A polished version of the typical British pub attracts the cool kids of Covent Garden.

The Venue
On the corner of buzzing Neal Street stands a large, dark green building that stands out as different from the surrounding fashionable shops. It looks old-fashioned, fitting in with the cobbled streets rather than contrasting them from everything else in Seven Dials.

Step inside The Crown and Anchor and the decor is pretty much what you’d expect from a traditional pub, but look closer and you’ll notice a gleaming sheen. Banished are the tacky wall paintings, dull fading colours and worn out upholstery. The style is generic with antique lights, wooden panelling and dark brown leather stools, yet the fact that this place has recently opened means that all the materials are new, giving a much needed facelift to the old-fashioned theme.

The Atmosphere
The light streaming through the big windows of The Crown and Anchor gives punters a glimpse of the chic shoppers pounding the streets. These are the very people that wander inside for a leisurely drink to rest their tired heels. The place is small so it fills up quickly, and the vibrant loud chatter keeps the feeling cheerful and fun. A mix of young and old clink glasses, but the vibe is kept youthful, helped along by the up to date music and, of course, the location.

The Drink
Corresponding with most pubs, there’s nothing available at The Crown and Anchor with any flair. The drinks list is basic but has enough to give punters a decent choice. A good selection of beers and real ales on tap keeps purists happy, but the sparse wine list - consisting of only a handful of wines at £12-£13 a bottle - will fail to impress. The prices are fair for the central location but this isn’t the pub to come to for a hardcore drinking session; it’s more of a place to mill over a pint with good company.

The Last Word
With attention to traditional details but with none of the stuffy atmosphere, The Crown and Anchor is a great pub for an enjoyable drink.

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