This place is my favourite pub in London, I think. It's certainly the one I spend the majority of my time drinking in. It lies between Piccadilly and Oxford Circus tube stations, it's hecka convenient. Also YES, it's a Sam Smiths pub [like almost all of my reviews] but I got special permission from the boss to review this one. I like Sam Smiths pubs. Not just because they're cheap [that doesn't hurt though frankly] but the bar snacks are good, you can almost always find somewhere to sit despite how busy the place gets [unless you go to the John Snow, like I did for the first couple of months of my London life] and the staff are real nice.

Glasshouse is the best for me because of the layout. It's a narrow place, just enough space for someone to stand at the bar and someone else to walk behind him, but that's it. There are two booth style tables right at the front by the windows, perfect for summer time drinking because said windows are massive and open all the way out, then some tables at the other end of the bar. Walk around the corner and the place opens out into a whole nother section. Cosy but roomy enough to accommodate, there's this weird half-pool table set up that you can place an incomprehensible game on. We had a go, but couldn't really figure it out. James broke one of the mushroomoids too. There's a downstairs, but that's seldom open and I've never been down there when it was.

The crowd in the Glasshouse is a nice mix too. It's close enough to places that there's the odd contingent of young people, but far enough away from Soho central to attract too many wankers [that's for the John Snow to absorb] and then there's the obligatory Old Man client base that every decent pub should always have. Friendly bunch anyway. Once Nick and I had got to singing the Littlest Hobo theme and, as we got to the chorus a guy from across the pub, who'd been drinking and reading the paper, suddenly joined in. We all rocked out for a few bars and then, once it was over, he gave us a jovial nod, drained his pint and went on his way.

You don't get that in the busier bustling wanker bar or the silent reading style po-faced gastro-pub.

BEER SELECTION: All the Sam Smiths originals. Good if you like Bitter, which I do. ***
COST OF A ROUND: Even though the prices recently went up, still under £5 for two drinks and a bag of nuts. ****
STAFF: Really nice, but not over friendly. Also very competent. They've never served round me. ****
FOOD: Snackswise good and varied, but they also serve hot food. ***
SKIRT RATIO: Tends to be mostly men, but you get the odd lady there, and the bar staff are of the female persuasion. **

Overall: Glasshouse Stores is my favourite pub and you should check it out. ****

Glasshouse Stores - Soho - Brought to you by Gazz Wood -