The Blue Posts, Soho, W1

It's not clear how much is 'original' and how much is phoney, but this little corner pub has a satisfyingly woody interior, with a nice ceiling and lots of trimmings like the windows and glasswork. Quite friendly too, and I was variously directed to the additional seating upstairs or offered a seat at a table by the bar staff and customers. Did I look that much in need of a sit down? Sadly just IPA and Abbot on handpump, and mostly mainstream craft stuff, but not a bad pub.

Another late 19th century rebuild and one of at least nine former and current pubs by this name in W1. It’s quite small inside, hence the exclusively tall metal topped furniture. The bar appears modern, with a wire rack gantry; the bar back is modern wood. The walls are half height dark field panelled, with a decent wood surround to the fireplace. The floor is bare boarded and lighting comes from modern glass shaded lamps hanging from the white panelled ceiling. There are very attractive bowed windows and pretty etched glass clerestory windows above stained and leaded panels. Quite loud yacht rock played over the stereo and customers seemed to be office workers’ A friendly barmaid stood sentinel behind pumps dispensing GK IPA and Landlord, at a very pricey £2.90 a half and nice it was too. This isn’t a bad little place, but it’s a bit lacking in imagination, is a little too noisy and the choice of beer is mundane.