The Marlborough, Mayfair, W1

A late 19th century rebuild has resulted in this quite commanding corner pub, just off Oxford Street. This is a Greene King joint, so surprises aren’t expected: it just looks pretty much like every one of their other places, the only difference here is that there’s a choice of ales which aren’t GK. Generally, there’s a ‘Victorian’ interior, provenance unknown, with some rather extravagant crystal chandeliers. It’s split level, with normal low furniture to the rear, tall more modern furniture to the front, with lovely laminated menus and sauce bottles on tables by way of décor; TVs showed the footie , which no one was watching, sound down so as not to interfere with the banal mood music. Customers, as Rex has already written, have probably stumbled in here, thinking it’s a traditional London pub; more fool them. Ales on offer included the usual GK contributions, but also Landlord, Old Golden Hen and Tribute at a steep £2.70 a half but nice. This place is ok for a swift pint and some fish ‘n’ chips after a shopping spree, but otherwise it’s a bit of a dud.

Greene King pub which extended back quite a bit. Quite full for a mid afternoon Tuesday visit. Seemed to be full of diners. Five real ales, two of which were coming soon.