Hidden away off Fitzroy Square in Fitzrovia, this pub was previously an O'Neill's chain Irish pub and before that The Adams Arms.
There are no shortage of pubs in the area, and some good ones at that, but the Lukin, without any grandstanding or showiness (it's hardly in a prime location for foot traffic), appears to have been successful at attracting a sizable crowd through its evident charms. Staff are friendly, the food is good, and the ales well-chosen. On a Thursday lunchtime, there were plenty of people there for food (and many just drinking).
The space inside is brighter than one might expect thanks to an extensive skylight at the back, behind the bar area. Most of the tables are laid out under this section in two rows, though there is some further limited seating and standing room by the front window, as well as in an upstairs room.
The bar has three handpulls for ales, with Sharp's Doom Bar, Rudgate Old Honey Stout and one other on Ewan's November 2010 visit, with Purity Pure Ubu and Landlord joining the Doom Bar on an October 2011 visit. There is also a range of decent lagers and cider (Aspall on draught), as one might expect.
The food menu manages to touch on plenty of different options within the pub food repertoire (venison sausages & mash, steak & ale pie, onglet steak, fish & chips, other options with duck and chicken, and some vegetarian mains for around £8-£10, and sandwiches at around £5-6). Ewan tried a roast beef sandwich with horseradish (£6) on his visit, and it came promptly, on a soft ciabatta bun, and no shortage of roast beef, and nicely complemented by the horseradish. Stringy fries were provided on the side.
Last visited by Ewan and friends, October 2011. Opening hours taken from Google, November 2010.
Last edited 2013-06-16 18:04:47 (version 5; diff). List all versions.
Page last edited 2013-06-16 18:04:47 (version 5).