Simmons, Smithfield, EC1

A few doors down from The Fox and Anchor is The Smithfield Tavern, a longish single room pub that stretches back quite a way inside and hence is much roomier than it immediately appears from the outside. The pub sign and the trademark green tinged leaded windows tell us that this was a former Charringtons pub, as does the mahogany bar back. Much woodwork, fine chandeliers and a burgundy ceiling create quite a homely traditional feel, which is not compromised too much by the inevitable modern touches such as several sofas and flowers on the tables in champagne bottles. The pub holds film nights on Monday evenings and classics such as the Ladykillers have recently been screened. Live jazz is on Tuesdays. A sandwich board on the pavement outside was advertising a happy hour between 4 and 7 pm, when all ale was £ 2 per pint. Unfortunately, my recent visit fell outside those times and I had to pay £ 3.40p for a rather moderate pint of Doom Bar, served in a Bombardier branded glass. Jennings Cumberland Ale was also on. I didn't detect much, if any, commitment or interest in real ale. I found this to be a pleasant, if rather average, pub and not one that's crying out for a re-visit.