The Audley, Mayfair, W1

They had a number of real ales on during my visit – Young’s Bitter; London Pride; Deuchars IPA; Bombardier; GKIPA; and Wold Top Brewery’s Falling Stone. I had the latter, which was not good, but drinkable. It may be a nice beer when it’s in top condition, but mine wasn’t. Maybe it’s because I had the first one of the day. I still think that this is an attractive pub retaining a number of original features. The bar counter, and tiled splash area surrounding the bar look original, as does a lot of the dark wood panelling. There is also an attractive old clock set under a beam in the middle of the pub. And I really like the idea of a wooden archway separating, at least to some extent, two areas of the pub. But unfortunately this one looks as if it is made of plaster. Furniture consists of normal tables and chairs, plus some banquette seating. It’s carpeted throughout, which I think always gives a pub a warm feel. I didn’t spot any TV screens (although I might have missed one), nor any one armed bandits, which is definitely a plus. There was some music being played, perhaps a bit too loudly in my opinion, but that’s par for the course now it seems. Some people have suggested that this is a tourist trap. I’m not sure I would agree entirely with this. It’s not cheap (but it is in Mayfair, so why should it be?) – e.g a 6oz burger plus chips and rocket salad costs £7.95, and I suppose a good number of tourists might stumble on this place, but I think it just falls short of being a tourist trap. There aren’t many decent pubs in Mayfair, but this is one of the better ones.

Very busy up-market Pub. The exterior looks very good and the inside is even better with dark wood and chandeliers. Good selection of real ales and excellent food is served all day. Can be difficult to find a seat but the Pub also has an outside drinking area.