Ye Olde London, EC4

Even without the stereotypical name, just what you would expect an ex-Spirit, formerly Taylor Walker, now Greene King pub in close proximity to St Pauls Cathedral to be: all dark-wood panelling and semi-traditional furniture. 'Main' bar at street level, but also features a surprisingly rather larger bar and side patio beer garden downstairs. Four real ales on handpump upstairs: IPA, the seasonal Scrum Down and Woodforde's Wherry plus Wimbledon Windmill spring ale (£4.85) as guest beers. Same selection from the further six handpumps down below, supplemented by Band of Brothers and another guest - Black Sheep.

Official site of Ye Olde London - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of Ye Olde London - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

I came here once about ten years ago and hadn't been back since. This is a tourist pub for those in perpetual search of the Best Fish 'n' Chips in London. Around 2014 the Wm Younger's stained glass was ripped out and replaced with plain glass (this pub was established here as the London Coffee House Tavern in 1749 and rebuilt I don't know when, but it looks 19th century). Sadly, this pub is now owned by Taylor Walker which - you guessed it - means TV sport, sauce bottles on tables, laminate pictorial menus and a games machine. Naturally, there's the ubiquitous TW part bare boarded and part flagstone floor; music was muted for a pleasant change. Somewhat incongruously, there were Christmas decorations in late September. Downstairs there's a huge bar with a pool table and courtyard/garden beyond. The lavs were a disgrace with one cubicle out of order, the other, with a door that would barely open, had a broken flush and was spattered with faeces. Ales: Greene King's Abott, IPA and London Glory as well as Taylor Walker's 1730 which was ok and a pricey £2.35. I don't like TW pubs at the best of times and this is the worst I've yet encountered.

At street level is a fairly average sort of city bar, but downstairs is a much larger bar with a much more welcoming feel, better range of beers, separate seating areas and a pool table. It even has an outdoor courtyard area. Usual Taylor Walker beer range, with the occasional interesting guest. Prices as might be expected in the City, but a reasonable place to drink if you are in the area.