McGlynn's, WC1

Once The Duke of Wellington, this has for quite some time been McGlynn's with an old-school friendly guvnor. It's an Irish pub but thankfully not Oirish - even the external green colour scheme has been eschewed in favour of a more sober black. Inside it's much as described below, and probably hasn't had anything done to it since the '70s, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, though the awful net curtains could certainly be ditched at no extra cost. There's a mix of regulars/locals as well as some students and presumably lost tourists, all of whom contributed to a generally genial atmosphere. There's food but it's quite basic - indeed a bit '70s. Ales: four pumps including Courage Best and Caledonian's Cold Comfort at an agreeable £2.00 a half and fine. This isn't a bad pub but could do with a more interesting line-up of ales and is worth a visit if in the area.

Traditional Irish pub in a pretty mews, quite unexpected for Kings X. Nice little place outside and in. Some traditional features in the L-shaped interior including an old clock in a wooden mounting and a gypsy caravan being pulled by one of those china shirehorse figurines your nan had. Collection of jugs running along the high shelves and lots of copper pans. Carpeted throughout with red padded pew seating, in fact probably unaltered since the 70s. Snooker quietly playing on the TV. Populated exclusively by locals and regulars. Good to see a clearly inebriated and troublesome incomer told to sling his hook (not me, before you start…). Surprised to see four ales on, all mainstream, and perhaps I shouldn't have been shocked to discover that my Rev James was nigh-on undrinkable and at 4 quid a pint, I’m glad I only had a half. As a pub I quite liked it as it’s fairly traditional and unpretentious but stick with keg or bottles if you do pop in. 6.5

Tucked way on a backstreet. L shaped interior with 4 real ale taps(3 on) and food served.

Mcglynns official site, contains menu - mcglynnsfreehouse.com

Mcglynns official site, contains menu - mcglynnsfreehouse.com