Fitzrovia · Westminster
The Champion
Stained-glass Victorian portraits of Empire-era 'champions'.
- Address12-13 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3PG
- Phone020 7580 4841
- Websiteenjoyfitzrovia.co.uk/drink/the-champion
- OwnershipPart of Samuel Smith Brewery
About The Champion
A Grade II-listed Sam Smith's house famous for eight stained-glass windows depicting Victorian sporting and exploration heroes.
The Champion takes its name — and its striking decoration — from eight large stained-glass windows installed when the pub was rebuilt in the 1890s on the site of the old Oxford Market, each one a portrait of a champion of Victorian achievement, from explorers to prize fighters. Samuel Smith's ownership means unusually low, old-fashioned prices for the area and a policy of no music, keeping the atmosphere firmly in period. It's one of Fitzrovia's most photographed pub interiors, and one of its quietest, most contemplative drinking rooms.
On tap
Samuel Smith's own beers, ciders and lagers exclusively, at notably old-fashioned prices.
Food
A short menu of Sam Smith's pub classics — nothing elaborate, everything reliable.
More pubs in Fitzrovia
- The GeorgeAn 18th-century Fitzrovia townhouse turned all-day pub.
- The Yorkshire GreyA proper Fitzrovia corner local dating back to 1777.
- The ShipAn independent, Grade II-listed corner local with a nautical theme.