please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Had a swift Wheat Beer here yesterday. It seems quite pleasant - but no cask ale, as has previously been noted by rpadam.
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There is indeed a comedy club (every Wednesday at 8.30)
http://www.pearshapedcomedy.com
and if you want to read about the history of the pub
our CEO Brian Damage compiled this
http://www.pearshapedcomedy.com/Fitzroy.htm
Anthony Miller
Managing Director
Pear Shaped in Fitzrovia
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A jewel in the Samuel Smith empire.
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Cheap and cheerful, but although I don't even drink OBB out of choice, I am still offended that it doesn't serve any cask beer. Even if only 1% of the clientele wanted to buy real ale, there would ample demand to justify installation of some handpumps. I can't image why Sam Smiths persist with this approach for some, but not all, of their central London pubs (it just seems pig-headed to me). Having said all that, a nice pint of stout, as always...
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Some Sam Smiths pubs have a rather manufactured historic feel to them but this one just oozes its own past. The walls are adorned with old photos of the pub, many including its first licensee 'Pop' Kleinfeld and famous customers from the artistic fields in the 50’s. It is said that the pub existed before Fitzrovia itself and gave the area it’s name. It’s worth visiting during quieter times just to stroll around the pub looking at the old photos and historic documents. As others have said there is no cask OBB and the service was indifferent, I was asked quite off-handedly if I knew the prices had gone up and was a bit undecided as to whether this was a pleasant courtesy or if I looked like a bloke who would walk out for the sake of 5p, or whatever the increase was.
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Packed out but a generally good vibe... didn't notice rude staff but they were really busy, expected for a Saturday night.
Not bad but there are better pubs in the area.
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The only thing animated about this pub is the bar staff's aggressive attitude to its customers. Interesting history as a mainstay of Fitrovian culture but - alike modern day England one could say -it has a certain stranded feel of melancholy and hopelessness about it.
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Well, I do like the Fitzroy, but it can get terribly crowded. It`s a friendly, convivial, and *very* cheap place to drink. The staff are often overworked, however, but I have to say that I`ve never once experienced any rudeness, even when it`s obvious that they are working their arses off.
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The staff in this pub were rude all night to all of my friends, and when, at the end of the evening, I tried to make a polite suggestion that they might want to improve customer service, they were even ruder to me. They suggested that the rudeness was justified because they had 'worked 180 hour weeks.'. Firstly, this can't be true. Secondly, if itthey have worked long shifts, it's not my fault but the manager's. Thirdly, I'm not saying bar work isn't hard, and I've worked long shifts myself,but it's no excuse to be rude to polite customers. The drinks might be cheap, but I will never go to this pub again. There are plenty of other more pleseant sam smith's pubs in the area - I advise you to visit the Groom and Horses on Great Portland Street instead.
suzyw - 17 Nov 2007 23:58 |
I drink in this pub on the first Thursday of a month, as there is an informal meeting of Doctor Who fans. This is the only reason I visit this pub.
As this is a Sam Smith's pub, the drink is astonishingly cheap, but deservedly so. There is no real ale - indeed, no branded beer at all (apart, of course, from Sam Smiths). The staff are indifferent at best, and rude at worst (though I do realise it can get very crowded, and for health and safety reasons they have to keep the outside crowd from blocking the pavement).
There are pubs with better (though not cheaper) ale - and if cost really is your issue, you might find a Weatherspoons more to your taste, if you want a selection of real ales. It's a shame, since the location is good, and the building is nice.
Ah well.
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The staff in this pub are rude. I've observed them serving short pints to many customers. When I asked for my pint to be topped up, the barmaid denied that she had poured a short pint, even though it was clear that it was short of the pint line. She then proceeded to top up the pint with dregs from another glass, which shows their attitude to hygiene.
Service is generally sharp and rude - no pleases or thankyous. Expect to wait for ages to be served, and don't expect staff to serve customers in any fair order.
It's a shame because this really ought to be a good pub: it's in a good location with outside seating, the decor is ok and Sam Smiths beer is cheap and cheerful. But avoid it until they sort ther staff out: there are plenty of good pubs in the area such as the Bricklayers Arms, the Marquis de Granby, or the Three Tuns.
