29 Clarges Street,
Mayfair,
London,
W1J 7EF
0872 148 3103
The ViewLondon Review
A stone’s throw away from swish Park Lane, Samuel Pepys is a relaxed, down to earth pub that’s great for a lad’s night out.The VenueThe decor isn’t in any way dazzling, Samuel Pepys has stuck to simple traditional furnishings like dark wooden panelling, comfy upholstered chairs and little antique paintings on the wall. The delicate touch of a candle on each table warms the place up effortlessly, making it seem cosy and comforting. However, there’s a definite element of boyish influence, with football scarves dotted around the walls and large widescreens just waiting for the next big match to get the punters going. Luckily, there’s a small raised seating area that’s slightly hidden with a cleverly placed partition, making it easy for you to shy away from the sports madness if you’re looking for a quiet drink.
The AtmosphereThe customers that inhabit the pub on a regular basis are friendly, laid back blokes that are clearly at home here. All sorts are welcome, from suits to couples and friends who randomly stumble upon Samuel Pepys in search of a drink. The staff are amiable and welcoming, and there’s enough space to have a raucous night with your friends or sit in a corner for a more private chat. On a sports night, the match completely takes over, so avoid if you’re not a fan of loud, drunken types who are totally absorbed in a game.
The DrinkThere’s a decent choice of ales and lagers on offer to keep the beer lovers happy, and with reasonable prices for the area. The wine list, however, is extremely small and heavily relies on cheap £6-£9 a bottle prices to shift them, so don’t try these if you want to enjoy your drink. The spirits available at Samuel Pepys are basic but substantial, which is good enough for an ordinary night at the pub. Food is also served to sort out any peckish customers with some hearty British pub grub.
The Last WordSamuel Pepys is the ideal pub in posh Mayfair for a casual night out watching the footie, but not spectacular enough to keep you coming back for more.