Cross Keys
Address: 31 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BA
Telephone: 020 7836 5185
Cosy traditional pub in the streets between Covent Garden and Holborn.
The Cross Keys, Covent Garden – exterior vegetation
The first thing that strikes you about the Cross Keys is that it appears to be trying to camouflage itself behind hanging baskets and other vegetation. It almost completely masks the front of the pub. Fortunately the high pub sign and the distinctive fascia are still visible.
Another thing the pub seems to want to keep to itself is that it’s one of the few outlets for the Brodie’s Brewery of Leyton, East London (see also the Old Coffee House in Soho).
There are 5 hand pumps on the bar with a varied selection from the enormous Brodie’s range. My favourites – IPA and the gorgeous citrussy Amarilla were both present on my last visit, and the darker but still hoppy Red was enjoyable too.
The interior of the Cross Keys is dark – almost too dark if it’s bright outside. But once your eyes adjust you can make out that the Cross Keys is just one medium sized room with a bar down the right hand side. I initially thought there was another seating area the other side of the bar but it turned out I’d been fooled by the mirrors.
The Cross Keys, Covent Garden – interior view
Like the Harp over the other side of Covent Garden the walls are covered with paintings – mainly portraits. These pictures combined with the dark wood panelling and the collection of antiques and collectables hanging from the ceiling give the pub its traditional feel.
Food is available but I’ve not eaten here. I’m told it’s very good though and the menu looks reasonable priced.
Although close to Covent Garden tube station the Cross Keys is removed from the touristy bustle, and so has a more relaxed feel than some other pubs in the area. Definitely worth a visit.
Last visited: January 2014
Good Beer, Good Pubs rating: 
Other Pubs in the Covent Garden Area
- Coal Hole
- Cove Bar
- Lamb & Flag
- Lyceum
- Marquess of Anglesey
- Porterhouse
- Round House
- Salisbury
- Wellington
- White Lion
- White Swan
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I visited the cross keys with a group of friends ages ranging from 20′ s to 50’s there was a young couple sat near us holding hands and occasionally kissing , the bar manager made them leave because they were a gay couple , he was ignorant and arrogant , they were doing nothing wrong and we thought them quite sweet – will avoid the place in future I hope the couple make a complaint as I’m sure his actions were illegal and discriminatory