Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in London, United Kingdom

The Mansion - Improvement needed by ONscotland

ONscotland — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:30:01 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 8761 9016

Tags: beer garden, independent pub, excellent pub food

The Mansion has recently changed ownership.

First impressions were good. The previous decor was very bohemian, but this is now replaced with a calmer decor (cream and chocolate) and the place does feel very open. Some of the previous features (such as the chandeliers) have been retained, however, that does have a down side. More later.

If reviews were based on first impressions, the Mansion would be a winner.
What a shame that I have to follow up with actual experience.

The staff are just strange. I mean really strange. I think they were trying to do 'banter' but with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and it just came across as totally inappropriate. When my friend asked about a particular brand of beer they said 'Oh we don't sell that anymore. It's cheap rubbish'. Then they thought it would be hilarious to call Staropraman 'Strap On Man' which would be fine if it were actually funny, or indeed, if I liked that sort of humour. I hate places that assume a level of familiarity which isn't there.

The food was OK, but nothing spectacular. Horrible chips and the burgers, at almost a tenner each, were not worth it, as they tasted a bit bland, despite the generous size. There were nice touches - the salt and pepper come in delightful little marble pots and the burger garnishes were nice.
My friend tried ordering dessert, and wanted the Rhubarb and Vanilla Crumble (Â£5.25), they said 'Oh no try the cheesecake it's lovely!'. No, we'd like the Crumble. 'But the cheesecake is to die for'. On the third request they accepted the order.

After finishing the main course, we had to clear the plates ourselves because they'd forgotten, so when he took them to the bar they apologised and said the dessert would be with us in five minutes. After half an hour waiting, we left and went up to the Black Sheep, another pub in Crystal Palace. I doubt I will ever taste their Rhubarb and Vanilla Crumble, because The Mansion is quite out of the way and no longer worth the diversion.

So, the service ranges from inappropriate to intrusive to poor, the food is average, and the decor - well there's just enough of the previous features there to remind you of what a great place the Mansion used to be, and what it has become. (The website now calls the place The Mansion Dulwich, which is tenuous to say the least, but I think that kind of pretension is what the place is all about now). And I miss the bohemian decor.

EDIT: I also note that they charge Â£75.00 for a bottle of LP Rose Champagne. Interestingly, one of the most expensive bars in London, Claridge's Bar, charges Â£85.00 for the same. Which one do I think is the best value? The Mansion has recently changed ownership.

First impressions were good. The previous decor was very bohemian, but this is now replaced with a calmer decor (cream and chocolate) and the place does feel very open. Some of the previous features (such as the chandeliers) have been retained, however, that does have a down side. More later.

If reviews were based on first impressions, the Mansion would be a winner.
What a shame that I have to follow up with actual experience.

The staff are just strange. I mean really strange. I think they were trying to do 'banter' but with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and it just came across as totally inappropriate. When my friend asked about a particular brand of beer they said 'Oh we don't sell that anymore. It's cheap rubbish'. Then they thought it would be hilarious to call Staropraman 'Strap On Man' which would be fine if it were actually funny, or indeed, if I liked that sort of humour. I hate places that assume a level of familiarity which isn't there.

The food was OK, but nothing spectacular. Horrible chips and the burgers, at almost a tenner each, were not worth it, as they tasted a bit bland, despite the generous size. There were nice touches - the salt and pepper come in delightful little marble pots and the burger garnishes were nice.
My friend tried ordering dessert, and wanted the Rhubarb and Vanilla Crumble (Â£5.25), they said 'Oh no try the cheesecake it's lovely!'. No, we'd like the Crumble. 'But the cheesecake is to die for'. On the third request they accepted the order.

After finishing the main course, we had to clear the plates ourselves because they'd forgotten, so when he took them to the bar they apologised and said the dessert would be with us in five minutes. After half an hour waiting, we left and went up to the Black Sheep, another pub in Crystal Palace. I doubt I will ever taste their Rhubarb and Vanilla Crumble, because The Mansion is quite out of the way and no longer worth the diversion.

So, the service ranges from inappropriate to intrusive to poor, the food is average, and the decor - well there's just enough of the previous features there to remind you of what a great place the Mansion used to be, and what it has become. (The website now calls the place The Mansion Dulwich, which is tenuous to say the least, but I think that kind of pretension is what the place is all about now). And I miss the bohemian decor.

