Classic old man pub.

The Venue
The decor is modest but clean and traditional, so if you don’t mind your pubs being no-frills except for a dartboard then The Blue Posts is perfectly nice. Never underestimate the joy to be found in finding a seat on a Friday night, after all.

Upstairs (not always open, either due to a lack of custom or private function) is even more leisurely, the battered old armchairs and wall-hangings belong in a gentleman's club circa 1900. It would have made a great setting for Guy and Jude’s Sherlock Holmes.

The Atmosphere
Sedate bordering on stale, for whatever reason The Blue Posts fails to attract the hordes that clutter up other local pubs. Despite the prime location 100 yards from Oxford Street, this quiet drinking den is refreshingly devoid of ritz. Even the injection of celebrity provided by a Banksy mural on the Royal Mail building on the opposite side of Newman Street was promptly whitewashed. Says it all.

The Food
The menu is traditional but unremarkable - think pies, burgers and fish. It’s rare to see people eating here so the chefs are in danger of being out of practice, but you can’t quibble over the prices, which as with all Sam Smiths pubs are extremely reasonable (mains are available for less than £5).

The Drink
Gone are the Sam Smiths glory days when you could get a pint and have change from £2; however, you’ll still be hard pushed to find better value anywhere else. Alpine, Pure Brew, Tadcaster and Cask OBB are the staple options, and still don’t cost much above the magic £2 mark. Popular with ale drinkers, Sam Smiths has less to offer non-pint drinkers and is hampered by a reliance on its own brands, including a sludgy looking cola.

The Last Word
The main reason for recommending The Blue Posts would be its cheapness, but with Fitzrovia awash with similar, more admired Sam Smiths establishments, this quiet and unassuming pub’s lack of popularity may actually prove to be its ultimate selling point.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2)