Latest reviews in Barbican, London, United Kingdom

Club Mangia, The Punch Tavern - Great friendly pub! by KellyMcAuley12

KellyMcAuley12 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:27 +0000

Review by KellyMcAuley12

Rating: 4.00

Tags: breakfast, good value, cheap eat

Lovely British Food!Lovely British Food!

Barbican Centre - favourite arts venue by LittleIsla

LittleIsla — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:58:50 +0000

Review by LittleIsla

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7382 7105

Website: http://www.barbican.org.uk

Tags: theatre, cultural, film

I absolutely love this place. It satisfies so many options. The cafe along the water always has some nice food, the cinema some great films showing, the library just a nice quiet place to browse and read, then every night there is theatre, or orchestras, or exhibitions of world class quality. It really is fantastic..I absolutely love this place. It satisfies so many options. The cafe along the water always has some nice food, the cinema some great films showing, the library just a nice quiet place to browse and read, then every night there is theatre, or orchestras, or exhibitions of world class quality. It really is fantastic..

Moro - by dafinki

dafinki — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Review by dafinki

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7833 8336

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

Tags: spanish, lively, good value

Just thought I'd mention the Moro stall on Exmouth market which is there at lunchtimesÂ â¬ brilliant! Lunch for Â£5, today it was flatbread topped with couscous, free range chicken, lentils, aubergines and salad with a beetroot dressing. Last week it was flatbread with lamb and couscous with a yoghurt dressing...delicious!Just thought I'd mention the Moro stall on Exmouth market which is there at lunchtimesÂ â¬ brilliant! Lunch for Â£5, today it was flatbread topped with couscous, free range chicken, lentils, aubergines and salad with a beetroot dressing. Last week it was flatbread with lamb and couscous with a yoghurt dressing...delicious!

St Pancras Grand, St Pancras International Station - Go for the decor, not for the food by paolaenergya

paolaenergya — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:47:02 +0000

Review by paolaenergya

Rating: 3.00

Tags: romantic, expensive, brasserie

I went to the Grand last Friday for a business networking lunch. We had a set menu and I chose betroot salad and pigeon in a port sauce with celery and chestnuts.
The salad was miser and the pigeon was a dark colour on the outside and raw on the inside. A few differently chopped pieces of celery accompanied the pigeon and I think I counted 3 small chestnuts with it.
I would go back for the decor as I find it's a beautiful place but I would eat elsewhere.I went to the Grand last Friday for a business networking lunch. We had a set menu and I chose betroot salad and pigeon in a port sauce with celery and chestnuts.
The salad was miser and the pigeon was a dark colour on the outside and raw on the inside. A few differently chopped pieces of celery accompanied the pigeon and I think I counted 3 small chestnuts with it.
I would go back for the decor as I find it's a beautiful place but I would eat elsewhere.

The Wall - by slim_cop

slim_cop — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:57:05 +0000

Review by slim_cop

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7588 4845

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

Tags: quiet, food, outdoor

This is possibly the worst place I have ever been in: we arrived around 2.30pm for a late lunch, the surly staff ushered us over to the far end next to the fire exit, they then proceeded to shift furniture around, opening the fire exit to carry things in and out thus letting in a howling wind. We had to ask them to take our order. The place was infested with barflys. The portions were pitifully small. The salmon was overdone. There was no soap in the toilets, and the pushdown tap stayed on full blast for the best part of two minutes. There was a general air of shambolic decay about the place. If it lasts another week I'll be shocked.This is possibly the worst place I have ever been in: we arrived around 2.30pm for a late lunch, the surly staff ushered us over to the far end next to the fire exit, they then proceeded to shift furniture around, opening the fire exit to carry things in and out thus letting in a howling wind. We had to ask them to take our order. The place was infested with barflys. The portions were pitifully small. The salmon was overdone. There was no soap in the toilets, and the pushdown tap stayed on full blast for the best part of two minutes. There was a general air of shambolic decay about the place. If it lasts another week I'll be shocked.

Dose Espresso - Good little snack by elliestubbs

elliestubbs — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:36:38 +0000

Review by elliestubbs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7600 0382

Website: http://www.dose-espresso.com/

Tags: cosy, quick bite, coffee

Although expensive the toast is delicious and perfect for 11 o'clock snacks! Would recommend.Although expensive the toast is delicious and perfect for 11 o'clock snacks! Would recommend.

