College Arms, London

28/02/23 - reported no cask beer.

Originally the University Tavern, the subtle name change reaffirms its customer base from the smaller nearby institutions rather than the bigger behemoths of teaching further east. A busy and lively pub whose narrow frontage leads into what is essentially a one-room pub that, that, by use of a mirrored screen and a small raised area at the rear, helps create several distinct seating areas. You enter an area with stand up tables and high level seating leading through to area at the rear with softer and more comfortable furnishings. Plentiful mirrors add atmosphere while an unusual display of wicker bird cages form the rear lighting feature, sitting under a lantern and lighting a pleasantly green and white tiled floor in font of a fine looking fireplace. The no doubt once dark wooden panels have been painted light green, only the back bar gantry remains truly wooden in appearance. Stairs lead down to the basement bar which can also be hired free of charge for about 30 people. Note that the ladies is upstairs.

The lead picture shows how it looks as of Nov 2021 but we have retained a "before" pic on the site.