Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Barnsbury, London, United Kingdom

Colebrooke's - Not all it's cracked up to be by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:48:48 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7226 7517

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

A few days ago, Timeout London announced the results of their Eating & Drinking Awards 2009. Like most of these 'best of' awards it's a mixture of the bafflingly arbitrary and downright predictable - there are very few people I know who would argue that the brilliant Harwood Arms shouldn't have won Best New Gastropub this year, but Lola Rojo on Northcote Road for best Spanish Restaurant over any of the Brindisa joints? Last time I went to Lola Rojo I paid Â£10 for a very odd plate of potato soufflÃ©s and tomato foam which they laughably called 'patatas bravas'. It was like tapas re-imagined by someone who'd applied to work at El Bulli but was rejected for being too pointlessly experimental.

But it's the choice of Best Bar that, perhaps inevitably, causes the most controversy. The crucial difference in bars as opposed to restaurants is that you can get pretty much the complete experience just popping in for 15 minutes and ordering a martini, whereas you can't really say you've 'eaten at' a restaurant unless you've sat down to a three course meal over a few hours. So whichever criteria you consider to be the most important in a bar (dÃ©cor, clientele or the way the barman twists his lemon peel), it's likely you have the budget to visit far more of them in the space of a year than you can mid to high-end restaurants. And more customers means more opinion. And more opinion means more controversy.

And there ends my disclaimer for the decision behind this year's Timeout Best Bar, because I really can't see what the judges saw in 69 Colebrook Row. It's perfectly good, of course - a tiny little neighbourhood bar, a well stocked drinks cabinet and staff who if not experts are at least fairly competent. But it was when I saw the barman timidly pouring out a shot of gin into a little metal measuring cup before dumping it in the shaker that I knew this could never be up there with the best of them. The drinks, too, were timid - a bland house martini using Martini Extra Dry and a cerignola olive instead of the far more tasty combination of Noilly Prat and a twist of lemon, and a champagne cocktail which omitted the usual angostura-soaked sugar cube and brandy for a subtle floral note. Maybe it's just that I'm not a Tony Conigliaro fan; I was similarly nonplussed with the praised heaped upon the Shochu Lounge beneath Roka on Charlotte Street - when everyone was talking about molecular mixology all I noticed was overfussy and overpriced fruit cocktails. Or maybe I'm just far more difficult to please these days. I blame Rules.A few days ago, Timeout London announced the results of their Eating & Drinking Awards 2009. Like most of these 'best of' awards it's a mixture of the bafflingly arbitrary and downright predictable - there are very few people I know who would argue that the brilliant Harwood Arms shouldn't have won Best New Gastropub this year, but Lola Rojo on Northcote Road for best Spanish Restaurant over any of the Brindisa joints? Last time I went to Lola Rojo I paid Â£10 for a very odd plate of potato soufflÃ©s and tomato foam which they laughably called 'patatas bravas'. It was like tapas re-imagined by someone who'd applied to work at El Bulli but was rejected for being too pointlessly experimental.

But it's the choice of Best Bar that, perhaps inevitably, causes the most controversy. The crucial difference in bars as opposed to restaurants is that you can get pretty much the complete experience just popping in for 15 minutes and ordering a martini, whereas you can't really say you've 'eaten at' a restaurant unless you've sat down to a three course meal over a few hours. So whichever criteria you consider to be the most important in a bar (dÃ©cor, clientele or the way the barman twists his lemon peel), it's likely you have the budget to visit far more of them in the space of a year than you can mid to high-end restaurants. And more customers means more opinion. And more opinion means more controversy.

And there ends my disclaimer for the decision behind this year's Timeout Best Bar, because I really can't see what the judges saw in 69 Colebrook Row. It's perfectly good, of course - a tiny little neighbourhood bar, a well stocked drinks cabinet and staff who if not experts are at least fairly competent. But it was when I saw the barman timidly pouring out a shot of gin into a little metal measuring cup before dumping it in the shaker that I knew this could never be up there with the best of them. The drinks, too, were timid - a bland house martini using Martini Extra Dry and a cerignola olive instead of the far more tasty combination of Noilly Prat and a twist of lemon, and a champagne cocktail which omitted the usual angostura-soaked sugar cube and brandy for a subtle floral note. Maybe it's just that I'm not a Tony Conigliaro fan; I was similarly nonplussed with the praised heaped upon the Shochu Lounge beneath Roka on Charlotte Street - when everyone was talking about molecular mixology all I noticed was overfussy and overpriced fruit cocktails. Or maybe I'm just far more difficult to please these days. I blame Rules.

