21 Devonshire Street,
Marylebone,
W1G 6PD
(020) 7486 7420
The ViewLondon Review
Step back in time at this olde worlde pub and you will find a decent menu and a wide range of beers.
The Venue
You can find Inn 1888 just a stone’s throw from pretty Marylebone High Street. Formerly known as the Devonshire Arms, this building dates back to 1888 (hence the name) and the pub was refurbished and revamped a couple of years ago, turning it into more of a genteel bar than a typical local. Even if it didn’t meet with approval from all quarters, the pub attempted to offer something different by billing itself as a ‘Pub and Scullery’.
Outside there are south-facing steel tables and chairs and potted plants surrounding the doorway - it’s not a bad place to sit if the sun is shining. Inside, it’s like stepping back in time with a smallish bar situated in one corner, Victorian bottles and containers adorning the shelves and a magnificent fireplace. Upstairs there is another room normally used as a restaurant.
The Atmosphere
The pub formerly struggled with its identity – it used to have a Thai restaurant upstairs which didn’t really fit in with the 19th century décor. It has recently reverted back to a more traditional pub, and this so far seems to be more successful. Inn 1888 attracts quite a mish-mash of people, none of whom seem like regulars, despite it being situated along a very populated street in Marylebone. Having said that, there’s nothing averse about this pub, the staff are friendly, there is a decent range of ale and wines, and they serve food. The main clientele here are shoppers who have veered off the main High Street track, or people who happen to walk past and fancy a pint.
The Food
The former Thai restaurant upstairs received mixed reviews and, as a result, they changed their menu back to a more traditional English pub menu. Typical examples of food are the all-day breakfast costing £7.50, or for something smaller there are a range of snacks and sides, including a spinach salad with avocado and bacon (£2.95).
On Sundays, they have a roast, with the chicken option served alongside Yorkshire puddings and a selection of vegetables. This costs £12.95.
The new menu has only very recently come into force, so go along and check it out for yourself. Food is available daily from 12noon-late.
The Drink
Inn 1888 has a decent selection of ales on offer, including Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale, with pints costing around £3.40-£3.60. Lagers on draught include Fosters (£3.40) and Peroni (£3.80). There is a wine list along with a cocktail menu, and all the usual spirits and mixers are available.
The Last Word
Not worth going out of your way for, but if you need to be watered and fed and are in the area, Inn 1888 is not a bad place to stop off.
Inn 1888 has been reviewed by 3 users