Coal Hole, Strand  

Probably the most famous pub in the area, the Coal Hole is pretty much unchanged over the years, although it has had its ups and downs. Built in a corner of the Savoy Hotel complex, the pub has a medieval (circa 1904) style décor - dark beams, leaded lights, stone flag floors etc - lending it a theatrical air, which not only fits with the fact it's next door to the Savoy Theatre, but is doubly apt given the past clientele. Being a Nicholson's pub, along with the splendid interior, you get a good range of well-kept beers (with regular guests) on the hand pumps - which you can try before you buy and the service is usually good. As the pub is easy to find, expect it to be crowded at the usual times, with tourists, office workers and Covent Garden shoppers, who spill out into the alleyway down the side of the pub. There is some, but not much, relief on the pressure in the downstairs cellar bar. It's open 'til midnight too.

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