Well this place has fallen mightily in my estimations! Won't drink here again. *** A Sam Smith's pub. Looks quite nice, the drinks are cheap but lack variety. The pub is quite spacious with an upstairs and downstairs area, but still manages to be packed, due to the aforementioned prices. There is not much else to say really. I could mention John Snow. He was a teeototaller, but I won't hold that against him because he did research the cholera epidemic, which was just about the only interesting thing we studied in GCSE history (when it comes to history I always found - industries grow.transport gets faster = boring.people dying horribly=interesting) read more

We went on a Tuesday at around noon -- it was empty. 2 other groups came during the time we were there. Food was fine - nothing spectacular. Around £11 for fish and chips and around £7 for a pulled pork sandwich with added chips. We shouldn't have paid for the extra chips bc the fish and chips came with plenty to share. Nothing to complain about, nothing to rave about. read more

I'd never been further into this place than the two steps between the side door and the little bit of the bar nearest it until last Friday night. The John Snow is seemingly purveyor of the finest beer jackets this side of Newcastle - every time I go past there are vast swathes of people spilling onto the kerb, road and opposite pavements - regardless of the time of day, night or year. I've spent many a happy day doing just this in times gone by but never really gone far enough inside to properly appreciate the strange little half-walls and fenced off bits. It doesn't do much for standing room; deffo wouldn't pass the TfL Maximising Passenger Numbers test. Never mind though - there's loads more room upstairs. If you turn up after 5.30 though, you're going to need to exercise your Space Generating Elbows technique alongside your Being Friendly In Order To Take The Spare Space On That Table Over There trick. Once you're comfortable in here though, you're all set - convival atmos, cheap drinks, plenty of people to meet. read more

John Snow is one of those great West End pubs where all the alcohol is locally sourced from a good old English brewery, the décor has stayed the same for the last 100 years and there is always a lively buzz of atmosphere the only way to drink in West! The drinks are fairly cheap too (two pints and two shots for £12!) which makes staying longer and drinking freely a lot easier on the wallet. Just off Carnaby Street, this place gets just as busy as you would expect and unless you can literally sprint down there on the dot of 5 I highly recommend you avoid this place for a leisurely Friday drink-up unless you don't mind standing as close to people as you would at a crowded gig because it gets ridiculously busy. During the week isn't quite so busy and usually you can get a table within 15 minutes which isn't bad considering the location. read more

The John Snow is a Samual Smiths pub which means you know you are going to find inexpensive, excellent quality pints. This pub can be very busy with office workers at lunchtime and after work for the above reasons, but it's not normally difficult to find a nice corner for you and your mates at other times such as the weekend. I love the little nooks and crannies in this place, it's quite easy to hide away from people you don't really want to see! If you ask nicely and want to drink outside during the summer, the bar staff will give you a plastic glass and you can puff away on your cancer sticks to your heart's discontent! read more

Much as the other reviewers have noted The John Snow is a strange affair of a pub. Internally it's layout is almost unworkable. Little space to manageably stand, a dividing screen stuck half way across the bar (that means trips to the loo involve leaving and reentering through the back or a two foot squat under the barrier), and other such awkwardness mean this should be a very lame beast of a pub and yet there is something quite charming about the place. The beer is from the Samuel Smith's brewery meaning a decent cheap pint is always on hand. I'm a big fan of the Alpine lager (it used to be called Ayingerbrau) which is a pretty crisp tasting lager. You can have a good drink to start an evening, but if you want a seat get here early or you'll be forced to kerb cling for most of the night. read more

Hello, I traveled all the way from Chicago, IL, United States to see this pub because of the John Snow history. When my group walked in and looked around, a very angry employee told us this "wasn't a tourist attraction" and that we needed to leave. We were going to get a drink or something but he was so rude we left. Quite sad!!! read more

Call me for the drink, but not the food. The food service upstairs on the surface seemed swell, but totally unhelpful. First, no gluten-free menu--dude just hands over a notebook of ingredients for us to research. When my wife tried to order just a burger without the bun, response was, "No. It wouldn't be a burger then would it?" We decided to stay anyway donI could experience the fish and chips. But, alas, they were out of fish. Oh well. Perhaps your experience will be better. read more

Another Samuel Smith's in a great location tucked away near Berwick Street. Cheap pints... out of all the Samuel Smith's pubs this one seems to attract the most of the younger crowd of drinkers. A fairly large upstairs area, but it still fills at crucial moments such as work-release and other emotional slumps ( I hear 5pm is a popular time for a divorce to be announced) so seats may be a luxury at times. The pavements just outside can often be found with huddles of smokers and cross-legged slurping things. read more

Come here to enjoy incredibly cheap Sam Smiths booze in a cosy little boozer positioned between Carnaby Street and Wardour Street. The Sam Smiths stout is really smooth and creamy, it just beats Guinness in my book, and the Alpine ale is really refreshing and crisp. This place is always totally packed when I've been which testifies to it's greatness, drinking from skiffs on the pavement is the order of the day unless you get there before the masses. A Wagamamas is a short trot down Lexington Street which is another reason to drink here. Reports of the chalk line drawn on the footpath to keep drinkers off the road are not exaggerated, however, simply skip across the road from John Snows and enjoy unlimited pavement space! Problem solved. read more