Little Bay - Cool place by bakerga1

bakerga1 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:14:03 +0000

Review by bakerga1

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 1234

Tags: romantic, cheap eat, good value

All in all a nice little place, funky interior and the food was very nice indeed.All in all a nice little place, funky interior and the food was very nice indeed.

Cafe Mana - Yummy Sushi by Hoopjammer

Hoopjammer — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:32:10 +0000

Review by Hoopjammer

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7929 2600

Tags: lively, japanese, sushi

This is one of the best places for sushi in town - a real hidden gem. The maitre d' trained under Gordon Ramsay and hewas head sushi chef at Nobu. All at Pret / Eat prices. Nice!This is one of the best places for sushi in town - a real hidden gem. The maitre d' trained under Gordon Ramsay and hewas head sushi chef at Nobu. All at Pret / Eat prices. Nice!

Gaucho Smithfield - Fabulous steaks by SallyYSP

SallyYSP — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:47:07 +0000

Review by SallyYSP

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7490 1676

Website: http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant.php?id=smithfield

Tags: steak, argentinian, argentinian steaks with great service

Great food here and excellent service. You are presented with the meat options at your table before cooking.

Lovely for a long lunch meeting.

(Go for the chorizo stake with garlic dressing)Great food here and excellent service. You are presented with the meat options at your table before cooking.

Lovely for a long lunch meeting.

(Go for the chorizo stake with garlic dressing)

Beduin - Beduin by JohnWay27

JohnWay27 — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:59:21 +0000

Review by JohnWay27

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7336 6484

Website: http://www.beduin-london.co.uk

Tags: moroccan, food, dance

The best late night club in the area!!! Amazing service, the best DJs ever! Had one of the best nights out!The best late night club in the area!!! Amazing service, the best DJs ever! Had one of the best nights out!

Fabric - by themire

themire — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:52:01 +0000

Review by themire

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7336 8898

Website: http://www.fabriclondon.com

Tags: dance, underground, young and fun

Great food.Great food.

Old China Hand - Old China Hand by AmberLight

AmberLight — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:19:28 +0000

Review by AmberLight

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 7678

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

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I really like this place because the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Its got a lovely calm atmosphere too; so good for catching up with friends away from noisy farringdon crowds and banging bar music. Pretty fairy lights and candles. The new chef I have heard is quite good (Malaysian and Dim Sum) though I have not tried menu recently. They have a good selection of ales. Mixed crowd - worth a look in.I really like this place because the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Its got a lovely calm atmosphere too; so good for catching up with friends away from noisy farringdon crowds and banging bar music. Pretty fairy lights and candles. The new chef I have heard is quite good (Malaysian and Dim Sum) though I have not tried menu recently. They have a good selection of ales. Mixed crowd - worth a look in.

Vertigo 42 - Bubbly Overview by intoxicating

intoxicating — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:17:20 +0000

Review by intoxicating

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: posh, young professionals, friendly

I HAVE attempted some silly things in an effort to triumph a fear of heights. There was the charity skywire from my university library (the only time I entered it, and witness how fast I fled). During my gap year, I leapt out of a manky little contraption which looked like a prop from â¬ÜWacky Racesâ¬". A video somewhere records swearing suitable for 12,000 feet. And when I was still making television programmes, I straddled a microlight / moped with wings to research a location, as did my presenter who accidentally unfastened his seatbelt whilst leaning to look at the speck of his house... I must have developed a relaxed attitude to altitude since, because I was utterly undaunted by a drink at 600ft. Maybe thatâ¬"s dipsomania?

Since living in London, I have been awestruck by Tower 42. A 1970â¬"s stalwart which resembles a razor blade from the ground and the NatWest insignia from the air. It was their H.Q. until the Bishopsgate Bombing of 1993. I have a friend who took in the aftermath from his campus bar. He told me that reams of paper filed through smashed windows like hellish ticker-tape. The chunky stainless steel frames force the eye to travel to the top and simultaneously tone down the windows. We live in a gradually more glassy London. I believe that in two decades we will harbour as much affection for this over-used material as we do today towards 1960â¬"s concrete.

