It may not be the most exciting boozer in central London, but for real ale on the cheap this Sam Smith’s pub does the job.

The Venue
Sat on the corner of Great Windmill Street and Brewer Street, the Duke of Argyll cuts an impressive figure with its maroon exterior, arched windows and simple signage. Unfortunately, it’s not one of the more inspiring Sam Smith’s pubs within. Although the two external walls flood the space with light, which is certainly pleasant, the interior is a little boring. A large wooden bar acts as the centrepiece with a few interesting features on the wall behind adding the only real interest to the swathes of wooden tables. That’s pretty much all there is to see. Still, they have got the balance right between the amount of seating and standing space.

The Atmosphere
Being located where it is, the Duke of Argyll is often busy at the weekend and in the evenings. Attracting a mix of local office workers including some obvious regulars, you also get a smattering of tourists. Acting as the perfect warm-up spot before hitting the town, the cheap drinks soon come into their own and the atmosphere is upbeat and friendly. The service, however, can slow as the crowd builds and you may end up waiting at the bar for some time when the pub’s at its busiest.

The Drink
Being a Samuel Smith’s pub, the ales on tap are exclusively their own. The Old Brewery Bitter is a decent pint and you pay barely over two quid for the privilege – ideal if you want to remember the good old days before pints edged towards or above £4. The Extra Stout is similarly priced and is another decent tipple. If you’re not a fan of ale then the selection is bolstered by the usual high street selection of lager. However, if you really want to make the most of the cheap prices then the Sam Smith’s brewery beers are the way to go.

The Last Word
It may not be the most exciting pub in London but the Duke of Argyll certainly puts a smile on your face when you get a round in and still have plenty of change from a tenner. It’s hard to argue with that.

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