Chimes

flowergirl

A true taste of Britain 26th April 2009

1 found this helpful

I have been visiting Chimes for more than 20 years - that shows my age ... This is a chance to try good simple English food that most restaurants are incapable of serving. This is a gem, only minutes away from the tourist traps of Victoria.

jo104

Old English charm 10th October 2007

4 found this helpful

Well I must agree with previous reviews on this restuarant it has a fairly unusual ambience. The decor is sparse with wooden floors that helps the sound to carry around the room. I did find it rather odd that even though the restuarant was not full they seated a couple almost on top of us. I can also see what other reviewers may mean regarding the staff, they are noticebly withdrawn from the restaurant and flagging their attention can be difficult.

Now for the more important aspect being the food. Monthly specials are available on a separate menu, although they had run out of the Gloucestershire Lamb pie when we ordered. I opted for the Steak & mushroom pie, which comes in a round casserole dish topped with flaky puff pastry. The meat was superb quality and the accompanying vegetables were fresh and tasty. My friend chose the Lamb shank which he agreed was fist class. For dessert the apple and blackberry crumble was delicious.

There are several wines to choose from both by the glass or by the bottle. Cider is what makes this place special due to it stocking some unique brews, as well as the ability for you to enjoy fruit wine such as Elderflower or Blackberry.

LindaHartley

20th July 2007

3 found this helpful

I like Chimes mostly for the cider. The bar area at the front is pleasant and they do good lunchtime bar snacks (the chowder is really good!).
The food is good if predictible. I usually have the partan pie (crab) starter - which isn't a pie at all but a sort of soupy pate and very good. The mains are mostly pies and that's fine if you like all that puff pastry. I try to have the fish. I agree the staff can be a bit odd, but not in a bad way.
Best avoided when very busy or you end up listening to other people's conversations.

Lacrimosa

Pies & Cider 16th May 2007

3 found this helpful

Have to agree with everything everyone has said thus far about Chimes. The big draw, if you like it, is the cider: my favourite is the slightly cloudy Biddenden Draught Extra Dry, packing a punch at 8% abv. Moreover all of the ciders - and there's over a dozen of 'em - are available in a 2 pint jug. *hic!*

But let us not forget the pies. Now, I'm not too keen on my pie being served up in one of those boat-shaped pots; neither am I keen on it having a six inch tower of puff-pastry on top; but if you like these things, you'll be in pie heaven! Me, I almost always go for the Cheesy Topped Shepherd's Pie with minced lamb, peppers, onion and garlic. This also, at £6.75, happens to be the cheapest main course on the menu.

I agree, also, about the hit and miss atmosphere. Personally I'd rather be in an empty restaurant than a packed one, so I feel that the surliness of the staff might have something to answer for here. Certainly they never seem to smile...

Chimes is situated in Pimlico village, between Pimlico and Victoria tubes.

Kake

25th February 2007

3 found this helpful

Been here several times, mainly for the mead and real cider. The atmosphere can definitely be a bit odd - odd as in strange rather than as in unpleasant though. If it wasn't for the drinks menu I probably wouldn't bother. Excellent for cider lovers though!

sheilaellen

English Cuisine 15th December 2006

2 found this helpful

A handy local restaurant with a difference - the cuisine is English! Maybe not the most tempting prospect but the food is actually very tasty.

They also specialise in ciders and perrys (pear cider) - a refreshing change from the norm.

robcarter

What no beer? 6th September 2006

6 found this helpful

Another unassuming facade in the style of the excellent Grumbles across the road. Chimes makes Victorian english food. Game pies, treacle puddings, stilton and cheddar loaf and the like.

Real london wine bar at the front with glass-ceilinged eating room at the back. Atmosphere is hit and miss (unlike its partially gallic neighbour) but busy this is a lovely place to eat. Quiet and you can feel a bit self conscious.

The speciality of the place is cider, perry (cider made from pears) and wine. There is no beer - which I like as it forces staid beer drinkers to branch out and experiment.

I advise going in early doors, sitting in the front, ascertaining whether its a good atmos day or a bad one and then eating or not. Round here you have a few back up options.