Seconds away from Liverpool Street station, and aptly named after the last Chairman of the Old Metropolitan Railway, the Lord Aberconway is a snug pub that steamrolls through a lunchtime clientele of City workers.

The Venue
Although rumoured to house ghosts from the Great Fire of London, the pub is more than friendly in both service and décor. Mahogany furnishings nestle under warm ginger lampshades whilst regal tapestry hangings and faded oil paintings gently line the burgundy walls.

A mezzanine balcony grandly overlooks the bustling floor, with cosy cushion-lined, wood-panelled alcoves slotted underneath. Detailed gold paintwork snakes around supporting columns adding to the overall warm ambience, and it’s a setting that’s illuminated by dusky chandeliers. Tall fern plants shield the pub from the constant human traffic outside and well-worn floorboards are an indicator of the Lord Aberconway’s undoubted popularity.

The Atmosphere
Awash with grey suits, the pub emanates a soft babble during business lunches; later things become noisier during après-office drinks. Service is warm, welcoming and, if orders get jumbled, over-compensating with genuine apologies and prompt corrections.

The Food
With mains designed to stuff the stomach and soak up the pints, the Lord Aberconway offers a classic collection of pub grub from steak and chips to vintage ale pie. The ‘Great British Sausages’ section leaps off the menu page (ranging from £5.95 to £7.95), whilst recommended seasonal ales further tempt taste buds. The pork and ale sausages (£6.95) are fat and succulently rich, and are well complemented by mash so creamy it would put any East End pie and mash shop to shame.

The Drink
An extensive list of ales and stouts is proudly displayed behind the well stocked bar. As well as the standard range of lagers on tap, the slow pull pints range from London Pride to Hobgoblin, the cheapest costing a very reasonable £2.65 a pint. The wine list is also pleasantly priced for a pub in the heart of the City. The Valloro Merlot Cabernet is a particular delight - a sweet red with mulberry and blackcurrant aromas, it costs just £2.65 a glass.

The Last Word
Rebuilt in the 19th Century, the Lord Aberconway, in accordance with previous names including the ‘Refreshment Room’ and the ‘Railway Buffet’, has kept its relaxing and replenishing vibe, refueling City clientele with generously portioned grub and easy-on-the-pocket pints.

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