The Apple Tree was a posties favourite with the Mount Pleasant depot at the top of the road – but huge Victorian ceilings, a new splash of artwork, pricey pints, and good gastro grub have helped to cement it as a media executives' favourite.

The Venue
In an ideal spot just away from the hustle and bustle of Grays Inn Road, this diamond has everything you’d expect from a nouveau gastropub - outdoor benches, a small but perfectly formed menu, and a selection of good draught beer.

Inside, a bric-a-brac of big oak tables and mismatched cushioned dining chairs are jammed in, and exhibitions of local artists’ work including sculptures, prints and paintings adorn the walls. The decor is purpose-built shabby chic in line with the other pub offerings around Farringdon and Clerkenwell. Away from the guffawing and back slapping of media types downstairs, the first floor is generally reserved for private parties. This L-shaped room is again stacked with weathered and worn chairs thrown haphazardly together.

The Atmosphere
There’s one thing revellers can be guaranteed of at The Apple Tree – tremendous service. You are sure to be warmly welcomed into the pub, expect a shuffle round of seating arrangements if you are there to eat, and you’ll be served in double quick time, even if the pub is inevitably busy.

The Music
You can expect a plethora of unusual pub music here, which is entirely left up to the tastes of the bar staff. Reggae and rave, electro and classical play in the background depending on the CD collection – apart from the third Friday of the month when the upstairs bar is occupied by a band providing live music. Wednesday nights are altogether more racy with the weekly London Pub Poker Super League night held in the upstairs room. Around 35 players pay their £5 and thrash it out between themselves and revellers are welcome to join the gambling fun - with cash to hand, of course.

The Food
The food menu at The Apple Tree can be found on A4 printouts and tends to run out quickly, which is a comfort as it means the grub is good. Bangers and mash, club sandwiches, salads and a couple of vegetarian options are available. You can get your hands on a posh burger for £8 with prime beef, thick cut cheddar, and red onion chutney, or a ciabatta for under a fiver, which makes it a lunchtime bargain. If you are planning a visit reserve a table as the locals know to get there before 1pm.

The Drink
The Apple Tree is most definitely a notch above the rest, and is reflected in the drink offer. Real ale pumps offer Greene King IPA and Sundance, Budvar and Staropramen can be found on draught served in the proper glasses, Corona and Peroni are in the fridge, and some corking wines are available by the glass – the house options are particularly good. Sprits are available in abundance and the friendly bar staff will mix you up a cocktail on request. The only disappointment with the Apple Tree comes in the pricing of the booze – you can expect to pay around £4 for a decent pint and upwards of £5 for a glass of wine with sprits a similar price point.

The Last Word
The Apple Tree is a decent pub that retains its individuality. If you can avoid the hoo ha of the media crowd, this is a great place to watch the sun disappear behind the corporate skyline and enjoy a crisp pint and some good old fashioned English grub.

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