We were booked into â¬ÜVertigo 42â¬" for an hour and a quarter of Champagne and backdrop. The lobby looked like the bridge of the Enterprise and gently hummed. Once through airport style security, we were ushered to the barâ¬"s very own lift, in Silk Cut purple. After an ascent taking half a second per floor, we pinged into a night club lobby with chaise longue, then the mirrored corridor bar.

Our tight ledge looked over Liverpool Street. We went just before sunset and saw a city threatened by night fight back with filaments. Long trails of brake lights looked like a lava flow.

The house fizz is minimally marked-up delivering petite, pleasant lemon-lime bubbles. You could spend £100s, although for less than £50 it was revitalising rather than distracting from the landscape. Earthy ceps which smelt of truffle were loaded on warm brioche with a slightly over-poached egg. A board of charcuterie unpeeled - I imagine - from a packet. was garishly garnished with slippery pickled onions. These clashed with the Champagne â¬ how thoughtless. I expected a menu afloat with sturgeonsâ¬" eggs rather than hearty peasant planks.

Music was vigorous, urging â¬Üvoulez vous coucher avec moi?â¬" I suppose the spike is a great aphrodisiac to escort a date to gaze, giddily at the glazing. There were plenty of city boys too exercising their Coutts cards. Easy to deride them, but if they stop spending, those providing our eating opportunities will be wounded.

I heard someone say that London looked beautiful, but didnâ¬"t agree. -An impressive, vital expanse. But never beautiful.

Soon the tower will be in the shadow of Richard Rogersâ¬" Leadenhall Tower, set to soar 737ft. Then the Heron Tower will extend over 800ft, including a five storey aquarium. The Pinnacle will eclipse them both at nearly 950ft. And providing they resolve the economics, the London Bridge shard, at over 1000ft, will truly scrape the sky.

As my ears popped during the plunge of the little lift, which alleges to fit 13, I realised that the building interests me far more than the bar. If I experienced Vertigo on the ground, I would have found it a little less than ordinaryâ¬¦I HAVE attempted some silly things in an effort to triumph a fear of heights. There was the charity skywire from my university library (the only time I entered it, and witness how fast I fled). During my gap year, I leapt out of a manky little contraption which looked like a prop from â¬ÜWacky Racesâ¬". A video somewhere records swearing suitable for 12,000 feet. And when I was still making television programmes, I straddled a microlight / moped with wings to research a location, as did my presenter who accidentally unfastened his seatbelt whilst leaning to look at the speck of his house... I must have developed a relaxed attitude to altitude since, because I was utterly undaunted by a drink at 600ft. Maybe thatâ¬"s dipsomania?

Since living in London, I have been awestruck by Tower 42. A 1970â¬"s stalwart which resembles a razor blade from the ground and the NatWest insignia from the air. It was their H.Q. until the Bishopsgate Bombing of 1993. I have a friend who took in the aftermath from his campus bar. He told me that reams of paper filed through smashed windows like hellish ticker-tape. The chunky stainless steel frames force the eye to travel to the top and simultaneously tone down the windows. We live in a gradually more glassy London. I believe that in two decades we will harbour as much affection for this over-used material as we do today towards 1960â¬"s concrete.

We were booked into â¬ÜVertigo 42â¬" for an hour and a quarter of Champagne and backdrop. The lobby looked like the bridge of the Enterprise and gently hummed. Once through airport style security, we were ushered to the barâ¬"s very own lift, in Silk Cut purple. After an ascent taking half a second per floor, we pinged into a night club lobby with chaise longue, then the mirrored corridor bar.

Our tight ledge looked over Liverpool Street. We went just before sunset and saw a city threatened by night fight back with filaments. Long trails of brake lights looked like a lava flow.

The house fizz is minimally marked-up delivering petite, pleasant lemon-lime bubbles. You could spend £100s, although for less than £50 it was revitalising rather than distracting from the landscape. Earthy ceps which smelt of truffle were loaded on warm brioche with a slightly over-poached egg. A board of charcuterie unpeeled - I imagine - from a packet. was garishly garnished with slippery pickled onions. These clashed with the Champagne â¬ how thoughtless. I expected a menu afloat with sturgeonsâ¬" eggs rather than hearty peasant planks.