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Good quality and value pub food, cracking beers, a real gem of a pub.
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As many people have already said the pub is too crowded, so I recommand getting there early unless you don't mind standing for HOURS. I waited until the smoking ban was in force until I visted for only
my second time. Met up with some Doctor Who fans (1st Thursday of the month).
Will consider going back (but as I said, it gets busy really quickly).
Roxy641
P.S. More staff needed at pub...Not that landlords ever seem to take notice :( Only gave it a 6 score as it is so poorly staffed.
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A decent Sam Smith's pub with their usual range of drinks and a few tables outside for when the weather is nice. You're not allowed to stray more than a metre or so from the building though, and the bar staff often come out to enforce this. There's a comedy night downstairs here every Wednesday called Pear Shaped (you can Google for their website) which, at a fiver for 2 hours of entertainment, is excellent. Be prepared for some good, some bad and some downright ugly but it's a small intimite venue and we had a great time.
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great grub rubbish ale, end of story pal
the steak was like butter in my mouth but the ale tasted like ashes in comparison
hats off to the landlord though
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SORRY THE CHAMPION DOESN'T HAVE HANPUMPS EITHER TRY THE BLUE POSTS
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Yet another Sam Smith's pub with NO Handpumps, if you mwant a decent pint of bitter go to the Champion
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On a cold winters night nothing beats slipping into a steamy fitzroy tavern, kick off your shoes, grab a pint of Alpine lager, just simply join a table and join in the conversation. I have made untold friends in this pub. They also do great chicken goujons
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Legendarily cheap & tasty beer. One of the few decent boozers in Central London.
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Expect a minimum 20 minute wait to get served on Thursday/Friday night. Not knocking the bar staff who do do their best, but the management who refuse to hire more staff.
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A fine pub; good value and good quality beer!
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Why are there never enough staff on when it's always so busy. Go somewhere else if you want a few beers on a Friday night
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Superb interior but lack of any hand-pulled beers lets it down
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I actually prefer Sam Smith's German-style wheat beer to (Belgian) Hoegarden - I am probably alone in that respect
anonymous - 8 Aug 2006 22:17 |
Too right. If Sam's won't even stock decent lagers, apart from their own, why expect them to stock bad ones?
The Fitzroy has had its ups and downs over the years, but continues to do what it says on the tin, provided the tin reads cheap but basic pub that isn't a JD Wetherspoon and therefore is not frequented by the socially and intellectually inadequate in alarming numbers.
Like other long-term Sam's devotees, I was alarmed when the Old Brewery Bitter went from draft to keg in here, and for a good few years now the cider has been more or less undrinkable, but there is now Pure Brewed Lager on draft as well as the former Heffe Weiss (aka the poor man's Hoegarden) which is now sold as just Wheat Beer. So all that remains is the perenniel Sam's problem of being there with a work crowd who may want wines or spirits but will find only obscure brands that other pubs wouldn't even stock to sell as cheap house doubles.
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I love the Old Brewery bitter, particularly when its in a plastic pint glass (usually on busy Fridays) strangely tastes better that way
Cant say I agree with the comment from Stench re: Budweiser, I think millions of drinkers world wide, who love the cool taste of a Bud make me right on that one
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The last three reviews are completely random. So much so I want to draw attention to them.
First, you've got a punter who lives entirely in a world of his own - mate, this isn't anything like a Parisian salon, god knows what reminds you of Blake, and the wine is awful. Second fella thinks Yates Wine Lodges are "trendy". The last one makes a totally irrelevant reference to Thatcher and then laments the fact that a Sam Smiths house doesn't serve an incredibly awful beer which is rarely found on tap in England anyway (Budweiser - I'm assuming you meant the yank gnats piss and not the decent Czech variety).
Three nutters or one nutter with a split personality? Who knows.
This pub is a good one to know. Staff aren't interested. Sam Smiths beers only (its a tied house). Interior comfortable but uninteresting. Lots of history but seen better days. Lovely location with great seating outside - big plus.
anonymous - 4 Aug 2006 22:31 |
My father often talked of this pub during my childhood and was a regular visitor during those terrible Thatcher years of the mid eighties. I visited for the first time last week and enjoyed myself enormously, although it would have been better had there been budweiser on tap. Spotted Bill Treacher (Arthur Fowler from Eastenders) enjoying a quiet pint near the jukebox.
