This hard to find little pub has always been a popular Covent Garden haunt but it has suffered the same fate as many freeholds in the economic downturn and has now been taken over by one of the big boys.

The Venue
The Lamb and Flag is very well hidden, which is no mean feat in one of London’s busiest tourist districts. Tucked away down a little alleyway, you’ll be forgiven for walking past it several times before finally cottoning on to the large crowd gathered on the pavement outside. And that’s because this is a tiny little pub that is very - very - popular with Londoners looking to escape the tourist watering holes. Even the frontage is diminutive, decked out in warm woods with a simple red and gold sign.

Inside, the space is really rather charming with an inherent feeling of history (it’s been around since the 17th century). The ceilings are low, the walls are covered with paintings, artwork, characateurs and plaques and the space is divided into little areas with a fireplace out the back. The bar actually looks quite modern, decked out in shining metals and gleaming glassware and the seating is plentiful and all dark wooden tables, chairs and high stools.

The Atmosphere
The Lamb and Flag is almost always busy, and inside it can border on claustrophobic. Luckily, in the summer months the crowd can spill out onto the large pavement area outside and relieve the pressure. The punters are mainly local office workers looking for a pint and tourists are refreshingly absent, although some seem to seek it out, probably because of its history. However, where this pub used to be independent, in June 2011 it was taken over by Fullers, which is starting to turn it into another identikit pub with little in the way of originality, which is a shame…

The Drink
They used to do some excellent Young’s bitters here but now the offering is practically entirely Fullers brand ales, such as Chiswick and London Pride. They do also have a couple of nice lagers, including Peroni and Estrella on draught.

The Last Word
The Lamb and Flag has done a good job to survive as long as it has. And at least, having been taken over by Fullers, it has ended up in the hands of an operator sensitive to its history. It could have been worse, it could have been closed down altogether and that would have been a real travesty.

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