The Fitzroy Tavern, Fitzrovia, W1

Impossible to rate, as I am no fan of Sam Smiths beers/drinks - but love their pubs. I have just finished a book about the place - The Fitzroy by Sally Fiber. Its short and free on the Internet Archive, should you be interested. This documents the glory post WWII years of the pub - which gave Fitzrovia its name. Its immaculate now - with wooden partitions separating multiple rooms. Lovely mosaic on the main entrance floor. Outdoor seating. What few customers there were on a Monday evening were outside. The barman (single and delivering food as well) were equally elusive. Which allowed for investigation of the photos from the glory years - very much bringing the stories to life. They used to collect money by having punters fire notes attached to darts into the ceiling. This paid for day trips for the poor kids of the area. A photo of Attenborough collecting the darts is on the wall. Along with one with Tommy Cooper.

A splendidly turned out Sam Smiths pub and although not authentic it's a fine recreation of a Victorian pub.The beer keg range is as you would expect from this company, there are two handpulls both clipped up for OBB and claiming to be drawn from the wood.I don't mind calling into a Smiths pub now and again, but they're not normally what I'd want as a local.