Come on in, and mind your head, at this pint-sized Soho establishment.

The Venue
Located on Bateman Street in Soho, the Dog and Duck is a vintage London pub dating back to the Victorian era. Obviously harking back to an age when people were a lot smaller than they are now, there is very little room to manoeuvre in the downstairs area, a room embossed with illusory mirrors and aged wood panels. The glass-backed bar itself looks very precarious too, with tankards and spirits of all shapes and sizes stacked up to the ceiling, often obscuring the bar staff behind them. The room tapers out into an intimate seating area, with chrome-topped tables and comfortable booths leading up to an antique fireplace, decorated with flowers and intricate wallpaper. Gilt chandeliers provide most of the light. The similarly-arrayed second floor restaurant, accessible up a rickety staircase from the main entrance, provides extra seating and dining space, which is useful as downstairs seems forever full to capacity, even during the day.

The Atmosphere
The Dog and Duck uses its limited legroom wisely, and manages to successfully recreate the cosy, old school feel that has attracted such diverse patrons as John Constable and Madonna in the past. The staff and clientèle are friendly enough and the music is decent and unobtrusive. An intimate atmosphere is guaranteed, without the over-crowdedness that plagues similar Soho establishments during the 5pm rush hour, and the seating area is perfect for heated discussion and debate – it is said that George Orwell got all his best ideas here in the 1930s.

The Food
Decent British pub food is the order of the day in the upstairs dining room at the Dog and Duck; it's served in exemplary style and none too expensive considering the fashionable neighbourhood. Appetite-whetting starters (£4-£5) like fried brie and beer battered mushrooms give way to choice mains (£8-£10) such as glazed chicken and chips, beef rib pie or roast vegetable tart, whilst lighter bites including sandwiches and salads (£6-£7) are also available. For a self-professed drinking establishment, the Dog and Duck does itself proud on the food front as well.

The Drink
Indeed, the drinks often complement the food menu, with the real ale and wine lists in particular going hand in hand with the simples pleasures upstairs. A handy range of beers and ciders is also available at the going rate (£3.50-£4), while a well-stocked bar also yields up a great deal of whiskies and after-dinner aperitifs for the Soho connoisseur. While not extraordinary, the Dog and Duck drinks menu certainly has most cravings covered.

The Last Word
Intimate by design, this remnant of Victorian London is still as endearing as ever, and offers simple delights in a pleasant environment.

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