The Nell Gwynne, WC2

This is a charming little, single room pub hidden away down a small alley that runs from the Strand to Maiden Lane. The pub is split level, with the raised section to the right hand side providing some low stools and tables, whilst the more open area to the left has a few more seats and a bit of room for vertical drinking. Further seating can be found out in the alleyway as well. There is a nice fireplace with a lovely tiled grate, some attractive glass and a good collection of odd artefacts on a shelf above the bar counter. As others have mentioned, the trip to the toilet is fraught with danger thanks to some of the steepest stairs you'll ever dare to drunkenly descend and a pesky low beam, trickily positioned about halfway down. There were four handpumps dispensing Courage Best, Deuchars IPA, Caledonian Over the Top and Wells Bombardier. I had a pint of Caledonian which I found to be in good shape. The staff were very welcoming and helped us sort out a seat for a pregnant member of our party. I thought this was a pleasant little traditional pub with a lot of character, perhaps aided by its hidden location which means that the tourist masses don't perhaps always find it. I'd certainly consider returning as long as there was something decent on at the bar.

A ‘discovery’ down a small alleyway just off the Strand. Four ales usually on (Courage's Best and Directors, Speckled Hen and Bombardier) which in fairness usually come out fairly well. The interesting interior can be so dark (lack of light from the alleyway accentuated by heavy curtains, dark wooden panelling) it feels like you’re having a pint in a comedy brothel (yes I know who Nell Gwynne is) and I could easily imagine myself dropping off after a couple. Reaching the toilets is like a challenge from the Crystal Maze, though having the timely bash on the head gets you wakened. So we have the pseudo Victorian interior, but then have the two flat screen TV's on the go with no sound. Bearing in mind that this place has the same capacity as a midgets motor home, what's the point? The jukebox is indeed a very Indie-centric creature, probably more at home in The Good Mixer than here, I would be expecting some Knees Up Mother Brown, or maybe Flash Harry's theme from St Trinian's given the interior style. A perfectly acceptable boozer in a prime location, but perhaps a little too lionized given the wealth of opportunities available elsewhere in Central London. I'd recommend it for a slow pint now and then though.

This is a desperately small pub tucked away down Bull Inn Court, just off the Strand. The posters below give some information on its history and genesis. As you walk to this pub from the Strand you pass down a short covered alley, with the sides sporting glazed tiles directing visitors to “The Adelphi Theatre Gallery Entrance” and to the “Nell Gwynne Tavern Saloon Lounge”, which if you notice them prepare you for the sight of this attractive pub coming into view as you exit this short tunnel. And it does look exceptionally good from the outside. In my view the interior doesn’t quite live up to the promise of the exterior. As soon as you walk in the door you are in front of the bar. There are a few stools at the bar; three tables on the raised area to the left, accompanied by a couple of chairs and about half a dozen small stools. There is a dartboard in this area, but I have never seen it in use. As previously mentioned there is a juke box, plus a one-armed bandit of course. It’s always pretty gloomy in here, as there is very little natural light getting in as the result of the narrowness of the alleyway in which it is located. There’s quite a nice bar back with an ancient looking clock on the top, plus some sherry, gin, and brandy butts that are used only for decoration now of course. The toilets are the front runner in the list of contenders for the steepest descent in London – the beam at head height might get you if you pay too much attention to getting your footing right! There were four real ales on – Courage Best; Bombardier; Deuchars IPA and a guest of Wychwood Paddy’s Tout. The bombardier was £3.40 a pint, which is more than enough to pay for this ale. I have to say that I don’t think this pub is as good as it used to be, but it’s still one of London’s most iconic pubs and definitely worth stopping by for a pint if you haven’t visited before.

A piece of London Pub history hidden down a side alleyway off The Strand. It was originally built in 1897 when the Bull’s Head on the same site was demolished due to the expansion of the Adelphi Theatre next door and not a lot looks like it has changed since. Heavy wood panelled interior with dark patterned wallpaper and curtains and a dark red ceiling. Dimly lit fairly small interior, but the big benefit of the Gwynne is the alleyway outside which allows it to accommodate more drinkers than the pub interior could cope and provides a good place for alfresco drinking. Although you do need to put up with the copious amounts of guided walks which go down the alley, especially in the summer months. Uusally four beers on and although nothing special choice wise are generally well kept. From remembrance they included CW Bombardier and Old Speckled Hen on my last visit. There are two small plazma teles inside but usually have the sound muted. This is because the other noticeable feature of this pub is the juke box, which has a great collection of rock anthems. And the other point of interest to be noted is that the steps down to the gents are probably the steepest of any establishment I know and must be treated with respect after several pints. The Gwynne was under threat of closure a while ago but this seems to have evaporated and is still functioning as a must visit pub when in the Charing X area.