It’s hard not to be impressed by the funky and fresh yet traditional Lyttleton Arms. And most people are determined to return after the first visit. Who wouldn’t? The beer selection is excellent, it’s right next to KOKO for pre-gig drinks and the venue is fun and relaxed.

The Venue
The Lyttleton Arms starts off quietly. Near the bar area, this seems a placid old-timer, all woods and brown leathers. However, as you walk towards the back, there is a gradual transition towards a colourful and funky décor: the large mural, striking as it is, is overshadowed by the back room, an area lined entirely with burgundy crocodile skin. Here the lamps are made of Bic biros - in itself a peculiar design statement - and there are glittery mirrors, contemporary circular couches with floral upholstery, black velvet benches and striking wooden tables inlaid with mosaic. The wow factor is guaranteed.

The Atmosphere
On a weekday at 5.30pm, the Lyttleton Arms is quieter than it deserves to be. Small groups gather but that’s about it. However, wait for the end of the week and you will see the place filling up, especially on Friday night when there are plenty of events from comical poets to pub quizzes, DJ sets and live bands. A refurbishment took place not too long ago and word is slowly spreading but the Lyttleton Arms is set to surge in popularity very soon.

The Food
The menu is well structured and traditional although there are a few pleasant surprises. For starters (£4.50-£5.75), the potted pulled pork is matched with apricot and ginger chutney, while black pudding and chorizo are united in a salad. The mains (£8.25-£15.50) are less creative but equally good, including the likes of salmon and smoked trout fishcakes, pork belly with bubble and squeak (with roast pear and Aspall cider sauce), and Cornish brie with sweet potato, squash and leek tart. Even within the side dishes (£2.50-£3.25), there is some of the sophistication of gastropubs: savoy cabbage, roasted parsnips and butternut squash are delightful cold-weather bites.

The Drink
The Lyttleton Arms distinguishes itself with its great selection of beers. On draught (£3.15-£4.10) there's Brooklyn Lager, Erdinger, Fruli, Red Stripe, Doombar, Meantime London Real Ale, Gaymers, Aspall, Blue Moon and others. The bottle selection (£3.65 on average) is just as strong, with many attractive Belgians amongst an international selection - Vedett, Duvel, Bacchus, Sierra Nevada and Negra Modelo are the most notable. The wine menu is just as good: there are more than two dozen bottles (£12-£20), all available by the glass (£3.05-£4.95 for small, £4.30-£6.85 for large), with new and old world wines well represented..

The Last Word
Relaxed but eclectic, the Lyttleton Arms is a gem of a pub nicely tucked away from the Camden bustle. Visit once and you’ll be back for more.

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