Located just a minute’s walk from Trafalgar Square on St Martin’s Lane, Chandos is a popular Sam Smith’s pub that has become the go-to spot for those searching for an affordable drink in central London.

The Venue
Set out on two spacious floors, Chandos is an interesting mix of little alcoves and open spaces designed to house the masses. Along the walls of the ground floor are rows of distinct, separated booths (complete with their own coat pegs!) in which parties of up to six can almost shut themselves off from unwanted attention. A tiny room branching off at the side of the bar houses a darts board.

The upstairs – rather confusingly signposted as The Opera Room – is a more chilled-out affair. It’s brightly lit and cosily carpeted, with a number of generously sized sofas, leather chairs and small, circular tables for the less raucous groups to arrange themselves around.

Make sure to look out for the mechanical statue of a barman opening a barrel that is perched on a tiny balcony at the top of the building.

The Atmosphere
The location of this branch of Sam Smith’s is enough to get it jam-packed during the evenings, receiving a steady influx of tourists, post-work drinks parties, and those who have grown to love it for its offer of cheap food and drink in an extremely central location. Those with a particular aversion to wading their way towards the bar should try the upper floor for a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, although finding somewhere to sit quickly may still be a struggle.

The Food
Chandos serves the usual Sam Smith’s menu of basic pub grub – albeit it presented in attractive leather-bound books - with most main meals just shy of £6.

The Drink
It’s exclusively Sam Smith’s own when it comes to the drinks list. The cheapest pint – Yorkshire bitter – is available for £2.35, and the most expensive – the Pure Brew lager and the Organic Wheat beer are priced at £3.85.

The Last Word
Chandos is an excellent option for drinking near Trafalgar Square, as it’s by far one of the cheapest venues around. Its quirky layout and cosy upper level make it a worthwhile find regardless, and the place has far more personality than most of the identikit ‘traditional’ pubs in central London.

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