Music was vigorous, urging â¬Üvoulez vous coucher avec moi?â¬" I suppose the spike is a great aphrodisiac to escort a date to gaze, giddily at the glazing. There were plenty of city boys too exercising their Coutts cards. Easy to deride them, but if they stop spending, those providing our eating opportunities will be wounded.

I heard someone say that London looked beautiful, but didnâ¬"t agree. -An impressive, vital expanse. But never beautiful.

Soon the tower will be in the shadow of Richard Rogersâ¬" Leadenhall Tower, set to soar 737ft. Then the Heron Tower will extend over 800ft, including a five storey aquarium. The Pinnacle will eclipse them both at nearly 950ft. And providing they resolve the economics, the London Bridge shard, at over 1000ft, will truly scrape the sky.

As my ears popped during the plunge of the little lift, which alleges to fit 13, I realised that the building interests me far more than the bar. If I experienced Vertigo on the ground, I would have found it a little less than ordinaryâ¬¦

J+A Cafe - Eureka! by bellaphon

bellaphon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:29:57 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, cultured, crowded

It gives me immense (or intense...might as well chuck that in as well) pleasure to scribble or even mutter about J+A CafÃ©.

I've never started a review with a sentence like that before unless a particular eating place blows me away, well quite simply J+A takes the absolute honour. I also have to be so very careful with the superlatives I use in this review otherwise I run the risk of OTT ebullience. J+A is pretty well hidden within Clerkenwell and the best way to reach it is by my now habitual bus of route 55. There's a tiny door-sized passageway (not too unlike the one off Oxford Street to St Christopher's Place) leading to Sutton Lane thatâ¬"s accessible from Clerkenwell Road. Sutton Lane (must be newish as I couldnâ¬"t find it in my A to Z) is one of those modern and beautifully regenerated courtyards thatâ¬"s emerging in a part of London thatâ¬"s fast becoming desirable to live and work in.

Barely six months old, J and A are the initials of the two wonderful Irish colleens who own and run the cafÃ©. The dining room (or mini hall because of its high ceilings) is from a practical perspective, beautiful and purposeful. The place was already buzzing with what I believed to be media or design pseuds (not surprising in this part of Londinium); as a result I had to settle down with my solo pair of glutÃ¦us maximus at the communal refectory table thatâ¬"s located in the middle of the room. The only minor quibble I have with this table is the long benches; they resonate irritatingly when an incessant foot tapper or leg shaker is also one of the occupying sitters.

Food; everything on the menu cries out to be ordered; from homemade this to that, I was totally spoilt for choice when I perused the menu. The Irish Stew was sold out (â¬Ütis 2pm by now) so I plumped for what most people would do when they see it, STEAK. Steak Sandwich- this came with onion, rocket, dijon, mayo and toms. Beautifully cooked and well-seasoned meat accompanied by the thickest cut and crustiest white bread imaginable- this is unadulterated sandwich heaven! As if the sarnie wasnâ¬"t enough on its own, crisps were thrown in as well; J+A cheers! The mandatory Bellaphon test of cake binge. The Chocolate and Morello Cherry Sponge Cake was simply paradise found, it tasted retributively divine. This wondrous cake, and correct me if Iâ¬"m wrong girls, was of the baked-in-house variety rather than out-sourced! Lest I forget the coffee courtesy of J Atkinson & Co in Lancaster was passable, I think a seven-minute stroll to Dose would prove a better bet to complete the meal.

I know itâ¬"s strange to draw comparisons, but Iâ¬"m beginning to worry about The Modern Pantry, so very close, yet so much more expensive and â¬Ühitting the nailâ¬"; purveyor of one of the poorest service records in London. J+A is a marvel of a find, eureka! Highly recommended.
It gives me immense (or intense...might as well chuck that in as well) pleasure to scribble or even mutter about J+A CafÃ©.