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You know, I think that a lot of people have had their expectations of pubs coloured by those trendy bars such as Albarone and Yates Wine Lodge. This is what drinking should be about; good locally sourced and produced authentic beers; hearty food; cheery staff; and comfortable surroundings. This place serves some of the finest Weiss beers this side of Leek. A personal favourite.
PS try the scampi chips, they're divine!
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I think a number of your reviewers are missing the charm of this traditional olde worlde pub. The gothic splendour of this place reminds me very much of the work of William Blake. I've always found the atmosphere very convivial and almost reminiscent of the salons of Paris I used to frequent in my youth. Although, in many ways, I'm glad that the yuppies don't like coming here so that I can enjoy my glass (es!!) of Italian rioja in peace.
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Sam Smiths, cheap beer, tired interior, though nice on a summers evening if you can tolerate the utterly useless `ossie` staff. Even when the place is half empty they are rubbish, slow and thick.
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It's a Sam Smiths pub, so you know what you're getting to drink. Reasonable beers at prices that knock everything else in the area into a cocked hat. Always busy, though, so difficult to get a table. BUT the staff are fantastic - actually capable of dealing with several customers at once and keep things moving.
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Its in store street so Im positive about bumping into them but you're right stonch I have gone too far about the comments about col students but I still hate this pub.
juzza - 11 Jun 2006 23:00 |
Juzza what is your massive problem with College of Law students? You have mentioned them in several reviews? Am I missin something, or is the college of law not on chancery lane? If so why do you claim this pub which is miles away from there gets full of them? Are you sure you are reviewing the right place.
This pub has some things going for it - cheap Sam Smith's beer (no real ale however, so stick to the pure brewed lager/wheat beer/bottled ales), a wide pavement, outdoor seating, and a a leafy charlotte street setting. Good for summer, not very good for winter.
anonymous - 9 Jun 2006 10:04 |
You have got to be joking this pub is awful Ill be honest Im not a fan of Sam Smith pubs but this is really a terrible pub full of college of law students thinking they're Gods gift. avoid guys!!
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Good cheap pub. Charlotte steet atmosphere is excellent in the summer for standing around outside. I think the bar staff are great - there's not enough of them but they always know who's next and seem to be able to serve about 4 people at once. Would definitely benefit from a smoking ban inside though.
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Good cheap products, as good as brand name stuff. Would be nice if the brewery forked out for a renovation though. Stick around long enough and see just how hard (and how long!) the staff work.
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Cant see the appeal of this pub cr*p atmosphere and these awful sam smith brands
juzza - 31 Mar 2006 14:11 |
worst pub ever, a barmaid called nicole was the rudest most obnoxious girl i have ever met.
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I have in the past had a lot of time for this place. However on Sunday afternoon it was pretty miserable. The bar maid was doing her best, but the place had a strangely depressed atmosphere. The absence of any real ale is sad for such a historic pub. Had a pint of wheat beer which was nice. We were starving so ordered a main course of chilli between us - just about half decent for £6.50.
My view is that this is a summer pub - outside in the street is where you want to be as the interior is gloomy and tired.
anonymous - 27 Mar 2006 10:41 |
Possibly, one of the best Sam Smith pubs in London. Excellent busy atmosphere on week nights, chilled out by day and at weekends. Staff not the greatest, lack of maybe: esp on a Friday night. The keg bitter is cheap and mostly nasty, invest in their gorgeous Oatmeal Stout or Nut Brown Ale by the bottle, and the night will just fly by. Recommended.
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Ace pub love it, Dripping with history which is displayed in the photos on the walls, cosy downstairs and snug upsatirs with people lining the pavement out side 3 deep in summertime.
Of course its also a Sam Smiths pub so the beer is good and the prices are fanatstic. This used to be my work local and i just keep going back.
