October 2025. Bloomsbury. London.
A second new GBG London corner pub in two minutes,
and for a second time I wonder “How’s this evaded the Beer Guide so long ?“.
Only now does my detective work reveal the Lady Ottoline was previously the Kings Arms (see windows), which I suspect the Official GBG Archivist Jim had told our WhatsAppGroup a month ago.
But never mind, it looks lovely, the barman (apropos of nothing) wears a waistcoat and offers me a taster of an actual cask mead*, which I stupidly resist.
The afternoon trade is local and cheery. Four friends chink glasses (all of which contain straws), and pullover chap next to me taps away on his laptop while I shazam songs on my mobile. Perhaps Sam Smiths have the right idea.
The barman declares the Landlord “a bit lively” (an understatement) and brings it over to me, along with a bowl of water for the inevitable canine.
Perhaps London pubs aren’t as bustling as they were a decade ago, but if that means the bar staff have time for a chat and some common courtesies I think it only increases their natural charm.
And by the end there’s another decent pint of Landlord trying to get out.
But best of all is the art on the stairs down to the Gents,
and a bizarre soundtrack that veers from Coldplay and Keane to the La’s and Christmas music.
Actually, I don’t think they really were playing Christmas carols in mid-October; Shazam was just having a hissy fit.
*I have no idea whether mead can be cask, and care not a jot
retiredmartin 
I severely doubt you’d want carbonated mead. The stuff Friar Tuck drank must have been real, complete with twigs and actual bees.
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If honeyed beer is a Bad Thing then why is mead so recherché?
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Nowt wrong with a decent Braggot.
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“and for a second time I wonder “How’s this evaded the Beer Guide so long ?“.”
Too much competition being in London? Or is that a thing?
“Only now does my detective work reveal the Lady Ottoline was previously the Kings Arms (see windows)”
Ah. Good eye.
“Perhaps Sam Smiths have the right idea.”
Heh.
“Perhaps London pubs aren’t as bustling as they were a decade ago, but if that means the bar staff have time for a chat and some common courtesies I think it only increases their natural charm.”
Pubs practically define the UK. They’re a national heritage!
As I read somewhere; pubs have been the cornerstone of British social life for at least 1000 years. It is/was common ground where all members of society can/could mingle.
“But best of all is the art on the stairs down to the Gents,”
I think the reflection of your hand makes it all the better.
“Shazam was just having a hissy fit.”
Technology is great!… when it works like it’s supposed to.
“*I have no idea whether mead can be cask, and care not a jot”
A principled fellow indeed!
Cheers
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“Pubs practically define the UK. They’re a national heritage! ”
Hey ! I shall use that line !
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You may use it royalty free my good man.
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I know they want a beer to match the windows but doubt if that Charrington IPA is as good as when it was brewed in Wolverhampton through the 1980s.
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When I first drank Charrington IPA it was brewed at the Anchor Brewery in Mile End in London.
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Yes John, and me up to 1975, a refreshing well hopped ( for then ) beer that was only equalled by Youngs for availability.
Are you related to Sue Hart who lived in south-west London ?
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No I am not related to Sue.
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