Three Greyhounds remains a manly, straight stronghold in the heart of Soho, but it's tolerant and welcoming towards all the regulars of the area.

The Venue
A small pub located at the corner between Old Compton Street and Greek Street, Three Greyhounds takes its name from the dogs used to hunt hares in the fields that once existed here.

The pub is pretty simple: a small, often cramped room with a bar at the far back. What is interesting is that, differently from the street it is located on, the place has not changed much in the last 100 years and it looks fashionably old. Aged furniture, wooden fixtures and folding seats to save room are the highlights of the interior, together with the big windows allowing people watching opportunites.

The Atmosphere
Due to its location in the very centre of all action, Three Greyhounds is very often full to the brim with thirsty punters. A straight stronghold in the heart of the gay district, the atmosphere is pleasantly non-judgemental and welcoming for all. The service is a bit rough given the difficulties in serving everyone and closing the pub on time: people just refuse to leave and the drinking continues on the street but nobody seems to care much, tending to be loud while having a good time. Lunches and breakfasts, also served here, are a quiet staple for many tourists.

The Food
Pies (£7-£8) are the house dish and, albeit not made on the premises, they are still good quality. Choose between the ten on the menu, including a tasty homemade Aberdeen Angus cottage pie.

Options for breakfast and lunch are not lacking, with traditional English breakfast (£3.50-£5), hot drinks and sandwiches (£4.50-£5.50) offered alongside mains (£6-£8), salads and jacket potatoes. For dinner, pub classics steal the scene, all dishes classifiable as comfort food: tasty meats with sinfully buttery sides forgetful of doctors’ advice about cholesterol levels. And the decadent desserts are on the same line - especially the giant chocolate cake. Some slightly more refined options appear as well, so if you’re not up for sausage and mash, there is still salmon fillet and duck leg confit with redcurrant jus to fall back on.

The Drink
Luckily, drinks are priced reasonably despite the really central location: draughts are £2.85-£3.25 while bottles go for £3-£3.70. Three Greyhounds seems to love ale, of which there is a decent choice including Henrys IPA and Old Rosie cider. It is also pretty serious about its whiskeys and gins: choose between Hendricks, Plymouth, Millers and others. Wine is represented as well, with a selection of bottles from classic wine countries.

The Last Word
A long history and a pleasantly straight environment in the gay district are the bonus points of Three Greyhounds, a fairly regular pub that would not gather much attention if it were not so well located.

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