The Beehive, Marylebone, W1

I thought this place a little bland and the tables and chairs in the main front part seemed to be positioned more for diners than drinkers. There are a couple of tables at the back past the bar that had a more authentic pub feel, but at £4 a pint I don’t think that many would stay very long. I think that I counted four ale pumps with one unused and Mean time breweries Helles, London Stout and London Pale Ale being available on the other three. There are some old pump clips adorning the wall that runs down the stairs to the toilets and my Stout was well served so one would assume that they are taking the ale seriously, but I think that they are pricing themselves out of the market for discerning drinkers. The barmaids were both French with a basic understanding of English so there was a language barrier to overcome, but they were both very friendly and I didn’t mind struggling by. There are better pubs in the area so I doubt that I’ll return.

This is a pub for the Serious Drinker, with several top-end British and Continental beers, long wine list etc. However it is Seriously Expensive also. I'll give it the third star for the quality of the booze.