Canal 125 - Oh dear by MrEater

MrEater — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:18:31 +0000

Review by MrEater

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7837 1924

Tags: international, friendly, good value

Ive been there a few times - the owners are incredibly rude - however, the staff are smiley and friendly.
There are mice upstairs happily scurrying around - on two different occasions Ive seen it (or them!)
Food is good, though...Ive been there a few times - the owners are incredibly rude - however, the staff are smiley and friendly.
There are mice upstairs happily scurrying around - on two different occasions Ive seen it (or them!)
Food is good, though...

Alwyne Castle - by jimmyd

jimmyd — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:08:44 +0000

Review by jimmyd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7288 9861

Tags: live music, posh, relaxed

One of my favourite pubs in north London. It's big, has sofas, lots of outside space, great beers, and a pretty damn good Sunday roast.One of my favourite pubs in north London. It's big, has sofas, lots of outside space, great beers, and a pretty damn good Sunday roast.

The Angelic - decent pub by jimmyd

jimmyd — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:05:26 +0000

Review by jimmyd

Rating: 3.00

Tags: cool, relaxed, different pub food

This is an ok little pub just off the madness of Upper Street. It's got some pretty good beers and wines, and free wifi. Better than most of the places in Angel.This is an ok little pub just off the madness of Upper Street. It's got some pretty good beers and wines, and free wifi. Better than most of the places in Angel.

The Scolt Head - Busy beer garden... by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:25:03 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7254 3965

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

Tags: live music, relaxed, food

Laidback local boozer, hidden by trees protecting the small busy beer garden.

With old relics, leather sofas and a magnetic alphabet
chalk board it also has a games room (with DJs on the weekends) and a dining area.

Always busy with a young friendly crowd

Laidback local boozer, hidden by trees protecting the small busy beer garden.

With old relics, leather sofas and a magnetic alphabet
chalk board it also has a games room (with DJs on the weekends) and a dining area.

Always busy with a young friendly crowd

The Wellington - The Welly is great! by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:53:51 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7254 4338

Tags: live music, relaxed, food

Recently refurbished and now with a black exterior, the Duke of Wellington (with no name outside) is a fantastic local pub. Full of friendly people, it has an outside area, board games, a big screen showing sports, a film club and soon to have some live music we hope. Food is very nice and music is also ace, plus its open late...not a bad word to say!Recently refurbished and now with a black exterior, the Duke of Wellington (with no name outside) is a fantastic local pub. Full of friendly people, it has an outside area, board games, a big screen showing sports, a film club and soon to have some live music we hope. Food is very nice and music is also ace, plus its open late...not a bad word to say!

William IV - Bot very honest owner, how even knows what else by alexaa

alexaa — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:21:40 +0000

Review by alexaa

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 3119 3012

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

Tags: friendly, gastropub, young professionals

Had my birthday party there. My saddest ever birthday.

It was supposed to be a crazy night out. However, at 11:30, the music was turned off. The explanation was that the council officers came to ask them to do so because of the complaints they received.

For Fxxx sake, i mean, Since they knew they wouldn't be playing loud music after 11:00, why did they still agreed when i requested. I clearly stated that i wanted to party until 2 am. I would never, ever ever go there again. hate it so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Had my birthday party there. My saddest ever birthday.

It was supposed to be a crazy night out. However, at 11:30, the music was turned off. The explanation was that the council officers came to ask them to do so because of the complaints they received.

For Fxxx sake, i mean, Since they knew they wouldn't be playing loud music after 11:00, why did they still agreed when i requested. I clearly stated that i wanted to party until 2 am. I would never, ever ever go there again. hate it so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trafik - by sillysnake

sillysnake — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:44:20 +0000

Review by sillysnake

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7613 0234

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

Tags: cool, bar, food

I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!

