The Opera Tavern, Covent Garden, WC2

Official site of The Opera Tavern - www.operatavern.co.uk

Official site of The Opera Tavern - www.operatavern.co.uk

This establishment has re-opened, but unfortunately not as a pub. Although it’s kept the original “Opera Tavern” name, it’s now a tapas bar. When I passed by the other day the entirety of the room was occupied by serried ranks of tables and chairs, all laid for diners. There were stools at the bar, but in front of all of them were cutlery, napkins and wine glasses. In short, there was nowhere for someone just wanting a drink. In any case there were certainly no handpumps on the bar counter, and I didn’t spot any lager fonts either although there might have been one lurking down at the end of the bar that I didn’t see.

A Small 1 room pub opposite the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (so expect it to be packed pre-theatre). The original pub was built in 1846 but the present building dates from 1879 and retains some of the original features - etched windows, fireplace etc. There are a few pictures and mirrors on the walls but not enough to make the place feel cluttered. 3 Ales on handpump including a guest beer. Reasonably priced (the Hobgoblin was £2.50). The food looked fine and was, again, reasonably priced. 2 TV's. Very friendly staff (the barman checked to see how my Hobgoblin was and advised me of the other beers they are expecting in the forseeable future). In an area teeming with pubs it is the small details like the peronal touch that makes pubs stand out and the Opera Tavern will definitely be getting a few more visits from me.