Historical version 3 of Volunteer, NW1 6XE (view current version)
- 020 7486 4090
- 245-247 Baker Street, NW1 6XE (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- thevolunteernw1.co.uk
- 10am-midnight Mon-Sun
A busy pub behind Baker Street Station, part of the Mitchells & Butlers "unbranded" Castle sub-chain.
Even late on a Thursday evening in October 2009, around 9pm, this pub is filled with drinkers and finding space is difficult, though there's a few tables out on the street for smokers, one of which was available. Music is playing, and the noise of conversation is fairly deafening, so it's a popular place, especially given there are plenty of tables inside stretching around the bar and into a side area. Decor leans heavily on drapes and chandeliers and picture frames and the like.
There are several handpulls at the bar, with regulars like London Pride and Doom Bar. The range of lagers and ciders is good as expected, similar to other Castle pubs, including the usual Belgians (Leffe, Hoegaarden), Sierra Nevada and other premium lagers.
Food is served noon-11pm daily, and uses a very similar menu to other pubs in the same chain.
Accessibility: Can't remember about steps to get in, but the gents' is down a flight of stairs in the basement and the ladies' is up a flight of stairs on the first floor.
See also: