De Hems, 11 Macclesfield Street

De Hems, 11 Macclesfield Street, W1V 7LF

Shtop. A Dutch pub in London's West End? Surely not. Actually there's been a pub here since 1688 and its been Dutch since 1890. Amsterdam it ain't though. The beer's Belgian and its now run by British pub company Nicholsons. Consequently the beer is delicious and well-kept. The pub has shied away from the whole clogs and tulips image and makes no allusion to the smoking café scene. Its probably for the best. On this visit I opted for a pint of Bellevue Kriek (yes - they have it on draught here), which was superb, but at £4.10 a session here would result in a major "wallet haemorrhage". Sadly, the clientele mostly comprise musos and media types who wouldn't know a decent beer if it was poured over their heads. A request for a pint of Fosters at the bar was met with the look of disdain it deserved. During major international football competitions this place becomes the orange nucleus of support for Holland's national team. Unique and fun.

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Oct 2005

Telephone: 020 8769 9174

Nearby pubs: The Coach and Horses, 29 Greek Street (150 metres), The Blue Posts, 28 Rupert Street (140 metres), The Golden Lion, 51 Dean Street (50 metres), The Admiral Duncan, 54 Old Compton St (120 metres), The White Horse, 45 Rupert St, Soho (180 metres), The Three Greyhounds, 25 Greek St (170 metres), The French House, 49 Dean St (90 metres)

Nearest station: Leicester Square, Zone 1 (230 metres)