Freemasons Arms, WC2

Official site of Freemasons Arms - www.freemasonsarmscoventgarden.co.uk

Decent Shepherd Neame pub with a good selection of real ales. Bishop's Finger was on offer. Would have got a 7 but for the old mistake of being poured a pint when I asked for a half. As the pub was virtually deserted there was no excuse for not hearing me. Would revisit.

Originally The Bull's Head when it first opened in the 18th Century, this Shepherd and Neame house is famous for being where the Football Association was founded. There were 2 ales on. I had Nun's Delight which was past its best but still drinkable. Staff were very pleasant indeed. Freshly cooked food was OK. A calm, pleasant atmosphere for a London pub.

The name of this pub is wholly appropriate, considering the main UK Masonic hall is the other side of the road. This is still a Shepherd Neame house, with the usual offerings available. A half of Master Brew was £1.75, which is the going rate now. I was in at around 6.0 PM on a Wednesday, and although I spotted a barman behind the bar brandishing a menu, there were no menus on the tables. The pub itself is deceptively large, stretching back beyond the bar counter to a raised area at the back with a half dozen or so tables and chairs on it. There are large heavy looking curtains by the windows, and the floor is carpeted, which is all good news as it tends to reduce the noise levels. Decor is mainly Shepherd Neame advertising mirrors, but there were a couple of framed display cases at the back, one featuring London Irish Rifles military memorabilia. There are apparently two further rooms upstairs – again acknowledging the Masonic connection by being named The Lodge Bar and The Chapter Room. This is a better pub than most of the large pubco places in the area, but like just about every other pub around here it gets desperately busy when the office workers pour out onto the streets. But I had no trouble getting a seat at the back once I had pushed past the groups clogging up the bar area. I will probably end up in here again sometime, but it’s not one that I would actively seek out.