Dark, dreary and depressing; Old Doctor Butlers Head is a pub for middleaged, overweight city workers, laughing loudly over a pint of bitter.

The Venue
Old Doctor Butlers Head is named after Dr Butler - King James’ personal physician whose remedy for epilepsy was firing a brace of pistols close to the patients’ ears, scaring the problem out of them. This is where the interest sadly finishes.

As you enter, you have to wait a moment for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. When they do, you’ll wish they hadn’t. Although it’s nice to have a drink in an old Victorian building, it’s not nice to drink in one that looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned since then. Cobwebs and dust don’t add character to this building nor do the greasy glasses or instant coffee.

The only redeeming features at Old Doctor Butlers Head is a sheltered smoking area outside and a raised seating area at the back of the pub, which shows the latest sport on a large screen TV. There are a couple of fruit machines to play and a selection of fine cigars behind the bar.

The Atmosphere
The customers at Old Doctor Butlers Head seem to be entirely made up of middleaged men who work in the local offices, with a few wives dragged along for company. Throughout the day there is no music and the general noise is from the burly men laughing at each other’s jokes. The maximum capacity is under 200 and seating is limited. The bar staff are pleasant and the service is fine, there is also a basic level of table service.

The Food
You can expect to find all the usual pub food at Old Doctor Butlers Head such as burgers and bangers and mash. Mains start at £6 and the portions are adequate enough to fill your stomach. However, service only lasts between 12pm-3pm weekdays, so is only suited to those working in and around the area.

The Drink
Real ale seems to be the drink of choice at Old Doctor Butlers Head with five different choices available, including the usual London Pride and Spitfire. You can also find all the usual spirits on the top shelf, but there are sadly no deals available for doubles or mixers. There is also a limited wine list that includes the usual white Pinot Grigio and red Merlot. The coffee is sadly produced from an instant machine.

The Last Word
Popular with many of the suits around the area for its no frills attitude to eating and drinking; only try Old Doctor Butlers Head if you’re looking for nothing more than a pint during your lunch break.

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