Narrow pub on two levels in the shadow of BBC Broadcasting House and appropriately decorated with pre-war radio memorabilia such as cigarette-cards of announcers; Billy Cotton and his band used to rush over here after their radio show on Sundays, before the pub closed at 2pm.
Dating from 1777, it was rebuilt in 1883 and some original features have survived, including varnished dark wood and etched glass panels, especially at the rear of the ground floor bar. The leaded windows may be slightly later and appear to be ex Charrington, although altered when Sam Smith took over to incorporate the white rose of Yorkshire. Fairly small inside so drinkers may spill out onto the street.
Patrons should note that there is a strict "no swearing" policy in Samuel Smith's establishments. Also by decision of the brewery owner, customers may not use mobile phones (except for payments), laptops or similar inside the pub; tablets and iPads are prohibited inside or outside. The brewery's policy is that its pubs are for social conversation person to person.
Yorkshire Grey, London