The Charles Lamb - NOT RECOMMENDED by hatemanu99

hatemanu99 — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:30:20 +0000

Review by hatemanu99

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7837 5040

Website: www.thecharleslambpub.com

Tags: relaxed, independent pub, excellent pub food

DO NOT GO HERE. Upon visiting the pub to ask what time they served lunch we were very rudely told they weren't open yet. We managed to find out that, as they don't take bookings, we should arrive early as the pub itself is quite small. So we arrived in good time (midday) on the day in question, to find no-one else there until half an hour later, not all of whom were eating. We ordered our lunches, one of the group requesting the lamb to be cooked through as she was pregnant. The waiter curtly responded that the lamb comes medium/rare and that therefore our friend did not then have the right to complain if it was overdone. We then were told that the mushroom tart was not in fact a tart but mushrooms on toast, and the new potatoes with the mackerel would be replaced by toast also. One of the group asked if he could have a potato side dish, to be told abruptly "no" as they don't do sides. So we finished our meals (admittedly a mistake) and then decided we would politely ask if our bill could be reduced as half the menu was replaced with toast. The staff were not only extrememly rude in their response but tried to charge us for an extra main, presumably not expecting us to actually check our bill. Like I say, DO NOT COME HERE.DO NOT GO HERE. Upon visiting the pub to ask what time they served lunch we were very rudely told they weren't open yet. We managed to find out that, as they don't take bookings, we should arrive early as the pub itself is quite small. So we arrived in good time (midday) on the day in question, to find no-one else there until half an hour later, not all of whom were eating. We ordered our lunches, one of the group requesting the lamb to be cooked through as she was pregnant. The waiter curtly responded that the lamb comes medium/rare and that therefore our friend did not then have the right to complain if it was overdone. We then were told that the mushroom tart was not in fact a tart but mushrooms on toast, and the new potatoes with the mackerel would be replaced by toast also. One of the group asked if he could have a potato side dish, to be told abruptly "no" as they don't do sides. So we finished our meals (admittedly a mistake) and then decided we would politely ask if our bill could be reduced as half the menu was replaced with toast. The staff were not only extrememly rude in their response but tried to charge us for an extra main, presumably not expecting us to actually check our bill. Like I say, DO NOT COME HERE.

The Marie Lloyd - by owenplanchart

owenplanchart — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:14:44 +0000

Review by owenplanchart

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7251 0178

Tags: food, dj, english

The Marie Lloyd offers the perfect blend of the classic and the new that is being spearheaded in the uber trendy Shoreditch scene. With an outstanding selection of drafts, bottled beers and spirits, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will guarantee a fun night whether you are looking for a low key business meeting on a weeknight or a full tilt pre club soiree to warm up your dancing soles on the weekend.

The unique formula of soft leather couches around a fireplace and a great sound system fueled by state of the art dj equipment create a truly relaxed and fun environment for the gentle pub goer and the off-centered trend setter alike.

They are the pioneers of the ultimate drinking game Beer Pong not only in the area but in the UK and challenge you to try a shot from their list of delicious liquid concoctions that cater to every level of drinker.

Their commitment to low-priced, high-quality food made with fresh ingredients is unrivaled in the area.The Marie Lloyd offers the perfect blend of the classic and the new that is being spearheaded in the uber trendy Shoreditch scene. With an outstanding selection of drafts, bottled beers and spirits, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will guarantee a fun night whether you are looking for a low key business meeting on a weeknight or a full tilt pre club soiree to warm up your dancing soles on the weekend.

The unique formula of soft leather couches around a fireplace and a great sound system fueled by state of the art dj equipment create a truly relaxed and fun environment for the gentle pub goer and the off-centered trend setter alike.

They are the pioneers of the ultimate drinking game Beer Pong not only in the area but in the UK and challenge you to try a shot from their list of delicious liquid concoctions that cater to every level of drinker.

Their commitment to low-priced, high-quality food made with fresh ingredients is unrivaled in the area.