I've never started a review with a sentence like that before unless a particular eating place blows me away, well quite simply J+A takes the absolute honour. I also have to be so very careful with the superlatives I use in this review otherwise I run the risk of OTT ebullience. J+A is pretty well hidden within Clerkenwell and the best way to reach it is by my now habitual bus of route 55. There's a tiny door-sized passageway (not too unlike the one off Oxford Street to St Christopher's Place) leading to Sutton Lane thatâ¬"s accessible from Clerkenwell Road. Sutton Lane (must be newish as I couldnâ¬"t find it in my A to Z) is one of those modern and beautifully regenerated courtyards thatâ¬"s emerging in a part of London thatâ¬"s fast becoming desirable to live and work in.

Barely six months old, J and A are the initials of the two wonderful Irish colleens who own and run the cafÃ©. The dining room (or mini hall because of its high ceilings) is from a practical perspective, beautiful and purposeful. The place was already buzzing with what I believed to be media or design pseuds (not surprising in this part of Londinium); as a result I had to settle down with my solo pair of glutÃ¦us maximus at the communal refectory table thatâ¬"s located in the middle of the room. The only minor quibble I have with this table is the long benches; they resonate irritatingly when an incessant foot tapper or leg shaker is also one of the occupying sitters.

Food; everything on the menu cries out to be ordered; from homemade this to that, I was totally spoilt for choice when I perused the menu. The Irish Stew was sold out (â¬Ütis 2pm by now) so I plumped for what most people would do when they see it, STEAK. Steak Sandwich- this came with onion, rocket, dijon, mayo and toms. Beautifully cooked and well-seasoned meat accompanied by the thickest cut and crustiest white bread imaginable- this is unadulterated sandwich heaven! As if the sarnie wasnâ¬"t enough on its own, crisps were thrown in as well; J+A cheers! The mandatory Bellaphon test of cake binge. The Chocolate and Morello Cherry Sponge Cake was simply paradise found, it tasted retributively divine. This wondrous cake, and correct me if Iâ¬"m wrong girls, was of the baked-in-house variety rather than out-sourced! Lest I forget the coffee courtesy of J Atkinson & Co in Lancaster was passable, I think a seven-minute stroll to Dose would prove a better bet to complete the meal.

I know itâ¬"s strange to draw comparisons, but Iâ¬"m beginning to worry about The Modern Pantry, so very close, yet so much more expensive and â¬Ühitting the nailâ¬"; purveyor of one of the poorest service records in London. J+A is a marvel of a find, eureka! Highly recommended.

The Breakfast Club - A very enjoyable breakfast by willcritchlow

willcritchlow — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:02:47 +0000

Review by willcritchlow

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7226 5454

Website: http://www.thebreakfastclubsoho.com/

Tags: american, breakfast, family & home feel

Very friendly with excellent breakfast.

I went with a good friend who was over from the states. Both the eggs royale and the full English breakfast rocked.

They only lost marks for being a little slow getting us drinks (coffee and tea arriving after we'd waited for the breakfasts) and giving confusing advice when we were trying to choose between two items on the menu.Very friendly with excellent breakfast.

I went with a good friend who was over from the states. Both the eggs royale and the full English breakfast rocked.

They only lost marks for being a little slow getting us drinks (coffee and tea arriving after we'd waited for the breakfasts) and giving confusing advice when we were trying to choose between two items on the menu.

Le Cafe - True, true by george_f

george_f — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:51:57 +0000

Review by george_f

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7831 8139

Tags: takeaway, proper food, cosy

I read the previous review and I say, true, true.

I've been going to Le Cafe for almost 3 years now and I've always found the food served here fresh, flavourful and of the kind that reminds one of real home-cooking. Of course, that's home-cooking by someone who knows what he's doing. Personal favourites are Chicken Spring Onion and Pork, apple and raisin sandwiches on toasted brown baps. There are dishes that are regularly on the menu, but the chef regularly exercises his creative muscles and quite often customers are treated to something new. The casseroles are amazing but I think the chef outdoes himself with his fish dishes.

Price-wise, 2008 prices still hold today. So it's very good quality food at very reasonable prices. Good enough reasons to go to any place for your nosh.

I do feel though, that the regulars keep coming back for another reason - the warmth with which they're treated by the couple who own the place. I gave Le Cafe a 5-star rating for ambience - and this is what it's for.
I read the previous review and I say, true, true.

