The Guinea, Mayfair, W1

Guinea page at the Youngs site - www.youngs.co.uk

Guinea page at the Youngs site - www.youngs.co.uk

This is a Young's house that has somehow managed to retain pretty much all of its original features. In fact I don't think that it has changed much since I knew it back in the 60s – although I don't remember the tartan carpet! The upholstery on the settles has seen better days and probably needs replacing sometime (soon). The ales were what you would expect in a Young's pub – Bombardier; Special; Bitter; and Kew Gold. I had the latter which was pretty good, but at £3.30 a pint. But (leaving out the Guinea Grill, into which I didn't venture, and on which I therefore make no comment) this remains a good pub, and I would be happy to visit again.

This is a good pub for a couple of beers when the sun is shining and one can stand out in the quiet back street, but probably one to avoid if it is gloomy as it is not the biggest pub. It seems to have been split to accommodate the grill upstairs, which had it's own doorman in fancy garb. I'm not a massive fan of Young's beers, but I enjoyed the Kew Gold very much and I would return. I found the staff to be very friendly and I will return when next in the area.

Official site of the Guinea, includes menus, wine list and real ale details - www.theguinea.co.uk

Small single bar pub round the back of Bruton Street selling a range of Youngs/Wells beers.Seperate dining area.Gets packed at lunchtimes.