Halfway To Heaven, Charing Cross, WC2

Came here once to meet a gay friend the best part of 20 years ago. The reviews here and on CAMRA recall my experience.

Gay bar with an outrageously camp barman. Only Doombore and Tribute on as ales.

A small, inconspicuous bar just off Trafalgar Square, previously The Lady Hamilton and The Duncannon. It is operated by Stonegate. The ground floor is a fairly basic bar with mirrored walls, a bar counter and hard wood flooring, while there is a busier and slightly more luxurious bar in the basement which has a small stage and is used daily for live entertainment from 3pm onwards. Two ales on, I had a pint of Doombar which was reasonably drinkable, but not the best I’ve had. The clientele on this visit were primarily heterosexual couples, and there was no suggestion that we were out of place. I’d be happy to drop in again for a lunchtime pint while passing but will probably avoid evening visits.

Small ground floor bar with little to recommend it.Do gay people not like craft beer.Bog standard Doom and Trib on cask.Sign at door said they operate a majority gay and lesbian door policy.They let me in so either I looked gay or they already had their majority in.Probably a new EEC directive.

Not been here for decades - the last time being one New Year's Eve when it was still the Duncannon - but had a little time before catching a train from nearby Charing Cross so ventured in again (knowing full well what to expect, perhaps unlike some baffled tourists...). Actually, the compact main bar is relatively straight-laced, although it sounded like the entertainment had started downstairs. Anyway, you can find two real ales on - Doom Bar and Tribute - should you wish to venture in.

Official site of Halfway To Heaven - www.halfway2heaven.net