The Duke of York, Fitzrovia, W1

Tucked away on the backstreets a Greene King pub serving 4 real ales.

A smallish traditional style Greene King pub tucked away in the heart of Fitzrovia but just a few minutes walk from the bustle of Oxford Street. The carpeted single room has paneled windows, a central horseshoe bar and limited seating around the edges. There are several military themed pictures, wartime newspaper cuttings and theatre posters on display and various odds and sods atop the unusual optics/glass rack behind the bar. The Greene King beers won’t satisfy everyone but the choices were better than I am used to with 3 of the core ales, IPA (with the North & South pull contraption), Abbott and Old Speckled Hen plus 2 seasonal offerings Gangly Ghoul and Howell At The Moon. At £3.30 for the last named, prices are pretty decent for Central London, quality was fine and service friendly and effiecient. The pub dioes get pretty busy, especially during the after work shift when tables are at a premium although there is usually a bubbly and friendly enough atmosphere. It may not have the Bohemian feel that once prevailed in the area but it does retain a fair amount of character and with the more adventurous selection of ales, this is one of Greene King’s better pubs around and makes a decent stop on a crawl.

Randomness Guide to London - Duke Of York entry

Randomness Guide to London - Duke Of York entry

This is a small one-room pub with a comfortable feel about it. The only problem was that the tables on the right as you walk in were reserved for a private party, and the only other two tables were occupied - so nowhere comfortable to sit, and thus ended up perched on a stool. This was one of those things of course, and would certainly not put me off returning. The real ales they had on were Old Speckled Hen; GKIPA; Abbot Ale; and Flanker's Tackle. So, a Greene King pub then. The service was friendly and beer OK (OSH at £3 a pint) so no complaints from me. No food at lunchtime, but I would be happy to pop in again for a pint.

This place has a very deep bar for such a small pub. The barmaid that served me was very friendly and my pint of Abbott did the job. I liked it in here, but anymore than 30 people and I think that it would get very uncomfortable.