Another amazing Samuel Smiths pub, who'd have thought you could get a cheap pint over looking Trafalgar Square! Well in the Chandos it is possible. A great meeting place if you're having a central night out, or pop in after looking around the National Portrait gallery or other local treat. The downstairs bar has round tables and booths for you to squash around, the upstairs bar, called the opera room, has a slightly different feel but is just as busy. Arrive EARLY if you're planning on spending the whole evening here as the place gets super busy. read more

This is a nice pub and because it's a Samuel Smith's one it's not too expensive either. For those not familiar with Samuel Smith's you won't be finding any of the brand names or fancy bottled beers here. The Yorkshire run brewery does just that, they brew their own ales, stouts and lagers and that's all they sell in their pubs. All is not lost though as they have equivalents/alternatives to most of the mainstream brands and because they don't spend heaps on fancy ad campaigns for them they're much cheaper. Lager for example is £2.15 a pint or £2.90 if you go for the fancy continental version - both of which are very drinkable! That's Sam Smith's, so what about this particular pub... well it's a wee bit shabby but in your typical London pub way, more well worn-in than worn out, perfect for a few sneaky cheap drinks after work. They have a separate upstairs bar/lounge where you can order cheap food (scampi and chips/steak and ale pie type stuff). Probably not the kind of place you'd go to on a first date as you'd maybe want something a bit smarter but for more relaxed beers with friends/workmates it's perfect and ridiculously cheap for central London! read more

A real diamond in the ruff! I urge all readers and fellow oenophiles to have the Pure Brew. This magical concoction has a mind of it's own and will happily take yours! Though close to perfect this haven from my demanding political career does have some drawbacks. I remember back to when I was a young man and urging them not to build the pub at it's current location due to the fault lines. This has the unfortunate effect of making the entire pub wobble from about 8pm every evening. Also, be aware that the staff have quite an absurd no napping rule, even for us older generation. These are the only two problems I can find with this glorious drinking hole, and it is where I enjoying spending the few evenings I have left in my twilight years. I in fact intend on spending this evening there with a tramp and his parrot. Security read more

Both times I was only upstairs in the Opera Room so my experiences are based on that. It does get really packed after 5 or 6 pm so best to go a bit early and stake out a seat. They have lots of comfy couches and seating arrangements great for grabbing a pint of cider, order a fat plate of chips to share, and lounge around for an hour or two. It's lively and loud but not to the point of shouting conversations (also, no loud music playing in the background, thumbs up!). Prices are quite cheap, about £2-3 for a pint of cider or beer and location is prime. So come and help yourselves to many rounds of Strongbow on tap! read more

As a Yank, this hits me as weird that you would close at 11pm or so on a Thursday night when you still have plenty of people and plenty of people on the street. Oh well this was close to my hotel, and my local friends wanted to have a few beers without to hit the insanity that is SOHO. They have ales so you can drink those, wasn't extremely expensive given that it is a block off Trafalgar Square. If you are in the area and need a beer, why not. I do like going pub hopping looking for ales that I haven't consumed before. read more

Pretty decent pub food! The meat pies are small but tasty. Service was spotty despite there only being two other tables seated. I could tell the manager felt bad about the service, as he brought out missing items personally. read more

This is a Sam Smith brewery pub.. So the quality of drinks and food is top notch! They have vegan ales and lagers, Double Four and Sovereign are highly recommended. If downstairs is full, you can usually find a seat upstairs (even if your not eating). Good for one drink if you are passing by.. As it can be loud and busy due to it's location on the 'tourist trail'. read more

My extended family of 6 (visiting from the USA) looked for and found this authentic English Pub. We really enjoyed the food: Olives & Feta, Traditional Fish & Chips(X 3), Beef & Old Brewery Pie and a B.L.T. Oh yes and a pint of dark beer to chase it down The service was good and the toilettes were clean. read more

The Chandos is pretty much the pinnacle of Perfect Pub-Crawl Pub. Loud, raucous, centrally located, and filled to the brim with young and silly Fancy Dress parties, it is the ideal place to stop off for a quick pint or two in a kick-ass location. Being located so close to Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, the National Portrait Gallery, and the bustling West End, The Chandos is a ridiculously popular place to grab a drink As every review before mine has pointed out, this place is CROWDED. At all hours of the day. If you are lucky enough to find a space to hunker down, grab it and don't let it go as seats are insanely hard to come by. And the place is huuuuge, too; two huge floors of stools, booths, couches, and little alcoves, so it takes quite a lot of people to fill it up. And the Sammy Smiff prices mean that even if you're skint, you can have a totally decent night out here on the cheap. Wheeee! I can't really fault The Chandos for being unpleasantly crowded the way that some other pubs get. The patrons consist largely of stag parties and other fancy dress groups, so it is kind of hard to be peeved about having to squeeze between a Sexy Cop and a guy in a giant banana costume to get to the loo. If you're looking for a relaxed, civilized night out, you're definitely in the wrong place. If you love cheep beer, shouted/slurred drinking songs, and people watching of the ridiculous clientele, definitely give The Chandos an evening of your time. read more

