Bricklayers Arms

Close to the Fitzroy - another little gem.

Somewhat smaller than some of its cousins, the Bricklayers is a fun looking and feeling pub!!

I'm guessing horse and carriage would have clopped their way through the archway in days gone by.

Today, it's just us, but we're worth it!!

We've stopped moaning about the lack of hand-pumped ale now as it seems a lot of the pubs dont supply this - and so, on future blogs we'll (Darren that is) will be sampling the other ale offerings SSP's have!!

Anyway, enjoy this pub as it is - we give it a 4 pint rating

The Fitzroy Tavern

Not far from Tottenham Court Road, but not, as the locals apparently boast, in Soho, we like this pub.

Greeted by the friendly Eamon at the bar, this seems like a mini part of London all on its on. Theres a room dedicated to poets and across the road some gas lamps line the street.

Despite the slightly upmarket appearence of this location, beer remains fabulously affordable and there a good atmostphere here.

So, a nice place to visit - and we will!!

4 pint rating

There was a man here talking about the history of this area. Didnt get all the details but im sure we'll return to catch up.

John Snow

Soho, again, but this is near Carnaby Street.
The world sits outside this pub cus the street here aint too busy. So nice for a sunny day (yeah, right Britain!!!)

Handy location then and very typical of the often seen Samuel Smith 'corner' locations.

3 pint rating

Earl Of Lonsdale

Ok, its Saturday and the perfect time to visit Notting Hill. That's market day so be warned - the crowds are there and space is a premium.

And so you'll have to look closely to see this pub. It's partly covered by market stalls.

This is a big pub and, judging by the sepia pic on the wall, a long standing one.

Seems busy on the food front and has a large eating room. But there's plenty of just pub space here too and a large garden.

Nice interior and a nice snug which you'll have to be small or bend down to get into.

We didn't go upstairs but seems there's more room here too.

So head out to the market - buy a silly hat or teeshirt and eat some regie regie food in the street then pop into the Lonsdale.

I reckon a 3.5 pint rating!!

Blue Post

Oh dear - think we came here on the wrong day!!

Saturday afternoon and its empty.

Hang about - just one 'cotton-picking moment'!

It was Saturday afternoon and this pub sits off - but not in sight of London's busiest shopping street (Oxford Street). Not all pubs shine at weekends, some have more of a working day audience.

So, we got to thinking, (you can see Luca pondering in the photo!), this pub must be busy on a week day. Is nicely done out on the inside, and the barmaid was very helpful.

So for now 2.5 pints rating - but we promise to return on a weekday - and update this blog!!

Duke of Argyll

Busy or wot??

Well, on the Saturday afternoon we were here

it was very busy!!

This pub has an attractive bar. It's at the heart of Soho - so I guess it should be busy.

No hand-pumped beer i'm afraid - but apart from this little let-down - it's a really atmostpheric little number!!

So, if u're in the area - perhaps passing on your way to the more 'fruitier' pubs of Old Compton Street - pop in for a quick one (and a drink!!)

A good 3.5 pint rating - now, get that beer on pump please!!

Rising Sun - Farringdon

Well, mainly due to someone's working obligation, we've ventured a little north to Farringdon.
And here we come across the Rising Sun.

Quaint, nicely off the beaten chav line, this is well worth a pop-in.
Stand at the bar and admire St Bartholomews Church outside, or just quaff the ale, this is certainly an improvement on most of the other over-priced bars in the area.

I feel there's a history here - that needs another visit to discover!!

Our rating: 4 pints

The Chandos

Just off Trafalgar Square, the Chandos is another of our origional and still regular SSP's!

Proper hand-pumped beer, loads of space - and it does need it, and no Darkest Peruvian drum playing band in the corner, this is a popular pub and a good one. Upstairs, the 'Opera Room' is more a food and drink bar. Down stairs, little 'snugs' by the window add to the character.

A cautious note about one item on the menu though.

We bought some wedges (after the shock of the White Horse stopping selling them) thinking a bowl would do us both nicely. However, here they're more of a starter than a sharer so don't expect a feast. Actually, the food here is pretty good and served quite quickly.

All in all, we like the Chandos and can often be seen within!!!

Our rating: 4 pints

The White Horse

This is where it all began. We're visiting the pubs in a sort of random order, but on our numerous hikes around the capital, it was the White Horse in Soho that got us hooked.

The cheap beer was complimented by potato wedges, cheese covered!!! A bowl was essential and great, but Matthew (a friend), shock horror, they've stopped doing them. SHOCKING

The location's great but here's a but- the 'Old Brewery' beer is on tap, not hand pumped, so this loses a 'pint' rating.

But overall, a good place to start ..... and if they reinstate the wedges, it'll get 4 pints!

For now '3 pints' rating

(PS - look out for Italians sharing one glass of lager filling the centre of the upstairs bar - and they always ask for Fosters which of course, they dont sell!!)

Darren & Luca's Guide To Samuel Smith Pubs

Samuel Smith pubs are everywhere in London - thats good, cus the beer's cheap!

But there's more to a pub than just beer - so we're off on a tour of all the SSP's in London - having a beer and giving our opinion. Darren (left of pic) and Luca, we'll be marking each pub on our 5 pint rating
5=Great 1=Less Great

And if you see us about town - buy us a pint and we'll bore you with our SSP knowledge

This should be a fun bit of research!!!!

Darren ....... Luca