Central Station - Fun 'Underground'-usually. by rupertrogue

rupertrogue — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:33:15 +0000

Review by rupertrogue

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 3294

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

Tags: underground, sexy, live music

A fairly conventional bar on the ground floor but the aptly named 'Underground' basement is where it all really happens. This is suitably dack and sleasy. Dont know about the previous reviewers bankruptsy fears, but it was still all there last week. I like the afternnon 'pants' party', which proves more entertaining than work in the office, especially if you don't bother with the cumbersome pants. However last week I went to their Thursday Evening CP night which was quite a bore, even though personally I had some fun. As ever with these places it's the crowd that turns up that matters more than the facilities. Apart from last weekl, I've generally found it pretty good for not a lot of money--provided you don't waste too much cash at the fairly expensive bar.A fairly conventional bar on the ground floor but the aptly named 'Underground' basement is where it all really happens. This is suitably dack and sleasy. Dont know about the previous reviewers bankruptsy fears, but it was still all there last week. I like the afternnon 'pants' party', which proves more entertaining than work in the office, especially if you don't bother with the cumbersome pants. However last week I went to their Thursday Evening CP night which was quite a bore, even though personally I had some fun. As ever with these places it's the crowd that turns up that matters more than the facilities. Apart from last weekl, I've generally found it pretty good for not a lot of money--provided you don't waste too much cash at the fairly expensive bar.

Anam - Nice cocktail bar by gilka

gilka — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:34:31 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 1001

Website: http://www.anambar.com/

Tags: young professionals, cool & smart, live music

This is a very nice cocktail bar located in Chapel Market, close to angel tube. The bar tender seemed very professional and the cocktails were really good. The real deal in coming on weekdays between 6-8 when you can get 2 for 1 cocktails- really worth it! We came there around 7pm and managed to get a spacious couch area.

See what I have discovered in their toilets here:
http://www.gilka.co.uk/2009/02/27/anam-bar-close-to-angel-tube/This is a very nice cocktail bar located in Chapel Market, close to angel tube. The bar tender seemed very professional and the cocktails were really good. The real deal in coming on weekdays between 6-8 when you can get 2 for 1 cocktails- really worth it! We came there around 7pm and managed to get a spacious couch area.

See what I have discovered in their toilets here:
http://www.gilka.co.uk/2009/02/27/anam-bar-close-to-angel-tube/

Slim Jim's Liquor Store - well, they have beer... by andybrown

andybrown — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:05:44 +0000

Review by andybrown

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7354 4364

Website: http://www.slimjimsliquorstore.com/

Tags: cool, trendy, dj

but everyone in there is... how can i put this delicately... it rhymes with anchor.

yes, they have decent beer, the tunes are good, the doorman is a really nice guy, very interesting, and it's open late, and all these things are important.

But we had to talk to the doorman because he was the only one capable of proper conversation. And that says a lot.

And the decor is terrifying. It's somewhere between pretend American bar and whorehouse and Soviet nuclear submarine and hell. But rubbish.

So, in short, if you want a drink late at night, go there. And chat with the doorman. And make sure when you ask for a drink, be very specific or you'll just get whichever drink the barman can be bothered to make.

Good luck.but everyone in there is... how can i put this delicately... it rhymes with anchor.

yes, they have decent beer, the tunes are good, the doorman is a really nice guy, very interesting, and it's open late, and all these things are important.

But we had to talk to the doorman because he was the only one capable of proper conversation. And that says a lot.

And the decor is terrifying. It's somewhere between pretend American bar and whorehouse and Soviet nuclear submarine and hell. But rubbish.

So, in short, if you want a drink late at night, go there. And chat with the doorman. And make sure when you ask for a drink, be very specific or you'll just get whichever drink the barman can be bothered to make.

Good luck.

The Lion & Lamb - HOXTONS LOCALS by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:57:06 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 5598

Tags: food, friendly, pool

This is a locals pub,but your be made welcome,The staff are friendly,but beware if pat starts singing,sadly it only as one real ale,there,s take your pick on Thursday nights and the prize can reach a grand,all profits go to charity,there,s free sandwiches on this night,the pub as a pool table and is wheelchair friendly,children are permitted till around 7 pm but must be escorted to the toilets which I think is a great idea,it as a great outside seating area in the summer,and the pub as a atmosphere that you dont find often these days,This is a locals pub,but your be made welcome,The staff are friendly,but beware if pat starts singing,sadly it only as one real ale,there,s take your pick on Thursday nights and the prize can reach a grand,all profits go to charity,there,s free sandwiches on this night,the pub as a pool table and is wheelchair friendly,children are permitted till around 7 pm but must be escorted to the toilets which I think is a great idea,it as a great outside seating area in the summer,and the pub as a atmosphere that you dont find often these days,

