Randomness Guide to London Menu

Nicholson's (Mitchells and Butlers) pub very close to Oxford Circus Station, in the Good Beer Guide.

The front part of the pub is divided into a number of small snugs, with etched-glass partitions between. Tall stools are the only form of seating on offer here; those who can't manage such heights should continue through to the back, where another partition sets off an area with ornate mirrors on the walls and an L-shaped banquette flanked by a few small tables and some upright chairs. The floor is varnished wood, the lighting is chandelier-style, and the high ceiling is intricately moulded and painted dark red.

There's a dining room upstairs with table service, and (in good weather) a fair bit more seating outside under parasols.

Kake visited on a Thursday afternoon in September 2012. Eight real ales were on: Itchen Valley Calypso, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Brains SA Gold (£2/half), Hopdaemon Green Daemon, Nicholson's Pale Ale, London Pride, Purity Mad Goose, and Doom Bar.

There were a fair few customers in when I arrived around 3:30pm, many of them sitting outside to enjoy the sunshine. Music was playing, though not too loud.

According to their website as of September 2012, food is served 10am-10pm Mon-Sun from a standard Nicholson's menu.

Kake's verdict: The interior is worth a look, but the high prices and the inconvenience of the conveniences (see below) would put me off an extended stay.

Accessibility: A very small step to get in. Much of the interior seating on the ground floor is on high stools. The toilets are up a flight of stairs with a sturdy handrail on both sides. The sinks in the ladies' are up three more steps with no handrail. The ladies' cubicles are tiny, narrow to the point where one has to lean sideways while seated in order to avoid the loo roll dispenser.

See also:

• Time Out review
• Good Pubs In London review
• ViewLondon review
• CAMRA National Inventory entry
• Beer In The Evening comments