The Crown, Covent Garden, London

Sub optimal. The wine is vile. Only here because it's near the donmar theatre.

Hmm - going to have to disagree with Moonrising on this being an Australian bar. I think he might have just walked in there on Australia Day maybe? As every time I’ve been there’s been no hint of aussieness to the place - it’s much more of a traditional London pub with a random and friendly selection of punters from all over the place - your classic bar leaning London blokes supping their pints, a few tourists chattering away and a mix of people just in for a quick beer after a spot of Covent Garden shopping.

The pub is basically a triangular shape with the bar in the middle of it and dividing it into 3 spaces. At the top of the 'triangle’ where the main entrance is the biggest space with a few tall tables and bar stools, then through on the back left is a little room with some sofas and a few regular tables and chairs. The back right is high bar stools and ledges.

It’s not big by any stretch of the imagination, but its got a nice traditional London pub decor in it, and the place is friendly with a good atmosphere and feels very cosy in winter. Prices are ok for drinks and there is an ok range there.

All in - a nice spot for a sit down and a bit of relaxation post-shopping, though I can’t see myself ever seeking it out for a night out. So overall a solid 3 stars.

Situated on the corner of Monmouth Street overlooking the Seven Dials junction. As soon as I walked in I noticed a blow up shark and a hat with corks. Sure enough a sighting of a flag confirmed this is an Australian bar. They have inflatable kangaroos too. The clientele was mixed and happy.

The floor space is tiny so it’s mostly standing room, though they do have some chairs and tables, mainly in the back. It wasn’t totally packed when we went, though even so some manoeuvring was required to get around. The gents is down some stairs plastered with posters for local theatres, the ladies upstairs. Not accessible…

Service was friendly, though I think the woman who served me didn’t speak English too well. I asked for ginger beer, she looked puzzled. I added ‘or ginger ale’ and light dawned. She came back with ginger wine… I explained that ginger beer and ale are generally soft drinks, but asked for a mix of ginger wine and lemonade. It worked pretty well and cost me £2. I don’t think they had real ale (not a problem for me, as you may have gathered). Bags of crisps were piled high in baskets above the bar and toasted sandwiches were available.

I like the music they were playing, a real mix of indie, pop, rock and punk from 60’s to 00’s. Sex Pistols God Save the Queen and The Doors Light My Fire are two that I remember. Some amusement was to be had from watching the hotel opposite as well. Apparently some of people staying there don’t realise that frosted bathroom windows are not opaque at night. Nothing that naughty really (they were frosted…), but good for a laugh.