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Sam Smiths beer, on the whole, is not bad. The Hefe Weisse, despite being brewed in the UK, is pretty authentic tasting; the Oatmeal Stoute, Pale Ale and Porter in bottles are incredibly good, and the new Pure Brewed Lager is an excellent, crisp-tasting lager served in tall glasses. The Fitzroy is probably my favourite Sam Smiths pub, although it's sometimes too busy.
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Good Cheap Beer. Good service on a Friday night.
Very busy pub, good atmosphere - a nice place.
Only problem was that staff were very keen to get people to move on once time was called.
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Top boozer, good beer and cheap compared to the other pubs in the area
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Famous literary pub used by Dylan Thomas and others in the 1930's - gave its name to the Fitzrovia area. Photos of the pub's history are on the walls - including the "Pennies From Heaven" charity fund-raising when people would pin bank notes on the pub ceiling. The atmospheric and cosy downstairs bar has photos of Dylan Thomas drinking at the pub. A traditional Sam Smith's pub, though lacking much of the charm and original features of some of the other Sam Smith pubs. A suitable gloomy atmosphere which with imagination could evoke romantic associations with the intellectual and artistic crowd from the 1930's, but, to be honest, is mostly quite ordinary. If you don't know the pub's history then this is just another pub - nice, but nothing special. However, given the pub's history, this is an essential stop if you're in the area. The keg stout was served with too much nitro, making it over foamy, but it had a pleasant dry bitterness and was quite acceptable.
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Ok - I admit it; I love the Fitzy for its Heffe Weiss - my all-time favourite beer (don't bother me where it's brewed it tastes great). The worse, most miserable manager in the universe; rude, obnoxious and, if you're a woman, don't even try asking him to serve you.. as for the Fitzroy's rule on a Friday night to dispense with washing glasses after 8 and pour everything into plastic cups - like, just what IS that about?
anonymous - 22 Jul 2005 15:13 |
Alright - I`ll concede from the outset that the syphilis may well have got its scabby claws on the last remaining parts of my frontal lobes. However, I still maintain solidly that a cockney dealers white van must have done at almighty junk fart from the Fitzroys entrance as there is no other reasonable explanation for the chaotic mixture of tat and second hand weirdness that has come to rest in its interior. Seriously, can anyone really tell me that this spread of mismatched clutter has been laid intentionally down by a rationale human mind? Not only does no table match either its accompanying chair or the table next to it (ditto for beer mats, stools, pictures etc), but the shear amount of stuff and its crazy placement makes any attempt to cross the floor a serious test of dexterity.
Of course, all of this madness does lend the Fitzroy a real dose of character, even if it’s of the deranged lunatic variety. After all central London more than any other area of the UK is rapidly succumbing to the bland chain pub virus, a fact that makes any place with a smidgen of individuality is a welcome relief.
Unfortunately though this big bonus is lessened considerably by the Fitzroy’s serious customer service problems. This isn’t a slight at the staff, who are bloody hard working, but at that fact there simply aren’t enough of them. Quite why the management don’t realise this is beyond me as not only is the end result a serious loss of cash for them personally but also an infuriatingly long wait for anyone looking to quench their thirst from 5pm onwards on any night of the week. This is a real shame as while the prices maybe typically London, the drink selection is pretty decent (on all fronts) and the clientele very pleasant – but all of this (along with the character) is heavily dampened by the deep queues all customers have to endure.
As a result despite my desire to give the Fitzroy a 7 or an 8 I`m going to have to go for an average 6. No matter how good the surroundings or the vibe, if you cant get a pint within four hours of stepping through the door its not going to get anything other than average.
pgazz - 10 Jul 2005 21:21 |
OK, and I liked the wheat beer. It might be UK-brewed, but as one who has lived in Germany, it passed muster.
Agree with the inadequate staffing comments. I nearly died of thirst waiting for a jar.......
jcraf - 10 Jun 2005 17:41 |
Not sure about this place. Inadequately understaffed even at peak times, it'll take you an age to get a drink. No big-brand beers but thats ok as the quality is good. Great to sit outside in summer, but inside can seem a bit of a dive. Even so i've spent a few good evenings there. Worth a look in
crisp - 25 May 2005 13:10 |
As mentioned, great beer (especially the Heffe-Weissr) and it has a slightly rambling, if overcrowed and extremely smokey, atmosphere. It's also great to stand, or sit , outside with a pint in the summer.
