Here at FlexoTech, we like to think we understand our readers. It hasn’t escaped our attention that attendees to the FlexoTech Awards every October can be found – pre-tux and with tux – sinking a jar or two at The Swan on Bayswater Road, before heading along to the awards venue. But this year, we have a new venue! The event is moving to the InterContinental Park Lane, in Mayfair, London. So, in the interests of our readers, FlexoTech editor Andy Knaggs headed off to investigate potential venues for a pre-awards drink in the area around the new awards venue. It was a tough job!

A tough job – but one that I accepted, folks, with a solemn commitment to excellence. Arriving by tube at Green Park, I first took an eight minute walk along Piccadilly to the InterContinental Park Lane, venue for the 2025 FlexoTech International Print & Innovations Awards.

The hotel is right on the junction where the major artery of Park Lane meets that of Piccadilly. Traffic wise, a crazily busy corner of the capital! On the other side of Park Lane is Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge. There is a pedestrian underpass fortunately, and I went through to that side of the junction to find the nearest pub, for people coming to the awards from that direction.

It took some finding, on the way dodging cyclists haring out of Hyde Park at top speed, but I landed up here:

The Grenadier, Wilton Row, Belgravia

Very small and old feeling with military pictures on the walls, and a couple of those big bearskin hats on display that the guards at Buckingham Palace sweat beneath. It turns out that the pub was built in 1720 as the officers’ mess for the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. It took on its current name in honour of the Grenadier Guards’ actions at the Battle of Waterloo. It’s said that the Duke of Wellington himself frequented the place (he lived down the road at Apsley House). The ceiling is covered in bank notes – apparently in honour of a young officer from centuries ago who was beaten to death for not paying his gambling debts! Lots of punters were drinking outside on my visit, but this was in August, and in October the weather might be less favourable!

On tap options include: Camden Hells, Estrella Galicia, Amstel, London Pride, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, Thatcher’s

Weaving between black limos and slightly menacing black-suited bodyguard types in the back streets of Belgravia, and then flinching among the Hyde Park cyclists again, it took me eight minutes to get back to the InterContinental. After that, a short walk to my next stop:

The Rose & Crown, Old Park Lane

This is a Greene King pub, just round the corner from the Hard Rock Café. Although dating to 1702, it doesn’t boast such an intriguing story as The Grenadier, but it is certainly more spacious for big groups. There was sport on the TV screens, and a relaxed vibe amongst the dark wood panelling. Likely to be a favourite, if only due to its proximity to the awards venue. A small range of cocktails was chalked up on a blackboard.

On tap options include: San Miguel, Neck Oil, Camden Hells, Greene King IPA, guest ales, Aspall

The rest of Mayfair was now at my mercy, although wherever I headed next would take me further from the InterContinental. Undeterred, and with excellent local knowledge due to a previous career spent working (and drinking) in these parts, I headed deeper into Mayfair. I went a little to the north to begin with, and navigated my way to my next stop:

The Punch Bowl, Farm Street

An old favourite! I worked in nearby Hill Street back in the mid-1990s and many hours were spent in the Punch Bowl. It’s another 18th Century pub, owned in the 2000s, would you believe, by Madonna and Guy Ritchie! It seems to have barely changed in the 30 years since I was a regular, although the upstairs room where we used to shoot pool is now a private dining room. Still frequented by office workers it seems and, on my visit back, retaining a vibrant atmosphere. Five minutes’ walk to the hotel for the awards.

On tap options include: Birra Moretti, Madri, Neck Oil, Inches, Butcombe Original

Departing this old haunt of mine, a decision was made: this odyssey should end in:

Shepherd Market

Close to Piccadilly and Green Park, the Market is like a little village all on its own. It was built up in the 18th Century on open ground where an annual fair would take place every May (literally, the May fair from which Mayfair takes its name), and it gained a slightly seedy reputation down the years, although not so much in recent decades.

Cheers! Andy Knaggs on the overtime shift

Most importantly, it has four pubs in very close proximity to each other – a perfect scenario for a quick crawl! All these pubs were busy on a Thursday evening, drawing in office workers and wealthy tourists aplenty. A swift half in each would set you up for a fun night at the FlexoTech Awards, just a seven-minute walk away.

Ye Grapes – Heineken, Budvar, Amstel, Adnams, St Austell Tribute

The Kings Arms – Greene King Hazy Day IPA, Abbot Ale, Icebreaker

The Market Tavern – Camden Hells, Asahi, Timothy Taylor Landlord

Chesterfield Arms – Paulaner, Peroni, Estrella Galicia, Timothy Taylor Landlord

And so, off I staggered, back to Green Park tube, my thirst satiated, satisfied with a job well done. Horrible work – but for you, dear reader, worth every sip!

See you in October, when despite the local attractions mentioned above, it ought to be emphasised that you might be paying about £8 a pint in them, and that the food and drink at the awards is already paid for…

*Editor’s Note: Of course, creatures of habit might still like to start their evening at The Swan on Bayswater Road as usual. It’s a 33-minute walk to the InterContinental, across Hyde Park or down Park Lane. Could be nice if the weather is kind…