The Viaduct Tavern, Holborn Viaduct, EC1

This Fullers tied house is well worth a visit for it's very fine exterior and interior,with a host of original features.It covers a 45 degree circular site opposite the Old Bailey ,while the interior has a very fine high moulded ceiling and a relief frieze which has been picked out by spotlights,highlighting cherubs with hops.Along one wall run full height mirrors,some with inlaid silk pictures,while behind the horseshoe bar is a former managers office in etched glass where beer tickets could be purchased and then distributed to thirsty employees after a days hard graft at the Old Bailey/Smithfield/Barts.There is also some fine wood carved doors and wood panelling around this area. On Monday and Tuesday there are trips to see the former cells in the cellars,this pub reeks of history.The bar will offer three Fullers option which on my trip was London Pride,Olivers Island and an excellent Dark Star APA.I noticed the manager has a Fullers cellarmanship award and that explained the excellent conditioning. The bar boards flooring has been scrubbed,and the pub will get rammed on Friday afterwork,but spend a little time here and soak up the fine features.

Dating from 1874, this pub has a fabulously ornate interior with marvellous polychromatic prints to the walls and even a fine marble-framed Bass mirror on the way to the bogs. There's a booth where the Victorian landlady would sell gin tokens to customers. Some tables have marble tops, thereafter furniture is conventional. Most of the clients seem to be City types with some locals drawn from I don't know where. On the down side, music really was a bit loud and despite the pub not being busy during our late evening mid-week visit, staff couldn't be bothered to clear the multitude of empty glasses from tables. This is a Fuller's pub so expect ales from their stable and subsidiaries: London Pride, Gale's Spring Sprinter and Oliver's Island at £4.30 a pint which for the area, is sadly about the going rate. Unfortunately it was a bit soapy. This was our first visit and I know from experience on passing that it's rammed during early evening and is closed at weekends. I might come again but I wouldn't make a special trip to get here.