While visiting London for the Olympics just last week, I stopped by this bar because a friend of mine said it was the perfect spot for a beer with my boo boo (yes I did just call my SO that...) I think we came here on an off-night (Sunday evening) and it was pretty empty. Call me dumb but I didn't think London had off-nights when it came to drinking.. but now I am informed and you should be too. Brits drink a lot .. like a lot a lot .. but not all the time and especially not Sunday nights. The bar itself was so classic. Reminded me of a rustic home or old Hollywood parlor. Very pretty decor, relaxing spot for a good beer, and the staff was super duper nice. It is located in a touristy spot but to my pleasant surprise, wasn't filled with tourists also there for the Olympics like I was so it was cool to chit chat with true locals. read more

This place is a weird, mixed bag, but I love it all the same. Its location makes it an interesting cross-section for locals and tourists, and cheap beer makes it appealing even if you'd rather go someplace quieter. My friend got slapped in the face by a drunk old man in this pub (while he often deserves to be smacked, this was not the case in this particular incident). It makes me laugh every time I'm in there. The bar staff asked the old gent to leave, which was a pleasant surprise as we were far from the center of attention and the bar was very crowded. It was quickly made a non-issue. Groups cycle in and out of here, so don't be intimidated by the lack of seats when you arrive. If you get a booth, stay forevverrrr. read more

Monopoly Pub Crawl - Stop #19 - Trafalgar Square (Red) A short distance away from the previous pub, we found the Chandos to finish off the red color group. As far as pubs go, this isn't the greatest but it has an excellent location a stone's throw away from Trafalgar Square. Essentially, it gets the job done but as with most places in this area it's usually rammed on the weekend. It is alright for large groups most of the time though due to the large size and as a Sam Smith's pub you do get a slightly different range of ales. But let's be honest, for most of us, brown ales taste remarkably similar but at least it's not a 'Spoons! Other than that, I don't have much to say about the Chandos. It has the usual selection of booze on offer and could easily be a copy of oh so many pubs. It's a place to get drunk, not experience London pub culture sadly and you are better off enjoying the drink deals at All Bar One or Pitcher & Piano franchises close by. read more

A friend of mine discovered The Chandos last year when he wanted to host some cheap London leaving drinks. This pub boasts the cheapest pints in London. I'm not sure if a cheap pint in London is possible but we seem to go there every time, returning with a little change in our pockets so it can't be a bad thing! There are booths in the downstairs part of the pub, this is great for groups. Upstairs, the pub has a different vibe - red carpets, sparse seating, a little cramped. The drinks here are... OK. I'm a wine drinker and I've had better but that's why I guess the pub is quite cheap, you can't have it all. There are usually lots of tourists in this pub since it's a stone throws away from Trafalgar Square. If you're going to go to The Chandos, make sure it's on a week night, it'll be a little quieter and you'll get a seat. read more

I've never been upstairs, only in the bit downstairs. A favorite with those I work with, the beer is good and cheap & it's always completely crammed with the after work crowd. They serve food but I don"t know if I would trust it. One thing I think I should mention. Last time I was there--last week--a toilet seat was missing in the ladies' room. read more

The atmosphere of this pub can best be described as quiet, however it's cheap and has a great location, and the food tastes pretty good too, and is very well priced for what you get. It didn't completely agree with me a couple of hours later. Shame the fireplace wasn't real or it could have been much nicer! Worth a visit if you're in the area :) read more

The Chandos by Trafalgar Square is a Samuel Smiths pub; which means cheap drinks. The Chandos is arranged over two floors. The downstairs has a large bar, some seating booths along the walls and is rather open plan. The upstairs is more cosy with its own bar and a range of sofas and chairs. It is pleasant enough pub with a decent, though average, food menu. If you're in central and fancy a quick cheap drink it is a good option. Unfortunately, like a lot of Sam Smiths' pubs, it is a little lacking in character. read more

Dropped in last minute on a whim and found a cozy spot in the Opera Room, upstairs. Fun place with friendly bartenders. Burger and chips were tasty. Great location near The National Gallery. read more

Food is okay. Portions are small, prices are high. It's a tourist trap. They charge extra for condiments, e.g., 50p for ketchup.

