Butchers Hook & Cleaver, Smithfield, EC1

On approach I thought I was looking at two separate pubs in front of us. Once through the doors it was evident this was one large Fullers pub. The interior was bright and spacious. The service was good and so was my Chiswick ale. The pub had a good atmosphere and would pop in again when passing.

Large Fullers pub with the full range of beers.Very similar design as the Barrowboy and Banker.Okay but lots of good pubs in the area.

Randomness Guide to London - Butchers Hook And Cleaver entry

Randomness Guide to London - Butchers Hook And Cleaver entry

This is one of the Fuller’s Ale & Pie House outlets, so expect Fuller’s ales of course. I had their so-called “guest” Hock, which was an occasionally seen Fuller’s 3.5% mild. It was a decent enough ale, and made a change from their usual offerings, but at a jaw-dropping £3.70 a pint – for a 3.5% mild? I hope the standard Fuller’s range is more reasonably priced here. This is a large pub, occupying what looks like two buildings between Long Lane and Cloth Fair. There’s a large black and white tiled splash area around the bar counter, then it’s mainly bare-boarded with a bit of carpeted area. I spotted a spiral metal stairway in the right hand side of the pub, presumably leading to an upstairs drinking area, but I didn’t bother to go exploring. Otherwise it’s like other Ale & Pie houses, but with a bit of the JDW touch about it. It is a very bright pub, with its tall windows and South/West facing aspect, letting the sun shine in through the plane tree of the West Smithfield circle opposite. In essence, it’s a decent enough place to stop off for a pint, but an intimate traditional pub it isn’t.