Clarette, Marylebone, W1

Tudor style building on a corner plot, one room on the ground floor however it is easy to see how the pub was once divided into two or possibly three areas including a small snug at a guess, as a former door on one side is still present but blocked by a drinking ledge across it. It is quite dark inside, there is a lot of dark stained wood, and the superb old leaded windows with their obscure glass and old Wm Youngers stained inserts don't let in that much light. The windows pick out the WmY name but also "Scotch Ale" and "Mild and Pale Ales". The bar is on an end wall, seating is traditional plus stools at the bar and drinking shelves. Upstairs are the toilets and also a dining room, I didn't visit though so no comments there. Beers on were Pride, OSH and Theakston BB. I had the BB and it was in good nick. There is a basic food menu over the bar on a board, I have to mention that this includes Spam Fritters! That takes me back to primary school, back in the Jurassic age. In all, a reasonable find and worthy of a look in. I really didn't take to the country style music background though.

This is a nice looking pub that I could imagine having a good atmosphere when a bit busier than it was on my early evening weeknight visit, I just felt that the attitude of the barman let the side down a little. Old Speckled Hen, Pride and Adnams were all available alongside a standard draught selection and although my Guinness tasted fine it was a short measure. This was more irritating than usual as this is not the cheapest pub in the area. Maybe I went at the wrong time, but from this experience I would not return in a hurry.