The Carpenters Arms, W1

Five of six handpumps on, Archers IPA and Empty Pockets, Strong's Best Bitter, Clark's Classic Blonde & Harvey's Sussex. Ipa and Strong's tried, in good condition. Friendly welcome, Hendrix CD playing, very enjoyable. Good free house, basic food, (paninis, omelettes, all day breakfast) available. Sky sports on muted. The room winds around the bar, wooden floors, a couple of slightly raised seating areas.

They had some decent ales on when I was in here the other day – White Horse Bitter; Harvey's Bitter; Strong's Best Bitter; Adnam's Bitter; and Rudgate Special. I only had the one – White Horse Bitter, but it was superb. This is a decent enough little pub, certainly lacking in opulence but not in functionality. Bare-boarded throughout, with stools at the bar and a few tables/settles/chairs round the sides. Interesting colour scheme – red benches at the front by the windows, and green at the back. I didn't aspire to the Lords, but made do with the Commons at the back! The decent ale selection definitely makes it worth a visit, but it is a shame it doesn't do a bite to eat at lunchtime.

This is a decent pub with six hand pumps in two banks of three, but I only spotted the one bank which only had Adnams available as the other two were unused. There are plenty of old clip badges adorning the walls so there must be a rolling selection. A muted Spanish football game being shown on Sky was on the three plasma screens and some inoffensive background music was playing to the decent sized crowd having a week night drink. I found the barman to be nice enough and I was made to feel welcome immediately, making this a pub that I would gladly visit again.

Official page of the Carpenters Arms, contains menu and wine list - www.markettaverns.co.uk

Official page of the Carpenters Arms, contains menu and wine list - www.markettaverns.co.uk

Small single bar pub at the Marble Arch end of Seymour Place.Up to 6 real ales on offer.5 mins from Marble Arch tube.

great pub. staff are very friendly and welcoming and the regulars are fun people. good selection of lagers and ales. sports shown regularly.