The traditional aesthetic of the Three Crowns sets it apart from its tackier neighbours.

The Venue
Located on Babmaes Street, the Three Crowns is just around the corner from Piccadilly Circus, although it couldn't be less like the cocktail bars and theme pubs that are crammed into the area.

The venue's facade is usually paired with a huddle of smokers, standing within the designated area that eats into the pavement. It's quaint and classic with dark colours and golden brass. As you walk through the door the first surprise is the size. It betrays the narrow facade and stretches right back. The next thing you notice is the glow of the lamps that's bounced off glossy black panelling and the stained glass of the bar.

The bar is the greatest thing about the Three Crowns, although the homely red and beige walls, with their fleur de lis indentations and the sublimely comfortable satin benches come close to matching it. The enclosed service space is built from rich, dark wood and leaded glass that radiates a feeling of warmth over the rest of the pub. There's a good amount of seating throughout and a lot of extra pub touches like thick china flagons and even a book shelf.

The Atmosphere
A single flat screen in a corner plays videos to the rest of the pub but the sound is pumped through speakers that seem to be everywhere. MTV often accompanys the drinks and the sheer razzmatazz of it just doesn't fit the venue's aesthetic.

Apart from the totally out of place music television (including adverts) the pub clearly has a good reputation. The clientele is diverse and includes a mixture of tourists looking for a real pub experience and local workers who come from a vast range of jobs. The daytimes are quiet and without the noise of other people’s voices to distract you, MTV becomes even more annoying, but come the evening, the buzz is comforting and holds your attention.

The Food
The menu is small and full of traditional dishes. Prices are average for the area and a main course will cost at least £7. As well as the mains, there are sandwiches (from £4) and a small selection of platters.

The Drink
Despite being more of a beer drinkers' pub there's a small range of wine at the Three Crowns, starting at £12.30 a bottle. There is also a range of long drinks that fall somewhere between cocktails and spirits and mixers with a catchy name. Drinks like Scarlet O'Hara (Southern Comfort and cranberry) start at £3.95. Ales on tap include Doom Bar, London Pride and Young's, and Amstel, Kronenbourg and Fosters are on draught.

The Last Word
The Three Crowns is a rather strange clash of a typical pub and chain bar. Thankfully, the comfort of the traditional pub interior wins through.

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