Ye Grapes, W1

Have had the opportunity to utilise this one on a couple of occasions in the last two months, firstly when it was another of the Shepherd Market four pubs that was absolutely heaving both inside and outside on my early evening arrival on the Thursday of the last working week before Christmas. Like the other pubs in the market they have to contain external drinking to inside a smallish roped off area around the pub sides and as this was attracting most of the clientele it was actually more comfortable to stand inside up the bar than it was to join the mass of humanity inside the outdoor cordon. Haven’t been to this one for a couple of years and must have missed its short spell under GK ownership as it wasn’t when I was last in and it isn’t now, being owned by a small pubco called Shannon Pubs who own four gastro pubs in the central London postcodes. I am guessing they primarily bought it and run it for the Thai restaurant section that operates upstairs, but the downstairs pub section is unchanged from the reviews below and the animal taxidermy I remember from my previous visit is still in situ at the far end of the bar. On both our recent visits four ales have been available from five of the six handpumps with the house beers of Pride and Doombar available. On the first occasion these were supplemented by St Austel Tribute and last week by Watneys Pale Ale, which I still can’t overcome historical hang ups to drink. Fortunately, on both occasions, a very well kept Dark Star Hop Head was also on. If our recent experiences are anything to go by the guvnor keeps the ales in good condition here and it probably qualifies as one of the better establishments of the quartet of Shepherd Market hostelries.

Much as described as below, a first in here the other day. This is quite a traditional pub in Mayfair’s Shepherd Market, an area which despite its location was apparently quite a dodgy area and by at least the ‘80s. It isn’t dodgy now, but there were some rum characters walking about. Quite dark inside, the interior is as you’d expect, with an L-shaped bar with snug to the rear and slightly raised area to the front with lots of red leather(ette?) upholstery. Music played on one TV and motor racing played on two others. Drinkers were mainly down to earth local blokes, but from where I know not; certainly not a pub for suits. There’s some décor, mainly a few old prints and some taxidermy; I sat below a large stuffed pike. For once, I was very grateful for the air-conditioning on a sweltering day. The bar is also traditional but the ales on were just London Pride (dull and £4.80 a pint), Oliver’s Island (bland) and Doom Bar (awful). This is an average pub which slips due to the poor ale selection and although we didn’t visit any other pubs round here, I don’t envisage a return visit given the ale line-up.

An ok pub this one with a good friendly atmosphere and a decent beer choice along the bank of 5 bright red handpumps across the front of the bar. Most probably there to match the red leather seating along the front. The pub also has a good reputation for their Thai food. I went for the Shepherd Neame Pale Ale which was in top form.

Randomness Guide to London - Ye Grapes entry

Randomness Guide to London - Ye Grapes entry