Horse & Groom, Fitzrovia, W1

I can never tell with Sam Smiths pubs how much is well-preserved and how much is reproduction. I rather liked this one with its understated decor - I can imagine Humphrey getting discounted quantities of the sort of dull paint colours that are always left on the shelf until reaching their best-before dates. There are three rooms here, with the two at the back having high ceilings and a shared skylight, and a real fire. On the bar is a modest selection of keg offerings, with no hand pumps. My half of stout was a pretty decent drink, and the post-work atmosphere on a quiet Monday was friendly, as was the service.

Attractive Sam Smith's house, despite the initially dull-looking brown façade (although this does feature an unusual three-part bow window between the two front doors if you take the time to look). There isn't a great deal of seating in the 'L'-shaped saloon bar; just three small tables under the windows and a few high stools. However, the two lounge-type rooms to the rear are comfortably old-fashioned, and the food bar and another lounge can be found upstairs (never visited). All dark wood and wallpaper, as you would expect, plus a selection of etched and cut glass. Also has a few wooden picnic benches out front which catch the afternoon sun. Just OBB (£3.10) from the three handpumps, of course, but this is still a decent spot for a quick pint.

The Horse and Groom is an attractive Victorian Sam Smiths pub located roughly halfway up Great Portland Street. The main bar, accessible through two front doors, each denoting ‘Saloon Bar’ in etched glass, is typical of many of Sam Smiths London pubs. The floor is tiled and there is some fine etched glasswork in the front windows and in a series of mirrors hung on the right hand wall. The room is L-shaped, as is the attractive servery (complete with fish tank) and seating is limited to a couple of small tables and a row of bar stools. At the rear there is a very homely looking lounge area with banquette seating and a fireplace (a sign above the door says it is a ‘snug with a real open fire’, but it looked fake to me). This room can be accessed from the main bar, which involves passing through a darts area, or via a corridor which runs down the left hand side of the pub. Upstairs there is a rather bland room which is currently being refitted with a small bar in one corner. The room is carpeted and has sofas and large round tables with standard chairs, as well as a fireplace on the end wall. The room used to play host to live music and will be of interest to fans of the Manic Street Preachers, as the band played their first ever London gig here in 1989 – a show that resulted in them getting their first record deal. The usual Sam Smith products were available at the bar, with the Old Brewery Bitter in keg format only. The barmaid served up a woefully short measure and when asked for a top up, returned a marginally better effort. Aside from that, I found the staff to be a very personable bunch, especially the young barman who was cracking jokes with anyone who’d listen. As with most Sam Smiths pubs, you’re most likely here for the interior rather than the beer, and if this is the case, you won’t be disappointed. The friendly service elevates this place above other similar pubs and I’d be happy to spend a bit more time in here soaking up the atmosphere.