The Fitzrovia, Fitzrovia, W1

Warm and inviting.Lots of fairy lights around the windows.Nice hubbub of conversation.Cask Trumans -swift .Landlord and 2 GK duds.

Originally the Valiant Trooper, this pub was rebuilt in the mid-1930s and became the Fitzrovia in 2002. As described below, with a flashing games machine and sport TV with the sound off, thankfully and plastic laminated menus and a slightly touristy crowd who probably thought this was the apotheosis of the Merry Olde London Pub. Service was fine, providing Truman's Swift, Moreland's Old Golden Hen, GK Abbot and London Glory at a hefty £4.50 and it wasn't at all nice; perhaps it's supposed to taste that way. I'd give the pub an extra point for the disabled WC, but the unjustifiably high beer prices, electric distractions and overall impression mean that I won't be returning.

A one roomed Taylor Walker pub where we found the majority of customers sitting out front, along the seated pavement area. Four ales on, with Truman's Lazarus costing £4.60 a pint.

As described below a by the numbers Taylor Walker pub. 4 real ales and food served.

They had on London Pride, Head in a Hat Titfer, Truman’s Blindside, and London Fields Love Not War, the latter a stonking £2.08 for a half. This place is very typical of a Central London Tatlor Walker pub. There’s a straightforward interior to this single room pub – tall tables/tall stools on the bare-boarded right hand side of the pub, and normal tables and chairs on the carpeted left hand side. The usual Tayler Walker pub grub menu is available; and TVs were (muted) showing the cricket. There’s an easy access toilet on the ground floor The pub itself is quite unremarkable, but the ale selection is OK, with a couple from London microbreweries on during my visit. And the 10% CamRA discount (although not advertised in this pub) makes the prices a bit more palatable for those of us who are members.

Fitzrovia pages at the Taylor Walker site - www.taylor-walker.co.uk

Fitzrovia pages at the Taylor Walker site - www.taylor-walker.co.uk

Randomness Guide to London - Fitzrovia entry

Randomness Guide to London - Fitzrovia entry

I quite like this pub and it always seems to be busy when I venture in. Deuchars, Pride and bombardier were available on my last visit along with a range of standard and premium lagers. I've found the staff to be friendly and it never takes that long to be served no matter how busy. Definitely recommended if in the area.