Appraisal

No. 36 Drury Lane

Part of the listed terrace at nos. 36 to 40 (consec.), Drury Lane of ca 1840 which comprises twelve bays extending south-eastwards towards Long Acre.

With a return-elevation to Dryden Street, no. 36, Drury Lane – The public house (formerly The Marlborough Head) – forms the north-western end of the terrace. Much of the original classically detailed cornice, fascia and pilasters survive along the terrace at ground floor level, particularly at the north-western of the terrace where the original doors and windows of the pub survive at ground floor level. The ground storey of the pub is painted appropriately in dark red.

As with the rest of the four-storey terrace fronting Drury Lane, no. 36 is faced in Suffolk (light grey) brick, with window openings at 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor levels (with painted stucco architraves at first and second floor levels – separated by pilasters at attic (3rd floor) level above the clearly expressed, painted stucco, modillion cornice. The sash windows have 6-over-6 subdivision at 1st and 2nd floor levels.

The entire terrace is of special architectural interest and considerable townscape value and contributes positively to the character, appearance and significance of the Covent Garden Conservation Area.