The Seven Stars, WC2

One of the oldest (dating from 1602) and probably one of the most cramped pubs in the area. The main bar is very narrow and having seating at the bar leaves very little room to maneuvre in the remaining space. A narrow ledge offers some solace if you want to put your pint down somewhere. There are a couple of small tables but you would need to be there early to nab one. There are 2 rooms to the side of the main bar, one used primarily for dining has a few more tables with their café type tablecloths and the other is quite frankly best avoided unless you like bright purple paint. They have Adnams and a couple of guest beers (Dark Star Solstice and Hophead when I was last there). Prices appear to be slightly higher than the surrounding area but I suppose this is to be expected when the customer base consists largely of professionals – the Royal Courts of Justice are opposite so the pub is used extensively by lawyers, solicitors etc. The walls are adorned with various prints and posters with a legal theme and the almost tatty appearance does lend the pub an air of authenticity. There are some interesting characters among the staff and customers but it is difficult to know what to make of the Seven Stars. It comes well recommended in various guidebooks, the beers are excellent and the food looks good but the pub comes over as very insular and you get the impression that you are either standing in someone's reserved space or sitting in someone's chair. It is certainly worth a visit but perhaps not everyone's cup of tea.

Unusual old pub with a narrow bar area and small rooms to each end. As others have commented a steep spiral staircase leads up to the toilets with rooms visible either side seemingly being part of the living accommodation. Mind your head on the way back down! Legal themed pictures and film posters adorn the walls. Rather capricious landlady and an equally superior cat! Not a lot of seating and easily full, but a rare pub as its open on a Saturday night in this area. Adnams Bitter, Broadside,Black Sheep Bitter and Dark Star Espresso coffee beer available on my visit. Beer a bit pricey even for the locality.

This is a tiny little pub which was heaving during my visit. Adnams seemed to be the order of the day on the five hand pumps and I found the staff to be efficient. I will pop back into this quirky little place again.

Great little pub round the back of the law courts.Three seperate drinking areas with one non smoking.Three real ales on.