Nice moody kind of pub. Dark wood, etched glass, good ale. Not crowded on a Sunday night. Good calm atmosphere. Recommended. read more

The John Snow is a Samuel Smith's pub, it looks like one, smells like one and sell its beer like one. Although some Sam Smith's pubs can be rather unwelcoming and half-arsed affairs they invariably always look good. The outside of these pubs are always proud and traditional, the John Snow is no different and stands prouder than most sticking out on Broadwick Street like the centre of attention. The John Snow deserves to be the centre of attention, stuck in the middle of Soho it's a timely reminder of what a British pub and the social pub experience is all about. Standing, drinking and setting the world to rights with your friends, even if they've been friends for five minutes. Seating is always a problem in here as it can get so very busy, but pubs always were and always should be. The minimum wage media kids flock here, an oasis for runners and trainees throughout Soho Samuel Smith's estate should be well rewarded in the wills of future media executives for all the work he's done to get them there. The staff in the John Snow are friendly and even apologetic at handing you a plastic cup, thankfully the lager is cold enough for it not to be a problem. There is a large upstairs, but still getting a seat will require early manoevers. It's a good pub, it's (usually) a good crowd, it's good drink, it's a good atmosphere, it's good for a visit. read more

A very decent Sam smiths pub in central London. One of the better sam smiths chain in around central. I went on a Sat so was quite busy but got a table eventually. For the price of a pint in any Sam Smith pubs in London you can't really argue, most of them have a cool old school atmosphere so you can't go wrong. read more

John Snow is one of the old style pubs in Soho and I certainly recommend it to anyone who wants to stand outside and watch the world go by on a warm summers day. As it is a Sam Smith's pub it won't break the bank which is a bonus for Central London. read more

Great in the summer when its sunny and warm and you can stand on the streets with a plastic cup and in the winter if you can get a seat inside, upstairs has a cosy feel to it. Cleaner than the average old man's pub, the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is lively and relaxed. read more

Cheap beers in the middle of soho - what more can you ask for ?! Not a great amount of choice behind the bar but it's good for an afterwork catch up or an early weekend pint. Make sure you grab a table early or you'll be standing for a while. read more

A dingy cavernous hole, oddly shaped and annoying to visit with friends. The decor is much to be desired and I was thoroughly confused by the wooden wall in the middle of the bar with a small door that lead to the other side. It is a Sam Smiths pub though so pints are cheap...not that great if you don't drink pints though. read more

I visited London last summer during the 2012 Paralympics. I was looking for a pub that was cheap and reasonable. I headed over to the Soho district and there was John Snow! The beer is tasty and inexpensive, you can get a half pint for a pound fifty. The atmosphere was great, my first night in London I made new friends! There was some type of costume party going on and so the pub became very lively with happy friendly people. Carl the bartender was great! The upstairs is nice. Very old school English. I would gladly recommend this pub to anyone visiting London. read more

Sam Smiths, super cheap, great crowd. This is a good pub to hang out and socialize at. I made some friends and enjoyed some beers, which was good considering I was travelling solo at the time. The people spilled out all over the street and took over a block away which was fun. The bar was busy, but the wait was never too bad. Good spot. read more

Our default after work pub. Great to stand outside in the summer. Also the cheapest pint in town as it a Sam Smiths pub

Great Location and interesting set up inside with a split bar.. good prices too considering its tourist central here.. Really have had some good times in and around the snow.. Also the pub is named after the man who discovered how Cholera was transmitted on so some interesting history too! read more

Great pub to watch the frenzy of Soho's media crowd slap bang in the middle of the non-touristy part of the west end. Always a fun eclectic crowd. No chain beers here, just artisan beers made by the independent Samuel Smith's brewery. Some of the best (and cheapest) drinks in any pub in London. Go early though as the crowds flock here after work from the many advertising and fashion agencies in the area. read more

Part of the Samuel Smiths franchise, the Central location of this pub ensures a lively and trendy crowd. With a fairly small downstairs bar and a lounge bar open upstairs in the evenings, John Snow can get incredibly busy attracting local workers for a post work pint. Alpine lager is a mere £1.80, and with other specialist ales coming in around £2 a pint this is the perfect place to enjoy a cheap drink in the heart of Soho avoiding the over priced tourist traps prevalent in the area. Steps away from Berwick Street market and Oxford Street this is a great place to stop off for a post shopping pint. read more

An unpretentious, no frills pub which serves cheap beer and wine to its thirsty customers. Usually packed with young media types who work in the area, John Snow is a Victorian style Sam Smiths pub located in the heart of Soho. During the week you can usually find a table, I usually head upstairs with my cheap pint to relax by one of the corner tables. It's a relief to have somewhere to drink in London that doesn't charge the typical extortionate prices for a drink. The food isn't much to write home about, more a venue to drink in, I'd recommend heading elsewhere if you're feeling peckish. read more

