The Mason's Arms is a good escape from Regent Street

The Mason's Arms is hard to miss - it's a glorious Tudorbethan facade, resplendent with hanging baskets in an otherwise nondescript terrace on a side street in Mayfair.

Yet despite its visual prominence, the shoppers and tourists on nearby Regent Street rarely seem to find this pub.

Which is a bonus for the office workers and locals in these parts as the Mason's Arms is jolly decent pub for a pint or two. There are four hand pumps providing Cask Marque-standard ales, plus the usual lagers etc and a pretty reasonably-priced wine list.

There's a basic, cheap, food menu - eg. fish and chips for £5.95 and various meal deals - and the service is friendly and efficient.

The long, narrow interior's been smartened up recently, the oak panelling at the back painted a light grey-green, which brightens the place up, thankfully the rest of the panelling has been left au naturel. And we must make special mention of the toilets - we know it's a subject dear to the hearts of some of you - which were also done-up in the refurbishment, making them amongst the smartest and cleanest you'll find in any pub.

There's an upstairs dining room, which can be hired, and it's open seven days a week (although it closes Sunday evenings). Should you find yourself weary of the Regent Street hordes and you're in need of a little R&R, the Mason's Arms is just the ticket.

NEAREST STATION: Oxford Circus station
FEATURES: Cask Marque - regular guest beers, a function room, a quiz night and a separate restaurant

Mason's Arms
38 Maddox Street
W1S 1PY