The Marquis (ex-Marquis of Granby), Leicester Square  

Closed since late 2006, this one's back with a new name and a new look resulting in a watering hole which encapsulates a good deal of the London pub experience in 2008. On the plus side, that means a good array of drinks (noteworthy are the bottled beers from across the world and a couple of brews from the Low Countries on the pumps) and a menu that's competitively priced for the middle of town. On the other hand, there's something characterless and formulaic to the new pub; noticeable in both the refitted décor of soft woods and walls painted gastro green and the relentlessly AOR music being played on our visit. Perhaps its no surprise this one plays it safe - it is situated on a prime tourist route through London - but we'd still like to think there could be something distinctive about a building with a bit of history attached to it. As it stands though, this new incarnation feels less pub, more Starbucks with a drinks license (which to some people, probably sounds idyllic).