This tiny pub, located a stone's throw from Leicester Square, should perhaps be called the Tom Thumb, so diminutive is its size.

The Venue
What you see is what you get at Tom Cribb. There is one tiny little room with a bar in the middle and the ladies and gents open right onto the main bar area. Seating around only two sides means there aren't many places to perch and even fewer to stand. Still, it does have charm with wooden pillars on the bar and nice period reproduction light fixtures. A motley collection of black and white photos decorate what little wall space there is, showcasing images of boxers including legendary boxer Tom Cribb, who the pub is named after. A flat screen TV showcases rugby games and, of course, boxing but this is a football free zone.

The Atmosphere
Cosy, warm, and snug are a few adjectives to describe little Tom Cribb. It appears to be populated by those 'in the know' rather than tourists, which is nice in this area of London usually populated by party animals and sightseers. It’s also usually packed right up until last orders.

The Drink
There’s a good selection of draught lager at Tom Cribb, including Asahi, Holsten and Oranjeboom. Several fine ales are also available such as Master Brew and Spitfire plus bottled beers and spirits. There is a limited selection of red and white wines (as you’d expect from a pub of this nature and stature) by the glass and bottle, including bottles from Australia, Italy and Chile. Best of all, the prices here are reasonable (starting at £3 a pint) especially given the hiked up cost of a pint at many of its neighbours.

The Last Word
Little Tom Cribb is cute – it’s a buzzy little spot to bring friends to if you’re looking to avoid the usual tourist hotspots. It’s the kind of long-lost little pub that back in the day used to dot practically every street in London.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (3) image gallery (3)