The Flying Horse, Fitzrovia, W1

This is a well kept Victorian boozer on Oxford Street that is run by Nicholson’s. I counted six ales alongside a decent selection of premium lagers and standard draught from which I enjoyed a nice pint of Guinness. I didn’t find the staff to be that accommodating, but that may have just been the language barrier. There is a plasma screen which was turned off and I spotted no advertisements for any sport, which was no surprise. There is a bar and restaurant upstairs which I didn't visit, maybe I'll have a look next time I'm passing.

This pub has been closed for a while it seems [Admin edit: Marked as closed 8/2/2010]

It’s worth dropping into this pub for a butcher’s at the superb original Victorian features, if you like that sort of thing. They really are something special. In particular, there is artwork by Felix de Jong; tiling by Millington, Windsor & Co; and back-painted mirrors by Jones & Finch, a process that was new back in 1892. There had been a pub on this site in the 19th Century called the Flying Horse, but it was bought by the Baker brothers, then rebuilt (incorporating a tobacconists) in 1892 and renamed The Tottenham. There were about five ales on, but for some reason I failed to make a note of them. As I recall three were the usual suspects and a couple were less frequently seen what I would regard as “guest” ales. It was surprisingly quiet in there at around 1400 on a Wednesday afternoon. Only a dozen or so punters presumably seeking refuge from the hell of Oxford St. It is now the only pub in Oxford St, and is definitely worth dropping in to, if you can get to the Tottenham Ct Rd end unscathed.

Underrated street corner pub,probably better known as the only pub on Oxford Street. It is part of the Nicholson's chain. Splendid original interior, large stained glass oriel rooflight at the rear, Rubenesque ceiling murals, ornate tiled ceiling frieze/cornice, and large carved wood framed mirrors along the side wall. Wood flooring, the lengthy bar is along the side wall of this deep narrow room. Six handpumps, five on when I visited in January. Thwaites Nutty Black, Caledonian Auld Acquaintance, Sharps Doom Bar, TT Landlord and Pride. Yes, due to its location, it gets a bit rammed with tourists, and the clientele are mostly transient but the service was still good, and it was pleasing to see the barman taking the time to describe the beer types to a group of tourists who had ducked in out of the snow.

Official pages of The Tottenham, contains menus, wine and real ale lists - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official pages of The Tottenham, contains menus, wine and real ale lists - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk