The Theodore Bullfrog, WC2

Official site of Theodore Bullfrog, contains event details - www.theodore-bullfrog.co.uk

I knew this pub very well in the early 70’s when it was a Whitbread pub called The Gilbert and Sullivan, and had masses of G&S memorabilia all over the place. Then they changed the name to St Martin’s Tavern; and a few years ago someone had a rush of blood to the head and decided that the name Theodore Bullfrog was an improvement. The name gives a good clue as to the sort of place this has become; it’s hard to imagine a decent pub having such a ridiculous name. It looks depressing from the outside, being painted battleship grey, and just as depressing inside with the walls painted that muddy gray colour. The flooring is light coloured boards; there was a TV showing a sports channel, but muted so that the couple of punters in there could enjoy the banal pop music; there were some high stools/tables plus some normal tables and chairs; and the six nations’ flags draped from above the bar. The most interesting feature was an advertising board with scrolling lights (a bit like you see on trains telling you the destinations) above one of the doors, advertising such things as the quiz night and take-away food. This is the first one of these that I’ve seen, and does little to enhance the atmosphere of the pub. There was nothing about the decor worth mentioning. There were four handpumps on the bar – two had GKIPA and Bombardier clips reversed, and the other two were dispensing Sharp’s Doom Bar and Adnam’s Bitter; the latter at £3 a pint. This pub has nothing going for it that would convince me to pay a return visit.

This split level pub felt more like a bar for the mid thirties suit brigade. I suppose that I am nearing my mid thirties so would be classed as one of them, but I don't talk about my work for 3 hours after finishing it every evening. The staff were amiable enough, but it was patently obvious that they didn't want to be there and I don't really blame them. Maybe it is more pleasant during the day or at the weekend. Tring Sidepocket and Jack O'Legs were available along with Spitfire and various lagers. I went for the lager as no other person seemed to be drinking the ale. There is a plasma screen, but I don't know if they have Sky Sports etc and food is served from 12 until 8. Thankfully I was able to shoehorn myself into a space outside so that I could have a smoke and rest my pint on the ‘smokers ledge' that runs around the outside of the building. Although busy I couldn't see the attraction other than locality to Charing Cross Station.