The Duke of York is a pub full of uptown charm that romances all within.

The Venue
The Duke of York is more than just an old pub. Its classic features like the fifties telephone behind the bar, the waxed glimmering floor and dark wooden booths are all part of something more sensuous than the archetypal boozer.

Set on a corner, the pub has an awkward natural shape that throws you a little as angles clash against angles; however, once you settle the logistics are calm and the raised tables and chairs comforting. The high ceilings are given greater perspective with the addition of an array of tilted mirrors that deceive the eye and give more infinity. The pub is above all beautifully simple, everything is in its place without being formulaic and the orange piano brings colour to the rest of the rich chocolate browns.

The Atmosphere
Roger Street forks away from John Street, which tales you away from the traffic of Theobald Road and into idyllic residential London. Being in such a quiet area, the Duke of York will always offer a quiet table during the daytime. The fifties and sixties songbirds are enough to fill the pub with enough energy that anybody could feel like an Orwellian character sitting alone in a dark corner with music and a book for company. It’s for the dreamers. The staff are friendly and generous, which must be quite the invitation to the residents in this part of town. The nights are warm and long, the dim lights seem to rid you of your concept for time and its much ado to try and leave.

The Food
The prices at the Duke of York are high with influence from both the area you’re in and the venue’s own classic chic. Pea pancakes are served with grilled haloumi and marinated artichokes, while the chargrilled sirloin steak is served with rosemary diced potatoes, roast peppers and seasonal vegetables. There are also homemade burgers and daily specials with a fish and sausage of the week.

The Drink
There is a good choice of regular and premium lagers with Stella, Staropramen, Carlsberg and Kronenbourg all on draught. There are also Adnams Broadside and Greene King ales. The wine list is found on the back of the food menu and the staff are keen to match them with your meal if you require the help. If you’re just looking for a regular bottle, then the prices start at £14.95 a bottle for the Cuvee le Bosq, red and white.

The Last Word
The Duke of York is expensive if you’re feeding the stomach but is far from overpriced. It’s well worth the cost to sit in the beautiful environment it affords.

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