The John Snow is a Samuel Smith’s pub, it looks like one, smells like one and sell its beer like one. Although some Sam Smith’s pubs can be rather unwelcoming and half-arsed affairs they invariably always look good. The outside of these pubs are always proud and traditional, the John Snow is no different and stands prouder than most sticking out on Broadwick Street like the centre of attention.

The John Snow deserves to be the centre of attention, stuck in the middle of Soho it’s a timely reminder of what a British pub and the social pub experience is all about. Standing, drinking and setting the world to rights with your friends, even if they’ve been friends for five minutes. Seating is always a problem in here as it can get so very busy, but pubs always were and always should be. The minimum wage media kids flock here, an oasis for runners and trainees throughout Soho Samuel Smith’s estate should be well rewarded in the wills of future media executives for all the work he’s done to get them there.

The staff in the John Snow are friendly and even apologetic at handing you a plastic cup, thankfully the lager is cold enough for it not to be a problem. There is a large upstairs, but still getting a seat will require early manoevers. It’s a good pub, it’s (usually) a good crowd, it’s good drink, it’s a good atmosphere, it’s good for a visit.

Another of the great Samuel Smith’s pubs - it’s greatness stemming chiefly from the fact that it’s cheaper than your usual boozer. From 5pm John Snow is rammed full of young professionals, and on a sunny day they spill out onto the pavement too. It’s old-fashioned in its interior, and it’s in a great location near Oxford St, Wardour St, Soho etc

Another Samuel Smith's in a great location tucked away near Berwick Street. Cheap pints... out of all the Samuel Smith's pubs this one seems to attract the most of the younger crowd of drinkers.

A fairly large upstairs area, but it still fills at crucial moments such as work-release and other emotional slumps ( I hear 5pm is a popular time for a divorce to be announced) so seats may be a luxury at times.
The pavements just outside can often be found with huddles of smokers and cross-legged slurping things.