Stag's Head

A 1930s Younger’s pub whose streamlined exterior contrasts with its wood-panelled mock Tudor interior.

In complete contrast to late Victorian ornateness, this corner-site pub is a rare example of late 1930s sleek streamlining. The builders were the Scottish brewer William Younger who had previously gone for a nostalgic, half-timbered style for their pubs dotted over central London. No more fancy foliage or gritty materials, just a smooth brick building with a rounded corner and metal windows. Note the metal door (left) and curving glass to the right-hand entrance. The interior is a single space with a servery with panelled bar counter along the rear wall. In contrast to the exterior, there is little sense of modernity here because the extensive wall panelling does hark back to the ever-popular Tudor revival. Youngers seem to have been setting out their stall to cater for stand-up drinking by workers from the surrounding offices – hence the peninsula-style projections to prop up customers and their drinks. All in all, this pub is a rather special survivor.

History nearby: In May 1932 the British Broadcasting Corporation moved from Savoy Hill off the Strand to their brand new Portland stone building, Broadcasting House, Portland Place. The main entrance in Langham Place has bronze doors and a beautiful bas relief by Eric Gill depicting Prospero and Ariel – the building is a real architectural gem.