A magnificent example of a Victorian pub remaining unchanged, The Tottenham is a not-to-be-missed venue sure to impress anyone.

The Venue
Despite being located a stones throw away from the Tottenham Court Road tube, The Tottenham is not very prominent and is easy to miss, but once you step inside, you won’t forget it.

This place is a magnificent testament to the architecture and the skills of pub fitters of Victorian times. Existing for at least 180 years, The Tottenham has not changed at all in the last 150 years, and you will see examples of incredible craftsmanship. The ground floor features beautifully painted mirrors, mahogany surroundings and tiles with floral decorations. Three paintings of curvaceous ladies and even a stained glass skylight with hanging chandelier are also part of the striking decor.

In the basement, a more somberly furnished room hosts an eating area: intimate and comfortable, it serves its purpose but cannot be compared to the glories of the pub upstairs.

The Atmosphere
Often packed, The Tottenham hosts a mixed crowd of tourists during the day and Londoners at night. People come in for its beauty and others get there by mistake after leaving the nearby theatre. The crowd mingles effortlessly but the pub is best enjoyed when packed with punters since on some quiet nights, a pretty hideous music selection based on radio pop makes it harder to swallow your beer.

Drink
The good news? This place is cheap. Prices like this can’t be found anywhere else on Oxford Street!

They are very serious about their gin and whisky with a good choice of British labels. White (mostly new world) and red wines are a real bargain, with bottles priced at a rock bottom £8-£12 and glasses ranging in the £2.50-£3.30 zone.

Ales are the house drink: Adnams Bitter, Green King IPA, Abbot Ale and others are always available and they regularly feature a guest ale for you to judge. Other attention-catching options are the fruity Belgian Fruli, the German Edinger, the cask-conditioned Landlord and the low-cal Thin Ice. A pint will set you back between £2.75 and £3.25.

The Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served downstairs. Pies (£7-£8) are their specialty and, sourced in Northamptonshire, come in a wide variety of fillings. Strolling through the starters, the platters and the mains, expect to choose between traditional pub grub: fish and chips, sausage and mash, steaks and toad in the hole are all plentiful. However, the menu allows you to order tom yam prawns, butternut squash risotto, duck leg confit with redcurrant jus, a chicken and Serrano ham pesto linguine and other contemporary dishes. The Tottenham is probably best enjoyed as a pub but should a craving set in, you will satisfy it without problems.

The Last Word
Beauty, location and even good prices: could you ask for more?

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