The One Tun, Fitzrovia, W1

This pub has been given a makeover since the last time I was in and, unusually for a Young’s house, it looks much cheaper and tattier than I remember. There are a couple of tall tables/tall stools at the front of the room, some booths on the right, and a couple of normal tables and chairs on the left. There’s a dartboard and fruit machines and the like at the back behind the central island bar. A couple of nice mirrors (Bass and Finches) are on opposing walls, plus the usual old black and white prints. Wi-fi and a quiz on Tuesdays are advertised. I was the only customer when I was in there soon after 3.00 PM, when the staff were busy sorting glasses and collecting menus from the tables (lunch is available from 12.00 to 3.00) and it had the feel of a pub about to close. But I wasn’t asked to leave, so I guess it was just the lull before the post-work storm. I do remember this as a nice cosy pub, which it doesn’t seem to be any more. I don’t think that I will be making this a regular haunt.

Something of a rarity these days - a Young's Pub that hasn't been given a seeing to by the modernisation squad. There's not much else of note about this place really - it serves the regulation beers from an island bar, has the regulation Young's 'high' seating (is it just me who dislikes it?) an a dartboard at the back. Fitzrovia as an area is getting more upmarket so you wonder how long this will last. One thing I would recommend is coming here for a pint either before or after a meal at Barrica next door, which serves probably the best tapas I've had outside of Spain.

Randomness Guide to London - One Tun entry

Randomness Guide to London - One Tun entry

A decent enough Youngs pub situated in the heart of Fitzrovia. Set out in a traditional style with a circular bar, wooden division screens, a few snugs, large mirrors and a few prints. Dart board area at the back and a basic TV for sport (they advertise a big screen but I didn't see it and it is hard to imagine anywhere practical to have it). Fruit machine / quiz machine. Quiz night on Tuesday. All things considered, a bit bland but decent Youngs beers and pleasant enough for a couple after work.

Youngs Special and Ordinary were available along with Bombardier, Fosters, Kronenburg and Heineken during my recent visit. The barmaid was extremely polite and friendly and she served me in between another large order. It's not difficult, but seldom seen anymore. The pub itself is nothing to write home about, but the service I received and the Bombardier I knocked back would make me return.

Official pages of the One Tun, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.youngs.co.uk

Official pages of the One Tun, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.youngs.co.uk