Picture of Newman Arms, W1T 1NG

Historical version 2 of Newman Arms, W1T 1NG (view current version)

A long-standing but tiny pub in Fitzrovia with plenty of literary connections, like a lot of the pubs in this area.

The main pub room downstairs is friendly and cosy, with fake bookcase in one corner (as well as some actual books along the windowsill), stone slab floor, and a small seating area. There are only three small tables serving the banquette seating under the front windows, as well as some high stools along the side opposite the bar, so it's difficult to get a seat if you go when it's busy -- which is most of the time.

On a Thursday evening after 6pm the place was completely packed both inside and outside, making it difficult to get to the bar. Even so, it doesn't seem too oppressive (perhaps because so many people choose to stand in the street), and service remains friendly.

They have two handpulls, with London Pride (£3.20/pint) and Black Sheep Bitter, and these don't appear to change. There are also the usual lagers, as well as Stowford Press cider.

Upstairs there's a separate pie room, with an extensive range of (heretical) pies on offer, including daily specials. Booking is probably required as the pie room is fairly small, seating about 20-25 at most. However, it's pleasantly furnished with plenty of light coming in. There's a range of pies, including a vegetarian option, all at £10 including steamed vegetables and new potatoes or mash. All the 'pies' are served in bowls with extravagantly large puff pastry lids. Ewan had the vegetarian pie, which came with new potatoes (no option given), and it was perfectly tasty. They also do a steak and kidney pudding, rather more pie-like, encased in suet, and served with mashed potatoes.

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Last visited by Ewan and Sarah, 20 February 2009. Opening hours taken from website, November 2008.
OS X co-ord: 529475 OS Y co-ord: 181563 (Latitude: 51.517648 Longitude: -0.133734)
This is version 2 (as of 2009-02-20 16:16:00). View current version. List all versions.