The Prince of Wales, Drury Lane, WC2

I don’t need to add much to the previous reviews which some up this place quite concisely. There were five handpumps on the counter: the inevitable GKIPA and London Pride; one pump had an Adnam’s clip reversed; one had a Christmas ale on; and a fifth was dispensing Brain’s Rev. James. The Rev. James cost £1.81 for a half (£3.60 a pint?), thus at the top of the range price-wise even for this normally expensive area. It tasted OK though. This is a Punch Taverns pub, now branded as a Taylor Walker pub, like most of their ex Spirit Group estate it seems. The menu features the usual pubco pub grub offerings, with the steak and ale pie at £7.75, which is not too bad for this area. Essentially this is a typical Central London pubco pub. But it was open at 11.30 AM on a weekday, when many around here are not, and the barman did top up my half of Rev. James without being prompted. It’s nothing special, but another “OK for a pint” pub.

Nice enough boozer, well-located for a thirsty ale drinker on their way to the theatres on Drury Lane. A large mundane single room (probably used to be divided), with plenty of seats and a nice view from the window, though the atmosphere seemed slightly less buzzing than I would have expected given the amount of people in attendance. Something to do with the layout I think. Five ales on tonight, though all drawn from the usual suspects. I had a Winter Warmer which was the most interesting on offer and it was in good condition, with a nice cool temperature. Not cheap though (my half and a Baileys for Mrs Quinno came out at £4). Still, I guess that's par for the course in this area. Never going to win any pub of the year awards, but good enough for me to pop back in again if passing with nowhere better to go.

A functional one room pub not far from Covent Garden and Theatreland. No obvious original features remain, the interior has that cheap wood panelled look, with a dark painted wood floor, and a slightly raised carpeted section, seperated by stained balustrading. The plethora of faux chalkboard menus and table numbers show that the pubs market is with tourists and passing trade. Traditional seating around the edges and a few high tables in the middle. Friendly enough service and a full pint to be fair, the choice was Pride, GK IPA, Adnams Bitter, Courage Directors and Brains Rev James. I opted for the Brains and it was ok. An inoffensive if rather bland pub.

A decent enough looking pub situated on the corner of Drury Lane and Great Queen Street. Single room with the bar at the back and a raised dining area to the right. Obviously set up for the tourists and the theatre crowd it does have some mock dark wood decor added to try and give the impression that you are drinking somewhere traditional, but otherwise a largely forgettable place. It does however benefit from a large outside pavement area which was heaving with drinkers on this glorious Friday evening. Unfortunately the throng had obviously taken its toll on the available beers and of the five ale pumps on the bar only two were operational. And as all that was left was GK IPA and OSH, e.g. nothing special in a nothing special pub we decided to turn round and move on. Therefore I won’t leave a rating.