The Blue Posts, Soho, W1

One of a number of 'Blue Posts' boozers in this part of town, this is a small corner pub with a simple single room set up. The interior is bare boarded throughout and has a stripped out feel to it, with high tables and stools around two sides but no other seating. The windows are probably the pub's strongest point, with an etched glass band at the top, above a nice stained glass row which has a mix of modern plain panes and a few modern etched ones. The bar has an angular dark wood counter with a modern bar back and canopy, both of which work quite well in context. A nice tiled fireplace stands on the end wall with a plain mirror above it and a TV screen to one side showing muted live football with a mixed soundtrack playing over the top. Stairs to the rear, behind the bar, have been lined with old adverts and whisky mirrors and lead up to a first floor overspill seating area, which I failed to explore. Being in Central London, everyone was obviously stood outside, with ample pavement seating available along both sides of the pub. Three Greene King beers were available on handpull - IPA, London Glory and False Nine - with the latter in reasonable shape and served to me by one of the friendly bar team. The pub seemed really busy when I passed by early in the evening, but returning a couple of hours later, the crowds had dispersed and it had a much more relaxed feel. I've been in a few of the Blue Posts pubs and have to say that whilst they are all distinctly different from one another, they all have one thing in common, inasmuch as they are all pretty unmemorable. This place seemed like a decent enough example of a Central London, post-work watering hole and three operational handpulls isn't a bad return in the city post-pandemic, but Soho has many superior boozers that I'd recommend checking out ahead of this place. Date of visit - 19th June 2024

It's not clear how much is 'original' and how much is phoney, but this little corner pub has a satisfyingly woody interior, with a nice ceiling and lots of trimmings like the windows and glasswork. Quite friendly too, and I was variously directed to the additional seating upstairs or offered a seat at a table by the bar staff and customers. Did I look that much in need of a sit down? Sadly just IPA and Abbot on handpump, and mostly mainstream craft stuff, but not a bad pub.

Another late 19th century rebuild and one of at least nine former and current pubs by this name in W1. It’s quite small inside, hence the exclusively tall metal topped furniture. The bar appears modern, with a wire rack gantry; the bar back is modern wood. The walls are half height dark field panelled, with a decent wood surround to the fireplace. The floor is bare boarded and lighting comes from modern glass shaded lamps hanging from the white panelled ceiling. There are very attractive bowed windows and pretty etched glass clerestory windows above stained and leaded panels. Quite loud yacht rock played over the stereo and customers seemed to be office workers’ A friendly barmaid stood sentinel behind pumps dispensing GK IPA and Landlord, at a very pricey £2.90 a half and nice it was too. This isn’t a bad little place, but it’s a bit lacking in imagination, is a little too noisy and the choice of beer is mundane.