The Argyll Arms, W1

Absolutely crammed full of original Victorian features, it is worth visiting just for those alone. It usually has two or three guest ales on as well as regulars such as Landlord and London Pride. I had the Pride, which was OK, and decent value for the area at £2.50 a pint. If only it wasn't right on top of Oxford Circus. It just gets too busy during the tourist season, and I very much doubt whether any of them realise that they are looking at some of the very best examples of original Victoriana rather than modern facsimiles. I probably won't visit again unless I want to show a visitor a fine example of a Victorian pub interior.

Official pages of the Argyll Arms, contains menu and cask ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official pages of the Argyll Arms, contains menu and cask ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

This is a very attractive Victorian pub that still retains the original screens that divide the pub into different areas and it is well worth popping in to have a look. There are at least six ales available along with standard and premium draught products, but on my visit I found the Pride to be a bit iffy. I found the staff to be clueless and the manageress was verging on being downright rude, but even so this place is worth a visit.