John Snow, Soho, W1

I'd had this one on my to do list for some time as I was a great fan of the England fast bowler when I was growing up, and it's good to see him getting some recognition. This is a Sam Smiths pub with a screen between the two bars that you can duck under - much like Garry Sobers wished he'd ducked under that bouncer from John Snow in the Oval test in 1966, instead of gloving it to Brian Close for a first ball dismissal. There's no real ale, unfortunately, and the keg version of Old Brewery Bitter was very cold. At the time of my visit this pub was operating card only - no cash accepted. There are so many things this pub could do better - a mosaic of John Snow running in to bowl, for example - but cleaning the toilets would be a good way to start. Date of visit: 15th September 2022

As usual with Soho pubs, this dates from the early 18th century, but was rebuilt in the late 18th for Watney’s. It was known as the Newcastle-upon-Tyne until the current name’s application in 1956. Given Humphrey’s admirable – for once – penchant for restoration, I’m not sure how much of the interior is original, but it’s very attractive and with its bottle green paint job, cream Anaglypta ceiling, dark wood, cut and etched glass, with pot boy doors between rooms, much like the Angel in Bermondsey, but not as challenging as those in Maida Vale’s Prince Alfred. With normal seating, banquettes and a ban on music, it’s very evocative of the Victorian age. Sadly, there’s no draught beer, the most appealing drink being Old Brewery on keg at a pricey – for Sam’s – £2.35 a half and drinkable once warmed up. As for customers, they were generally fairly young, the pub being a well-known gay venue but not so in-your-face (so to speak) as other gay venues around the Old Compton Street pink triangle a short walk from here, most congregated outside, drinking from plastic mugs. This is a very nice pub. With a good choice of real ales, this could be something of a destination.