Victoria Taps, SW1

I used to know this pub when it was the Warwick Arms more than 30 years, before it became the ridiculously named Elusive Camel, and I dropped in the other day to see what had been done to it. The answer is nothing good. It's now very much like a cocktail bar. It's all armchairs and sofas, modern replacement boarding, arty lighting, and black/indigo painted walls. There's no real ale of course, just the usual fizzy stuff. I can't see me returning.

Traditional pub exterior (temporarily masked by scaffolding), but very much a modern bar inside. Rather awkward layout with a narrow bar which widens out a bit at the far end plus a small side room. Not only no real ale but also no keg bitter, so opted for bottled Bombardier from the fridge. With the paucity of decent beer and a lack of atmosphere, it's not the sort of place I would normally choose to visit.

This is a late bar/club with loud music and only Staropramen and Becks on draught, which were both off during my fleeting visit. One to avoid if looking for decent pint and convivial atmosphere.