Punch Tavern, EC4

This pub has the distinction of being mentioned in Samuel Peyps' diaries, although he would've known it in a very different form to that of today, as the pub underwent a significant redevelopment in the 1890's, giving it the fabulous Grade II listed gin palace interior that has been preserved ever since. The pub was originally known as The Crown and Sugarloaf, but changed its name to reflect the journalists from Punch Magazine who would regularly congregate here. You enter the pub through a magnificent mirrored passageway with a fabulous tiled floor and glazed tile pillars, into the main bar area which is L-shaped with the servery on the back wall opposite the entrance. The bar has a marble counter and spectacular mirrored bar back with lots of elaborate decorative features including some Mr Punch themed bits. Above is a grand barrel-vaulted skylight with further decorative touches and the walls have a mix of original panelling and huge etched glass mirrors. Seating includes some fixed banquettes supported by standard chairs around the perimeter, with a few more tables and chairs in the entrance passage. To the rear left, a door leads through to a much plainer rear room, which I believe is available for functions and used to host events such as tutored wine tastings. Just the two beers on handpull on this visit - Sharps Doom Bar and Marstons EPA. I gave the latter a try and found it a bit lacking in conditioning and perhaps a touch too warm in the hot weather we'd been enjoying at the time. The bar staff seemed pretty efficient and there was loud music playing throughout my stay, which didn't really fit with the pub's overall feel. This is a pretty spectacular pub that is certainly worth a quick pint to admire, although I had the sense that the place could do with a bit of a tidy up (the skylight in particular looked to be in a bit of a poor state). The problems with the beer range and quality would preclude this from repeat visits, but if you're touring the many interesting historic pubs on and around Fleet Street, you would do well to include this in your plans.