Stags Head, Fitzrovia, W1

A locals pub with some original wood panelling, bar counter and pillars which give it a place in Camra's heritage inventory with two stars for its historic interest. Unusually in my experience, there were two beers from Tring brewery and no other cask beers on. Not that I'm bothered, as Tring Side Pocket for a Toad can be a very nice beer when well kept. Date of visit: 8th January 2024

Official site of Stags Head - great-british-pubs.co.uk

Official site of Stags Head - great-british-pubs.co.uk

Dating from the mid-18th century and rebuilt in 1940 for Younger's, but appears to have some Charrington's lanterns and listed on CAMRA's inventory of pubs with historic interiors, this being listed of Regional Importance. The interior features much wood, notably the fluted columns. The floor is carpeted but it's gloomy in here, most of the light coming from sconces with orange bulbs; otherwise it comes from the two TVs showing the footie and darts simultaneously customers who weren't interested in watching. Décor seemed to come mainly from a huge number of Union Jacks fixed to the ceiling and dangling Union Jack bunting. The barmaid was very friendly and unusually for an Irish pub, there were two real ales on: Tring's Sidepocket and Moongazing at £2.55 and really quite nice. This isn't a bad place for a decent half, but the gloom, orange glow and bright TV (not to mention the rather jingoistic adornments) mean I doubt I'd rush back.