The Coal Hole, Strand, WC2

They had Pride, Landlord, Harvey’s Bitter, Coach House Brewery Blueberry Classic Bitter, and Beartown Brewery’s Bear Ass Bitter on when I dropped in earlier in the week. I had the Bear Ass Bitter, which was a new one on me - £2.90 a pint; 4% and fairly dark with a smooth rich taste. Excellent. The beer choice has certainly improved in recent times. When I arrived shortly after noon there was an unpleasant smell of bleach, but this was soon masked by the smell of food. Typical Nicholson’s type menu – I had beef and horseradish on ciabatta with a few chips, which was OK for £4.95. This pub has a very high, beamed ceiling, tiled floor, attractive friezes and bar-back. I even rather like the bar gantries. I noticed that the leaded-light windows had the initials SWL intertwined in them, standing for Strand Wine Lodge I believe. The decorations date from 1904, roughly the same period as the even more extravagantly decorated Blackfriar. This is a very impressive pub, which I like very much.

It was very busy in here during my visit, but the eagle eyed barman spotted me right away and promptly served me. Doombar, Hobgoblin, Pride, Harveys Best and Landlord were all on offer along with various lagers. Behind the bar is almost as wide as the drinking area so it doesn't take a lot to make this pub feel busy. I spotted some seating upstairs, but I didn't check out the downstairs bar – Maybe next time. In my opinion this place is worth a visit.

Official site of the Coal Hole, contains menus and real ales - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official site of the Coal Hole, contains menus and real ales - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Given its very dull surroundings, this former Charrington pub (as evidenced by the ceramic plaques near the doors) is quite an interesting, if very old-fashioned, building. Square(ish) in plan area with a high ceiling and a central island bar. There is also a pool table in one corner and a small collection of books in another, but the television seems to take pride of place. No real ale, despite having three handpumps (one with an old Tetleys clip - "Just there for decoration, and a reminder of the old days. There's not much call for it now..." as the lady behind the told me somewhat sadly).

There never seems to be anywhere to sit in this large Nicholson's pub, whenever I arrive its like the last seat has just been taken! Deservedly popular though and not a cause for complaint. The usual Nicholson's abundance of dark wood, this pub has very high ceilings, a tiled floor and bar edge, a huge and attractive feature fireplace with a frieze adjacent of women picking grapes. Above the fireplace is a gallery area which was full of diners on my visit, but I don't think it is exclusively for eating. The pub name apparently came about due to the regular custom of the coal heavers from the nearby riverside. Previously it was known as the Strand Wine Lodge, the letters SWL are still picked out today in yellow glass in the leaded windows. I received friendly and chatty service, beers on were Taylor's Landlord and Golden Best, Pride, GK IPA, and the guest was Daleside Autumn Leaves, at £2.85 good value for this part of town. There is also a wine bar area downstairs in the basement but I have never ventured down there. Definitely a pub worthy of custom, and it stands out with good beer choice and service in this area of town predominantly visited by tourists and one-off theatre visitors.