WC1.

The Lamb is a Young's pub and only serves their range. Usually there are three to four on including seasonal specials. The pub is Grade II listed and has all the nice touches inside. The frontage is probably the most attractive building in the road, so you cant miss it. You can enter from either side of the frontage onto the 'U' shaped bar. This is a black bar as is the overhang and snob screens to the left side. This makes the pub dark inside, which either adds to the ambience or the gloom, depending on your choice. The round tables next to the padded bench seating are bolted to the floor so you cant move them even when a large group of you get in there. There is a food/no smoking area but this is down steps that lead to the toilets. Food is served both lunch and evening and is traditional pub fayre at reasonable prices. You can also eat upstairs so you don't bother people drinking. Outside there is a courtyard for summer. The Lamb is in the heart of Birkbeck University so should be good for students and staff alike. Prices are what you would expect for London with £2.50 a pint in 2005. By the way, the pub has a working Polyphon. Closest tube is Russell SQ.

The Pakenham Arms is a pub that serves traditional pub food at lunch times. Catering for vegetarians is also provided. Food was competent with dishes like Thai green curry, sausage and mash, fish and chips, pork chops, and chilli con carne. All around a fiver or less. The pub has one large U-shaped room surrounding the bar; with wooden chairs, benches and barstools. The walls are covered with old-style bar mirrors and 1930s-era film posters. There is a sport TV which caters for the posties from the Mount Pleasant Sorting Office (a late licence is used). No music here means conversation is possible. Beers come from a variety of breweries, but the landlord tries to get specials in. Worth a visit. No accommodation here, but see general London list for some in the area. Access for the disabled is not really possible plus the toilets have steps. Closest tube is Russell Square.