The Montagu Pyke (Lloyds No.1 Bar), Soho, WC2

Randomness Guide to London - Montagu Pyke entry

Randomness Guide to London - Montagu Pyke entry

This place is so big that the front entrance is on Charing Cross Road and the back entrance comes out on Greek Street. A huge ‘spoons that in the theme of Ronsil adverts, does exactly what it says on the tin. Tons of tele’s all over the place, although I believe the big screen has been eclipsed for size by the one in the Crosse Keys on Bishopsgate. There are two bar areas at either end of this cavernous pub and although both support five handpumps, I’ve always found the beer choice to be a bit poor for such a large Wetherspoons. But there was Exmore Gold on the other night which was decent enough. But with so many other decent pubs in the area I only tend to come in here if I’m desperate for some cheep reliable Spoons edible fare.

Originally a cinema (I recall seeing a dodgy late night screening of Last Tango in Paris here many years ago), it was subsequently better known as the home to the Marquee Club where I saw many a good band over the 6 or 7 years it was functioning. ‘Spoons pretty much shelled the building when it took over and today it is has a rather cavernous and open interior. The initial seating in what was the old foyer drops down to the main bar which is in the body of the old auditorium and whilst there are plenty of seats and tables plus a few snugs along one side, they fill up sharpish so get there early if you intend to stay for any length of time. The seating upstairs in the small balcony is minimal but if you venture to the rear, there is a second smaller but reasonably stocked bar and a corridor of 2 seater tables that often get overlooked. The high ceiling enables it to have what is claimed to be the largest drop down screen in London and on big match occasions you will need to queue to get through the front doors.There are plenty of snippets on the walls detailing its musical heritage although most of the music and artists mentioned relate more to the previous Marquee in Wardour Street and have little connection with the current building. Because of my many previous fond memories, I have a kind of attachment to the place that most of the current punters and that tends to steer my opinion to being more positive than it may otherwise be. That said, anyone entering would pretty much know what to expect from the chain although, for me, it does have a bit more life and spirit than some of the other Central London ‘Spoons.

Official page of The Montagu Pike - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Official page of The Montagu Pike - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk