Pub Heritage Duke
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Greater London Central - London
Two star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic interest
Listed Status: II
7 Roger StreetLondon, Bloomsbury
WC1N 2PB
Tel: (020) 7242 7230
Email: bookings@dukepub.co.uk
Real Ale: Yes
Nearby Station: Farringdon
Station Distance: 900m
Public Transport: Near Railway Station (Farringdon)
View on: Whatpub
The pub is part of Mytre House, a development of 1937–8 by architect D. E. Harrington. There had been a pub on the site previously, hence its incorporation into the new development. The most important space is the lounge at the back which retains three original seating booths with timber and reeded glass dividers between them, the idea of which might have been borrowed from the Cittie of Yorke, a shortish distance away on High Holborn (XXX). Similar but rather more utilitarian booths were installed in the public bar probably in the 1960s or 1970s and blocked the doorway to what had been an off-sales. The Ind Coope frosted and lettered glass no doubt date from the same time. The counters are original although the upper shelving of the bar-backs seems later. The loos still have their original 1930s tiling.
An Art Deco treasure dating from 1938. This corner pub, now with a major focus on good food, is part of an offices and flat development and, like the rest of the block, has characteristic 1930s detailing and metal windows. The architect was D. E. Harrington ARIBA.
The pub isn’t big but has two unequally sized rooms. Decoration is pared down to a minimum and the fittings are sleek and undemonstrative. The counters have plain vertical surfaces and the bar-backs are simple and functional.
In the smaller rear room is an original brick fire surround and several Art Deco mirrors. The most prominent feature is a series of small, open drinking booths with timber and reeded glass partitions between them. The similar seating in the larger bar, however, looks like a later addition, perhaps from the 1960s or 1970s when the Ind Coope window glass must have gone in. Don’t miss the loos which retain their 1930-s tiling.
The Duke of York is primarily aimed at diners although part of the larger bar welcomes drinkers too. The music played here is a suitable match for the surroundings.
Other surviving Art Deco interiors can be found at these Heritage Pubs Three Pigeons, Halifax, Yorkshire, West; Vale Hotel, Arnold, Nottinghamshire; Test Match, West Bridgeford, Nottinghamshire; Portland Arms, Glasgow; Steps Bar, Glasgow; and Frews Bar, Dundee; in the Sporting Memories Lounge.
Full Description
The pub isn’t big but has two unequally sized rooms. Decoration is pared down to a minimum and the fittings are sleek and undemonstrative. The counters have plain vertical surfaces and the bar-backs are simple and functional.
In the smaller rear room is an original brick fire surround and several Art Deco mirrors. The most prominent feature is a series of small, open drinking booths with timber and reeded glass partitions between them. The similar seating in the larger bar, however, looks like a later addition, perhaps from the 1960s or 1970s when the Ind Coope window glass must have gone in. Don’t miss the loos which retain their 1930-s tiling.
The Duke of York is primarily aimed at diners although part of the larger bar welcomes drinkers too. The music played here is a suitable match for the surroundings.
Other surviving Art Deco interiors can be found at these Heritage Pubs Three Pigeons, Halifax, Yorkshire, West; Vale Hotel, Arnold, Nottinghamshire; Test Match, West Bridgeford, Nottinghamshire; Portland Arms, Glasgow; Steps Bar, Glasgow; and Frews Bar, Dundee; in the Sporting Memories Lounge.
