The Barley Mow, Mayfair, W1

Taylor Walker pub just down from Oxford street. 4 real ales and food served.

An average sort of pub, with a more appealing exterior than interior. Nevertheless, it is a haven just off Oxford Street. It did have four ales on handpump, mainly nationals, Robinson's Trouper, Doombar etc.

This is a Taylor Walker branded pub so you can be sure that there is some real ale on. This one had on Adnam's Christmas Cheer, Robinson's Trooper, and Sambrook's Wandle (£2.03 a half), while a fourth pump had Doom Bar coming soon (I can't wait!). Obviously the usual Taylor Walker pub grub menu is available. The pub is typically Taylor Walker. The main downstairs bar is mainly furnished with tall tables/tall stools, with one or two normal tables and chairs, banquettes and little round stools. There is some etched/cut glass in some of the windows and interior panels, and although I'm not certain it's the real deal, it's an attractive feature nonetheless. There are fruit machines and TVs here of course. An upstairs room is furnished with more standard tables and chairs, and is apparently used as a dining room, although said tables were not laid for diners and there was no indication that it was exclusively for diners. The toilets are also upstairs near the dining room. Being a stone's throw from Oxford Street it seems to be mainly used by shoppers and tourists escaping the insanity of Oxford Street - and who can blame them? It's not a destination pub by any means, but it did a few decent ales and provides a valuable service/respite for shoppers.