Adam & Eve, Fitzrovia, W1

Anyone stepping out of their time machine and heading for what was the former Ben Crouch Tavern will be in for a hefty shock when they discover what is now the Adam and Eve. Long gone is the gothic creation from which you expect Dr Phibes to burst up through the floor or Bela Lugosi’s silhouetted figure in the lightning etched windows. Instead you will now find a swanky gastrobar for trendies with swish décor, chic furnishings, modern art and a more than a large dollop of pretentiousness. The interior is divided into the “drinking” section at the front where you will share your table with a full compliment of condiments in case you require a dip into their bar food menu whilst the roped of rear section is reserved for the full on diners. A couple of muted TV’s didn’t really seem to be aimed any particular prospective audience and music was more intrusive than ambient. If its beer you are after, there wasn’t much to get excited about with just Adnams Bitter available on the ale front (£3.50) and 2 other handpumps with reversed clips for Doom Bar and Youngs Gold. The quality of the Adnams was quite poor and I’m guessing that most visitors opt for the upmarket lagers or a chardonnay. The only thing that it seems to have retained from its previous existence is attempt at horror, albeit from a different angle.. It may be a Garden of Eden for some but no tempting apples to make me want to return.

Randomness Guide to London - Adam And Eve entry

Randomness Guide to London - Adam And Eve entry

From when this was Ben Crouch's Tavern: I'm not sure if I like this pub or not. One thing I am sure about is that it is very unusual, and nothing like a traditional pub. It's all crypts, Goths, dungeons and bizarre paraphernalia. It does do ale – only Pride when I was in there – but it is really an unusually themed restaurant. It is OK if you want an unusual dining experience, but it is not much like a pub. But I suppose I do quite like it in a funny kind of way.