Horse & Groom, Fitzrovia, W1

The Horse & Groom is a fine example of a beautiful Victorian pub just a few minutes’ walk from Oxford Street. It’s part of the Samuel Smith's stable of traditional pubs in the area and is an attractive pub with some pleasing original features, including etched and cut glass mirrors and mahogany panelling. There is plenty of original tiling both inside and outside and the internal decor is mainly what looks like the original dark woodwork. The pub is divided into four separate sections which includes a front room which is mainly for standing, a more comfortable intimate back room with cosy bench seating and a fireplace and then an additional comfortable bar area upstairs. And last but no means least a separate middle area dedicated to darts. As the reviewer has mentioned below its one large weakness is the lack of real ale and there is only the SS Keg offerings available. However I think Rex is a little harsh in his rating and although i take the point there is plenty of other very good traditional SS houses with their real ale range in the area, I still like to pop into this one as the internal decor is worth a quick half of Keg OBB.

Randomness Guide to London - Horse And Groom entry

Randomness Guide to London - Horse And Groom entry

As you enter this pub you come to the main bar area which was being managed by a very nice barman. The usual Sam Smiths selection is available and like so many SS pubs there is no hand pump for the OBB. At the rear of the pub there is a smaller room with a dartboard which was being enjoyed by a group of lads which gave this pub a bit of a vibe, which I find unusual for SS. There is a lounge bar upstairs, but as my visit was before 18:00 I was unable to investigate as it was closed. I'd pop in again if passing.

This is another very attractive Sam Smith’s pub, retaining what looks like all the original Victorian tiling on the exterior. The inside also has that “brown bar” appearance that I find very welcoming and comfortable. But they don’t even have the handpump version of OBB on. So, this is yet another Sam Smith’s pub that is severely diminished, in my opinion, by the absence of anything that I enjoy drinking. But if you like the keg version of OBB, or the Sam Smith’s range of lagers, then you will probably regard this as a good pub.

A Samuel Smith pub. Usual range of lagers, but their two ales are on gas rather than hand pump. Has an upstairs lounge where they serve food. Very ornate mirrors on one wall and pictures of grey shire horses on another. Has a back area with comfy seats, also has a small area with a dartboard. Also has seating outside.