20 Devereux Court, Essex Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2R 3JJ
0872 148 2525
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
With a location straight out of Dickensian London, The Devereaux somehow fails to make the most of its geography.
The Venue
Tucked away down a little alley off Fleet Street, The Devereaux has oodles of potential. Sandwiched between law chambers and ancient bricks and mortar there is an instant importance about the building. Once inside, however, the myth begins to unfurl. What you get is a faux-traditional homage to the idea of what an old city pub might look like. It comes across tired and lifeless, its illustrated meals on chalkboards only serving to sum up its own flatness.
It's not because of lack of room - there’s ample space to work with and the large wooden bar splits the bar into two halves, which gives it some much-needed depth. But features like the up-lighting on the walls looks like a synthetic attempt to add character. All in all it's not a bad place, but the venue alone does nothing to entice repeat visits.
The Atmosphere
The Devereaux improves considerably when you encounter its staff. Their laid back and chatty manner inspires a new view of the pub. Attitudes don't match the frosting of the window glass and you can see why there seems to be so much familiarity in a pub that is on first glance very generic.
The Food
It's all pub grub of course and at prices that are a perfect match for the area. Sausage and mash or fish and chips cost £7, or you can push the boat out for a rump steak (£9.50). There is also a selection of sandwiches.
The Drink
A certain level of mundane it may hold, but The Devereaux at least gives its customers a selection headache when it comes to the beer. Stella (£3.46 a pint), Staropramen (£3.65 a pint), Kronenbourg, Becks Vier and Fosters (£3.30 a pint) are all on draught while the ales include London Pride, Adnams and at least 3 guest ales every week.
The Last Word
You can try to dislike The Devereaux but you’ll immediately feel loathe to dismiss it as the warm members of staff make you feel at home.
The Devereux has been reviewed by 1 users