However, it gets very overcrowed in the evenings and can take up to 30mins to get served. There are not enough staff serving and don't even dare to question whether it is your turn to be served as I was basically shouted out of the pub by the landlord for doing so.
All in all, if you enjoy good beer, overcrowding and being treated like dirt by the classy bar staff it's the pub for you!
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A Sam Smiths chain pub. No real ale, but good cheap tap beer.
Don't be conned by the "German" wheat beer, its brewed in England and
is not great quality.
Generally has a good vibe, but has lots of large groups of rowdy
drinkers. Inside, the music is too loud in the evening and if you can't
get a table there's too much pushing past to be relaxed. So it's better in summer
when you can stand outside.
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Great sams pub on the fashionable Charlotte street great beer at cheap prices, lots of history great in summer for outside seats and tables fast and friendly service keeps bringing me back, just cant stay away!!!
anonymous - 14 Apr 2005 00:42 |
Nice enough pub, but not much fun drinking outside where you are constantly chivvied for cash by the packs of roving smackheads.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2005 14:32 |
Does anyone realise that George Orwell used to be a regular when he lived in Fitzrovia?
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Ahhh…now this is what a London pub should be! Take heed all you bland chain pub zombies...get out of the All Bar None and get your self down here!
A great range of beers, ales and stouts...super fast service...beautiful & historic surrounds and loads of atmosphere. How much can a Koala bear?
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One of my favourite London pubs. Tremendous watering-hole. Excellent Sam Smith brews (and at £1.68 for the Sovereign or Old Brewery, dirt cheap for the area). Do still play some (quiet) music, good mix, nothing too lame.
But beware - thieves very active in this pub/area - have had mates deprived of all sorts; coats, wallets, souls etc.
Added bonus: Icco is just about a block north on the corner - some of the best value genuine pizza in london. Perfect bite before hitting the pub.
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Any Samuel Smith pub gets a thumbs up. Cheap, good beer - especially in the city. Usually a pretty good atmosphere. There's not enough of these around.
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Benn going here for years for cheapo mid-week beer-ups. Quite simply a great pub in a great location.
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Brilliant pub. Great looking pub, cheap because it sells the Samuel Smith range, and great location...What more do you need.
Perhaps if Samuel Smith still had music in their pubs it would be perfect..
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A beautiful old English 'island bar' (ie. the bar is in the middle with seating all around it).
One of the nicest looking Samuel Smith pubs around. Absolutley full of atmosphere.
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The Fitzroy Tavern is a great pub. I regularly go with the Doctor Who crowd on the first Thursday of the month. I would recommend this pub to anyone who wishes to stop for a drink while up town. Great atmosphere and great prices to, try the Princess Louise in Holborn to (another Sam Smith pub).
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i used to manage this pub for sam smiths (circa 1987-89) along with my then... other half and i absolutely loved the atmosphere which was a mixture of new bohemia, office and hospital workers and even some locals! it is a pub absolutely steeped in history and has had many famous 'writers and artists' among their clientele
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Quality beer served at a quality pub. Nice and cosy. Worth seeking out. Interesting range of beers and lagers, which is typical of a Sam Smiths pub. Nice not to see Fosters, Stella & London Pride for once. Well worth seeking out.
Simon - 5 Nov 2004 07:35 |
Good centre-of-town meeting place, ace beer too.
Darryl - 25 Oct 2004 18:15 |
quality boozer as it should be - a busy pub can be a good thing, this pub is busy for a reason, it's a good pub. Great pint of stout too!
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Packed in here on a Saturday - Go to one of the quieter ones.
A good pub though, as it is Sam Smiths.
TheGP - 21 Sep 2004 14:06 |
Yeah good totty. The totty's good. Try the organic beer too if you're health conscious.
Tonio Cubio - 17 Sep 2004 13:03 |
My mate drinks here. He loves it. So if you see someone that looks like Charles Hawtery, (from the Carry On's), then go and have a word with him as he's a good lad who loves his ale.
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Mate had a bag nicked in here a while back, so watch out if it's busy.
