Friend at Hand, WC1

After the joy of finding the nearby Queens Larder now free from the hand of GK and independently run, I had a small hope of finding something similar here. Sadly not, and the average Taylor Walker run pub of my previous visit some nine years ago has been replaced with an average Green King run pub of today, which seemed to be focussing more on the food trade than wet sales. One room space wrapped around the serving area it is all dark wood and Axminister carpet with plenty of light chandeliers and brass fittings that appeal to tourists and get copied by faux mock English pub designs around the world (Rose and Crown chain to be found in Japan, I’m thinking of you), its pleasant and comfortable enough, just nothing special. On the ale front four pumps on the bar that had GK IPA and London Glory alongside Portobello Brewing It’s the Hope that Kills you with TT Landlord on the fourth with a dreaded coming soon clip draped over it. I went for the Portobello Brewing Pale Ale which, like the pub itself, was largely inoffensive but nothing special and just left you wishing for a bit more out of it.

Tucked away in a side street behind the Principal Hotel, this pub seems to be geared to providing tourists with a 'London pub experience' and certainly attracts a lot of them. The one traditionally-furnished room has a slightly dark feel, being overshadowed by surrounding buildings, but is cheered up by various brass light fittings. Three large sports TVs are a bit out of place however. Being a Greene King pub it offered the usual Abbot and IPA but also a couple of guests in the shape of Vale Boom Boom and Truman Captain Lockwood, and condition seemed fine.

Haven't been in here for maybe thirty years or so, so have little recollection of the place. Cannot recommend it at all though. No ale to speak of, a nothing pub in all fairness.

Once The Hansom Carriage with a history going back to 1797; I don't know if the current structure is original or a rebuild, this is indeed a Taylor Walker's 'typical London pub in a box' kit. There's dark wood panelling, carpets, conventional pub furniture and food advertised by way of colour photos in frames - bless! Music is muted and there's a flashing games machine. Clients seemed to mainly be tourists who can't be expected to know any better, sweary geezers in suits and some locals. Ales up: GK London Glory, 1 clip reversed and St. Austell's Tribute at £4.40 which was fine but this price is about the highest in the area in what resembles a cheap hotel bar. I won't be returning.

A choice of two ales on this visit, London Pride and Tribute. I have to say that their ales were in great shape. The pub gets very busy of an evening with tourists looking for that English pub experience. The pub is well kept and is ok for a quick pint.