The Queens Head, WC1

Stripped-out old pub retaining a fairly plain yet attractive façade, but now with sparse, modern furniture and decor within a 'L'-shaped layout inside. It looks, and is, just the sort of place where you would expect to find 'post-ironic' features such as table football and canned rather than bottled beer behind the counter. By now, you certainly won't be expecting any cask ale (so you won't be disappointed there...) but there was an interesting selection of craft keg beers in a wide variety of styles. I ended up going for the unusual Beavertown Goslar Dreamin' Rhubarb Gose (staggeringly expensive, like my modest lunch, but excellent quality in both respects). The fully opening front window doors were also a blessing on a very warm Spring day.

A rather industrial interior here with bare brick, corrugate steel to the rear, a parquet floor, benches and high chairs, industrial metal and steel tables and a young crowd. The pub doesn't have any urinals, just two cubicles which means that you might have to cross your legs at busy times. I had a half of something crafty and overly cold, served in what looked like an oversized champagne flute and all for just £2.50! This isn't my kind of place so I shan't be returning. Closes at 9.00 pm on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.