The Blue Lion, Bloomsbury, WC1

At first I thought this was going to be one of those pub to bar conversions that rip out the character and replace it with pretentiousness. However it's not, there's clearly been a bit of money spent and it's been spent well. It's now a clean, attractive pub with comfortable seating, i.e. they haven't rushed headlong for the sofa and low table concept and have some high tables with stools for drinkers. In fact none of the seating is laid out for food so the overall impression is of a pub rather than a bar. There are a few hand pumps and you can usually find something outside of the standard offering. Good place to stop off for a beer.

This is a big pub with a large island bar and a pool table and plasma screen can be found at the rear. Greene King IPA and Ruddles were both available on my visit along with a standard and premium draught selection. I found the barmaid to be very friendly and my Guinness was very good. This is the sort of place I would go with a group of mates for a night out rather than a quiet pint on my own.