The Ordnance Arms

God bless the pub. More precisely, God bless Sam Smiths. What does one do when a sudden bout of rain manifests, scuppering potential outdoor plans, or when there is little to do of an evening other than watch telly and comfort eat? Why, go to the pub of course. And if one is short of cash, one finds the nearest Samuel Smiths pub.

It’s reassuring to know that you can still find pubs in London where two pints will set you back just £4.80. What’s even more curious is that The Ordnance Arms is located in wealthy St. John’s Wood, amidst the homes of celebrities, politicians and other very important people. Tucked away on a residential street and surrounded by grandiose million pound houses is where you will find this cosy, relaxed pub, that is until the punters watching the cricket match round the corner at Lords find their way here, transforming it from chilled-out to rowdy within a matter of seconds. On non-cricket days there’s a mixture of young and old, locals reading the paper and after work drinkers either nestled inside or in the spacious outdoors area, which has a gazebo to provide shelter from the rain.

As with other Sam Smiths pubs you won’t find brand beers or drinks but at £2.40 a pint, who’s complaining? What you do get are their own wheat beers, ales and German-style lagers, and even the soft drinks steer clear of Coca Cola and Co. Food is served till 8 pm, should you wish to indulge in pub-style junk food.