I'd made arrangements to meet Steve, one of IGOUGO's London-based guides on Sunday evening. As much as I wanted to take Steve up on his offer to show me the fleshpots of London, I was tired from my day exploring Windsor Castle and so I opted for a chat over a few beers at a nearby pub. This cozy old pub is named for Lord John Russell, who built Russell Square, and who was also the first Master of the Horse at the Royal Mews. You can tell that this is definitely a "neighborhood pub", with its pictures of a local rugby team adorning the walls. As Steve told me, "you’re the only tourist in here".
There are picnic tables outside for warm summer evenings (we did sit outside a while before the it got too chilly). These need to be approached with caution, though, as they are quite wobbly. Of course Steve and I only found that out after we’d spilled some good beer! We didn’t fare much better inside...that table wobbled as well, though we’d apparently become more adept at steadying our pints! The pub offers a nice selection of ales and lagers, as well as hard cider, and is a great spot to see old friends and meet new ones.