Star & Garter, Soho, W1

Just when you think you've visited every pub worth knowing in Soho, you stumble across somewhere like this - a fine little traditional pub in the heart of the neighbourhood. The pub has a pretty impressive facade thanks in part to the excellent Courage livery including some excellent branded windows. There are two doors at the front, only one of which is still in action, but the compact interior does make you wonder how these could possibly have once led into different rooms. The room has scuffed bare boards which run around a U-shaped servery on the left hand side. The bar has an angular counter, mirrored bar back and a very smart wood and glass gantry plus an unusual rail hung from the ceiling from which all the spirit bottles are suspended. The gantry has a load of old radios, whisky boxes and other such accumulated bits on top. There is dark wood panelling throughout with a number of drinking ledges squeezed in between the various fixed benches and low stools that run around the perimeter of the room. The walls have been decorated with loads of old photos and paintings in military, seafaring and theatrical themed groups plus a huge Star and Garter mirror on the back wall, which is the real focal point for this part of the room. There are also a lot of old taps, beer engines and other items related to beer dispense, including one antique looking set of pumps that were apparently taken from the bar in the mid-1980's. Elsewhere, a high shelf displays a collection of plates, the ceiling beams are hung with tankards, pans, jugs and the like and there was a framed photo of a chap playing the spoons, with the spoons beside it in the same frame. I did notice a large TV screen in one corner, although I have to say it's hard to imagine it getting much use. Stairs lead up to a first floor bar, unexplored on this visit, which can be used for private functions. A simple ale range comprised Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA and Shepherd Neame Spitfire. I decided to try the Pride, which came in at £4.30 - about par for the course in Soho - and was in absolutely tip-top condition, so full marks to the cellarmanship of the owners, who have apparently been in-situ for over thirty years now. The previous three reviewers have all used the term 'Old School' to define this place and I think that is probably a fitting summation of this fine old pub. With only one change of landlord in over fifty years, consistency and resisting the urge to overhaul has been key to allowing this place to develop plenty of character and charm. I really liked the atmosphere in here and was very pleased to enjoy an outstanding pint of a beer so often poorly presented. A good find in a part of London it is easy to feel a little jaded about and I'm sure I'll be back fairly soon.

Old school - in a beautiful way. Everything about this pub is perfect. Photos at my blog - http://bit.ly/2dAN8k3

A right old-fashioned (in a good way) pub retaining two entrance doors just one seat-width apart. Compact rectangular bar with the counter set against one wall and a smattering of furniture on the other three sides. Benefits from just the sort of traditional decor that you would expect having seen the attractive baskets of hanging flowers on the façade. Three real ales on handpump: the never-changing Greene King IPA, Pride and Spitfire (£4.10, but in fine form).