A magnificent example of a Victorian pub remaining untouched by the hands of time, The Tottenham is not to be missed.

The Venue
Despite being located a stone's throw from Tottenham Court Road station, The Tottenham is not very prominent and is easy to miss. However, it's worth keeping a roving eye out.

This place is a magnificent testament to the architecture and skills of pub fitters in Victorian times. Existing for at least 180 years, The Tottenham has not changed in the last 150 years, and you will see examples of incredible craftsmanship. The ground floor features beautifully painted mirrors, mahogany furnishings 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 glory 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 arrive by chance after leaving the nearby theatre. The crowd mingles effortlessly but the pub is best enjoyed when packed with punters - on some quiet nights a pretty hideous music selection based on radio pop makes it harder to swallow your beer.

The Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served downstairs. Pies (£7-£8) are their specialty; sourced from Northamptonshire, they come with a wide variety of fillings. Elsewhere on the menu, expect to choose between traditional pub grub such as fish and chips, sausage and mash, steak, and toad in the hole. However, the menu also offers such dishes as prawns, butternut squash risotto, duck leg confit with redcurrant jus, 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 can satisfy it without issue.

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 sitting in the £2.50-£3.30 zone.

Ales are the house specialty: 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-grabbing options include the fruity Belgian Fruli, German Edinger, cask-conditioned Landlord and low-cal Thin Ice. A pint will set you back £2.75-£3.25.

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

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