Cross Keys

Address: 31 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9BA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 5185
Website: view Cross Keys’ website
Door: Open door
Style: Pub (traditional British pub)
Food: Bar Snacks
Established: 1840

Review

Endell Street was built as part of a relief road and slum clearance project in the late 1840s and with it came the Cross Key's pub. Though small, it has a grand facade with marble columns supporting richly decorated arches and two fat cherubs each holding the keys of Saint Peter, keeper of the gates to Heaven (if you believe in such yarns). Hanging baskets and planters brimming with foliage complete this traditional pub's marvellous exterior.

Inside you could pretty much equip the brass section of an orchestra with the instruments hanging from the ceiling. Other hanging brass oddments include an old diver's helmet, old kettles and frying pans. The collectomania continues above the bar and around the walls which are plastered with theatrical, film or music related old photos, prints and memorabilia.

Sandwiches and homemade pies are available weekdays noon-2:20pm with a roast served on Sundays noon-3pm.

Apart from the above, the other thing of note in what really isn't that noteworthy a pub is the choice of five well-kept ales. However, the real attraction is its being a cosy, classic old London boozer with real character.