Butchers Hook & Cleaver, Smithfield, EC1

Randomness Guide to London - Butchers Hook And Cleaver entry

Randomness Guide to London - Butchers Hook And Cleaver entry

This is one of the Fuller’s Ale & Pie House outlets, so expect Fuller’s ales of course. I had their so-called “guest” Hock, which was an occasionally seen Fuller’s 3.5% mild. It was a decent enough ale, and made a change from their usual offerings, but at a jaw-dropping £3.70 a pint – for a 3.5% mild? I hope the standard Fuller’s range is more reasonably priced here. This is a large pub, occupying what looks like two buildings between Long Lane and Cloth Fair. There’s a large black and white tiled splash area around the bar counter, then it’s mainly bare-boarded with a bit of carpeted area. I spotted a spiral metal stairway in the right hand side of the pub, presumably leading to an upstairs drinking area, but I didn’t bother to go exploring. Otherwise it’s like other Ale & Pie houses, but with a bit of the JDW touch about it. It is a very bright pub, with its tall windows and South/West facing aspect, letting the sun shine in through the plane tree of the West Smithfield circle opposite. In essence, it’s a decent enough place to stop off for a pint, but an intimate traditional pub it isn’t.