The Sekforde, Clerkenwell, EC1

Called in along a walk between Farringdon and Angel, and very glad I did. Quite a plain exterior covered with light brown tiling at ground floor level. Compact bar in a modest wedge-shaped room with another small seating area beyond (and some signage indicating an upstairs room). Sparsely decorated, with dark floorboards and just a hint of threadbare carpet. Four real ales on, with Ordinary and Special plus Deuchars IPA and the seasonal Mauldons Broomstick Bitter (quality, if a bit pricey at £3.45) as guest ales. Let's hope that the Youngs corporate makeover team steer clear of this fine old-fashioned boozer.

Enviously occupying a position in a set of Georgian terraces, this pub gets good vibes off here for one very good reason; It is a totally unmodernised Youngs pub in an area you'd least expect it. An unspoilt, locals sort of pub, I enjoyed my short stay in there without being totally knocked for six. Bombardier, Special, Bitter and London Gold were available, the latter in solid nick. On a saturday afternoon it was pretty empty, and I overheard the barmaid saying that was usually the case which is a shame because I imagine it is one of the few traditional boozers left in the area - which does beg the question, how long will it last in its current form?

This is a Young’s pub with the usual ales on, but they did have an excellent guest ale in Butcombe Bitter. Like previous reviewers, I quickly realised that this was an unpretentious backstreet pub that has somehow survived in its current form so close to the centre of town. Inside it’s very traditional – carpeted floor, metal framed round tables, banquettes, and small stools. Food is served at lunchtime, and in the evenings. The menu looks pretty basic, with staples like fish and chips coming in at £5.95. There’s nothing really special about this pub, with its simplicity being part of the appeal, for me at least. I’ve been here several times before, and will undoubtedly visit again.

Yes , will concur, the Sekforde Arms is a traditional street-corner local hidden away in the Georgian back street of Clerkenwell a short hop from the Clerkenwell Road. Apparently it’s named after Thomas Sekforde, a distinguished lawyer who patronised the area and the pub were built around 1840. It’s very welcoming on approach, being tastefully decked out with hanging baskets in summer, and is equally inviting inside with a traditional décor as well described by the reviewer below. The beers on during my visit were Youngs Bitter and London Gold and the guest was CW Waggledance. The London Gold was a well kept pint. This is a fine back street local and long may it stay this way. I will definitely be back when in the area again.

Randomness Guide to London - Sekforde Arms entry

Randomness Guide to London - Sekforde Arms entry

A little tucked away but probably the better for it, occupies a corner on a couple of Georgian streets, interesting curved front elevation in the crook of the two roads. The exterior has I'd guess original yellowish (ochre) tiles. The bar is opposite the side...perhaps now the main.....entrance, as the pub is now all one space. Despite this there is an area beyond a central chimney with an arch either side to a seperate area complete with a dartboard. The bar itself is fairly attractive if not original, seating is of the round three legged cast iron table variety with stools and upholstered banquettes. Half wood panelling, curtains at the leaded windows, a few local pics of yore plus the Sekforde Coat of Arms. Red painted possibly Lincrusta ceiling, all in all, a good old traditional London pub, not yet and hopefully not to be "improved" by Youngs/Wells. The usual Youngs range of Bitter, Special and Bombardier, although there is a guest policy here. Just gone was Titanic Iceberg, coming soon St Austell Tribute..................on at the time of my visit the "guest" was Courage Best. Hmm, always the lucky one. Food was going down well and no wonder, very competitive prices with sandwiches for around £3, snacks and so for similar and mains around the £5-6 mark. A short trot from Farringdon Stn, worth a look in I'd say. Good old style traditional pub.