EDIT: I also note that they charge Â£75.00 for a bottle of LP Rose Champagne. Interestingly, one of the most expensive bars in London, Claridge's Bar, charges Â£85.00 for the same. Which one do I think is the best value?

Eclipse Bar - Great beats by mazphd

mazphd — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:00:27 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7581 0123

Website: http://www.eclipse-ventures.com

Tags: cool, relaxed, posh

A friend of mine lives round the corner from here, so when I visit I insist on a cheeky visit to the bongo sleekness of Eclipse.

Cocktails are pretty good, but its the atmosphere and friendly bar staff that does it for me!

This is a nice intimate venue that does make things 'cosy' when things get crowded. Definately worth a stay for the w/e crowd who are always fun, vibrant and sexy rather than over loud, overheard and over.

During the week things are more relaxed. And whether you find yourself in Eclipse on a w/e or weekday night the staff are attentive and keep the vibe friendly and funky.

fa103's review mentioned bongo's. So worth a visit if only to find your rhythum! A friend of mine lives round the corner from here, so when I visit I insist on a cheeky visit to the bongo sleekness of Eclipse.

Cocktails are pretty good, but its the atmosphere and friendly bar staff that does it for me!

This is a nice intimate venue that does make things 'cosy' when things get crowded. Definately worth a stay for the w/e crowd who are always fun, vibrant and sexy rather than over loud, overheard and over.

During the week things are more relaxed. And whether you find yourself in Eclipse on a w/e or weekday night the staff are attentive and keep the vibe friendly and funky.

fa103's review mentioned bongo's. So worth a visit if only to find your rhythum!

Bar Cuba - Good time authentic Latino late night venue by oogywawa

oogywawa — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:06:24 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7938 4137

Website: http://www.fiestahavana.com/fiesta/cuba/index.php

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

It was by delicious serendipity that I chanced upon Bar Cuba. I think Iâ¬"d come out of an Eric Clapton concert at the Albert Hall and was walking around Kensington looking vainly for a late night drink and was tipped off that this place opened late â¬ I mean â¬ late night drinking in London â¬whatever next !

I expected the usual luck you get when you go looking for a late night boozer â¬ you know the one â¬ â¬SThe Dockers Fistâ¬

Bar 57 - Review on good place to be by webbe1g

webbe1g — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:39:30 +0000

Review by webbe1g

Rating: 5.00Nice bar and staff, good looking barman and barmaids, clean, friendly, great locals. Fantastic prices, pool table. Guv is Arkin who is a real nice guy. Quiz machine, happy hour. Try it out you'll like it Chris runs a great fish and Chip shop opposite the pub.Nice bar and staff, good looking barman and barmaids, clean, friendly, great locals. Fantastic prices, pool table. Guv is Arkin who is a real nice guy. Quiz machine, happy hour. Try it out you'll like it Chris runs a great fish and Chip shop opposite the pub.

The Eagle - More steaks by acrobat

acrobat — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:17:44 +0000

Review by acrobat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 1353

Tags: cosy, food, lively

The eagle is great, an instituion in fact - but you need to get there early before their signature dish - the steak sandwich - is all gone.The eagle is great, an instituion in fact - but you need to get there early before their signature dish - the steak sandwich - is all gone.

Barrio North - Mojito's! by acrobat

acrobat — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:56:16 +0000

Review by acrobat

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7688 2882

Website: http://www.barrionorth.com

Tags: dj, late license, rare finds

The cocktails are fab and created with flair - matched with great decor and a nice vibe.The cocktails are fab and created with flair - matched with great decor and a nice vibe.

The Hope - Perfect for a sunny day by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:39:09 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8672 8717

Tags: relaxed, real ale, food

I've just spent the last two gloriously warm, sunny Sundays here and had to add it to the site. This pub was originally recommended to me by a friend because of their food, which is great, but I've since come to realise that The Hope has a lot more to offer besides.

It overlooks Wandsworth Common and is right across the bridge from the railway station, so it's very easy to find. As the pub faces the park, they're more than willing to give you your drinks in plastic cups to take to the common (I know, not very green, but a lovely idea on a hot day). They have an extensive range of beers on tap, including Fruli, one of my favourite summer tipples, as well as Staropramen, Peroni, Deuchars and other pale and real ales. They also have lots of board games scattered about the place - and in my experience, a pub with a decent Scrabble set is always a winner.

