Freud

Niamheen

Covent Garden Saving Grace 28th November 2008

2 found this helpful

When I first moved to London a friend brought me to Freud's. I was really impressed and became quite a regular. It's a nice place, tucked away at the bottom of a precarious staircase on Shaftsbury Ave. It's in the basement, with nice exposed stone walls and art from up and coming artists on display.

Expect nice cocktails and wine, I especially like that they serve the wine in glass tumblers. The food is reasonable pub grub: soup, salads and sandwiches, always pretty decent. The downside is that it gets so busy it can be impossible to get a seat, not to mind a few of them together.

ben1982

Hidden gem 11th September 2008

0 found this helpful

Down the treacherous steps is a small slice of New York style with an expansive drinks menu, including the significantly strong long island iced tea. Earthy decor, wine served in duralex tumblers, uplifting yet not generic house music and frequently updated art displays all help make this place a winner

vexille

Mh, cocktails... 25th August 2008

0 found this helpful

It's one of those places where you feel like you're part of a special club when you walk in. With minimal signage outside it's always a joy to walk down the steps, through the double glass doors into a packed out, minimalistic bar. It's small, it's cosy and it does a great selection of cocktails (and a handyful of beers).

Price-wise it's about average, the drinks are great though and the bar staff certainly know their stuff. You'll find many friendly faces but not enough seats, which in all honesty, isn't a big problem at all.

Always a pupular choice everytime I'm out, and babies seem more than welcome too!

neilgrayshon

Cheap drinks 30th December 2007

1 found this helpful

Cheap drinks, buzzy vibe.

Atmosphere prevails over quality but a good night to be found here.

carlonicora

Not only during the nights... 14th June 2007

1 found this helpful

The Freud is not perfect exclusively during the nights: it is the perfect place to take a lunch break: the food is fantastic and well served.
This gloomy underground room between Soho and Covent Garden is Great and refreshing!

spiros

Frevd 17th May 2007

4 found this helpful

Freud is one of these places that gets passed from generation to generation of Londoners, kinda like a dirty secret (or a pair of dirty underwear hmmm). Several years ago I too was enlightened and now I am spreading the word myself to unsuspecting friends. Perfectly located underground in Covent Gardens, it infuses your night with that wonderful feeling of escape. For me, the best aspect of Frevd is the music. From hiphop to progressive, I've heard it all and it has never failed to get me in the mood for a good night. The drinks are amazing and I must admit, pretty normally priced. The only downside is that it gets way too crowded some times, especially Friday and Saturday afternoon but hey, one more excuse to mingle with people I guess. (if you are not an antisocial Greek weirdo like me that is).
Favorite cocktail: The subtle Yum Yum, with coconut rum.

idoru at 17/08/07

weirdo's rule!

idoru at 17/08/07

But i think geeks are better...

spiros at 17/08/07

I think both are kinda correlated in strange and untold ways ;-)

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Jenny

23rd February 2007

2 found this helpful

The first time I went to Freud’s I wasn’t sure which cocktail to pick from all those listed on the blackboard above bar! Great variety and reasonable prices. The all time classic Mojito is an excellent choice for start. But Freud’s isn’t just cocktails. If you are passing by Covent Garden stop at Freud’s for a coffee or beer. Its atmosphere is definitely different from the other bars of the area. But do have in mind that it can get really crowed (over-crowed for my tastes) on Friday and Saturday nights.

sokratis

Cocktails for your superego 4th December 2006

2 found this helpful

I got to put in my 2p as well on this dingy little joint. Freud is the kind of place you show off to a fresh Londoner, who still hasn't heard of it, to demonstrate how well you know the capital – mind you try that only to a freshish Londoner. They're really surprised that there is a bar down those precarious stairs.
Now, I'm not sure why, but I can't give Freud's more than 3 sparklers. I mean I like the cocktails, I like the music, I like the concrete, but somehow I think the place has lost a bit of its charm. Now, there is a good chance that I have lost mine, as I don't remember any distinct changes at the décor or anything over the last 5 years, but anyhoo…let's not get too deep on this one – it's only a review after all.
Have you never been there before? Then definitely grab a cheeky 5pm mojito as you're walking past or dry a ginger mule if you need more of a kick. You can make your own mind if the place is worth a return visit or not.

alexandros

Hidden gem in Covent Garden 4th December 2006

1 found this helpful

The first time I went to Freud was one year ago and I disliked the dirty and "nude" interior. I also found the ventilation very poor with smoke (of many types) being at high levels. What I liked though were the coctails as well as the relaxed crowd.
Yesterday I went there for a coffee (I wasn't even sure it served coffee). It turned out that it had a wide selection of delicious coffees! I would say that the coctails are equal to the coffees in their variety and quality. On top of that, they had someone playing the piano and there was generally a quite and "artistic" atmosphere with people reading their Sunday newspapers (in various languages) and listening to the piano.
It is true that it is very well hidden so I would say that it is a very good escape point from the overcrowded Covent Garden area at any time of the day.

caffeinehit

Quirky 8th November 2006

2 found this helpful

Well, if you find yourself in the Soho/Covent Garden area and fancy something a little different this is the place for you. Nothing fancy, just urban concrete chic.

No messing here, simple decor, good tunes and good drinks. If you are looking at avoiding the hordes of tourists in the peak season I'd give this place a miss.

A quirky thumbs up from me...