India Club (Hotel Strand Continental), Strand, WC2

No draught beer of any description.

Fascinating place, despite the Hotel Strand Continental being nothing like as grand as the name might suggest. You need to climb some distinctly tatty stairs to reach the first-floor India Bar and second-floor India Club dining room. Both of these have basic furniture and very simple 1940s decor which is actually quite calming in its own way. Only bottled beers are available in the bar, but you can bring your own alcohol (with no corkage fee) if eating. Brisk, efficient service at a reasonable price. It won't suit everybody, but we certainly enjoyed our visit.

India Club Bar official page - www.strand-continental.co.uk

The India Club was founded after the war to provide lodgings and victuals for staff of and visitors to the High Commission across the road. Nehru and Lady Mountbatten were founding members. Little has changed in the intervening 65 years. A tatty staircase leads you up to the hotel reception and the bar to your left. With independence era memorabilia and potted palms, it is redolent of times gone by. There's a fairly basic serving counter, bottles of Kingfisher and Cobra of course, and the usual wines and spirits. Indian snacks. It's popular with those who work around here as a refuge from the tourist infested pubs around here and the many who make a point of visiting when in the area. Next floor up is the restaurant. Canteen style: red lino and formica tables, could do with a coat of paint and very much of its time. They will get you drinks now: you used to have to fetch your own from downstairs. The food is lovely, though those expecting routine British curry house (or top Delhi hotel) will be confused. Service is variable. Some don't like it: the culture shock is too great. For others it's been a much loved institution for decades. Those familiar with tourist hotels in provincial India will feel completely at home. I won't give it a points score because you can't compare it with a British pub.

India Club Bar official page - www.strand-continental.co.uk