The food is aspirational and well-executed, considering the size of the tiny kitchen! I have never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for it to arrive, either. Everything is served in immense white plate-bowls (v. technical term) giving a gastropub feel. Prices are very reasonable considering the type of restaurants and shops further up the road, which would explain how busy they are. Something they've recently introduced for the summer is that they will prepare picnic baskets of food, wine and all utensils for you if you order with a little advance notice. Given that the pub itself has been packed out for the last two weekends running and the gorgeous common beckons, this is something I'd like to try out very soon.

I haven't been here in the winter yet but I'd be very interested to keep coming back and see how it changes with the seasons. For now, with the excellent weather we've been having, I'd happily recommend it to anyone as a laid-back, suntrap of a weekend hangout.

I've just spent the last two gloriously warm, sunny Sundays here and had to add it to the site. This pub was originally recommended to me by a friend because of their food, which is great, but I've since come to realise that The Hope has a lot more to offer besides.

It overlooks Wandsworth Common and is right across the bridge from the railway station, so it's very easy to find. As the pub faces the park, they're more than willing to give you your drinks in plastic cups to take to the common (I know, not very green, but a lovely idea on a hot day). They have an extensive range of beers on tap, including Fruli, one of my favourite summer tipples, as well as Staropramen, Peroni, Deuchars and other pale and real ales. They also have lots of board games scattered about the place - and in my experience, a pub with a decent Scrabble set is always a winner.

The food is aspirational and well-executed, considering the size of the tiny kitchen! I have never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for it to arrive, either. Everything is served in immense white plate-bowls (v. technical term) giving a gastropub feel. Prices are very reasonable considering the type of restaurants and shops further up the road, which would explain how busy they are. Something they've recently introduced for the summer is that they will prepare picnic baskets of food, wine and all utensils for you if you order with a little advance notice. Given that the pub itself has been packed out for the last two weekends running and the gorgeous common beckons, this is something I'd like to try out very soon.

I haven't been here in the winter yet but I'd be very interested to keep coming back and see how it changes with the seasons. For now, with the excellent weather we've been having, I'd happily recommend it to anyone as a laid-back, suntrap of a weekend hangout.

The Calf - Depends on what you're expecting... by mkdtw

mkdtw — Sun, 11 May 2008 11:59:57 +0000

Review by mkdtw

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7622 4019

Tags: relaxed, international, food

Amongst my friends, this pub would be rated fairly differently. At the positive end of the scale the venue has a great atmosphere, the dÃ©cor is kitted out in subtle lighting, rich colours, large oak tables, armchairs and comfy well worn sofas and tends to attract mixed groups of friends celebrating birthdays etc in the evenings or couples playing one of the board games from the stack at quieter times.

I personally like it here and will always remember it as the place where one of the bar staff recommended sweet-spicy 'Sailor Jerryâ¬"s' rum to me when I was a touch fed up with the taste JD and diet coke. And thatâ¬"s another of the positives, the wine and beer list is extensive and there are quirky little hand written chalkboard signs encouraging you to try the cider etc.

However, there are two major down sides, the place can sometimes become very very busy and unfortunately, the management seem to think its ok to struggle on with only 2 or 3 serving bar staff. This apparently also extends to the quality of the food and service which according to a couple of friends, who live around the corner, the quality isnâ¬"t the best and can take a long while to arrive.
Amongst my friends, this pub would be rated fairly differently. At the positive end of the scale the venue has a great atmosphere, the dÃ©cor is kitted out in subtle lighting, rich colours, large oak tables, armchairs and comfy well worn sofas and tends to attract mixed groups of friends celebrating birthdays etc in the evenings or couples playing one of the board games from the stack at quieter times.

I personally like it here and will always remember it as the place where one of the bar staff recommended sweet-spicy 'Sailor Jerryâ¬"s' rum to me when I was a touch fed up with the taste JD and diet coke. And thatâ¬"s another of the positives, the wine and beer list is extensive and there are quirky little hand written chalkboard signs encouraging you to try the cider etc.

However, there are two major down sides, the place can sometimes become very very busy and unfortunately, the management seem to think its ok to struggle on with only 2 or 3 serving bar staff. This apparently also extends to the quality of the food and service which according to a couple of friends, who live around the corner, the quality isnâ¬"t the best and can take a long while to arrive.

