The Bricklayer’s Arms is a picturesque Sam Smith's pub in the heart of Fitzrovia.

The Venue
The Bricklayer’s Arms is a very pretty little pub tucked away on a side street near the bustling Tottenham Court Road area. It’s not on the main strip of pubs so unless you know about it, the chances of walking past and spotting it are slim. This only adds to the charm as it attracts a regular stream of drinkers from the surrounding area and less random people off the street.

Once inside, the space is surprisingly large. A smaller front room hosts the main bar, and walking through you can find a larger room with more seating at the back. There is also an upstairs lounge bar with a roaring log fire in the winter and comfy leather sofas. There is another bar up here, too, which saves you walking up and down the stairs everytime you want a drink.

The Atmosphere
The Bricklayer’s Arms is pleasantly quiet on weekdays but attracts a steady stream of local office workers, or people who happen to find it whilst walking the backstreets of Tottenham Court Road. There’s a buzzy chatter throughout the pub, although it’s never too loud for you not to be heard. The lounge bar upstairs is perhaps the louder of the rooms, due to its size. It’s probably not the best place for quiet contemplation, as with most London pubs on a Thursday or Friday night, but if you want a decent pub to relax in post 5.30pm, this could be it. Another plus are the prices. As it’s part of the Sam Smith’s chain you’ll pay a darn sight less in here than in other pubs for a pint.

The Food
The Bricklayer’s Arms offers a traditional pub menu with very reasonable prices. Steak and kidney pie served with mash, vegetables and gravy costs £5.50, as does the mushroom, red pepper and spinach risotto. For those wanting a snack you can get a variety of side dishes such as chips, potato wedges or onion rings, all of which cost around £1.95. Food is served Monday to Friday, 12-3pm.

The Drink
A saviour during the credit crunch, Sam Smith’s pubs offer decent brews at decent prices. The Bricklayer’s Arms falls under this umbrella, and serves only own-branded alcohol brewed in the Tadcaster Brewery, including the infamous Alpine Ale (also known as Man-in-a-Box). Draught beers cost around £1.80-£2.70, or bottles start from £2.60. Even the spirits are made in-house, so if you are the type of person who is fussy when it comes to brand name drinks, this is not the place for you.

The Last Word
Cheap and definitely cheerful, this Sam Smith’s pub is a little gem in an area densely populated by more expensive pubs. Well worth a visit.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2)