The Royal Exchange, W2

The pub’s history and origin of its interesting name are well covered on What?ub, but otherwise this is as mentioned, a very basic backstreet pub, the furthest of the local clutch from Paddington railway station, closer to Edgware Road tube. The first thing you notice on approach, is that the pub is at a marked incline, which according to CAMRA, is due to subsidence requiring underpinning. The interior is very plain indeed, with a bare floor, white walls, but a fairly attractive bar back and array, with a microwave at right for heating bar snacks; beneath the bar was an infuriatingly noisy fridge. Furniture comprises fairly ordinary tables and chairs, with green velour banquettes to part of the periphery, which probably date back to at least the ‘60s. There’s a rear snug with a TV with the sound off. This features off-white walls and trendy spun metal sconces. Décor is minimal, with some Belgian beer propaganda to the rear snug’s walls, then a few pot plants, the only items of interest being a model U-boat and frigate (Spanish galleon?) to the window ledges. One plus point was the quality soundtrack which played throughout my stay. This is no longer an Irish pub; indeed, it would appear to be a no one pub, as there was only one customer in during my midweek visit, on first name terms with the Spanish landlord. There were two pumps with clips reversed, but no clip faces so I assume real ale has been abandoned, a sensible decision given the lack of customers, me plumping for a half of Paulaner at £3.00. It’s not just this deathly pub that needs underpinning; the customer base needs this too, the Royal Exchange being more sad than bad; with some atmosphere and good real ale, it could be worth a visit, but sadly not at present.

Just off Praed St, this is a basic Irish-run street corner boozer with a fairly attractive brown glazed tile frontage. Two rooms knocked back into one inside. Little of note beyond a fistful of fittings from a 40 year old refurb (leatherette benches, gold light fittings etc), lots of equine prints and a number of old champers magnums on display. Two pumps with Brakspear and Doom Bar. The Brakspear went off so I ended up with a flat Doom Bar in a goblet Aspalls glass and was relieved of £2.40 for the privilege. I'll leave this one to the locals in future.