The Footman, Mayfair, W1

Situated just off Berkeley Square, this is a posh local for posh locals. It has a very un-publike front door and minimalist interior decor: dark wood to waist level and white paint above. I won't mention the prices - oh, I just did - but don't plan on having a session here. Ales on were TT Landlord, Portobello Star and a house beer of unknown origin but presumably something from Greene King.

Dating from 1749, this was originally the Running Footman, named after the footmen who ran in front of coaches to act as some sort of advance warning. Rebuilt in 1937, this has undergone an assortment of footman-themed names since the original: I Am The Only Running Footman, Only Running Footman and now just Footman – may I suggest just Foot for the next round? It’s a strange-looking building, with five floors and shutters. Now under the Metropolitan Pub Co. banner and visited once around five years ago, I can remember little of the place other than that it was packed due to the small bar area, so my friends and I spent the evening outside. I don’t recall an enjoyable experience, visiting only as it was a friend’s choice of destination; there are better pubs in Mayfair.

Sadly the original pub name has been shortened,with the loss of some historic interest.It's a 30's building owned by Greene King,while the interior is now open plan with a large drinking shelf running along the bay window and other front window with bar stools offering a street view.There is also a fitted bench seating area to the rear ,but clearly the open area around the bar is designed for verticle drinking at busy times.A roped off area on the front pavements is another option at busy times. There is a first floor restaurant ,and further rooms for hire higher up,but the menu looked very expensive to me ,with mains starting at £15. Four handpumps were delivering GK IPA and Abbott,plus a house Footmans Best (no provenance but likely a GK horror story ) with a guest Southwark London Pale Ale (tepid,on the turn). I used to work next door but it's not improved over the last 15 years and I can see no reason to rush back.

Official site of The Only Running Footman - www.thefootmanmayfair.com

Official site of The Only Running Footman - www.thefootmanmayfair.com

About two-thirds of this pub is set aside for diners, meaning that there is very little space left for those just having a drink (who were in the majority, when I visited). The bar staff are also clothed in butchers' aprons, which makes for a curious sight in a British pub. However, it does offer three real ales - Old Speckled Hen, Youngs Ordinary and Bombardier (an eye-watering £3.80, but thankfully in good shape).