16 Charlotte Street,
Fitzrovia,
London,
W1T 2LY
0872 148 2469
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Located between Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road tube stations, the Fitzroy Tavern is a standard Sam Smith’s pub that offers the opportunity for a down-to-earth drink in the otherwise upper crust Fitzrovia area.
The Venue
The Fitzroy Tavern is large, with both a ground floor and a basement level. The latter – intriguingly called the ‘Writer’s and Artist’s Bar’ – features an unusual layout in which two rows of partially-partitioned tables are lined up neatly on opposite sides of room, leaving just a small walk way in between.
The upper level is a straightforward, functional affair, with a large bar based in the centre of the room, a number of small booths lined up by the back wall, and additional seating available at smaller tables dotted around the room.
Decor is fairly basic, with a well worn carpet underfoot and a dingy, uninspiring colour scheme. More notable, however, is the existence of a vast number of painstakingly decorated chalk board signs advertising the various drinks the Fitzroy Tavern has to offer - an unusual touch for a Sam Smith’s venue.
The Atmosphere
The pub is popular, a black sheep amongst the hyper-sophistication of its Charlotte Street location. Weekends are especially busy, partially due to the clutch of weary shoppers in search of an affordable venue in which to rest their feet. The pub attracts a considerable number of younger folk, who tend to amass within the cordoned off smoking area out front.
Bar staff are friendly and polite, and service is thankfully devoid of the snobbery and pretention familiar to the bars and restaurants of the surrounding area.
The Food
The standard Sam Smith’s food menu is available, featuring uncomplicated, hearty dishes such as beef stout pudding (£6.35), and bangers and mash (£4.95). A large sign outside the pub also urges you to try their Sunday roast.
The Drink
All of the drinks on offer at the Fitzroy Tavern belong to the Sam Smith’s brewery, and lagers, ales and stouts of a decent quality are available from £2.35 to £3.85 a pint. Amongst the soft drinks is a perfectly acceptable take on cola (£1.26 a bottle) and a sparkling apple juice (£1.53).
The Last Word
The Fitzroy Tavern is a pleasant, accommodating and sufficiently spacious venue, providing shelter to those who prefer a proper pub as opposed to some of the flashier venues you can find in this part of town.
Fitzroy Tavern has been reviewed by 1 users