The Elgin - Tasty Bar! by jonsnow

jonsnow — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:57:00 +0000

Review by jonsnow

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7624 2602

Website: http://www.the-elgin.com

Tags: live music, cool, good food

This place is great. I come here a couple of times a week. Its great for Breakfast and coffee (nice cookies on offer at the moment), a quick snack after work and getting a gut full on a friday. DJ plays once or twice a month on a friday.

I found out it had A dining room/lounge upstairs. Nice and chilled for a more intemate evening. Food wasn't bad either!

It looks really shabby from the outside but who looks after a couple!This place is great. I come here a couple of times a week. Its great for Breakfast and coffee (nice cookies on offer at the moment), a quick snack after work and getting a gut full on a friday. DJ plays once or twice a month on a friday.

I found out it had A dining room/lounge upstairs. Nice and chilled for a more intemate evening. Food wasn't bad either!

It looks really shabby from the outside but who looks after a couple!

The Lamb - Shocking by greedoe

greedoe — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:36:53 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7405 0713

Website: http://www.youngs.co.uk

Tags: traditional pub, food, great atmosphere

Had probably the worst pub experience for a long while here.

They decided about 15 minutes after we placed our order that the kitchen was backed up. Thus, instead of getting our lunch in a timely manner we got one meal quickly and then waited about 30 minutes for the rest.

The fish was bland, tasted like frozen and was sent back. The burgers were burnt, and nuclear hot in the middle.

Bad, just bad.Had probably the worst pub experience for a long while here.

They decided about 15 minutes after we placed our order that the kitchen was backed up. Thus, instead of getting our lunch in a timely manner we got one meal quickly and then waited about 30 minutes for the rest.

The fish was bland, tasted like frozen and was sent back. The burgers were burnt, and nuclear hot in the middle.

Bad, just bad.

Slaughtered Lamb - Rudest service in London by jameshaycock

jameshaycock — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:35:17 +0000

Review by jameshaycock

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7253 1516

Website: http://www.theslaughteredlambpub.co.uk/index.asp

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

Despite being quite a decent looking venue, I personally wouldnt take a date here due to the rude staff.

I was short changed by the barman when having a drink in the pub last night. I didnt notice for a couple of minutes and when I did the staff just were not interested. I was told I was â¬Übarking up the wrong treeâ¬" and that they didnt care. The silly thing was that I was about to order food for a couple of people. I explained that I now wouldnt be ordering the food and again I was told that they didnt care.

This response really angered me and I will be telling as many people as I can to avoid this place.Despite being quite a decent looking venue, I personally wouldnt take a date here due to the rude staff.

I was short changed by the barman when having a drink in the pub last night. I didnt notice for a couple of minutes and when I did the staff just were not interested. I was told I was â¬Übarking up the wrong treeâ¬" and that they didnt care. The silly thing was that I was about to order food for a couple of people. I explained that I now wouldnt be ordering the food and again I was told that they didnt care.

This response really angered me and I will be telling as many people as I can to avoid this place.

The Brown Dog - brilliant local by Corky

Corky — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:47:23 +0000

Review by Corky

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8392 2000

Website: http://www.thebrowndog.co.uk/

Tags: gastro pub, beer garden, relaxed

This is my local, so I have a slight interest, but I'm never disappointed with a visit here. My wife tries to persuade me to visit one of the many alternatives in Barnes, but there's no place like it for a relaxed Sunday lunch.

Top notch!This is my local, so I have a slight interest, but I'm never disappointed with a visit here. My wife tries to persuade me to visit one of the many alternatives in Barnes, but there's no place like it for a relaxed Sunday lunch.

Top notch!

The Black Lion - Gorgeous pub tucked away on the Kilburn High Rd by Niamheen

Niamheen — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:29 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7624 1520

Tags: cool, friendly, gastro pub

Kilburn, like so many other London areas, is going through the much maligned or lauded gentrification process - depending on which local resident you speak to. The Black Lion is one pub that has benefitted from this. Previously an old irish pub, it has been refurbished but it's character has been retained.

Bright and spacious with gorgeous high ceilings (believe me, they're worth a mention), it's lovely for a few drinks. Decent pub grub - sausages and mash, burgers, that kind of thing. There's an attached dining room, although, the food isn't amazing, it's a good filler of an evening. I've often wished that they would just declare it all a pub and if you want to eat, you can.