Grecian - 23 Aug 2004 14:51 |
feels like a local pub in the middle of London.well done Pete,forever the best landlord!
Iestyn - 16 Aug 2004 22:41 |
My favourite boozer in Fitzrovia for cheapness and its location. The bar service is dead slow when it's busy though - they NEVER have enough bar staff.
Nick - 13 Aug 2004 16:29 |
Not the best Sam Smith's pub in London, but worth a visit all the same. Friendly staff and good prices. Tends to fill up with too many suits for my liking, you'd think they could afford to drink at more expensive pubs! :p Gets very packed most nights.
Larry - 19 May 2004 15:34 |
Another fab Sam Smiths boozer with bitter and Ales under £2 a pint. BLOODY MARVELLOUS. Great to stand out on the broad street and watch the world go by day or night. Put it this way, I dislike the west end but this is a pleasant oasis.
Dan - 7 May 2004 09:41 |
the fitzroy tavern is a great place to be on a friday night esp in the summer good beer good people great staff. i would not be seen anywhere else.
l - 9 Mar 2004 21:52 |
A great, cheap, charecter-ful pub hidden from the hoardes of tourists on Oxford Street just a couple of minutes walk away. There's also a cosy comedy club in the basement - I think they have gigs there most nights...
Glenn - 2 Mar 2004 13:33 |
One of the bestpubs in central London-great atmos, fab Sam Smiths white beer too.
anonymous - 12 Jan 2004 21:34 |
Over-rated pub resting on its laurels from the days when it was a centre for intellectuals, rather than wannabes. Stodgy food as well. There are much better Sam Smith pubs in London.
grecian - 24 Dec 2003 10:50 |
Great hangout. My local when I lived in the area. Great prices and nice staff
Fred - 4 Dec 2003 15:25 |
Great pub. Good Aylinbr... beer, a steal at £1.90 too. Nice outside tables with proper brollys though (but often hastled by tramps out there). Good atmosphere too.
anonymous - 30 Sep 2003 21:27 |
The greatest pub this side of London
Raymond - 30 Sep 2003 10:09 |
Very erotic, very sexual. Everything that I look for in a pub. Good drink too.
Greg Moorlock - 12 Aug 2003 18:58 |
Genius! 1.90 for a Man in the Box. A total lady!
Hale - 29 Jul 2003 14:20 |
This pub has a great atmosphere and has had it since 1948 when I first drank in it.
(Erik - 16th July 2003 21:46)
Erik Gould - 23 Jul 2003 21:54 |
one of the great pubs, in possibly the nicest street in town. has an amazing feature that enables me to drink an astonishing amount of prinz and smoke lethal amounts of cigarettes whilst talking complete rubbish. my spiritual home.
Gus - 15 Jul 2003 11:36 |
Great for the Hefe Weisse (ask for Heffer), German wheat beer.
Landlord Pete is very friendly too. Insists on calling me 'Boris'
Ruby - 11 Jul 2003 16:39 |
The best thing about this pub is that it doesn't sell a single thing with a brand name on it. How refreshing.
Bob - 23 Jun 2003 10:24 |
This pub is probably the BEST pub in the centre for an intellectual birthday bash, poets discussing all issues, whilst sipping a nice lager in the centre.
Gareth Mealing - 19 Feb 2003 15:37 |
The Aying...commonly known to regulars and staff alike as "the man in the box" because of it's comedy tap featuring, whaddya know, a man. In a box. Very reasonably priced too.
MrE - 23 Jan 2003 13:02 |
Very comfortable atmosphere and good ol'fashion english food as well. It's been six years since I lived in London but I always remember having a few pints & playing darts at the Fitzroy. Used to sit outside at the picnic tables in the summer - very cozy little location. Would be nice to see some photos of it posted.
Steve - 8 Jan 2003 19:54 |
Great atmosphere and surprisingly tourist free (or so it seems). Also the place is perfeclt placed for access to the various restaurants on Charlotte Street. Oh and yes, the Ayingerbray is pretty good.
Alistair - 28 Nov 2002 10:26 |
the Ayingerbrau Heffe-Weisse is GORGEOUS
Darren - 15 Nov 2002 10:52 |