The Talbot - What a bad place by juliapap

juliapap — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:33:30 +0000

Review by juliapap

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7254 2336

Tags: food, pretentious, pool tables

I live in the neighborhood and was initially very happy to find such a chilled, cozy pub. The first two visits for quick pints were ok enough. Then, having some friends over from abroad on a cold winter day, I raved about this great little pub next to my place and we all went over for some food.
The place was pretty empty, as it normally is. We sat on one of the couches and decided to have some fries to manage our hunger while we waited for some other friends to arrive.
To my surprise, even though fries were on the menu as side dishes, we were refused them as snacks. â¬SIf we serve fries thatâ¬"s all that people will have and we will be paying our chef for nothingâ¬, said the sarcastic and rude waiter. Well, I thought, this is supposed to be a pretty grown up pub, and not a teenager hang out den where people will drink tap water all night. Also, I found it extremely irresponsible to deny your customers finger food to help soak up the alcohol of a night out on the pub. I told this to the waiter, who just muttered something under his breath and left.
I resigned myself to a bowl of olives, the only thing other than crisps and peanuts available to us besides the dinner menu.
Once our friends arrived, we decided to stay in our couch and eat there, instead of moving to one of the tables. Note that the place was empty, with loads of couches on offer.
When I asked the waiter for the menu, he told me that I could only have the menu (a printed sheet of paper) if we sat on the table. On the couch, I had to get up and read the menu written on a board across the bar. I was so shocked by such stupidity (and hungry) that we all just moved to the restaurant table (5 steps from where we were sitting).
The food was bland and disappointing (ll of it, but especially the roasts and what was supposed to be horseradish cream but was only double cream), and the waiter kept looking at us with sarcasm.
It is a shame, such a nice place, but such crazy unreasonable rules and rude staff. Not coming back.

I live in the neighborhood and was initially very happy to find such a chilled, cozy pub. The first two visits for quick pints were ok enough. Then, having some friends over from abroad on a cold winter day, I raved about this great little pub next to my place and we all went over for some food.
The place was pretty empty, as it normally is. We sat on one of the couches and decided to have some fries to manage our hunger while we waited for some other friends to arrive.
To my surprise, even though fries were on the menu as side dishes, we were refused them as snacks. â¬SIf we serve fries thatâ¬"s all that people will have and we will be paying our chef for nothingâ¬, said the sarcastic and rude waiter. Well, I thought, this is supposed to be a pretty grown up pub, and not a teenager hang out den where people will drink tap water all night. Also, I found it extremely irresponsible to deny your customers finger food to help soak up the alcohol of a night out on the pub. I told this to the waiter, who just muttered something under his breath and left.
I resigned myself to a bowl of olives, the only thing other than crisps and peanuts available to us besides the dinner menu.
Once our friends arrived, we decided to stay in our couch and eat there, instead of moving to one of the tables. Note that the place was empty, with loads of couches on offer.
When I asked the waiter for the menu, he told me that I could only have the menu (a printed sheet of paper) if we sat on the table. On the couch, I had to get up and read the menu written on a board across the bar. I was so shocked by such stupidity (and hungry) that we all just moved to the restaurant table (5 steps from where we were sitting).
The food was bland and disappointing (all of it, but especially the roasts and what was supposed to be horseradish cream but was only double cream), and the waiter kept looking at us with sarcasm.
It is a shame, such a nice place, but such crazy unreasonable rules and rude staff. Not coming back.

Island Queen - Island Queen Restaurant? Don't you mean pub by a_female

a_female — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:40:42 +0000

Review by a_female

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7704 7631

Tags: jazz, cool, relaxed

Calling this place the Island Queen Restaurant is a bit of a stretch isn't it. Nested amongst the fantasy suburbs that is Noel Road, N1, Island Queen Pub is a lovely little local. As with a few other M&B pubs i've been to this place has alot of promise. Get a nice fire and the shabby chic deco just about works. Get the food wrong and allthe is lost. I left Island Queen after a microwaved nut roast feeling like i'd just stepped out of my local NHS hospital - sloppy food and the shabby chic became mould old pub. Shame the music was good.Calling this place the Island Queen Restaurant is a bit of a stretch isn't it. Nested amongst the fantasy suburbs that is Noel Road, N1, Island Queen Pub is a lovely little local. As with a few other M&B pubs i've been to this place has alot of promise. Get a nice fire and the shabby chic deco just about works. Get the food wrong and allthe is lost. I left Island Queen after a microwaved nut roast feeling like i'd just stepped out of my local NHS hospital - sloppy food and the shabby chic became mould old pub. Shame the music was good.