There's a guesthouse upstairs which friends and family have stayed at, it used to be better I must admit. The Good Ship across the road tends to be very noisy and it's not as friendly as it used to be, but, it's reasonably priced and well located.

Go for the pub and if you're hungry whilst there, the grub. You won't be disappointed. Kilburn, like so many other London areas, is going through the much maligned or lauded gentrification process - depending on which local resident you speak to. The Black Lion is one pub that has benefitted from this. Previously an old irish pub, it has been refurbished but it's character has been retained.

Bright and spacious with gorgeous high ceilings (believe me, they're worth a mention), it's lovely for a few drinks. Decent pub grub - sausages and mash, burgers, that kind of thing. There's an attached dining room, although, the food isn't amazing, it's a good filler of an evening. I've often wished that they would just declare it all a pub and if you want to eat, you can.

There's a guesthouse upstairs which friends and family have stayed at, it used to be better I must admit. The Good Ship across the road tends to be very noisy and it's not as friendly as it used to be, but, it's reasonably priced and well located.

Go for the pub and if you're hungry whilst there, the grub. You won't be disappointed.

The Plumtree - A good value friendly bar/food place by Brodule

Brodule — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:31:50 +0000

Review by Brodule

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7353 8404

Tags: relaxed, independent pub, friendly

An interesting looking bar in a listed building. Has 3 areas.
Very friendly staff, above average food and wine, with the winelist being much more interesting than expected and modestly priced.

Free WiFi & were happy to serve a coffee while someone surfed away.An interesting looking bar in a listed building. Has 3 areas.
Very friendly staff, above average food and wine, with the winelist being much more interesting than expected and modestly priced.

Free WiFi & were happy to serve a coffee while someone surfed away.

The Churchill Arms - Deservedly popular for both food and drink by oogywawa

oogywawa — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:34:14 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7792 1246

Website: http://www.fullers.co.uk

Tags: thai, traditional pub, excellent pub food

This pub reminds you of the terrific effect that a good host can have on an establishment. I popped in there whilst walking down to Kensington High St and left over 2 hours later! Not short of a word or a joke, Gerry the Irish landlord ensures that all goes swimmingly whilst bustling around serving pristine pints of "London Pride" and taking plates of Thai to tables in the back.

Noted for its Thai food this pub comes up trumps on the Drink stakes as well and the pub has morphed neatly into an Irish Tavern with all its assorted paraphenalia hanging from the ceiling or nailed to walls as in the old newspaper cuttings, Guinness signs or all the British Prime Minister's from Walpole onwards.

A lovely, bustling and welcoming pub...This pub reminds you of the terrific effect that a good host can have on an establishment. I popped in there whilst walking down to Kensington High St and left over 2 hours later! Not short of a word or a joke, Gerry the Irish landlord ensures that all goes swimmingly whilst bustling around serving pristine pints of "London Pride" and taking plates of Thai to tables in the back.

Noted for its Thai food this pub comes up trumps on the Drink stakes as well and the pub has morphed neatly into an Irish Tavern with all its assorted paraphenalia hanging from the ceiling or nailed to walls as in the old newspaper cuttings, Guinness signs or all the British Prime Minister's from Walpole onwards.

A lovely, bustling and welcoming pub...

The Porterhouse - Cavernous, great beer, great atmosphere by oogywawa

oogywawa — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:43:07 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7379 7917

Website: http://www.porterhousebrewco.com

Tags: live music, friendly, live

I always make a point of heading to Porterhouse when in the Capital. You always know what you are going to get in this megaladon of a pub. More bars than you care to explore swallow up as many punters as can fit in and it still manages to retain a certain intimacy with it's low lighting and phenomenal array of 200+ bottles & home brewed draught ales, porters and lagers. The "Wrasslers" Stout was voted by the late lamented Beer Hunter Michael Jackson as the world's best and who would disagree. It makes Guiness look like a sickly, pasty faced child compared to its Falstaffian body and depth.

There is regularly live music and all this adds to the wonderfully Irish laid back atmosphere of probably the best pub in the Covent Garden area. The one in Temple Bar, Dublin though smaller is as good and enough off the beaten track to avoid most of the witless stag do's...I always make a point of heading to Porterhouse when in the Capital. You always know what you are going to get in this megaladon of a pub. More bars than you care to explore swallow up as many punters as can fit in and it still manages to retain a certain intimacy with it's low lighting and phenomenal array of 200+ bottles & home brewed draught ales, porters and lagers. The "Wrasslers" Stout was voted by the late lamented Beer Hunter Michael Jackson as the world's best and who would disagree. It makes Guiness look like a sickly, pasty faced child compared to its Falstaffian body and depth.

