Having already worked their magic on the acclaimed King William in 2004, Charlie and Amanda Digney refurbished yet another formerly careworn, lacklustre city-centre boozer to their impeccable standards two years later. Today, this gorgeous little gastropub is perfectly suited to its location snuggled up alongside the Theatre Royal: rustic sensibilities (chunky wooden furniture, hotchpotch kitchen knick-knackery, etc) meets urbane urban chic within, with contemporary chandeliers supplementing the candlelit glow and sofas for lounging in the bar. Alfresco tables on the traffic-free lane outside have recently been extended by around 60 covers, food is top-quality gastropub grub, and an overall integrity at the heart of the matter is evident. Sunday roasts are particularly popular, but if a la carte prices induce stage fright, the set lunch, pre-theatre and highly recommended bar menu (the latter featuring excellent fish and chips and spiffing homemade burgers) make the Garrick’s an affordable treat. Meanwhile, the recently revamped ladies loo offers a Gok Wan boudoir experience.

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