Sherlock Holmes, Charing Cross, WC2

Currently shut for redecoration and 'internal space alteration' according to the GK planning application to Westminster Council plastered in the windows. Presumably so that they can pack more tourists in.

Tourist trap pub serving four expensive Greene King ales (and the Sherlock Holmes Ale is just re-badged Morland, don't be fooled into paying more folks). I guess it has some novelty value for a quick pint and a gawp at the Conan Doyle nik-naks and the small Sherlock Holmes display upstairs. Your beer money is better spent at the Ship & Shovell a short walk away, this place is basically a filter to stop the tourists taking up valuable space over there…

A GK-owned theme pubaimed at tourists and the curious, the Sherlock Holmes revamp aided by COnan Doyle's family in 1957. There is a room with Holmes memorabilia and a restaurant upstairs. The clienetele was an unholy mix of tourists and bores, while the staff was largely uninterested in serving, except one gentleman who, whilst enthusiastic, was not able to supply a full measure without a fuss. Beers were from GK and Wadworths (guest beer?). The Great London was pretty average and the overall experience was disappointing. A good place to meet at lunchtime as it's easy to find, and it was convenient for the Colony Club (next door) and the Northumberland Hotel opposite, but it's not somewhere I would choose to spend an evening and I wouldn't bother to include on a crawl when there are so many better pubs nearby.