earlier on and gradually filters out into a pre club crowd approaching midnight. The bar service is as quick as can be expected with such numbers, there are two bars and drinks are not expensive. There are plenty of seating areas to eat or relax with your drink and if youÂ´re planning to dance later on, entry before 9pm is free. The dance floor isnÂ´t huge but the urban music selection is usually current and thereÂ´s a good atmosphere.

Bags are free at the clock room. They also serve decent bar food at good value, but go early to avoid too much noise.Yatesâ¬" Leicester Square is very popular as the after work venue earlier on and gradually filters out into a pre club crowd approaching midnight. The bar service is as quick as can be expected with such numbers, there are two bars and drinks are not expensive. There are plenty of seating areas to eat or relax with your drink and if youÂ´re planning to dance later on, entry before 9pm is free. The dance floor isnÂ´t huge but the urban music selection is usually current and thereÂ´s a good atmosphere.

Bags are free at the clock room. They also serve decent bar food at good value, but go early to avoid too much noise.

Jewel Bar - Lively, comfortable...not too trendy! by Weeboo

Weeboo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:30:15 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 4089

Website: http://www.jewel-bar.co.uk

Tags: friendly, trendy, cool

Jewel doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, considering its location right on the edge of [the not-so-trendy side of] Soho, this particular nightclub looks vaguely seedy. However inside it delights with its mixture of oversized chandeliers and ethnic furniture, an interior that seems to be ageing quite well versus other nightclubs in the immediate area (No 1 Leicester immediately springs to mind). Its also a very convenient venue, being situated immediately opposite one of the exits/entrances to Piccadilly Circus tube station. Ideal for when you need to catch that last train home and you might be a bit unsteady on your feet.

The atmosphere in here is always buzzy and fun, there's a good mixture of music (in my opinion) and the service is pretty good even when its packed. The menu contains the standard fare, but who cares...you're there for the alcohol.Jewel doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, considering its location right on the edge of [the not-so-trendy side of] Soho, this particular nightclub looks vaguely seedy. However inside it delights with its mixture of oversized chandeliers and ethnic furniture, an interior that seems to be ageing quite well versus other nightclubs in the immediate area (No 1 Leicester immediately springs to mind). Its also a very convenient venue, being situated immediately opposite one of the exits/entrances to Piccadilly Circus tube station. Ideal for when you need to catch that last train home and you might be a bit unsteady on your feet.

The atmosphere in here is always buzzy and fun, there's a good mixture of music (in my opinion) and the service is pretty good even when its packed. The menu contains the standard fare, but who cares...you're there for the alcohol.

The Chandos - You could do a lot worse... by rich42uk

rich42uk — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:05:49 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 1401

Tags: relaxed, pub, food

...than if you're in the centre of London and struggling for a half-decent place for a cheeky pint than to go here! Whilst there are many places locally that could beat it in terms of a straight comparison, The Chandos is still worth it for a couple of reasons...

Firstly, it's dead easy to find being on the NE corner of Trafalgar Square opposite Charing Cross Post Office & just along from the Coliseum so if you're meeting mates it's a good central point to start from. Secondly, the Opera Room upstairs (provided you get there early) is very comfy with large sofas and cosy snugs. Above all though (and in sharp relief to the nearby drinking barns in Leicester Square), The Chandos is a Sam Smith pub which means there's always something interesting to drink and because it's brewed and sold by the same firm, there's no mark-up and so becomes pretty much the only place in WC2 where a round for three people can come in for under a fiver... With that in mind, there are no "brands" behind the bar so those seeking a pint of Stella will be disappointed (is that such a bad thing?).

The only downside is that, being in such a central location, it gets busier than Mumbai Central at rush-hour and can be frustrating to navigate. The staff are the usual central London mix of gap-yearers on minimum wage and don't care about good service and the proliferation of tourists and their lack of basic pub etiquette may drive some to distraction. For all that though, there's a lot more right than there is wrong!...than if you're in the centre of London and struggling for a half-decent place for a cheeky pint than to go here! Whilst there are many places locally that could beat it in terms of a straight comparison, The Chandos is still worth it for a couple of reasons...

Firstly, it's dead easy to find being on the NE corner of Trafalgar Square opposite Charing Cross Post Office & just along from the Coliseum so if you're meeting mates it's a good central point to start from. Secondly, the Opera Room upstairs (provided you get there early) is very comfy with large sofas and cosy snugs. Above all though (and in sharp relief to the nearby drinking barns in Leicester Square), The Chandos is a Sam Smith pub which means there's always something interesting to drink and because it's brewed and sold by the same firm, there's no mark-up and so becomes pretty much the only place in WC2 where a round for three people can come in for under a fiver... With that in mind, there are no "brands" behind the bar so those seeking a pint of Stella will be disappointed (is that such a bad thing?).

The only downside is that, being in such a central location, it gets busier than Mumbai Central at rush-hour and can be frustrating to navigate. The staff are the usual central London mix of gap-yearers on minimum wage and don't care about good service and the proliferation of tourists and their lack of basic pub etiquette may drive some to distraction. For all that though, there's a lot more right than there is wrong!