The Duke Of York

A pub by definition should offer relief in the form of alcohol, comfort food, crisps and occasionally fruit machines. But how can you tell what a pub will be like before you venture in? Whether it’s going to be welcoming and friendly, or elitist and expensive? Its location will usually give this away, however sometimes even that is deceiving, as there are Samuel Smiths pubs in wealthy Marylebone and extortionate gastropubs in Wapping, which the older locals cannot afford.

It’s a good thing then, that The Duke of York in St. John’s Wood is exactly what you would expect of the area; well-heeled locals with Chanel handbags jostling for space at the bar on Friday nights, while other designer-clad regulars sit and enjoy dinner. The Duke is clearly where the inhabitants of NW8 come to inspect each other and sniff out gossip.

But what of the venue itself? Well, it’s very attractive, with candles on tables, sleek leather-backed chairs and a stone fireplace. There are tables and chairs in the main bar, as well as a more secluded dining area offering a little more tranquillity on lively nights. The menu is vaguely Mediterranean-inspired, with things like chargrilled lamb skewers and feta salad, or tuna steak with salad for £15.95, surely the maximum a pub can charge for a main course before it falls into the category of high end restaurant. Additionally there are roasts on Sundays and a burger menu on Monday nights, serving Wagyu beef burgers naturally, what else? While it can be busy and overbearing at weekends, grabbing a quiet table at this smart pub during the week is another affair altogether, just don’t expect a cheap evening.