The Round House, Covent Garden, WC2

Good Fullers pub thats always busy on my visits.Touristy but seems to have a mixed crowd always spilling onto the street.Darkstar -sunquake was my choice on recent visit.

Official site of The Round House - www.roundhousecoventgarden.co.uk

The Roundhouse’s semi-circular interior and history are best appreciated on the pub’s website. This used to be a regular haunt of mine from the late ‘80s to late ‘90s, so it was a revisit after a good 20 years. I can’t remember what the interior looked like, but perhaps I just didn’t spot the Wedgwood-style powder blue and white fibrous plasterwork ceiling. Thankfully, there were two Dark Star ales on, along with the full year-round Fuller’s range: Pale Ale and Hophead at £2.80 a half and ok. This isn’t a bad pub, but is perhaps just a bit corporate. Worth a visit if in the area, but not a destination in its own right; the easily confused Round Table round the corner is a better bet, providing it’s not just GK IPA on the bar.

Official site of The Round House - www.roundhousecoventgarden.co.uk

Originally The Petters Hotel, the pub is Victorian and is a great example of a traditional London boozer, not too badly damaged by the tourist trade. Still owned by Fullers, the ales on during this visit were faux-HSB, Oliver’s Island, Pride and Fruit Loop. Service was very slow due to the stupidity of some of the customers – but you can’t blame the pub for that. The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was lively, the beer was in decent condition. As London pubs go, it’s not a bad bet, and the location and layout make it a good place to watch the world go by.

Decent Fuller's pub which certainly isn't round! No ESB but HSB and Bengal Lancer (I think) on offer. Worth a return visit.