please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A nice looking corner pub that I found a bit disappointing once inside. There is surprisingly little space, although to be honest there weren’t many customers, and it lacked atmosphere. Standard GK beers served with a smile. Nicely decorated and one wall holds a large mirror advertising Hoopers Brighton Seltzer and Mineral Water.
|
Tucked away little gem between Goodge street and rathbone place. Dont go on its outside looks.
Very much a locals pub but the ale is good and the bar staff very friendly.
|
Leprechaun is nearly right.
The Duke wasn't exactly 'The Centre' of the Beat scene, but it was one centre among several: eg. Finch's round the corner on Goodge St has an equal claim, and the Soho pubs were still doing business as well, not to mention a number of 'Coffee bars' [Starbucks eat your heart out] such as The G's, The Nucleus, The Farm, The Freight Train, Sam Widges and The Partisan, where alcohol was only available if you smuggled it in under your jacket. And drugs, of course.
Then there was The Round House, on Wardour Street [now The O Bar] where Alexis Korner and Cyril Davis, almost accidentally, kicked off the British Blues scene, in the function room upstairs. Happy days...
Getting back to the Duke, it's very different now, much posher, cleaner, blander, but it's still a decent pub for the area: and definitely worth a visit. Also, if enough people ask about the History, maybe the management will take an interest in preserving it. up to now, I don't think they have a clue about it, and would probably be very embarrassed if they did. This ought to change.
|
A pub with a proud history, as the centre of the Beat scene in the late 50s and early 60s. Many writers and musicians used to drink here in its heyday - including the young Rod Stewart.
|
SERVES OLD SPECKLED HEN FROM A KEG - 0/10
anonymous - 30 Jun 2006 12:30 |
A really improved pub. 4 ales inc 1 guest on my last visit, White Star Titanic - recommended. Black County Pork Scratchings always a sign of the Landlord/Lady knowing their stuff. Fitzrovia`s rising star, keep under your hat.
anonymous - 3 Apr 2006 14:10 |
never been in this pub but will soon
If im right, The new managers you have their (Ken and Debbie) are the best in the business.
they used to run the Prince William Henry in blackfriars road (youngs pub) and it was by far the best in the area.
Since they left its not the same.
Sounds like a great pub from the previous reviews.
All I have to do now is find it.......
anonymous - 15 Mar 2006 18:57 |
Excellent and reasonably priced GK IPA ensures that this pub is a pleasant stop off in an area surprisingly well catered for in decent and attractive pubs. Can get busy and smokey (roll on next year !!), and stay long enough and a table will be yours. Staff assured and prompt.
|
Nice traditional boozer. Busy on a Thursday night when we visited - no chance of a seat. Quite smokey but great bar staff (fast service, friendly and cute!) and well kept Old Speckled Hen. Recommended if you are in the area.
|
Cosy little pub tucked away in the corner of Rathbone Street, away from the noisy Cambridge/One Tun stretch on Goodge Street. Can get crowded on a Friday evening if there's entertainment on - one night I saw two guys in the corner with a keyboard, trumpet and microphone merrily churning out hits of the 70s. Brilliant. Friendly atmosphere, usually has a good guest ale as well as the usual GK IPA.
|
since being under new manangers the outside has been painted black and looks much better. they do not sell food but they hope to soon and they have just released plans to have more chairs and tables outside. you will always get served! lovely bar staff no male all female and there is always a manager around. i have spoken with them and the new customers love them. there is never anyone who doesnt know them. they serve coffee and things like that. thats how you run a pub!
anonymous - 8 Aug 2005 16:59 |
This is a charming haunt, with helpful bar staff and seats outside. The wine list is short, but good and very reasonably priced. I like this pub a lot!
Pippa - 4 Aug 2004 11:41 |
Friendly local style pub, smaller but can always get served, is not mobbed by media ra's like many of the other pubs in the area. They encourage you to take your own food a lot of people seem to have a pizza in there on quiz night.
alice - 27 Apr 2004 12:27 |
Picked up since it's been under new management. Good atmosphere if a little small. Beer is always excellent now as the liberally advertised Cask Marque symbols indicate. Worth a try again.
Zulq - 25 Apr 2004 11:55 |
Good on a summer's day if the FItz is mobbed and you can't get served anywhere else and all you want is a beer. Personally I can't see any other reason to go there. Quite recently, someone with an exploding rectum single-handedly rendered the toilet unsittable. Having said that, I've seen a stunning blonde Russian model in there twice. Christ knows why.
Ruby - 11 Jul 2003 16:43 |
Odd place. Always seems dead.
G - 16 Jun 2003 16:52 |
