Typical Sam Smiths pub in a quieter West End location. This pub as with other Sam Smiths pubs does cheap beer and traditional surroundings. The ground floor has an open bar to the front and two smaller rooms behind divided by timber panels. One has a dart board, the other some bench seating and tables. Upstairs, theres a second bar (I must admit to never having seen it open) located in a large rather ornate room with settees and easy chairs.

Whist the Upstairs room is often closed for functions and parties it's definitely a lot nicer than the ground floor which is a little gloomy. The pub is rarely very busy so its normally possible to get a seat most nights. I think this is because is it in a quiet area - Gt. Portland St is obviously quite busy, but the pub is located in an area where there aren't many other pubs.

What is frustrating about the pub is that on at least two occasions I have been there the ground floor appears to be run by a group of men who are friends with either the barman or the landlord and whose conduct, language and behaviour generally is horrific.

Loud and abusive, I have seen people leave as a result of their behaviour, on one occasion with my girlfriend, she felt quite intimidated by them. (People have mentioned these people on reviews on other sites). Which is a shame, as the pub is a good Sam Smiths pub, cheap, nice upstairs, reasonably friendly staff and good because you can get a seat.

So, in conclusion, call first to find out if the upstairs is open and don't go downstairs unless you are going to the toilet or you want to catch up with some of the London rioters...!

Interesting Victorian pub with ornate features. In fact it looks a little like a saloon on the outside!