The Victoria & Albert, Marylebone, NW1

Some claim that this pub dates from 1899 (the date of the station), though a legend to the top right of the bar back cites a date of 1971. I’m not sure if this was ever a real pub or perhaps the waiting room for first class passengers, but either way there’s some impressive dark woodwork with an attractive fibrous plasterwork cornice, fireplace and mirror. The floor is carpeted, with a flagstone apron to the bar. Lighting is traditional and furniture is comfortable, the whole exuding a slightly clubroom feel. However, there was at least one TV showing nothing of importance with the sound off; otherwise, décor amounted to just a few potted plants and Chinese-style vases to the mantelpiece. Customers were very few in number for a Thursday, which is probably why the barman called time at 9.15, then kicked us out at 9.30, though we were aware that there’s a closing time of just 10.00pm. Real ale amounted to Doom, GK IPA and Wandle at a reasonable £5.45 a pint and perfectly drinkable. This place is ok if you need the station and are too lazy to walk to the Royal Oak and can’t face the sensory assault that is the Sports Bar next door, but the arbitrary closing time was obnoxious, added to which, both the ladies and gents were out of order, which taken together, is bang out of order.