The Old Doctor Butlers Head, Moorgate, EC2

The only remaining watering hole in what must have been the first chain of pubs ,originally dispensing "medicinal ale" brewed by the notorious quack Dr Butler with all the pubs that sold his potion displaying The Dr Butlers Head signage.These days it dispenses a wide range of Shepherd Neame ales with Kent Best,Spitfire,Master Brew,Bishops Finger and the seasonal Whitstable Bay on offer on my trip.I have to say that I find a lot of Sheps output these days to be rather bland and my visit here did nothing to change my prejudice. This pub has been well reviewed by others ,I thought the interior a little worn and the flat screen on the wall detracted from the traditional atmosphere.I found the history more interesting than the current incarnation.

Randomness Guide to London - Old Doctor Butler's Head entry

Randomness Guide to London - Old Doctor Butler's Head entry

It was doing a pretty good trade at around 3.15 on a Tuesday afternoon, with a fair number of suits who looked as if they couldn't summon up the enthusiasm or energy to drag themselves back to the office. And they were not all watching the cricket. The Kent's Best was pretty good and the barman was friendly and helpful. As you would expect, being down an alleyway with tall buildings adjacent, not much natural light gets in so it is rather dark inside. But no matter, it is still the best pub in the vicinity.