Mabel's, Covent Garden, WC2

A substantial pub just a block away from the main Covent Garden plaza, this looks like just a small shop unit from the outside but is deceptively spacious inside being split over a number of different levels and extending back some considerable distance. Clearly their target demographic is the younger end of the market, and the music whilst not excessively loud, was a bit too much for easy conversation. A DJ was in the progress of setting up his gear, so I suspect the volume may have got notched up even further at some point, although we departed before this happened. The formula obviously works though, and despite the size of the establishment it was quite busy with all seats taken even on our early evening visit. There were a number of different bar counters spread around different parts of the pub, and we settled in the upper level room at the rear. This was a very large, high ceilinged room with skylights in the ceiling and a very large chandelier making something of a feature. The flooring was dark wood strip and the colour scheme a mixture of deep red and mustard as far as I could make out, although the low lighting levels made it difficult to be sure. A number of old black and white portrait photographs and pictures were on the walls. The menu offered a reasonable looking selection of “pub grub” dishes with options such as burgers, fish & chips, sausage & mash, etc., as well as a number of sandwiches and platters. Prices seemed quite reasonable given the location, with most of the main courses being around the £10 - £12 mark. My Barbeque Chicken Melt was I suppose ok, although certainly nothing special. The chicken breast had been pounded quite thin, but it was all tasty enough. Anywhere else and I’d say it was overpriced, but given the location I suppose it’s probably par for the course. Unfortunately there were no real ales on tap, just a couple of keg options that I didn’t really note but did include a London Pale Ale of some description. The solitary cider was Symonds Founders Reserve. Overall there was nothing really wrong with this place, but it’s definitely more of a party venue than somewhere for a relaxed pint.

Mabels is a multi-level venue with a bar on each floor. I didn’t spot any draught, just expensive bottles and spirits. A waitress was walking around all evening with a tray of Jaeger Bombs for £5 a pop, I think this gives good insight into the target demographic. Expect birthday, stag and hen parties dancing to cheesy 90s pop. During a recent Saturday night visit the bar closed at 2am. This is not a place I will be rushing back to.

Another rip off pub - they must love the tourists who pay these prices!