The Queens Head, WC1

Randomness Guide to London - Queen's Head entry

Randomness Guide to London - Queen's Head entry

From the outside, the Queens Head looks like the classic Victorian shop front style pub with its recess doorways. I particularly like the Victorian postage stamp pub sign and the etched windows, even if they are modern recreations. Much of the interior has been knocked through to create one larger room with a small recess at the rear where the dart board is situated. Fortunately, some of the fine old tiling remains, especially on the floor although much of the wall tiles are now obscured the high backed padded pew seating. There are several ornate mirrors and a few remnants of its original interior but not really enough for traditionalists like me to get too exited about. Unfortunately, the first thing you notice in the QH is not the décor or the surroundings but the pool table – prominently placed at the front of the pub. I can't help thinking it would be far better positioned to the rear under the skylight. The general décor is slightly cheapened by promotional posters and cardboard cut out Guiness glasses although I am pleased to say that since my previous visit, they have for the most part been taken down the posters from the lovely mirrors that align the walls. One of the ceiling fans is snapped off and on the 2 occasions I have been here in recent months, the only Ale (Adnams – 2 other hand pumps appear to be redundant) has been unavailable. It is simple things like this that generally let the pub down. There are 2 TVs and a big screen, a Quiz Machine, cash machine and jukebox and for the night owls, they don't shut until stupid o'clock during the week and even more stupid o'clock at weekends, even though it is in a residential street. The locals and staff are friendly enough and there is nothing in particular wrong to not recommend a visit but it strikes me as a pub that doesn't really make the most of its attributes and could be a lot better without using up too much effort.