The Imperial is a small Victorian pub just off Leicester Square, on the beaten tourist path to China Town. A decent boozer with period character, it’s only let down by being squeezed between Chinese restaurants and a shiny casino complex.

The Venue
The Imperial has the gleaming gilt and paintwork associated with this type of pub, framing the narrow frontage with a small seating area outside. Behind the roped off tables are large folding doors of dark wood and etched glass that draw you in with views of stained wooden floors leading down the middle of the pub. At the entrance and bordering the L-shaped bar are old black and white tiles.

Upon entering, you’ll be met by several fruit machines to the right and tall tables with bar stools to the left of the space. Facing the bar with its array of bottles and draught pumps are comfortable reddish brown leather bench seats, tables and chairs that are given a little privacy courtesy of some wooden dividers. Chandeliers swing overhead to give an almost regal appeal. At the rear is a more secluded area suited to groups eating and drinking. The walls are covered with dark wallpaper with all the space taken up with ornately framed prints, mirrors and blackboards advertising specials.

The Atmosphere
Whilst The Imperial has undergone refurbishments in the past, its owners have done the honourable thing by not changing too much, just giving the old girl a much needed spruce up. Although it’s aimed at tourists and a night time crowd thanks to its location, it’s without the rowdy element that you get at some pubs, and because of the small size of the premises overcrowding doesn’t seem to be an issue. The number of tourists is lightened by a fair number of local office types.

The staff are friendly and service is efficient without the attitude so often found in more upmarket venues. They seem to take a lot in their stride, not being fazed by children running around at lunchtime. At night the pub comes alive with unwinding office workers, theatre goers and people out for a good time.

The Food
The Imperial is part of a national pub chain and has an extensive menu that delivers on price. Dishes include sharing platters (£7.15-£8.55), sides such as chips (£3) and traditional fish and chips (£6.95). Desserts are limited to a pudding with custard, ice cream, frozen yoghurt and the ubiquitous chocolate fudge cake. Vegetarians are catered for with meals such as Quorn chilli (£5.75). All in all not a rip off.

The Drink
The Imperial offers a fair range of drink and beer. Draught beers include Becks Vier, Staropramen, Fosters, Leffe and Kronenbourg. Also on is Guinness and British ale like Youngs, London Pride, Abbots Ale and Greene King IPA. Pints and some of the bottled ciders start in the mid-£3 range. There is an international wine list with whites, reds and roses on offer by the bottle and the glass. Naturally, there are the usual suspects available for spirit lovers.

The Last Word
The Imperial is a drinker’s pub with character and atmosphere. Good staff and a fair range of ale and lager deliver the goods. Enjoy it for what it is.

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