An extremely old fashioned Samuel Smith pub sticks its fingers up at the wine bars and clubs of Soho. However, it’s unclear who has the last laugh because, whilst The Glasshouse is quaint it is also dark and not as popular as its modern rivals.

The Venue
With a small facade, you’d be forgiven for having walked past The Glasshouse on Brewer Street a hundred times and never noticing it. Its etched windows and dark woodwork aren’t exactly alluring. Once inside, you have the choice of going upstairs to the main bar, or downstairs to the cellar, which is pokey and rather dark. Downstairs, the brickwork is left open, and there is dark wood panelling below the dado rail. Punters crowd around the bar and sit on the cramped tables under nooks and crannies. Meanwhile, upstairs is larger, with etched mirrors and bigger booths. There is also an outside patio area for smokers, and a billiard table for anyone who knows the rules.

The Atmosphere
The Glasshouse is holding on to the title of pub in the old fashioned way, it’s therefore popular with slightly older clientele, as well as younger people that want to avoid the bright lights and loud music of the bars. It tries to offer a quieter place to kick back with friends and enjoy a glass of wine or one of their own beers. The bar staff are laidback antipodeans who are trying their best, but are perhaps a little overrun. That attitude is, to coin a phrase, “no worries”. This extends to delivery of food, which may not be exactly what you ordered and is often unceremoniously dumped in front of you.

The Food
Food at The Glasshouse is standard, no frills pub grub. Offering burgers, fries, sandwiches and jackets. There’s nothing particularly inspired on this menu, and it’s not somewhere to dine for a light lunch as the food is packed with greasy carbs. But when the cost of a meal weighs in at around the £6, you couldn’t expect anything else in Soho.

The Drink
Samuel Smith ales are the speciality here, with organic cider and fruit larger on offer. The bar is sparse, so if you’re very particular then you may be best going elsewhere. However, the beers are undoubtedly delicious, and at around £3.50 for a bottle, are reasonably priced for the area.

The Last Word
The Glasshouse is a place where time has stood still. In the fast-paced environment of Soho it’s slightly unusual, but if you’re after a quiet drink, and in the vicinity of Brewer Street, this place will just about do.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (4)