We would greatly appreciate the names of a few of the best London pubs, particularly for traditional pub lunch, in the area bounded by Piccadilly/Oxford Steet/Regent St ??? While I have walked this area many many times I have never been able to find the right place. Last time was a very poor Steak and Stilton Pie with soggy chips at a pub in the Shepherds Market area a few months back.

Here inlies your problem - public houses were developed as a social gathering place for the working classes, the W1 area has always been upper middle to upper class, therefore there are very few (if any) original public houses. If you went to somewhere less desirable you will find plenty of them. Just go to restaurant then a bar, much better all round - have a "champagne flapper" at Claridge's bar, and some light snacky food in the "Foyer restaurant". Or try the Dorchester which is a little staid now.

Firstly, as you're after a pub, I think you can safely ignore, as usual, MK's review of 5 star hotels. Trouble is, this area really isn't a pub heartland and is very tourist orientated. However, try here:

The Guinea W1
30 Bruton Pl
+44 20 7499 1210
Mews pub in Mayfair

Also, try doing a search for "Gastro Pub W1 London" in Google. Gastro pubs, as you may be aware, are pubs that do decent, restaurant quality (frequently 'modern British') food, in normal pub settings. You can generally either choose to eat your meal in the bar, or in a side restaurant bit, if they have one.

You and I both know that the Claridge restaurant venues are somewhat more up market than the smelly old pub that I seek to find with the great fish and chips, pies and pint. I promise to take SydneySue for lunch and a champagne flapper, but I also need to find the pub. I like wandering around the Shepherds Market area but probably chose the wrong pub on my last visit.

There's a Polish/Mexican fusion pub in Shepherd's Mkt. their menu looks interesting to say the least!

If you want fish and chips - again you're in the wrong area, you are after working class food. That said, The Wolsey in Piccadilly probaby to "Fish n Chips" in a more upmarket sense, but still fried fish in batter with fried potatoes. If you really want good fish and chips go a little out of London to West Hampstead - Nautilus is very very basic but does good fish and chips.

Café Piccadilly in Soho does everything and anything that is simple (been around for 50 years) and is exceptionally cheap - that's history and average food for under ten pounds a head.

ww.pubfoodguide.com lists a few options but I have no personal experience of any of them.

I've previously come across various websites like this, i.e. listing/recommending pubs, so you should be able to find others with a bit of googling.

M_K2. I have always wondered about the Polish - Mexican Fusion place - I though it was a small restaurant, not so much a pub - it always seems popular as does the Spanish tapas style restaurant in the side street behind the Athenaeum. I will take your advice on the fish and chips. We will also probably take a trip to Smithfield Market where we have not visited before. The problem with pubs in W1 is that they all seem popular - it is hard to form a view based upon the size of the crowd. Kate, thank you - I will take a look at the Guinea. I noticed signage for many Gastro Pubs on my last visit - they all seemed to promote the Beef and Stilton Pie in the W1 area.

lots of suggestions: www.fancyapint.com/index.htm

www.camra.org.uk pubs of historic interest

We have always found St James Tavern, just north of Piccadilly, to be quite good. Food is decent, decor is nice, and staff friendly. Just about one street north right on corner (of Great Windmill Street and Brewer maybe?) Anyway right in that general area. Try it. Has always been good to us.

June 22,2004 from MK2 "London is never ever cheap".

August 4,2004 from MK2 "Cafe Piccadilly is exceptionally cheap."

I'm glad to see London has gotten cheaper in the last 6 weeks.

MK2, thank you for the tip on the Polish Mexican place. That does sound interesting.

My dear, no need to be petty, of course some places are cheap, but one would never call London a cheap city. Accommodation and dining is more expensive than most places in the world.

Sorry to step out of line and actually try and answer the question posted but here goes.

I am afraid this is very slightly outside your designated area but only by a few minutes. There is a nice unspoilt (aka not tarted up) at the corner of Gt Tichfield St and Riding House Street (north of Oxford St and west of Regent St).

My other half has just reminded me of the Cole Hole - which is on the strand - not far from Charing Cross Station

Thanks Wombat - you obviously come from a hole near to where I live.

the Scarsdale pub in Kensington makes lovely burgers and has a patio also. Had a great burger at the Maple Leaf pub in Covent garden also. For about 6 pounds you should get a really great burger and fries for 3 or 4 pounds they will be a dry old bun with no filling and and will leave you dissapointed.

MK2

I said it with a smile on my face so hardly being petty. And after I was nice enough to look up Prada's Berlin address for you yesterday. Just a little gentle humor.

Thanks again everyone - only a few days before D day now !

SydneySteve, each time we go to Britain, I always take my "Good Pub Guide to Britain". The books must have about 1,000 pubs listed all over Britain, with explanations on which ales & bitters they serve, the approx. cost for beers & food, and what type food they serve and examples of some of these dishes. It also lists opening hours & days, dining times, and about the views from pub or beer garden, and what historical buildings are neaby.
I have used this book each visit to Britain, and I swear by it. When the author says, that a certain Inn "won" the yearly "Best Dining Pub" in that a particular Shire, then you know its GOOD FOOD, like the night we dined at the "Wild Duck Inn" in the village of Ewen, just south of Cirencester (and close to source of the Thames River), great food, great atmosphere. You can buy this book in London, or possibly get a loan from a library. ( I saw a copy in Horsnby Library, before I moved to Qld)
I must agree there aren't many traditional pubs in London, you have to search for them. I prefer the village Inns over London pubs, anyday.

Thanks mate - I will take your advice. Hopefully I can find a good pub around W1 so I can take my other mate m_kingdom2 for an ale or two when we next visit. Too many champagne flappers arent good for the health and in any case we probably will have a bit too much of that on BA. thanks again

hampstead is the best place for nice pubs in london. many good, traditional choices here.