Lyric, London

Small pub just off Shaftesbury Avenue, very popular with the local trade. Bay fronted with a tiled panelled interior, it was originally two adjacent taverns, the Windmill and the Ham which were merged in the mid 18th century to form the Windmill & Ham. The pub was renamed in 1890 and rebuilt sixteen years later.

As well as up to ten real ales and a couple of ciders on handpump, the pub has over 20 craft keg/keykeg beer and cider taps on the bar-back plus bottled beers and the array of beers here has been described as "beyond excellence, verging on the exemplary". As is often the case, customers wishing to drink outside will have to stand and settle for plastic glasses. Food is of the traditional pub grub variety but does normally include a Christmas Day menu; you don't have to eat turkey! See venue website for weekly food offers.

This is an unusually authentic "real pub", for one so close to the traditional heart of London at Piccadilly Circus, and for real ale fans well worth a visit.

Note that the Morgan Pub Collective has gift card offers, see venue website.