This escape hatch for staff from the Royal Free was given a facelift by Young’s when they took over a couple of years ago: purple floral wallpaper, mirrors and ’70s swivel chairs are paired with a grandly tiled fireplace and an old piano, though don’t expect anyone to hammer out ‘Knees Up, Mother Brown’ around closing time.
The high arched windows offer a surprisingly leafy view of the hospital; alternatively, head out to the spacious paved garden, where there are barbecues in summer.
Emphasis has been taken off the cocktails and placed firmly on the four handpumps, with Waggle Dance, Bombardier, and Young’s Special and Bitter now typical; there’s also draught Peroni, Kirin Ichinar and Addlestone’s cider.
The Tuesday quiz nights are popular, as are the Sunday lunches.