Windmill, Soho  

There are a one or two pubs in the West End that aren't the usual tourist traps, theme pubs or restaurants in disguise you get in these parts - they're just good, honest pubs that would be a delight for any discerning pubgoer to call his or her local. The Windmill, just off Regent Street is one of the best of them. It's a fine, traditional looking pub, just enough off the beaten track, to make it easy to get to, but not too easy to find and, as it's a Young's pub, you can be pretty damn certain that it has a fine range of beers on tap. Nowadays, Young's also offer a pretty reasonable wine list, for those days when ale just doesn't suit the mood, so of course that's an option here, but this pub's crowning glory are the award-winning pies. Accompanied by excellent chips (and yes, chips can vary widely in quality) and mushy peas, they're simply amongst the best you can get anywhere - well worth a special journey. The front bar may be a little small, but there's a larger room at the back and a restaurant upstairs and, when you add the prompt and friendly service and the generally relaxed and civilised atmosphere, you've got a top pub experience.

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