London Public Houses (5)

The Grenadier

Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR

Tel :020 7235 3074

"Tucked away down exclusive Wilton Mews, on the corner of Old Barrack Yard, the patriotic Grenadier is painted red, white and blue. A bright red sentry box tells you, if you hadn't guessed, this is a pub with a military history. The Duke of Wellington's Grenadier Guards used it as their mess.

Inside it is small, dark and cosy; the ceiling coffee black, the walls dark panelled. The bar counter has an original pewter top, maybe the oldest of its kind.

The walls are cluttered with military memorabilia; bayonets and sabres, a breast-plate and bear-skin. If you're lucky you may even see the ghost, said to be that of an officer who was flogged to death for cheating at cards. The Duke is said to have played cards here too, but no question of any cheating. This is a gentlemen's pub, and customers dress to match.

At the rear of the pub is a small two roomed restaurant, which seats about 20. The food is good but pricey. The bar meals include home-made burgers, fish and chips, sausage and mash, all are good value at about £8-£9, or you may prefer a jumbo sausage for £1. Be aware, at peak times you may have to stand. As well as a good selection of ales, Bloody Marys (£4.50) are the speciality, made to a secret recipe."