The Crown, WC2

A prominent pub right in the hear of Seven Dials, it’s location means that it doesn’t have to work too hard to attract passing trade, and this unfortunately shows once you get inside with the pub feeling a little down at heel and clearly needing some TLC. It’s divided in to two rooms internally, a front and the back, and the triangular shape of the building makes it feel a little disjointed. A large carved wooden bar counter takes up much of the front room as well as some of the back. Partitioning with some wrought ironwork above separates the two parts of the pub. Décor wise they’re both broadly similar, with old wooden boards on the floor, khaki green wood panelling on the lower part of the walls and cream plasterwork above. Seating options were fairly limited although there were a few small tables and chairs as well as padded stools next to the bar. One wall covered in very old black and white portrait photos made something of a feature, but otherwise there was little of any note. Beers on tap were all from Green King with their Old Speckled Hen, whilst Jubilee Ale was apparently coming soon. The solitary cider meanwhile was Aspall’s. Overall with it’s poor drink selection and shabby appearance this was rather disappointing, and there are certainly better options just a short stroll away.

This was once part of the infamous St. Giles’ Rookery, though now rather gentrified and very much a part of the Covent Garden social scene. This is unchanged since previous reviews, with a predictable, boring Greene King interior, with no sign of a grumpy barmaid. Being GK, the ales were as boring and predictable as the interior: GK IPA, Abbot, Old Speckled Hen and the promise of something from Portobello, but ‘coming soon’; Neck Oil it was, £3.40. This isn’t worth the effort; Covent Garden isn’t a hotbed of quality pubs, but this is one of the least interesting.

A triangular pub on Seven Dials, not unpleasant as Central London pubs go but relatively boring. The interior flows round an island bar, with a few tables outside also. The ale range did not extend beyond the tedious GK threesome of IPA, Abbot and London's Glory.

Official site of The Crown - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Crown - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk