The Blue Posts, W1

There’s a clear pattern that Soho pubs date from the mid/early 18th century to be rebuilt at the end of the 19th, this being no exception, dating from 1900 and grade II-listed. The previous pub I’d visited had also been called the Blue Posts; I bet not many can boast visiting two by this name in a row. The most interesting thing which alerts the visitor to the fact that this isn’t going to be an identikit GK outlet, is the fretted front door, which looks like an Islamic lattice mashrabiya. The interior has obviously been hipsterfied, as this is no typical area pub, rather it’s a craft outlet, as evidenced by the beer board advertising the current range of 15 craft beers, ciders and real ales on offer; the possibly modern Victorian-style pot shelf is crammed with craft cans and adorned with dozens of clip faces. The bar top is metal and judging by its condition, may be of some vintage. The bar itself is dark field panelled. The floor is bare boarded, though the interior is quite plain, lit by spun brass sconces and quite cramped, hence furniture is sparse and tall; customers seemed mixed and quite loud jazz played over the gramophone. There’s a micro restaurant in the basement and cocktail bar on the first floor. The older Scottish member of staff seemed knowledgeable and was polite. Three pumps, two dispensing SeaCider then just the one ale, ELB’s Nightwatchman at £2.85, dark and mellow. This is worlds away from other Soho pubs; I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the only craft outlet in the whole of W1. The lack of real ale choice lets the place down though.

Smallish pub with one room and the bar to the left. Three weak real ales on offer. Also has an upstairs room which I didn't visit, but it seemed to be popular with the locals.

Official site of The Blue Posts - theblueposts.co.uk

Official site of The Blue Posts - theblueposts.co.uk