More specifically, The Opera Bar upstairs at the Chandos, with views across Charing Cross road to the National Gallery, is a fantastic bar to visit in the afternoons. There are so many padded chairs and sofas that if you're not sitting down you're doing something wrong. There are toilets for the upstairs bar hidden away at the far end, at a slightly higher level which reminded me of the ones in the Odeon in Manchester. This is a Samuel Smiths pub, so the beer and spirits are cheap and very good quality. Dare I say the best in London? Certainly the best value, about two pounds a pint (in London!!!) Since this bar catered to actors and singers, there are loads of photos of old stars on the wall, and a real club feel to the old place. Particularly when it's cold enough to have the coal fire burning. The staff were always attentive to me, but tended to ignore my Thai friend, so draw your own conclusions. I've also seen people playing board games in here, which I think they brought with them, so it's that kind of bar. read more

Pretty comprehensive reviews about this pub which is a well-loved and popular place for many revellers right in the thick of things in town. A Sam Smiths - so home branded and fairly good value drinks are on offer. As many people have pointed out, the main lure is the Opera Room upstairs which serves food but sadly not at 9pm when we got there and it was heaving with drinkers. One of the best views from a ladie's loo in that part of London. read more

The Chandos is everybody's favourite meeting place for an evening out in Central London. There are several reasons for this, the cheapness of the pints certainly being one! Owned by the Samuel Smith's chain, you are guaranteed a wide range of their own-branded beers, lagers and even spirits at credit-crunch-friendly prices. The pub's nicely done up, with a standy-uppy downstairs bar, and a more cosy upstairs area with some tables. Getting a seat is pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, so enjoy it if it happens (I'm writing this because I got my first ever Chandos Seat last night - yay!) The pub, as other reviewers have mentioned, is usually crammed full, but this lends itself to a pleasantly buzzy atmosphere. It's nice to wander out, suitably fortified, and be on Trafalgar Square with St Martin-in-the-Fields right next to you, Nelson's Column and the National Gallery right ahead you get the picture. read more

I visited in 2009, and I still dream about the chicken and mushroom pie I had. I have yet to find anything similar in NY, but keep on searching. This pub was PACKED when I visited and I can see why. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and amazing food. Before leaving I snapped a picture of the pub so I can always remember this place and hopefully visit again! read more

The Chandos - out of this world chicken and mushroom pie - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Came in here for a quick bite before we took a walking tour. I got a hand pie which was fairly good, there was a lot of gravy which helped. The carrots that came on the side were kind of hard, almost half cooked half not. My husband got the fish and chips, he said they were ok not the best he had in London but not the worst. read more

Upstairs at the Candos is a great place to meet friends as there are large leather sofas and usually a fire to sit in front of too. The beer is very reasonably priced at around two pounds a pint. They do sell food too although I have never tried it, and I understand they stop selling it after something like seven in the evening. The downstairs bar tends to be more busy and has lots more poeple standing although there are seating booths down there too. read more

For being smack-dab in the most touristy part of London, this old pub has surprisingly cheap beer. Dark, stained-glass windows and lots of interior walls because of booths add character, but also make it very dim inside. With no outdoor seating (or pavement drinking, signs indicate this is not allowed) this isn't a good pub for a sunny day. On weekends it can get absolutely mobbed full of people. If it's a rainy day and you're waiting for someone in the neighbourhood it's a good place for a reasonably-priced pint. read more

Lovely lovely pub. Got there early and scored a snug, and settled in for a few pints and a nice spot of relaxation after a whole day's walking. They also have a nice selection of drinks for those who aren't drinking alcohol, unlike some pubs where all you can get is watered-down post-mix. read more

I'd have to agree with a prior reviewer who said "what more could you want from a pub?" Good location, good food and good drinks. In fact, the food is better than most. Pricing is quite fair. Definitely worth a stop after the Portrait Gallery or other neighborhood sigjtseeif. read more

If I'm ever in the area and fancy a few drinks and a chat with someone, this is where I'll head to. The place is always fairly busy, but thankfully with enough floorspace both down and upstairs to not get too manic. Sam Smiths prices mean that your money will go far and you'll never remember the name of anything you've had to drink. It's a particularly good find considering the overpriced places that surround it. read more

This pub gets 5 stars from me because its location is great just off charing cross road and the drinks are cheap. So you get value for money. I love the decor of the pub, its big and has a traditional feel to it. There are also private booths for groups to just sit down and mingle in private. which adds a nice feel to the pub. Great place i definately recommend it as top tree pubs in leicester square. read more

