The Sun & 13 Cantons, Soho, W1

An odd name for a pub, but clearly not a "made-up" modern name as the name is set in stone on the side of the building. Possibly a combination of two very old licences - a Swiss connection perhaps. The main bar area is pretty ghastly - the walls and ceilings are painted a fashionable black, with only tall benches/stools/tables and nowhere comfortable to sit. A separate room at the back is more comfortable with normal tables and chairs, and looks to be a dining area as there was a young bloke hanging around the entrance looking like a waiter. There is a nice old capitalled pillar in the bar area; the bar counter looks inter-war, but the bar back, though in victorian style, is clearly a more modern piece. There were water dispensers, with yellow things (lemons possibly) in them on the counter. Even though this is apparently a Fuller's pub, there's no real ale. A half of Beavertown Neck Oil set me back £3. There were menus on the tables labelled "Donnelly's" which must be the name of the current gastro "residency". It included snacks such as "Rosie's pork pie with piccalilli" at £6.50. Main courses were from 12 (£s presumably) upwards, for some kale salad, and more for things I wouldn't want to eat. One sees these attractive looking old pubs and is tempted into them, but this is not a "pub" to where I'm likely to return.

A foody pub with no real ale.

Official site of The Sun & 13 Cantons - www.sunand13cantons.co.uk