I’ve visited this place twice now. Both times just for two quick pints, and both times it wasn’t planned. What does this short summation of our history together tell you about the place? It’s ‘handy’. And only moments need be spent, testing and confirming that theory. There are a few telling factors.

Location

Looking on to Russell Sq. Yes it’s on the ground floor, so it’s not like you’ll get a table next to a crazed gunman, picking off picnic enthusiasts this Summer. But the 4 or 5 steps up give you enough of a view of the square to make the window seats enviable places to be.

Popularity

The chances of securing a sought after people-watching spot in the front window are surprisingly good. The venue presents a long, thin layout of tables, 70% of them close enough to street walking businessman to read their private Blackberry texts (that’s closer than their wives will ever get). I’ve managed to secure one of the window tables both times, which considering one of those times was a Saturday night and I was in a group of 10+ make it pretty astonishing. It also sadly means the atmosphere in there often lacks imagination.

Licence

Stays open late most nights, and till about 3 on the weekend depending on how busy it is, and if the staff can be bothered. Because of all these, it often becomes the kind of place you find yourself if you want a pint, if everywhere else is closing or busy, and if you’re in the area.

It’s a hotel bar for a large hotel round the back, which is a reason for it being so quiet. But it’s right on the main road, and looks just like an All Bar One with a different sign, so it’s weird it doesn’t attract many more than it’s share of tourists, businessmen, and groups of straggling Londoners, can’t be bothered to look for anywhere else.

You could do a lot worse. The music’s good, and loud enough to hear. Yet you don’t have to attach a brass horn to your ear to get your friend’s drink order. It does guest ales on tap, changing every month. It’s nice and relaxed, and you don’t feel pressured if you’ve been in there for two hours, nursing one half of Shandy.

Don’t spend a whole night here, but if you’re walking past looking to stop for one, or if you’re near Russell Sq past 1am, looking for one last drink. By all means.

BEER SELECTION: Cider. Bitter. Good wine selection. Quality lagers and guest ales on tap. I didn’t see a cocktail menu though. ****

COST OF A ROUND: Not too bad for a hotel bar. Still trendy bar prices, about £10 a round. ***

STAFF: Quiet, non-intrusive. Nice enough, but there’s never enough clientele to really test them. ***

FOOD: Unimaginative Sandwiches and Burgers. Not really given a second thought, probably just an extension of the room service menu. Not as expensive, but still not great. **

SKIRT RATIO:  ‘Any Other Human Ratio’ is poor, much more chance of getting chummy with people elsewhere than meeting anyone here. *

Overall: Nice location, seating out front will be nice in Summer. Lots of space, and it’s open late. Plenty of good points but not enough to give it a regular visit. ***

Night & Day - Russell Sq - Brought to you by James Wormald -