There's been a pub with this name on this site since at least 1739. I've not been here that long. I've only been drinking here for 26 years (for most of which I'd go nowhere else!) and in that quarter century I've had some of the best times in my life in this pub, and some of the worst. I could probably write a book about this place and one day, perhaps, I will. The longest I've stayed away (including whilst there was a lockdown) was this year, when I didn't go for 9 months (there are many reasons for this, not all appropriate for this review). It's somewhat nostalgic being back... but in all honesty not much has changed (except the staff): it's still a quiet litte pub, brilliantly located. It's still a Sam Smith's (with all that entails: the drink choices, lack of music, own brands, very odd senior management and all that). It's still full of tourists, pre/post-theatre punters, oddballs and the odd local, still, though not as many as there were. Perhaps things do change. It's as clean and tidy as always and I'm glad to see some features only I know the history of are still here. For all its faults and foibles I think I still love it, and while perhaps not daily as before, I won't leave it 9 months till the next time.

Nice old fashion pub with no frills! It's warm and dry with clean toilets. What I would call a working man's pub! No main stream lagers served here and not a great selection of wines if your fussy but I often find myself in here for a quick one when killing some time or avoiding the rain. Staff polite and friendly. Ideally for a couple of drinks before going to the local theatres.

This Pub can be quiet but it is situated near many Theatres so can also be very busy at show times. The staff are very welcoming and there is much history of the place. Exceptional was the visit to the gents toilets which could have been in any 5 star hotel.

Extremely rude barman. Ordered 3 pints - one had no gas or head and tasted completely different to the others we ordered. Politely noted this and he rudely said “what’s the problem?”. Reluctantly gave me a new drink and said “if you ask for another one I’m not serving you.” Mentioned earlier he’s only been working here a week - can’t imagine it lasting much longer if he speaks to paying customers like that.

Food was very good. But, I don't know why, upstairs you can go only until 3 PM. Upstairs you can eat with standard tipe od ordering.

Had a bad experience here shame as used to be decent pub and a good value pint. Was served a flat Sam Smiths lager at just under £7 by a rude member of staff. When I asked for a new one with a some gas in it she said the solution was to rinse the glass out, then she poured the flat beer back into the glass. It was disgusting and when I complained again I was told to drink somewhere else. Not sure what happened here as Sam Smiths was a good value brewery at one point.

Management of bad attitude and racism . we want to boycott👎🏿👎🏿 very bad manager . he is bossy and curses at customers. stay away from here. The service and the food was terrible. no humanity and no friendliness. condemn boycott. uncivilized management. and the service is nothing. And this shop has no humanity. treat guests not well .disrespectful

38 degrees outside and walking through Chinatown looking for a place to have a pint. The pub, it's beer and air con probably saved my life.

Lack of ales And frankly the toileting experience that Colin had, does not reflect the experience I encountered. The trap was flooded and the general ambiance was that of a normal common or garden pub toilet. That said, will urinate again because you know, needs must. The double hinge though, was a joy

We moved a chair from an empty table, because the table we were sitting at should have had 2 chairs, and only had one. The owner started shouting and swearing at us. Honestly in disbelief. Appalling.

Classic little pub with some great beer. The chocolate stout stands out. Hopefully it will be on tap one of these days!

Really enjoyed our fish finger sandwiches with chips or sweet potato fries. Good value,filling and tasty. There were a lot of things not available,like hot chocolate and sausages. The barman/waiter was rather uninterested in hospitality !! Luckily the food was good.

The place is a great location, however even though we had booked we had to wait . There was only one person serving upstairs and dealing with everything at rush hour, so no wonder he was overwhelmed. He had to run from table to table doing all his best but there should be more staff.

First visited this pub over 40 years ago and thankfully it hasn't really changed. Nice cosy fire and reasonably priced beer and food. Pleasant and accommodating staff, special mention for the barman George.

Good pub food, great choice of beer, reasonably priced. But the best thing is the upstairs dining room often has a bit of space when a lot of the other locals are full.

Very nice English style pub, divided on two floors, staff leaves something to be desired, the guy on the upper floor better change job, he doesn't know how to behave he just runs around always busy without style and without grace only annoyed at the mere "excuse me" on the other hand You eat very well, excellent, delicious, spectacular beer!!!

I love this pub, such a cosy, proper pub feel. Staff are always great and I love all the traditional features. Only problem is it's so popular it's hard to find a seat! but I love this pub and will keep coming for many years to come

I usually don’t expect great food at a pub , however this pub deserves recognition. I’m A vegetarian and it’s hard to find descent food options, specially at a pub, This establishment served me the best plant based burger I ever had. It was very flavorful and I would stop by any chance I get for their food. My husband had a stake pie and he loved it as well. You will not be disappointed.

If you are heading to Shaftesbury Avenue then make time to visit this pub for food. We had the sausage sandwich with caramelised onion and mustard - absolutely bl**dy amazing!!! Its a long time since I've enjoyed a meal so much. The staff member who served us was excellent also, friendly and checking that all was ok. I thoroughly recommend a visit.

