The Duke of Wellington, Soho, W1

An old Soho pub, now patronised by the gay fraternity, which is fairly sparsely furnished with high tables and stools leaving an expanse of floor. Lounge bar upstairs. Just Doom Bar on handpump and nothing much to demand a repeat visit.

This pub dates from the start of the 19th century, but I suspect was rebuilt before the 20th, originally the Marquis of Wellington, probably renamed when Wellesley’s title got an upgrade. This is a much more full-on gay venue than the Kings Arms, but is nowhere near the same league as Comptons across the road. The interior is quite restrained for a fairly modernised pub, with white paint and conventional tall furniture, mainly to the periphery. There was disco lighting, quite loud music and only one other woman (?). There was real ale of sorts in the form of Doom, so it was yet another half of Kronenbourg (£2.75), served by a friendly barman. This pub is more conventional than expected, though is obviously gay, unsurprising given its location within Soho’s gay village.

Official site of The Duke of Wellington - www.dukeofwellingtonsoho.co.uk

Official site of The Duke of Wellington - www.dukeofwellingtonsoho.co.uk

A street corner pub with an open plan ground floor,three doors,lots of black flock weallpaper and a hard wood flooring with the muzak turned up high.It was very noisy.The pub is LBGT+ friendly as you might expect in Soho but this is not shoved down your throat,the barmen were charming if a little over coiffured.Couples are tolerated and outside there were many mixed sex groups.Go up to the first floor if you are looking for calm,there is a small bar here together with traditional furniture in a two section set up.The staircase leads to a second floor but I didn't investigate. The main servery on the ground floor has two handpumps service Doom Bar and London Pride (drinkable but pricey at £4.65.) I had just popped in for a quick one ,thirsty after a sweaty tube journey but this is not my sort of pub and with boring ale it is one I will swerve next time I'm in Soho.

No real ale, dark interior very busy on my visit and quite apparently a gay pub.