Ryans Bar, 56 Carter Lane

Ryans Bar, 56 Carter Lane, EC4V 6DE

The interior of this place is as dark as the copious amounts of Guinness that get served on a daily basis. There is no natural light whatsoever save the lamps which illuminate pictures of "Oirish" sporting heroes which adorn the walls. Local suits fill this temple dedicated to the worship of sports and gaze transfixed at the various screens. Just getting to the bar is a supreme effort but once you get there the friendly Irish staff (yes, Irish - not antipodean) will pour you one of the best pints of Guinness in the square mile. However, like many pubs in the area, it is only open between Monday and Friday.

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Nov 2003

Telephone: 020 7329 1100

Nearby pubs: The Black Friar, 174 Queen Victoria St (190 metres), The Cockpit, 7 St. Andrews Hill (80 metres), Rising Sun, 61 Carter Lane (40 metres), St Bride's Tavern, 1 Bridewell Place (190 metres), Ye Olde London, 42 Ludgate Hill (70 metres), The Albion, 2/3 New Bridge Street (190 metres)

Nearest station: City Thameslink, Zone 1 (120 metres)