A top server

This was a very cozy and aesthetic bar with lots of great alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Beer was velvety and the soda was dynamic. The staff seemed to be having a rough go of it but didn’t take away from my experience here. We got here just before last call or else we would have stayed the rest of the night!

It's a Sam Smith's. If you happen to be at the Girlgud theatre it is convenient. And the service was very good. However, as I say, it is a Sam Smith's. You either like 'em...or you enjoy an atmosphere happier than the inside of a coffin with your drink. It is cheap though. And again, the staff were great.

Loved the upstairs dining for family-friendly dining without the crowds of the pub downstairs.

Nice staff ...but SAM SMITH keeps putting his prices up and it seems im this pub he like to keep everyone freezing in winter as door entrance is not allowed to be closed No heaters on SAMUEL SMITH IS a massachist

A gem of a traditional pub on the outskirts of soho. A Samuel Smiths pub so only stock Samuel Smith beers and ciders (don't expect to find brand name lagers or guinness here). The welcome is warm and friendly and the drinks were very tasty (we went for the stout and the reserve cider) a little oasis if calm in the hubbub of london

Friendly bar staff. Good old fashioned pub with a great atmosphere. Tasty bowls of nuts.

Solid Sam Smith's pub, good bottle selection and the staff were very helpful. There was not a lot on draft.

My local of some 29 years. Sam Smith's pub. Real fire. Organic lager. Vegan Chocolate Stout. What's more to say. 🙂👍🏼🌈

Very friendly and helpful staff, a credit to you.

A fairly traditional British pub in the heart of the theatres of Soho. Downstairs seems to be main serving area, the bar counter in a circle and seats around. Oddly I didn't notice any stools, but maybe I was;t paying attention. It was a Friday night so it was packed inside and the group stood outside. Not that there's much standing room outside as the bar is right on a corner and taxis coming and going for all the theatre goers.

Proper old school boozer. Sam Smith's, so great selection of beer. Log fire, great during this cold weather.

Very quiet friendly bar but need a variety of lagers

Great pub been coming here for 30 years on and off, many bar staff changes, still very friendly, a must if passing by.

Nice old school interior and a friendly face at the bar. However, I struggle to new see what sets a Sam Smiths pub aside from the competition. It used to be price, but their prices are now pretty standard. Cheapest large glass of wine was £8.40, so over £25 for a bottle.

Nice quiet London pub. No telly. No loud music just well kept beer and polite bar staff. Should be more places like this

I stopped there for a pint, but the pub is awful, because of its manager. I witnessed the situation, when this guy started shouting on some random girl, who pulled out her laptop for a second. He almost hit her and threw the computer out. Don't recommend it to anyone.

Great little pub in middle of busy area. Stopped for a drink and rested weary legs. Beer good. Charming place

I've been here on 3 occasions, usually because it's quieter than most other pubs in the area. For me personally I am yet to find a drink I like in there. It was explained to us on our first visit they only stock drinks from their own brewery so no mainstream brands. I'm not into the craft beers I can find them very perfumey, on my most recent visit I had a bottle of pear cider and my wife had a bottle of cherry beer both did not taste great in my opinion. To top it off these worked out at about £7 each which was a shock as the cherry beer was only a 330ml bottle. Im used to paying London prices but was a little shocked by this compared to previous visits. Staff have been fine on every visit but its unlikely I'll visit again due to lack of drinks choice.

Very decent pub - although only Sam Smith drinks available.

Very weird place. Ambiance is cool, but it's self-service pub ... like you have to walk to the bar to ask a server to poor you a pint, than you have to pay right away (including service) ... and than you take your beer to your table ... 😎 Weird.

The bartender was very rude, he didn't add most of the ingredients on the menu in the cocktails we wanted and gave a very bad drink. in the end, he received an exorbitant price for two cocktails that did not write prices. It was a very bad experience made to rip tourists off.

It's a pub. Pretty much what you'd expect. Selection of Samuel Smith drinks and a decent atmosphere. Not.much more to say really.

Food served upstairs. Friendly service and the food was good too. Just go to the bar to order. Second time here and both very good.

Hieeee! This is Karen, from America. Can you believe it?! Poured my cider in a samual smith glass. Of, my, gawd! Ah, enjoyed the cider anyway. Worth a stop for a pint if nothing more.

Awful! Went on a day when it was about zero degrees outside, and the doors were wide open! No wonder that there was nobody in there. What was even worse were the incredibly short measures for our beers (see photo). The barman didn't give a toss and even mocked us for asking for them to be topped up! Needless to say, we only stayed for one drink, and moved on to The Queens Head in Denman Street. What a contrast - warm atmosphere, friendly staff and lovely Harvey's Sussex Bitter (the full pint / 568ml!). Please note, I have no affiliation to this pub.

Worst pub I’ve been to in a long time. Doors were kept open in spite of the cold weather - numerous times customers tried to close them only to told by the bar staff that they’ve got to remain open - Why?? Bar staff were extremely rude and unwelcoming - needless to say I won’t be returning here as there are loads of other great pubs around. Sam Smiths Brewery need to review their staff’s attitude & customer policy in this particular pub.