The Argyll Arms, W1

A pub with a superb Victorian interior, three connected small rooms at the front divided by dark wood and etched glass screens, a corridor with a drinking shelf connects the front area to a much larger rear room from where a curved elegant stair leads up to the Palladium Bar and Restaurant. Carved bar back, lots of etched glass mirrors, some with a marble surround. The ceiling and upper wall frieze have a fantastic detailed moulded pattern painted dark red from where cut glass chandeliers are suspended. Other highlights are some good quality wood panelling and a large Bass mirror in one of the front rooms. Worth a visit for the interior alone however as the pub is now under the stewardship of Nicholson's, you are likely to get a good pint of something interesting. My Saturday early evening visit had Pride, Titanic Cappuccino, Adnams Kristal White, Nicholson's Pale Ale, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter and Andwell Spring Magic. A decent range, the Andwell beer went down well. The usual Nicholson menu is served and there is outside seating to the side road roped off from the street. The location, right by Oxford Circus and a hop and skip from busy impersonal Oxford Street is a negative point as the place is consequently going to be filled with transient customers and tourists and as such service can be indifferent and unfocussed. My recent visit was fine but I have had occasion in the past to leave without having a drink due to the place being overly busy or the service lacking.

Built in 1742 but remodelled in 1895. the Argyll Arms is just around the corner from Oxford Circus and has one of the most important late Victorian interiors in London with a long, straight servery and a series of screened-off drinking areas, or snugs. Sumptuous cut and etched glass and mirrors abound - a sheer delight! The welcome was warm and efficient and the ale is very well kept - bonus! Part of my 'Victorian Splendour' pub crawl - see link below.