The Old Crown, WC1

Not sure about this place. I popped in here whilst trying to find the Sam Smiths Crown around the corner as there’s no obvious signage on this one except for some faint naming in the black exterior paintwork. I guess it was a traditional pub once, but is now trying to be a trendy modern elegant bar. Plenty of minimalist modern decor with exposed brick walls, dark wood floor and bar area, and modern design seating which looked more modernistic than comfortable. The bar back area seems to be made with railway sleepers and the supported spirit bottles are then back lit with spot lights giving the place more of a night club bar feel. The outside had several solid oak seating tables and these were full on my visit. There were two handpumps on the bar, Youngs Ordinary which was off and Spitfire, which you can find anywhere, so I didn’t bother. So a bar which seems to aiming to be trendy and elegant. I found it boring, but then I guess I’m not the target demographic. Plenty of others were enjoying it though.

Official site of the Old Crown, contains menu and beer list - www.old-crown.co.uk

Official site of the Old Crown, contains menu and beer list - www.old-crown.co.uk