Star & Garter, Soho, W1

I didn’t think that there were any real, unspoilt, pubs in this part of London, but my visit to this pub has me delighted to be proved wrong. This pub is named after the insignia of the Order of the Garter, the most senior order of chivalry in this country. It has an attractive pub mirror at the back, bearing said insignia. It’s now a small one-room pub, but the several doors to the street indicate that it once had two bars (I noticed that one of the doors was signed Saloon Bar) and probably also a jug and bottle bar. Furnishings are banquettes around the sides, small round tables and small stools. Shelving high on the walls display numerous china plates, and copper utensils and assorted jugs hang from the beams. They did have three ales on, even if none of them were terribly exciting – GKIPA, Spitfire and London Pride (£3.50 a pint). The picture of a traditional pub is completed by the tray of rolls encased in clingfilm sitting behind the bar. I’m astonished, but delighted, that an unspoilt traditional pub can be found just a skip and a jump from Oxford Circus. This is certainly one that will require a return visit.

Randomness Guide to London - Star And Garter entry

Randomness Guide to London - Star And Garter entry