There is regularly live music and all this adds to the wonderfully Irish laid back atmosphere of probably the best pub in the Covent Garden area. The one in Temple Bar, Dublin though smaller is as good and enough off the beaten track to avoid most of the witless stag do's...

The Holly Bush - Super-pie in a Super-pub by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:35:05 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7435 2892

Website: http://www.hollybushpub.com/

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, food

Maybe Iâ¬"m being influenced by having watched Superbad very recently, but the superlatives are justified in this case. The Holly Bush is one of those â¬Üthey donâ¬"t make them like they used toâ¬" kind of places you rarely encounter in London anymore (says I, the old-Londoner who grew up on the cobbled streets of Whitechapel!). Itâ¬"s a pub in the proper sense on the word.
No music. No fruit machines. No shiny, â¬ÜSlug & Lettuceâ¬"-type surfaces and silly prints on the wall.
Solid selection of beers and ales (unfortunately no Bombardier). No-nonsense, friendly staff. Unique ability to distort time and keep you there until closing.
It really is one of those places you can go with friends and spend hours getting merrier as the time passes by, setting the world to rights, recounting old stories and generally doing what friends do.
The pies that are mentioned in the title deserve a special mention. They are the specialty of the house and Iâ¬"m confident the Organic Beef and Harveyâ¬"s served with Cheddar mash is one the best youâ¬"ve ever tried. At Â£9.50 itâ¬"s reasonably priced as well. The rest of the menu is excellent too, with the burger and roast chicken being a couple of my favourites and the bread and butter pudding an amazing dessert. The menu seems to have been set in stone there, but why mess with something that works so well? Iâ¬"ve probably eaten or sampled every item in it and nothing was short of really good, going all the way to the superb. There is a cosy, beautiful dining room on the first floor and I recommend you book if youâ¬"d like to eat as the pub floor gets very busy.
Youâ¬"ve probably worked out that this is probably my favourite pub in London. Itâ¬"s also tucked away from public view so you really have to look for it to find it, but trust me itâ¬"s worth a detour or even a special trip.
Maybe Iâ¬"m being influenced by having watched Superbad very recently, but the superlatives are justified in this case. The Holly Bush is one of those â¬Üthey donâ¬"t make them like they used toâ¬" kind of places you rarely encounter in London anymore (says I, the old-Londoner who grew up on the cobbled streets of Whitechapel!). Itâ¬"s a pub in the proper sense on the word.
No music. No fruit machines. No shiny, â¬ÜSlug & Lettuceâ¬"-type surfaces and silly prints on the wall.
Solid selection of beers and ales (unfortunately no Bombardier). No-nonsense, friendly staff. Unique ability to distort time and keep you there until closing.
It really is one of those places you can go with friends and spend hours getting merrier as the time passes by, setting the world to rights, recounting old stories and generally doing what friends do.
The pies that are mentioned in the title deserve a special mention. They are the specialty of the house and Iâ¬"m confident the Organic Beef and Harveyâ¬"s served with Cheddar mash is one the best youâ¬"ve ever tried. At Â£9.50 itâ¬"s reasonably priced as well. The rest of the menu is excellent too, with the burger and roast chicken being a couple of my favourites and the bread and butter pudding an amazing dessert. The menu seems to have been set in stone there, but why mess with something that works so well? Iâ¬"ve probably eaten or sampled every item in it and nothing was short of really good, going all the way to the superb. There is a cosy, beautiful dining room on the first floor and I recommend you book if youâ¬"d like to eat as the pub floor gets very busy.
Youâ¬"ve probably worked out that this is probably my favourite pub in London. Itâ¬"s also tucked away from public view so you really have to look for it to find it, but trust me itâ¬"s worth a detour or even a special trip.

