A typically good value Sam Smith's pub where the lesser-known beers on tap come with reasonable price tags.

The Venue
This is one of the prettier Sam Smith's pubs. The front is covered in tiling and dark wood and a couple of big benches sit out front so you can admire the period artwork on the front depicting, yes you guessed it, a horse and groom. Inside, it’s your typical Victorian boozer with heavy woods everywhere you look, a large bar and a mix of chairs, stools and sofa seating. In addition to this the tiling is very pretty and makes for a nice feature and there’s a dartboard and a fireplace out back, which is rather cosy. They even have an additional bar area upstairs.

The Atmosphere
Media workers. Lots of them. The after-work crowd make up a large contingent of the punters at the Horse and Groom and, in the summer, drinkers spill onto the pavements outside. That said, this isn’t as busy as many pubs in and around the area, although that might just be because it’s so well put together inside. The staff are friendly enough, too, and will allow you to taste the more obscure beers before you buy.

The Drink
As a Sam Smith’s pub you can expect the usual selection of own-brand beer, shockingly priced with some pints nudging below the £2 a pint level. No mean feat when you consider than you can pay more than a fiver a pint in London now. And the lagers are cheap, too, with most priced at less than 3 quid. However, big names are mainly absent with options like Alpine lager instead.

The Last Word
The Horse and Groom may be too quiet at times but it’s nice to be able to get a seat in central London post-5pm on a Friday.

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