Newman Arms, Fitzrovia  

This is another old favourite. It's had a lick of paint and lost some of the eccentricity that used to define it, the upstairs Pie Room is no longer the haven from the heaving masses downstairs that it used to be, nevertheless it's still a good pub. And frankly, while we have a soft spot for grubby pubs, grubbiness doesn't bring in the punters. So we have to commend the landlady's hard work to improve the pub and make it more convivial whilst still keeping it a pub - it would be easy to turn it into a trendy bar and try to make as much as possible from expensive lager and overpriced cocktails. While we'll miss the old version, some things have to move with the times.

The beer's still good, with Adnam's Bitter and London Pride on when we were in last, and if you haven't tried it, the Stowford Press Cider is a cut above normal pub ciders. The pies upstairs are probably the best pies in London, with organic and free range ingredients wherever possible - apparently they can tell you which farm the meat came from. On the people front, the veteran bar staff continue to pour a decent pint, and are generally convivial and act pleased to see punters coming in. Where else in this area can you get toasties for £1.50? The only thing you need to be aware of is it will get tremendously busy at office quitting time, but wait a while and you will get a seat. A sometime sanctuary in Fitzrovia.

reviewed:
18/1/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ale

function room for hire

separate restaurant

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