The Yorkshire Grey, 29-33 Grays Inn Road

The Yorkshire Grey, 29-33 Grays Inn Road, WC1X 8PN

I had been avoiding this one for as long as possible, but fate beckoned me towards its doorway on a night out with some people from the office before Christmas. The first pub we passed would have been fine, but one of our group objected to the number of male cyclists drinking there, so we were forced to walk on. Another member of our group was magnetically attracted to a second pub, mainly because ladies are known to take off their clothes in there for a small fee. He was outvoted, so by default we headed for the nearest visible pub which just happened to be the Yorkshire Grey. The words 'Yorkshire Grey - Pub and Kitchen' come into focus as we draw nearer to the front door. This is a BAD SIGN. It is also pretentious, pointless and annoying. It serves food - so what? Other pubs serve food and they don't make a fuss. Pubs also have other amenities. What will it be next? Pub, Toilet and Dart Board? As I am pushed through the door (incidentally my finger nails are only just growing back. The originals are probably still buried in the door frame), I quickly realise that I am far too sober to be here. The place is rammed full of people out on their office Christmas bash: lascivious laydeez and boorish blokes alternate between raucous conversation and a sort of mistimed shuffling to the throbbing music. I grab my 5th pint of the evening and drink quickly in the hope that my senses will be dulled sufficiently to allow me to stay long enough to avoid upsetting anybody I am with. Conversation is futile so I am reduced to behaving like an imbecile: nodding at opportune moments and saying "hmm" and "really?" a lot. During gaps in this attempted discourse I make mental notes of my surroundings. The place has been stripped bare in an attempt to achieve a 'minimalist chic' vibe and there is a function room available for hire. After having my 6th pint even my companions are starting to feel the pain, so mercifully we leave. I for one will not be back.

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Jan 2006

Telephone: 020 7405 2519

Nearby pubs: The Blue Lion, 133 Gray's Inn Road (240 metres), The King's Arms, 11a Northington Street (90 metres), The Apple Tree, 45 Mount Pleasant Street (240 metres), The Gunmakers, 13 Eyre Street Hill (280 metres), The Rugby Tavern, 19 Great James St (240 metres), The Duke of York, 156 Clerkenwell Road (220 metres), Onyx Bar, 91 Gray's Inn Road (210 metres), The Duke (of York), 7 Roger Street (230 metres)

Nearest station: Chancery Lane, Zone 1 (360 metres)