The Crown, Soho, W1

I too was in The Crown on Friday lunchtime, and also thought that the Bengal Lancer was on good form. The beers were as mentioned by the previous reviewer, and as well they had a cauldron of mulled wine on the bar, and on the bar back they were advertising bottles of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Meantime Chocolate Ale. There was an inevitable smell of food pervading the place, and the food I saw being scoffed by a coule of punters looked OK, but I didn’t get to peruse a menu. This is a Nicholson’s pub that sits in Brewer St, pretty much in the heart of London’s red light district. It’s fairly typical for this part of the world. The bar counter is straight ahead as you enter, with a bit of seating in front of it, consisting mainly of tall stools at ledges. The room extends round to the left and back of the bar counter, with normal tables and chairs occupied mainly by diners as far as I could see. There’s nothing special about this pub – it’s a fairly basic West End Nicholson’s. I won’t go out of my way to visit again, but it’s OK for a pint when it’s not too busy.

The Crown stands on the site of the Hickford Rooms, London's premier concert hall in the 1740's and 1750's. According to blurb inside, Mozart played here on one occasion. It is now a pretty standard Nicholson's with, on my friday lunchtime visit, a rather uninspiring range of ales (Landlord, Pride, Doom Bar and the guest presence of Bengal Lancer and Brains SA). Still, Bengal Lancer (£3.35) was in good nick and service was friendly enough from the lone barman. The decor is regulations Nicholson's, with a mixture of wood and metal tables and traditional decor. This place is typical of many pubs in the area and as such it doesn't really stand out - nevertheless it wasn't a bad experience and I'd consider returning.

Randomness Guide to London - Crown entry

Randomness Guide to London - Crown entry

A very nice corner local, its a traditional London boozer and I imagine a meeting place for many locals. Friendly efficient service there is a wide choice of very well kept real ale

Official pages of the Crown, contains menu and real ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official pages of the Crown, contains menu and real ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

I had to wait a while to be served as the lone barman was in the middle of a large order. Two more people came to the bar just before he finished and he still had to ask who was next, although he was very polite. Pride, Landlord, Wainwright and Rev. James were all available along with a few standard lagers. There are better pubs nearby, so I doubt I'll ever return.