The Freemasons Arms - Great Post-Heath option by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:16:40 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7433 6811

Website: http://www.freemasonsarms.co.uk/

Tags: relaxed, traditional, food

The Freemasons Arms is a great ending to a nice day in Hampsted Heath if youâ¬"re finishing on the south-west (if youâ¬"re heading north-east then Cafe Mozart on Swains Lane is a excellent option too). Very spacious and with a modern, slick finish it serves a variety of beers and ciders. One of the best outdoor spaces in the area and a great kitchen that serves what youâ¬"d expect by the â¬ÜWinner of the Sunday Independent/ LBC Gastro Pub of the Year!â¬". Be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny Sunday afternoon as the place gets very busy. Of course be also prepared to be surrounded by yummy mummies, Â£500+ baby carts, noisy small children and generally the rest of the Sunday family squad that descends on Hampsteadâ¬"s surrounding areas on a weekend.
Donâ¬"t let that put you off though. The Freemasons is still one of the best places to enjoy a drink and a bite after a hard days navigating the heights of the Heath.
The Freemasons Arms is a great ending to a nice day in Hampsted Heath if youâ¬"re finishing on the south-west (if youâ¬"re heading north-east then Cafe Mozart on Swains Lane is a excellent option too). Very spacious and with a modern, slick finish it serves a variety of beers and ciders. One of the best outdoor spaces in the area and a great kitchen that serves what youâ¬"d expect by the â¬ÜWinner of the Sunday Independent/ LBC Gastro Pub of the Year!â¬". Be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny Sunday afternoon as the place gets very busy. Of course be also prepared to be surrounded by yummy mummies, Â£500+ baby carts, noisy small children and generally the rest of the Sunday family squad that descends on Hampsteadâ¬"s surrounding areas on a weekend.
Donâ¬"t let that put you off though. The Freemasons is still one of the best places to enjoy a drink and a bite after a hard days navigating the heights of the Heath.

The Grenadier - (Really) hidden gem of a pub by Hugo

Hugo — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:23:49 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7235 3074

Tags: food, hidden, traditional pub

Want a pub to show johnny-foreigner what a proper British pub is all about? Take your friends from overseas to The Grenadier and I think they will get the picture.

The Grenadier is ridiculously hidden away down a small private road just off Belgrave Square. Even with a map in my hand I stood at the entrance to the small cobbled lane thinking, well it can't be down here, how can my map be so wrong.

The beer is good and you can stand out on the street (they give you a plastic glass).

Part of me isn't too happy to share the knowledge of this pub with everyone because it is a hidden treasure trove and more to the point it isn't very big. After reading this review you really should reciprocate with your hidden treasures too!

Want a pub to show johnny-foreigner what a proper British pub is all about? Take your friends from overseas to The Grenadier and I think they will get the picture.

The Grenadier is ridiculously hidden away down a small private road just off Belgrave Square. Even with a map in my hand I stood at the entrance to the small cobbled lane thinking, well it can't be down here, how can my map be so wrong.

The beer is good and you can stand out on the street (they give you a plastic glass).

Part of me isn't too happy to share the knowledge of this pub with everyone because it is a hidden treasure trove and more to the point it isn't very big. After reading this review you really should reciprocate with your hidden treasures too!

The Prince Alfred - Loving the Prince Alfred by sue

sue — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:11:43 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7286 3287

Tags: friendly, gastro pub, relaxed

Looking for a drink close to Warwick Avenue tube, we stumbled upon the Prince Alfred and fell in love. This Grade II listed pub has a stunning interior, with five snugs breaking up the room with their carved wooden partitions and curious little doors. Loved the carved ceiling and friendly staff too.

There is a large dining area to the rear (the Formosa Dining Room) which I am sure is popular with the locals, though on this occasion we were eating elsewhere so didn't pay it much attention.

We scored a great table in one of the front snugs and enjoyed a cold one while catching up on the news of the day. I really wish the Prince Alfred was a little closer to home, but next time I am in this neck of the woods a return visit will be top of the to-do list.
Looking for a drink close to Warwick Avenue tube, we stumbled upon the Prince Alfred and fell in love. This Grade II listed pub has a stunning interior, with five snugs breaking up the room with their carved wooden partitions and curious little doors. Loved the carved ceiling and friendly staff too.

There is a large dining area to the rear (the Formosa Dining Room) which I am sure is popular with the locals, though on this occasion we were eating elsewhere so didn't pay it much attention.

We scored a great table in one of the front snugs and enjoyed a cold one while catching up on the news of the day. I really wish the Prince Alfred was a little closer to home, but next time I am in this neck of the woods a return visit will be top of the to-do list.