The Sun Tavern, Covent Garden, WC2

This pub was established in 1737, with the current façade dating from 1897 and grade II-listed; it’s also owned by Morton-Scott, which sounds like a firm of undertakers. The interior is best viewed on the pub’s website, but what’s of note are the very fine etched mirror panels to the right side and fine ceiling cornice. Otherwise, it’s a rather modernised affair, a new floor, a modern glazed white tiled bar back, with a whiff of Art Deco for some reason, the net effect being like drinking in a gentlemen’s club. Furniture is tall, often stools to drinking ledges, which is hardly conducive to having a good time. There were two unused pumps, then just the ultimate disappointment that is Doom, clip reversed. I opted for a keg half of Brixton’s Reliance Pale Ale (£3.20), which was freezing cold and tasteless. This may have a pretty interior, but the lack of real ale, at least not one any discerning ale enthusiast would want to drink, is a disincentive to making a return visit.

Official site of The Sun Tavern - www.thesuntaverncoventgarden.co.uk

Official site of The Sun Tavern - www.thesuntaverncoventgarden.co.uk

Two real ales not above 4.5% ABV. Cider expensive @ £2.75 a half. Very quiet and there were notices apologising for the stickiness of the table tops which they were addressing.