‘Established 1675’ says the sign outside and, tucked down a sought-after Mayfair mews, this venerable establishment is truly a thoroughbred in the Young’s stable. A gilt-framed portrait of the now octogenarian royal couple in a pre-nuptial portrait pose sets the tone amid the pub’s varnished wood and tartan.
Prime Aberdeenshire Scotch beef is the speciality of the Guinea Grill, while the devilled kidneys on toast (£15) should satisfy smaller appetites. Let’s not overlook the show-stopping, award-winning pies either. The beef, oyster and horeradish pie (£35) is not soon forgotten. As well as standard Young’s ales on the centrepiece bar counter, Bombardier, Courage Director’s, Peroni and Pilsner Urquell are also available on draught, plus Bitburger by the bottle – although from May, Pimm’s might be more appropriate. A somewhat limited choice of wine stretches to a Chablis St-Claire, pleasingly sold by the glass.