The Carlisle Arms is not bad for a quiet drink and it certainly makes a change from the buzzing bars you can find nearby. But with so many other options in the area, it’s hardly going to be at the top of your favourite places in Soho.

The Venue
Bateman Street is rather quiet in comparison with the bustling Greek, Frith and Dean streets, but that is potentially a bonus as the Carlisle Arms is tucked out of the main melee. The space is limited to a rectangular room, with large windows facing out onto the street. A wrap-around Chesterfield provides seating along three of the walls, with the last one reserved for the bar. Traditional tables and chairs fill up the rest of the space leaving enough standing room for peak times. On one side, a period fireplace, in use during the winter, adds a cosy touch, while posters of West End shows detract from the overall impression, creating a visual clash with the traditional surroundings. One of the pub’s best elements are the green hanging baskets out front, creating a thick blanket of foliage reminiscent of enchanting countryside villages.

The Atmosphere
‘Old’ is a key word at the Carlisle Arms: the staff may be young and even somewhat hip, but the clientele is not what you would expect of Soho. Weekdays are busy with suited men but there are also older Soho residents who pop in for an afternoon shandy. One thing is for sure: Carlisle Arms has retained that feeling of a bygone time, when workers were still allowed to have a pint at 3 pm. Weekends are much busier and the crowd more mixed as thrill seekers swarm into Soho.

The Drink
Drinks are suitably cheap (for Soho): draught lager is priced at £3.10-£3.55, with bottles around £3.40. Your options are San Miguel, Red Stripe, Peroni, Corona, Budweiser, London Pride and Broadoak cider on draught, and bottles of Magners, Bulmers and Koppaberg (£4). There are a handful of wine options available too, cheap at £11 per bottle for the house wine, while champagne is an affordable £35 a bottle. Spirits and mixers are £3.50-£3.60 for a single, with certain doubles available for an extra pound.

The Last Word
Carlisle Arms isn’t typical of Soho as it is incompatible with the bustle you find elsewhere in the neighbourhood. However, it does provide a respite from the heaving crowds.

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