I frequent this often...it is not too bad for a fun week night out...I honestly have not been on a weekend, so I don't know how crowded it is on the weekends. read more

John Sow is a famous epidemiologist and I wanted to visit and sign the book. But it's a small local pub in SOHO that doesn't stand out. There are much more interesting places to go in this area. If you are nor in public health profession, take a pass on this one. read more

We were in SOHO and one of the reasons that I was attracted to the pub was the name, John Snow. Yes the Game of Thrones geek in me wanted to be in this pub. I took a picture of myself in front of it that is on my Instagram...why 'cause again, I am at GOT geek. It's not the coolest pub that I have seen in London, a bit of a hole in the wall by London standards but it is small and modest. Just so you know that this has nothing to actually do with GOT, I just liked the name a lot. Selection on tap was a a little slim but cheap..really cheap. I settled for a cola. Service was neutral. This was just a quick stop over while on the road. read more

Simple, old man pub with good booze and good people. Very cheap considering it's in the middle of Soho. Love coming here for a swift pint before dragging myself back into the tourist hell that Soho can be. read more

A busy, lively pub with very cheap beers for central London. Worth a visit.

This place is adorable and tiny. It's a Sam Smiths pub so offers the usual in that assortment. Very little space to sit, but it's really quite nice. Quirky divided areas and the feeling of a proper old pub. read more

I had a pint of their Indian Ale with some friends. They said that all of their beer was made locally or in-house, I think--so no Stella or Beck's to be found here. Their beer was good, crisp, cold, and flavorful. Would recommend, and would go back. read more

Another of the great Samuel Smith's pubs - it's greatness stemming chiefly from the fact that it's cheaper than your usual boozer. From 5pm John Snow is rammed full of young professionals, and on a sunny day they spill out onto the pavement too. It's old-fashioned in its interior, and it's in a great location near Oxford St, Wardour St, Soho etc read more

John Snow's is definitely my favourite bar in central London - where else can you get a round of drinks in and still have change left from a tenner? Great place for a quick after work drink and right next to wagamamma's if you need sustenance during the night! Staff are generally very friendly and the location is perfect! read more

Yes it's another Sammy Smiths! But one of my favourites, no hold on, it is my favourite. Where do I start? Well, it's got all the usual Sammy Smith's beverages at the normal cheap prices, it has such character too consequently attracting large numbers for what is a realtively small and cosy pub. Fortunately the crowding doesn't ruin the atmosphere, if anything it adds to it. There's always some corner to be found with drinks in hand or a space at the bar. Looking around the room it's evident that this is a pub to meet friends for catch ups and gossips. The crowd it attracts, although on the younger side of life, aren't the rowdy variety and therefore volume control isn't an issue, so these conversations are easily had without shouting or 'what'ing! On the other hand, with such a warm atmosphere, you wouldn't feel out of place nipping in for a drink by yourself or waiting for your punctually challenged friends whilst finishing a cross word (yes, I'm speaking from experience)! Recently learning it had come under new management I was naturally a bit concerned, but after popping in at the end of last week I was pleasantly surprised to find a very similar atmosphere. But it has changed. A young Australian responsible. Best seat in the house? Has to be upstairs! read more

A nice pub in Soho with very reasonably priced drink as it's a Sammy Smith's pub. It's gets really busy in the evening when all the meeeddjja community are finishing work, when it's near impossible to get a seat, but a great place none the less. When the weather is nice everyone piles out onto the street which creates a nice atmosphere. read more

Well the reason I was in London was to study public health, so of course I had to go here. It was very busy, but I still got my drink quickly. I had scotch whisky, and it was a bit weak for my taste, but the ginger beer I had with it was great. For dinner I had a chicken sandwich which was great, but even better was the Mac and cheese I tried from a friend. The staff was great to us, and I loved all the pictures of John Snow and his work everywhere. read more

I ordered a pint of bitter and a pint of lager. I got £13 change from a £20 note. I thought it was strange and returned to my table to discuss the exchange with my friends. We concluded that I must have been short changed. I went back (granted this was 20 minutes after I ordered but I would like to think someone would recognise someone they saw within the last 20 minutes) to ask the barmaid very politely about what happened. She got very defensive and quite rude and said that she didn't remember me and seemed surprised that I couldn't remember what I had ordered. I told her that I could remember but that I had merely asked for a bitter and lager and that she had snatched my note without even telling me what the price was. To this she actually said the following with a straight face: "If someone orders a 'bitter' or 'lager' without saying which one, we just serve them the premium (i.e. more expensive) because it tastes nicer". read more

great bar strong european booze. dotn bother goin down the road for a stella have something a bit more refreshing! if your on mushies in the summer go upstairs and stare at the walls. its a busy place but a damn good one. read more