Yorkshire Grey, Fitzrovia, W1

Yet another late 18th century pub, rebuilt a century later. This is a Sam Smith’s pub, though the Charrington’s green banded windows have been retained. Small and simple inside, the pub is relatively long in relation to its width. The front half is more of a public bar, bare boarded with tall furniture and drinking ledges. The rear is more of a lounge, delineated from the front with a wood and glass partition, a bit like some form of secular rood screen. It’s carpeted, with conventional furniture and a coal-effect fire. The walls are chocolate brown Anaglypta to the dado, patterned orange wallpaper to the picture rail, then burgundy up to a white cornice and burgundy Anaglypta ceiling; all very Victorian, like the wall and ceiling lamps. The bar and pot shelf are attractive and could be original and there’s a restaurant upstairs. Customers were almost exclusively male and possibly gay; there seem to be other gay-friendly pubs in the area. The barmaid was very friendly, serving me a half of Old Brewery at £4.75, not the bargain Smith’s used to be, but drinkable. This is a nice pub for those who want something quiet and aren’t fussed by the choice – or lack of – beer, though is apparently closed on Sundays.

An attractive street corner local with a bar area at the front which could almost be described as a drinking corridor, leading as it does to a snug with a real fire at the rear of the pub, separated by half screens. (Toilets are downstairs.) It was almost 10pm when I arrived, with a winding down feel, but 10 minutes later the woman sitting in the corner opposite me was served with a monstrously large burger. There is Old Brewery Bitter on the bar, which was in good condition but didn't quite hit the spot like the previous pub (Fitzroy Tavern). Nevertheless I wouldn't mind calling here again when in the area.