John Snow, Soho  

Rather than celebrating the life of the newsreader (Jon) famed for his garish ties, this Victorian pub in the heart of Soho is named after the doctor who established that cholera was a waterborne disease - and nothing to do with vapours or miasma. The site of the original water pump, which was key to his discovery, is marked by a granite kerb slab outside the pub (it's not where the mock water pump is, just down the road). It serves decent cheap pub grub and all the standard Sam Smith's fare. What Snow, who was said to be teetotal would make of this, we don't know. The larger upstairs bar is often crowded with media types, possibly alongside members of the John Snow Society, and is the most welcoming. There are also a number of seats on the ground floor, but get the early if you want to grab one. When these fill up on a summer's evening, drinkers tend to spill outside and mingle with the smokers.

reviewed:
13/07/2008

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