The Sussex, WC2

Came here once with a couple of friends back in 1992. I recall that the IRA bombed it shortly after but that’s my only memory.

Average type pub with average real ale. Not a place I would consider returning to with the two close at hand Fuller's establishments.

In a prominent position at a busy road junction,this Greene King tied house will always attract tourists.The first thing that hit me on entering was the very loud hip hop style muzak,very offputting.The interior is open plan,with a small raised area to the right of the entrance,a chequered floored area on the other side,a large central pillar and an unused fireplace .The furniture looked worn and was mismatched ,while corporate GK pub grub menus were everywhere.The bar along a rear wall had 5 handpumps serving on my trip GK London Glory,HH Rock On and Ruddles County with guests Westerham 1760 Special Pale Ale and Theakston's Old Peculier (not in great shape and ludicrously expensive at £2.45 for a half).I didn't have the will to investigate the cellar bar and restaurant downstairs. One to avoid.

London Pride and Harvey’s Best on – the latter expensive at £2 for a half – plus a couple of handpumps unused. This is now a Taylor Walker pub, so the usual pub grub menu is available. This is a big, bustling, bogstandard West End pubco pub. There was blaring music, smell of food, and loads of uncomfortable tall tables and tall stools. This used to be an excellent traditional pub, but not any longer; it’s now just somewhere for transient visitors to enjoy an expensive drink (although no doubt cheaper than Stringfellow’s next door) and pubco food. I doubt whether I’ll be visiting again.