NOTE: Since this review was published, the Sir Richard Steele has become part of the Faucett Inns group. The Time Out Eating and Drinking Editors
‘Genuine London boozer’ pretty much covers it when it comes to this pub. Named in honour of the Irishman who’s most famous today for founding the Spectator, the Steele is a fabulously raffish place, defined by the boozy chaos that invariably seems to follow an evening spent jostling for attention at its central bar or crouched around one of its sticky tables.
Within a dimly lit interior covered in portraits and street signs, talkative locals shoot the breeze over pints of ale (Timothy Taylor Landlord, Dark Star Hophead) and the occasional whisky; even the drunkest of drunks remain good-natured until chucking-out time. There’s a grab-bag of live music – Irish folk, acoustic or open-mic, depending on the night and the week – while quiz nights and comedy clubs provide alternative entertainment.