L is for the Larrik

On a Monday back in October we headed to the Larrik, tucked away just to the west of Marylebone and just to the east of Paddington. An early evening start this time, as I had unusually been working in central London for the day.

The Pub

View A to Z of London Pubs in a larger map
As I was strolling towards the Larrik I was expecting to find a busy pub, as I was arriving at the end of the workday. Clearly nobody has told the workers of Marylebone/Paddington, as when I arrived there were only a handful of other punters in evidence, and it turned out half of them were staff who appeared to be planning a menu change or somesuch. Surprised, and almost a little disappointed, that I could immediately wander up to the bar, I perused the relatively meagre selection of ales, made a choice and requested it. The barman was not particularly upbeat or talkative, which might have made me feel more at home, but I paid (almost £4 for a pint of standard ale) and went to take a seat and wait for Lager Boy.
While waiting I took in the surroundings. The pub was pretty much one large room, very open, although around a quarter of the floorspace was curtained off, which made sense while it was so quite. Everything seemed very clean, with pale wood furniture, candles on the tables and fairy lights around the not unsubstantial windows.
Once Lager Boy had arrived he informed me that one wall of the pub housed a big screen for rugby matches, and the pub attracted quite a crowd for those. We also observed the music being played at a sensible volume, adding something to the ambience. The pub also started to fill up a bit, although was by no means busy at any stage. At one point a few children with masks and collection receptacles came in to 'trick or treat' everyone - ten days early and a complete lack of effort. They were soon turfed out by one of the staff, who remained friendly with them, avoiding too much of a scene.
We also had some food, which we were both pleased with, and was good value for money for a London pub.

The Beer

• Sharp's Doom Bar - This was my first, and I was a reasonable way through it without really thinking about it, and it was only when Lager Boy arrived that I realised it wasn't quite right. It stayed a bit cloudy and almost tasted weaker than I would've expected. Not quite right.
• Staropramen - As expected. Refreshing for Lager Boy after a long day at work. Well chilled and had a suitable amount of liveliness.
• St Austell Tribute - Initially served short,  my request for a top up was well received and the barman was much more talkative and friendly on this visit to the bar. Cleared much better than the Doom Bar, although a reasonable amount of sediment remained at the end of the pint. A sweeter beer, feeling very smooth at the same time, slipped down fairly easily.
• Beck's Vier - Standard delivery of a standard lager. A safe choice, especially considering it's a school night.
• Leffe Blond - A choice out of 'leffe-field' as the ale selection had been exhausted already. Not a regular choice of mine, but it was Lager Boy's round and I had allowed him free reign to choose. A good finisher on this occasion with a strong, almost orangey taste. Very enjoyable.
• Budvar - A pragmatic choice for Lager Boy's final tipple. A classy Czech number, which is a non-standard standard lager.

The Verdict

A surprisingly quiet pub, which appears to look after lager better than ale. Staff were a bit hit and miss, but the food was good, and reasonably priced. Not the place to seek out new talent, drink wise, but a place to nestle with old flames.