The Beehive - GREAT SUNDAYS by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:04:10 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7730 3086

Tags: cool, friendly, independent pub

This really friendly bar sadly does not sell any real ales,But its one of very few who still put out free seafood for all,on a Sunday lunchtime.and also serve a great Sunday roast,which changes each week.and it costs around a fiver,everything about this pub is clean,it has a daily menu everything from a toasted sandwich to a full meal,that everyday except saturdays,it also provides bed and breakfast,The gardens are really nice although used mainly by smokers.but there is also a rear smoking area which is slightly sheltered,Just wish they sold real alesThis really friendly bar sadly does not sell any real ales,But its one of very few who still put out free seafood for all,on a Sunday lunchtime.and also serve a great Sunday roast,which changes each week.and it costs around a fiver,everything about this pub is clean,it has a daily menu everything from a toasted sandwich to a full meal,that everyday except saturdays,it also provides bed and breakfast,The gardens are really nice although used mainly by smokers.but there is also a rear smoking area which is slightly sheltered,Just wish they sold real ales

The Prince Arthur - REAL PUB by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:26:44 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 3187

Website: http://www.shepherd-neame.co.uk

Tags: friendly, standard pub food, cool & smart

This really small Shepherd and Neame pub serve really good well kept real ales,its to small to serve dinners,although you can get a sandwich for around a pound.or a steak and kidney pie for about the same.its a very clean pub,and you will probally thind you are being served by the licencee.who will chat to you if theres time,He as been the licencee of this pub for over 30 years,so I guess an old school publican.not many left.There are a couple of dart teams and a fair lunchtime trade.theres no juke box or pool table no room for these,but you will find a very friendly atmosphere, and good conversation.This really small Shepherd and Neame pub serve really good well kept real ales,its to small to serve dinners,although you can get a sandwich for around a pound.or a steak and kidney pie for about the same.its a very clean pub,and you will probally thind you are being served by the licencee.who will chat to you if theres time,He as been the licencee of this pub for over 30 years,so I guess an old school publican.not many left.There are a couple of dart teams and a fair lunchtime trade.theres no juke box or pool table no room for these,but you will find a very friendly atmosphere, and good conversation.

25 Canonbury Lane - Superb for a cocktail by kittylyst

kittylyst — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:47:05 +0000

Review by kittylyst

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7226 0955

Tags: friendly, cool & smart, cool

Slight tucked away from the bustle of Upper Street, this is a great little bar for a couple of cocktails before dinner.

An extended session here would definitely be bad for the wallet, as the cocktails are not cheap, but they are at least reasonably-sized and well made.

Crowd is mostly upmarket locals, with a reasonably high percentage of 'special occasion' dates.

It can get a little crowded on a weekend night, but at quieter times is a fantastic way to while away an hour or two.Slight tucked away from the bustle of Upper Street, this is a great little bar for a couple of cocktails before dinner.

An extended session here would definitely be bad for the wallet, as the cocktails are not cheap, but they are at least reasonably-sized and well made.

Crowd is mostly upmarket locals, with a reasonably high percentage of 'special occasion' dates.

It can get a little crowded on a weekend night, but at quieter times is a fantastic way to while away an hour or two.

Albert & Pearl - wicked party by jacyn_tha1

jacyn_tha1 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:59:21 +0000

Review by jacyn_tha1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7354 9993

Website: http://www.albertandpearl.com/

Tags: cool, italian, relaxed

Really great place to go on a Friday. I had my 30th birthday party here last week and it was cool. The decor and the music was spoton because you could still talk and socialise but still have a good dance. you need to check out the drinks cabinet, it's fantastic!!

a big thumbs up from meReally great place to go on a Friday. I had my 30th birthday party here last week and it was cool. The decor and the music was spoton because you could still talk and socialise but still have a good dance. you need to check out the drinks cabinet, it's fantastic!!

a big thumbs up from me