A cosy no-nonsense gastropub, right next to Holborn station; that's how I would describe this place. Which when we visited was decorated for Halloween with pumpkins lining the stairs up to the busy dining room.

The menu has your standard pub fare (Fish & Chips, Steak, Beef and Ale Pie), but also more sophisticated dishes, such as a Venison Loin and a Beef Wellington to share. We chose two of their specials.

My wife had a Salmon Wellington, served on mashed potatoes with some leek. A good wavy crust enveloped the well-cooked salmon. The mash was smooth and buttery, with the leek adding some texture.

I enjoyed the Duck Breast, which turned out to be a duck breast and a confit duck leg. The breast was pink and juicy, and the leg just as it is supposed to be with a crispy skin. This was served with Tenderstem broccoli, some mash, and a few roast potatoes. These roast potatoes were probably the best I've had in a London pub, after never really been happy with any served with a Sunday roast. If I have any criticism of the roasties, it's that they were on the salty side.

When ordering, we asked our waiter what our mains came with. He didn't seem to know this, and advised ordering vegetables with the Salmon Wellington, so we went for a portion of maple-glazed carrots. But whilst the carrots were nice, they were unnecessary as the salmon came with mash and leeks. This meant there was too much food overall, as the portions of everything were very generous.

The food was excellent, and as it is close to the British Museum, it would make for a great place to go after a day out at the museum. Booking ahead is likely required for a Friday or Saturday evening.