Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters tackled a pub fire in Trafalgar Square.
The fire damaged part of the sub-basement and basement. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Keith McDermott, who was at the scene said: “The fire damaged the sub-basement and basement of a pub in Trafalgar Square.
"Due to the arduous, challenging and hot conditions inside the basement we increased the number of fire engines and firefighters at the scene.
"Around 150 people evacuated the pub and surrounding businesses before the Brigade arrived.
"There was heavy traffic disruption and we asked people to avoid the area if possible."
The Brigade was called at 1749 and the fire was under control by 2201. Fire crews from Soho and surrounding fire stations attended the incident.
The cause fire of the fire is believed to have been smoking materials dropped outside which got into the basement via a vent.