23 Great Castle Street,
Oxford Circus,
London,
W1G 0HY
(020) 7491 0467
The ViewLondon Review
The Old Explorer is a traditional English pub with European influence tucked away in the heart of Oxford Street. An ideal retreat after a shopping spree or simply a great venue to warm up for a bigger night out.
The Venue
The Old Explorer sits on the corner of a slip road behind Oxford Circus tube. The ground level is huge with a long bar serving all types of wines. Seating areas are plentiful and scattered with a few sofas, high stools and tables, once they fill up there is a huge area in the middle of the pub to fill. The lower level has another bar and more sofas to relax and mingle. There are also entertainment cash games to help kill time.
The Atmosphere
Plenty of natural sunlight creeps in, carpets are laid and the wooden panel structure gives The Old Explorer a warm and welcoming atmosphere; unfortunately, the bar staff don’t reflect this and can’t offer a smile with the service.
In the evenings the pub livens up, although guests tend to be more mature, settling if for a quiet drink. Fridays, on the contrary, sees the resident DJ playing current music and classic '80s songs and most can’t resist a dance.
The Food
There is a choice of hot and cold foods like jacket potatoes and sandwiches offered for lunch and dinner at The Old Explorer. Prices are reasonable at £5-£8.
The Drink
The Old Explorer has the usual fully-stocked bar; nothing to write home about but enough to keep the average drinker happy. Lots of wine is on offer as well as the standard lagers and spirits.
The Last Word
On a cold winter’s day or night have a drink here, it’ll surely warm you up; just don’t count on being greeted by the ever so ‘friendly’ staff.
The Old Explorer has been reviewed by 3 users