The 18th century planners of desirable Bloomsbury didn’t allow for too many pubs, so be grateful for honest boozers like the Lord John Russell, probably the best of a small cluster of pubs in lively Marchmont Street.

The Venue
Handy for the British Library, specialist shops, the peculiar 1970s Brunswick Centre, and the hotels around Russell Square, the Lord John is a straightforward pub at the northern end of Marchmont Street. Inside is a single room with a bar along one long wall, traditionally furnished with wooden tables, chairs and settles, with floorboards, exposed pillars, big wooden beams and bright windows onto the street. Immaculate red and white floor tiles in front of the bar add a little panache. Outside there’s picnic bench seating in a sheltered side alley.

The Atmosphere
This is a decidedly old school but very friendly place that’s been run by the same family for a quarter of a century. The clientele is largely old school too, but everyone’s welcome, even children in the daytime, and the beer range brings in the connoisseurs. Rugby is the sport of choice and things get decidedly livelier when there’s a big match on. There are also occasional seasonal events.

The Food
In line with the look and feel of the place, the menu – lunchtimes only – is old-fashioned pub grub at reasonable prices. Pie and mash, roast dinners, late breakfast fry-ups, fish and chips and daily specials are around £8. The Sunday roast is also popular.

The Drink
In recent years the ale-loving landlord has expanded the handpump count from two to six to meet growing demand. Brains Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Wadworth 6X, Wells Bombardier and perhaps something from Holts, Sambrook’s or Theakston are likely to be on offer. Discerning lager drinkers will find one of those taps dispensing standard and dark Budvar or a blend, Bavarian König Ludwig Weissbier is another welcome option, and there’s an impressive range of malts and other specialist whiskies, plus around 16 wines, most by the glass.

The Last Word
A proper local boozer of the best kind – a sight all too rare in Zone 1.

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