Like its Samuel Smith cousin, The Champ, The Fitz (see how cleverly names can be shortened…) is another perfect place for post-work Friday frolics. The staff are amazing and seem to memorise 20+ orders from all over the bar. Having said that, everyone does pretty much order the same drink!

Fun times everytime.

The haunt of many old writers, including Dylan Thomas, whose drunken festivities in photos adorn the walls. I am not a fan of smoke-free pubs, but the Fitzroy has tables and chairs outside (though they didn’t have their heaters out this winter). Inside the bar is in the centre looking out, so you can be served from any angle, with seating around the edge. The food is a good selection of pub stuff, including jacket potatoes, nachos, and of course chips. Downstairs is a room that can be hired cheaply for a night’s partying. A nice atmosphere - very few old locals dribbling in corners here, but it manages to retain character nevertheless through its original decor and literary reputation.

Love this pub. It has historical connections, I'm told, but I find it good just because it's unpretentious, reasonably priced, and has a great buzz from being so popular. Sometimes unbearable before the smoking ban, its central location now makes it a great place to meet people. Some German lagers are on offer, too. Staff are friendly, and the large central bar means it's usually easy to find a spot to get in your order. It's got outside tables that are great for people-watching. There are some top restaurants around, too.

Large Sammy Smiths on Charlotte Street that tends to spill out onto the pavement even in winter. It's really popular, and not surprising considering you can actually afford to drink here. The service is always good, and the beer is well kept. Not eaten here so can't comment on the food, but get in early if you want a nice booth to share with your mates!

The Fitzroy has a bit of a reputation as an historical boozer for writers and artists... now attracting media sorts and Beeb bunnies... although I haven't bumped into too many twunts down there....

Another Samuel Smith's pub so cheap pints.

There's also the Pear-Shaped Comedy Club on downstairs every Wednesday.

I used to come here quite a lot and it is indeed a great pub. It'll get fairly packed on most days (it's close to UCL and lots of students go here) but there is also plenty of space outside. The beer is cheap and delicious - can't really go wrong with Samuel Smith!

There is a downstairs section which is nice but it sometimes smells of sewage so I try to avoid it.

I find this a very nice (and cheap) place to drink, and the food's not bad too. In fact the food, nice, big traditional pub meals with salad garnishes and relishes, while not being worthy of a gastro-pub, certainly do the trick when you've been drinking Alpine lager for an hour or two.

This pub is always very busy, but it's not hard to get a seat or a table, and the atmosphere is convivial and warm. Right now the Tavern feels Christmassy and I expect it will be a favourite for office parties for the next month, since they have a large function room area hidden away downstairs with another bar.

One downside: The toilets are down a steep set of windy stairs, so don't attempt in stilettos.

One of the few places in central London where you can get 2 pints of beer for 4 quid.

This place is a haven for fashion and media types on a Friday night. On nice evenings, and now that the smoking ban has kicked in, crowds spill out on the pavement outside the pub. Be weary of the Fitzroy's 1m rule - Stray more than a metre away from the building while holding a pint glass and you will be shouted at by the staff.

Popular with tourists and Oxford st. shoppers at weekends, I reckon The Fitzroy and The Champion are battling it out for the best pub in Fitzrovia award at the moment.