With all the bars to choose from around Drury Lane, it’s a surprise that so many people choose to frequent The Lowlander where drinks are extortionate and the atmosphere flat.

The Venue
The Lowlander looks like a nice pub from the outside. Located on Drury Lane, a real hotspot in Covent Garden, the pub is attractive and welcoming. Inside it’s airy and well decorated and large enough to accommodate a lot of people. The bar is also large, clean and well thought out. However, the seating is only good for people who don’t mind talking to strangers, which we all know is not the Londoner’s way. Long benches fill the floor rather than separate tables and chairs, and despite everyone’s best efforts to remain separated by placing their coats and bags on intersecting chairs, at peak times everyone crushes in, listening in on conversations. Some people seem to thoroughly enjoy the unusual seating arrangements, whilst others look uncomfortable and even annoyed when someone dares to sit so close.

The Atmosphere
The location and appearance of lowlander cannot overcome its lack of atmosphere. Even when busy, this pub seems somehow flat and lifeless. The chatter of people enjoying a drink can be heard, but nobody seems that inspired. It’s just a bit too sterile and, although not a chain bar, it has all the markings of one.

The staff can be a bit abrupt and aren’t up for a bit of friendly banter. They’re there to do a job, and although they do it well and are professional, a bit of happy chatter or even a smile wouldn’t go amiss.

The Drink
This is where the Lowlander really loses points. The drinks menu is extensive and it’s great for beer lovers, with a plethora of beers available on tap from the usual to unusual, hailing from all over the world. However, just be prepared for the "how much!?" bill. Beers average at around £6 a pint and the spirits aren’t much better. Mixers aren't served via a tap – so if you’re just after a single spirit with a soft drink mixer then expect an expensive glass bottle of soft drink to accompany your measure. You’re looking at around £5 for a single plus mixer. Two drinks for over £10 is overpriced by anyone’s standards for a pub – even if it is on Drury Lane. If money really is no object, however, then it may be worth checking out their good range of beers.

The Last Word
The Lowlander could be a really great pub. It has the perfect location, is large and well decorated. However, it needs to first sort out it’s flat atmosphere and overpriced drinks before it can compete with some of the best bars and pubs in Covent Garden.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (8) image gallery (3)