Calthorpe Arms, WC1

Randomness Guide to London - Calthorpe Arms entry

This looks like a traditional Young's pub – or perhaps more accurately how a traditional Young's pub should look. Certainly the windows had rams etched in them, and the glass from which I drank my pint of Special was branded “Ram Brewery – Wandsworth”. What a bit of nostalgia. The walls, ceiling, bar and old-fashioned radiator were all still reassuringly brown. The corner doors were somewhat battered, as if they had seen some serious action over the last 50+ years, and had clearly been overpainted on numerous occasions. The bristles on the welcome mat were only visible at the edges as the centre was caked solidly with dirt brought in by thousands of feet over the years. Oh – and the food that some punters were eating looked pretty good as well. What an excellent pub – I love it, and will definitely be returning.

When you've almost given up on finding a traditional pub with good service and good beer just head for the Calthorpe Arms and spend an hour or so pretending that the last 25 years hasn't yet happened. The beer range is of course restricted to Youngs but they do have a lot of the bottled range as well for a bit of variety.

This is a proper boozer with four hand pumps, three of which were dispensing Youngs beers and the other Tribute during my recent visit. There is also a standard draught selection alongside what looked like the full youngs bottled ale selection. There is a TV up in the corner that was showing the snooker on BBC which was muted and I do not recall any music being played. This is a local’s pub without an attitude towards strangers and although I probably wouldn’t stay here all night it is perfect for a couple of quiet pints.

A proper old traditional street corner boozer, thankfully not messed around. A little strange to find what is clearly a long standing Youngs house this far north of the river but the windows have the Ram lower etched portion. Now a single room with the bar along the back wall but still visible is the old centre access now covered by an exterior bench and interior radiator in between the upholstered bench seats. This tells the tale of the once multiple room layout. The bar is attractive if functional with some carving and a brass footrail. Carpeted, traditional seating with cast iron wooden topped tables and stools/banquettes. A sign directs upstairs to a dining room but I didn't look in and doubt it is used much, very quiet Fri afternoon. Youngs Bitter, Special, Winter Warmer and nice to see, guest St Austell Tribute. Brim full pint, no request for a top up needed here, great old pub that reminded me of pubs of times now gone. TV in the corner and one fruit machine but not intrusive. Hopefully the brewery will leave this place as it is.

A typical Youngs pub, usual youngs ale on sale plus Bombadier & Deuchars. Comfortable seats. Dog friendly so be careful as they wander around the pub trailing their leads.