Bars & Pubs

Horse & Groom
Easily missed, this Sam Smith’s pub (7) is decorated with horse-related paraphernalia. A wooden front bar gives way to a small corridor sporting a dartboard and leading to a cosy snug.

Best drink Old Brewery Bitter.
When to go When you can’t get a seat at the Cock Tavern down the road.
Best seat In the far corner of the snug bar.
Best snack Chips.
128 Great Portland St, W1 (020 7580 4726)
Feature continues

King & Queen
Proper local pub (8) with an upstairs function room that proudly sports a framed Time Out cover (our ‘100 Greatest Gigs’ issue, which celebrated Bob Dylan’s 1962 performance here). It’s also a rugby pub, but you don’t let that put you off; this is an earthy, friendly place that also puts on folk and improv music nights. It’s Casque Marked, too.

Best drink St Austell’s Tribute.
When to go When the rugby’s on.
Best seat At the corner of the bar.
Best snack Pork scratchings.
1 Foley St, W1 (020 7636 5619).

The Ship
Modest pub (9) that neither ignores nor overplays the nautical theme. Nicely decorated with etched mirrors and brass.

Best drink Bass.
When to go Definitely after work.
Best seat Underneath the Wenlock mirror.
Best snack Beans on toast.
134 New Cavendish St, W1 (020 7636 6301).

Hope
Small boozer known locally as the ‘sausage pub’ (10). Nothing special, but you shouldn’t turn your nose up at a nice, quiet place to enjoy a decent pint.

Best drink Timothy Taylor’s Landlord.
When to go After you’ve eaten your way into poverty at one of the area’s many restaurants.
Best seat Downstairs, by the toilets.
Best snack Not really a snack, but the sausages shouldn’t be missed.
15 Tottenham St, W1 (020 7637 0896).