I've been going to Le Cafe for almost 3 years now and I've always found the food served here fresh, flavourful and of the kind that reminds one of real home-cooking. Of course, that's home-cooking by someone who knows what he's doing. Personal favourites are Chicken Spring Onion and Pork, apple and raisin sandwiches on toasted brown baps. There are dishes that are regularly on the menu, but the chef regularly exercises his creative muscles and quite often customers are treated to something new. The casseroles are amazing but I think the chef outdoes himself with his fish dishes.

Price-wise, 2008 prices still hold today. So it's very good quality food at very reasonable prices. Good enough reasons to go to any place for your nosh.

I do feel though, that the regulars keep coming back for another reason - the warmth with which they're treated by the couple who own the place. I gave Le Cafe a 5-star rating for ambience - and this is what it's for.

Brindisa - CLOSED - CLOSED by bron99

bron99 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:45:19 +0000

Review by bron99

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7713 1666

Website: http://www.brindisa.com

Tags: spanish, delicatessen, rare finds

For those who don't know this branch of Brindisa closed 31st Jan - too too sad.

For those who don't know this branch of Brindisa closed 31st Jan - too too sad.

Quality Chop House - quality chops by magical

magical — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:14:14 +0000

Review by magical

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 5093

Tags: british, vegetarian dishes, toptable

had lunch here with a friend, using the FT 2-for-1 offer. atmosphere and decor very old school ("progressive working class caterer" is the motto). staff attentive, friendly and informed - didn't feel like we were rushed or left hanging around. offered tap when asked for water - good sign. no-nonsense menu focussed on meat. devilled kidneys followed by pork chop with black pudding hash and crackling were outstanding. pewed seating not ideal for 6ft plus however food is good enough to balance out temporary discomfort. £4.75 for a bottle of bitter is very punchy - even if it does come with a handled jug glass.
highly recommended as a lunch venue if meeting a couple of old friends. maybe not for a first date.had lunch here with a friend, using the FT 2-for-1 offer. atmosphere and decor very old school ("progressive working class caterer" is the motto). staff attentive, friendly and informed - didn't feel like we were rushed or left hanging around. offered tap when asked for water - good sign. no-nonsense menu focussed on meat. devilled kidneys followed by pork chop with black pudding hash and crackling were outstanding. pewed seating not ideal for 6ft plus however food is good enough to balance out temporary discomfort. £4.75 for a bottle of bitter is very punchy - even if it does come with a handled jug glass.
highly recommended as a lunch venue if meeting a couple of old friends. maybe not for a first date.

Mighty World Of Comicana - by pgyeates

pgyeates — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:59:31 +0000

Review by pgyeates

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 5630

The shop may be not much to look at but it contains all a comics fan needs; new comics, discount subscription service, back issues, manga, trades etc. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, just don't forget to close the door, and don't ask them where Forbidden Planet is!The shop may be not much to look at but it contains all a comics fan needs; new comics, discount subscription service, back issues, manga, trades etc. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, just don't forget to close the door, and don't ask them where Forbidden Planet is!

Barbican YMCA - Cheap and Cheerful by bron99

bron99 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:40:19 +0000

Review by bron99

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7628 0697

Website: http://www.ymca.org.uk

Tags: yoga, helpful staff

I have been going to the ymca gym at the barbican for nearly 2 years and more than once I have scoped out the (many) other gyms in the neighbourhood and still this is the best for me. It is run by a very cheerful front of house crew, the gym itself is reasonably equipped, fairly small and fairly clean. Most of the equipment works most of the time. They have a range of classed daily but I've never gone to any but what I hear is that they are good. Changing rooms are fairly well maintained but the showers are only hot intermittently though the sauna invariably works. It is far and away the cheapest in the area, is open from about 7 in the morning till ten at night - so if cheap and cheerful is all you want this place is for you.I have been going to the ymca gym at the barbican for nearly 2 years and more than once I have scoped out the (many) other gyms in the neighbourhood and still this is the best for me. It is run by a very cheerful front of house crew, the gym itself is reasonably equipped, fairly small and fairly clean. Most of the equipment works most of the time. They have a range of classed daily but I've never gone to any but what I hear is that they are good. Changing rooms are fairly well maintained but the showers are only hot intermittently though the sauna invariably works. It is far and away the cheapest in the area, is open from about 7 in the morning till ten at night - so if cheap and cheerful is all you want this place is for you.