Bow Street Tavern, Covent Garden, WC2

I ducked in here out of a sudden downpour yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find a decent proper pub in the tourist dominated area that is Covent Garden. There is a single room at street level with the bar along one side, traditional seating opposite at banquettes with mirrored sections in the upper part of the backs, a more intimate area in a recess at the back plus a couple of the now regular high tables in the front window. There is further seating in the upstairs bar and restaurant but I didn't explore. Wood floored, the elaborate moulded ceiling is painted white, some wood panelling and a central fireplace opposite the bar. Framed programme covers from The Royal Opera House opposite are displayed. Circular section columns painted red hold up the upper floors, three elegant glass chandeliers over the bar provide additional lighting, chalkboards around the walls advertise food and drink offers and also the extensive wine and fizz list. The main menu is priced as you'd expect for the area but there are lunch specials during the week at £5.95 and kids meals a pound cheaper. There is also a separate sharing platters and tapas menu. Beers were Oakham JHB (£3.60), Sharps Doom Bar and Red Ale, Pride plus Lilley's Crazy Goat cider. Service was good and efficient with two on, all in all worthy of a visit while in Covent Garden.

I found the barmaid that served me to be nice enough. Deuchars, Spitfire and Youngs Ordinary were available along with San Miguel, Fosters, Kronenburg John Smiths and two ciders, Strongbow and Bulmers. The pub is small, as you'd expect for the area, but there is a real fire. The background music was depressing and in the end I was glad that I had only ordered a half as there are much better pubs in the area.