This is probably one of the best pubs in central London. Big but not heartless (like the chains). Cosy but spacious. Good beer that isn't the run-of-the-mill brands. This Sam Adams pub manages to combine a great location and venue with friendly bar staff and a lively atmosphere. A great place to meet up with friends of an evening, or even to spend drinking away the afternoon. For a London pub, this is about as cheap as it gets without selling your soul to Wetherspoons. What's more, the clientele are a discerning bunch, with nary an alcopop or upchucking teenager in sight. A perfect springboard for the clubs of the West End, or the place for a break from shopping and shows. read more

We stopped here after visiting the National Gallery. It was a short walk away. I ordered the fish and chips, and my husband ordered a chicken sandwich. The fish was long, flaky, and the batter was crisp. The chips were delightful. My husband's sandwich was just ok, and it didn't come with anything else, so we shared my chips and peas. It ended up being a perfect amount to share. The food was good, the environment was nice and cozy, and the toilets were clean and well-kept. My husband and I don't drink, so we can't speak to that part of this place. The food came out quickly, and the staff was friendly and kind. We would definitely come back to this place if we lived in London. read more

The best part about this place is the Opera Room upstairs - I've been coming here for years, and the standard of service is always good. It's a bit like sitting in a comfortable stately home study..big squashy leather sofas, muted colours, creaky floorboards, lots of opera-themed photos on the wall, (well it is next to the ENO!) - it's just a really comfortabe relaxed place to be during the day. It's a Sam Smiths pub, so that makes it a bit of shrine to some beer drinkers; it also does good pub grub at really sensible prices during the day.a great place to come and chill out with friends and have space to chat. In the evenings it has a much livelier vibe, but still friendly. Check it out! read more

This is a little oasis in the centre of London. Just up from Trafalgar Square this is the perfect place to sink a few pints after you've feasted your eyes in the National Gallery or the National Portrait Gallery (which is practically opposite.) This is a Sam Smith's pub and the beer is well-kept and reasonably-priced. The pub itself is clean and comfortable and has numerous little cubbies and corners. Ideal for clandestine trysts with Camra members. read more

Really fun pub; upstairs has genuinely good pub food, friendly efficient service even when very busy and great atmosphere. Had first rate fish and chips with actual garden peas that weren't over cooked! Pours Samuel Smith's excellent beers and ales on draft--outstanding stout, very good bitters, etc.--and definitely have the toffee dessert with custard. Reasonable prices in a very touristy area and feels authentic where lots of places around Trafalgar don't. read more

Fried, Crunchy, and Golden Perfection! If Fish and Chips is what you desire, then I highly recommend The Chandos. A place where the you can enjoy the classic pub atmosphere and while enjoying some classic english comfort food. The welcoming staff will make you feel right at home as you enjoy a bite into some of their delicious meals such as bangers and mash or even fish and chips. If you feel like exploring the beautiful wonders of the city, you are just in luck, as this pub is located right across from the National Portrait Gallery. read more

Stopped in for lunch with my 11 year old son. We were both jet lagged having just flown in overnight from Minneapolis. A nice hot plate of fish and chips was just what we needed. Service was fast and friendly. Food was far above average. Neither of us actually had a drink but they had a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. read more

We had a 4 hour layover in Heathrow which due to Storm Ciara ended being a nightmare 12 hour flight delay (after we had flown 11 hours from Los Angeles) so we headed into town to do some sightseeing. It was raining cats and dogs in Piccadilly and Leicester Square so we ducked in this place for some food and to dry off. First impressions were not great. There was a drunk passed out on the stairway. And the first floor was just for drinks so it was confusing that the actual restaurant was upstairs. Once we found the upstairs, I banged my head on the low ceiling walking the narrow stairs to the restroom. But once we sat down near the fire and ordered food it all turned around. The fish and chips were proper good and so were the bangers and mash. And we got to stay for a bit to warm up by the fire in comfortable and friendly surroundings. Made all the difference as a respite from the rain storm. Would definitely come back. Five stars. read more

The Chandos is the pub that I will always return to when venturing into the west end. Cheaper than many of its neighbours but without a bar full of Jeremy Kyle participants like you find in Wetherspoons, the Chandos is a vibrant and atmospheric pub. On two floors with many different nooks to hide away in as well as sofas to lounge on, the Chandos is a great place to while away some time with friends. Also, the positioning of the toilets make it one of the best places in London to sneak in and use the loos for free. read more

This pub is one of my favourites. Despite being so central there are often free seats, due to their inventive and practical use of the upstairs area, e.g. using the windowsills as seats. The drink is very reasonably priced. So is the food, which is also pretty decent. read more

The place is very accessible and convenient to everyone; it is located in a touristy spot in the centre of London. The place, staff, and service are always excellent. I truly love this place. A fine and nice place to drink here in Central London. read more