The Greencoat Boy, SW1

This would seem to be match the previous reviews, but given the large number of rainbow flags inside and out, the pub, like Cary Grant “…just went gay all of a sudden!”. A modern floor, stripped wood with black walls and ceiling, tall furniture, topped with menus in metal baskets, except in a small, raised ballustered area, where furniture is normal but still decorated with laminated menus. Lighting comes from flush downlighters in the ceiling, hipster filament things and spun steel shades over the bar, with its modern bar back. There were two TVs showing PowerPoint slideshows of the pub’s wares, noisy muzak playing over proceedings. Décor comprises hanging ferns and a pink fluorescent sign reading ‘Good Vibes’ – where exactly? Ales: GK IPA, Abbot and GK Birra Colada, so it was yet another half of Neck Oil for £3.30. This isn’t a great pub, even by the low standards of Victoria and with the lack of any drinkable independent ale, I’ll not be back.

One of my regular haunts when working in London. I often call in here for one on my way from the Home Office to some of the circa 723 pubs in the area selling Pride. It's a pleasant, fairly standard city centre boozer usually stocking a safe beer selection including a good pint of Youngs Ordinary. It's nothing special, but for some reason I like it.

Official site of The Greencoat Boy - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Greencoat Boy - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

As described, it’s a single bar GK town pub, though there is a basement bar which opens occasionally. The most interesting architectural feature is an ornate fireplace which has been marred by inclusion of a modern insert. There is a TV screen which was off. Staff are sloppy and immature, and there is no real atmosphere. Food is the standard GK mass produced fodder selected from a fixed laminated menu. Ales were GK IPA, Abbott and Greencoat Boy’s Best Bitter (3.9ABV), whatever that was. It’s a functional pub but by no means the best in the area.