Blue Posts, Fitzrovia, W1

A simple single room boozer with varnish panelling, leaded windows, tiled entrance floor and a deep plum ceiling – just the right side of austere. Darts available and was being enthusiastically played by a group of lads on our Friday mid-afternoon visit. If you are in search of comforts, the upstairs lounge is very plush with a roaring fire. Cask OBB is available here and I tried one, really good nick it was too (NBSS 4). It’s not one of the more stunning examples of the Sam’s London estate but is a fair stop-off, nonetheless.

A return visit to this late Victorian pub after at least 25 years and no surprise, nothing has changed though I can't remember if this was a Sam Smith's outlet at that time though given the location, chances are it probably was. A traditional, basic yet atmospheric interior with around three conventional tables and thereafter high stools and ledges; there's a dartboard though it's not exactly in a 'safe' area. Old Brewery Bitter was on pump and it was...OBB - not great, drinkable and nothing more. If this pub were in different ownership with a good ale selection this could be a fine place but as such, it's ok. The trouble is, that this corner of London is Sam Smith's Central.

One of five pubs in a small area of central London sharing this curious name of disputed origin. This one is a Sam Smiths house comprising a small rectangular Public Bar downstairs and a larger two-part 'L'-shaped Lounge Bar at first-floor level. A few interesting features including the tiled floor at the main entrance. OBB available from handpump in both bars, but the former low-low prices are a thing of the past with the Extra Stout now £3.40 a pint.