The Chequers Tavern, St James's, SW1

Official site of The Chequers Tavern - thechequerstavern.co.uk

Official site of The Chequers Tavern - thechequerstavern.co.uk

This pub dates back to 1717 as the Mason’s Arms, the current name arriving in 1751 and is now part of the small Shannon Pubs chain, though it’s not an Irish bar, but somewhat surprisingly, a locals’ boozer. It’s suitably atmospheric inside, with some timbers that certainly look impressively old, including exposed rafters. Sadly, the timber has been painted gloss wet look black when it should be natural, with to the ceiling, the area between rafters having been painted glossy salmon pink. The interior is carpeted and furniture is simple, with some fawn studded banquettes below the main window, which in common with the other windows, is partially etched frosted, with orange swag curtains. Black – or at least very dark wood – wainscoting to the walls which are plain. There’s an attractive, leaded stained glass pot shelf above a traditional bar, with lots of illuminated chrome founts. There’s little décor aside from a few prints. The most intriguing item on display is a metal standpipe to the left of the front door; I’ve no idea what it’s for. Lighting comes from stained glass Victorian-style ceiling lamps and sconces. Customers seemed to be a few foreign tourists and locals, and despite the fact that the pub was doing good business mid-Saturday evening and another couple of locals were walking through the door as I departed, the friendly old-school barman called time at just 8.45 pm. Although this came as no surprise as this is the time given on the website, I don’t see the point; if you can get customers, why not take their money? On the food front, this is definitely no gastropub, with just toasties for sustenance. Ales comprised the predictably dull Pride and Doom (clip reversed) but also Deuchars, which tasted too good to be true, price £2.50 a half. This is a nice, cosy little pub, which reminds me of drinking in pubs in the 1970s; all that was missing was a cluster of Toby jugs, but perhaps that’s the problem; it’s dated rather than aged. Still, it’s worth popping in if in the area, just so long as you’re not a night owl.

Typical St James's pub with one nicely-furnished long room, and standing-up drinking in the alleyway outside and yard behind. It doesn't seem to have an upstairs room though, which is unusual. On handpump were London Pride, Doom Bar and Deuchar's IPA.