The White Horse, Soho, W1

If you want a quiet drink and a seat try this Sam Smiths pub,there are normally more people outside than in.A typical SS interior ,but looking rather worn,it's all wood panelling,dividers,no screens,muzak,machines and little atmosphere. The island bar serves three sections,with a lack of furniture in the largest section which leads to the staircase to the restaurant.The rear snug is descete but the door here is unused as is another side door,so enter at the apex. Just SS Old Brewery Bitter on handpump (clear,old school hop lite malt based NBSS 2.5,£2.35 the half) along with the usual SS kegs and spirits which I think throws tourists looking for branded lager fonts and spirit bottles. Not much need to return,how long can SS keep their pubs in a time warp ?

A typical Soho corner pub, dating from the early 18th century, but obviously rebuilt, probably in the 19th. As mentioned, this is a Sam Smith’s pub which isn’t as ornate as some in the vicinity; it’s a bit basic, but not in an unpleasant way. There’s much in the way of etched glass, but how much is original, I don’t know. There’s either dark wood match boarding or brown paint to the dado, then magnolia walls. There’s also ginger wallpaper and a grey ceiling. The bar is also field panelled but without bar back. The floor appears to be lino and lighting comes from typical Victorian-style lamps and sconces; décor is minimal, just a few framed prints. The only thing approximating to ale on offer, was Old Brewery on keg, but oddly there were two pumps for the stuff, clips reversed; do some people prefer it on keg? Either way, it was £2.35 a half and typically far too cold. Beer aside, there are better, more attractive Smith’s outlets in the area and possibly with OB on pump, providing little incentive for a return visit.

Sam Smiths pub but more basic and workaday than a number of their other central London offerings. Island bar serves three drinking areas which are separated and is ostensibly a U shaped bar. The usual dark wood fittings in situ. I went for a pint of the Stout, one of the better Sam’s keg offerings. Cask OBB is available, must be relatively recent based on reviews below and elsewhere. Crawl fodder only I think.