Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Bond Street, London, United Kingdom

The Bok Bar - Cheap Thai Food, Good for Sports by OliS

OliS — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:54:56 +0000

Review by OliS

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7935 4556

Tags: friendly, thai, different pub food

I stumbled across this place the other day when I was walking from Baker Street trying to find somewhere to watch the football. We attempted to get into The Globe Pub across the road from the station, but it was totally rammed so we went for a walk, and found this great little place.

The beers are reasonably priced for London, about average I would say. Service is quick and the bar staff are very friendly. The punters there were mostly quite young, I'd say most were in their 30's. They were a friendly bunch, and more than willing to have a bit of amusing banter about the football.

We managed to get a couple of tables in the little room round the back, and ate our food there. It was very reasonably priced, with mains coming to about Â£6. It was well worth the money. The portions were quite a generous size and it tasted pretty good. You wouldnt rave about the food if it were in a restaurant, but for the price you pay, it was very good.

Service for the food was fast and friendly. Your order the food from the lovely Thai ladies in there. The bar seems to be a different operation. All works quite well.

There is plenty of seating inside, for what isn't a huge bar. There are also lots of benches outside to sit on when the weather is nice.I stumbled across this place the other day when I was walking from Baker Street trying to find somewhere to watch the football. We attempted to get into The Globe Pub across the road from the station, but it was totally rammed so we went for a walk, and found this great little place.

The beers are reasonably priced for London, about average I would say. Service is quick and the bar staff are very friendly. The punters there were mostly quite young, I'd say most were in their 30's. They were a friendly bunch, and more than willing to have a bit of amusing banter about the football.

We managed to get a couple of tables in the little room round the back, and ate our food there. It was very reasonably priced, with mains coming to about Â£6. It was well worth the money. The portions were quite a generous size and it tasted pretty good. You wouldnt rave about the food if it were in a restaurant, but for the price you pay, it was very good.

Service for the food was fast and friendly. Your order the food from the lovely Thai ladies in there. The bar seems to be a different operation. All works quite well.

There is plenty of seating inside, for what isn't a huge bar. There are also lots of benches outside to sit on when the weather is nice.

The Moose Bar - by rogoff

rogoff — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:25:43 +0000

Review by rogoff

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7644 1426

Website: http://www.vpmg.net/moose/

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

i went on a saturday night recently and didn't have any problem with bouncers like some others - there didn't seem to be any. anyway, it's ok for a drink or two but it didn't really live up to my expectations. i thought it was going to have a log cabin sort of feel to it but it doesn't. also, it's got the feel of a place that's beyond its prime. it looks a bit ragged in places (ripped wallpaper etc).i went on a saturday night recently and didn't have any problem with bouncers like some others - there didn't seem to be any. anyway, it's ok for a drink or two but it didn't really live up to my expectations. i thought it was going to have a log cabin sort of feel to it but it doesn't. also, it's got the feel of a place that's beyond its prime. it looks a bit ragged in places (ripped wallpaper etc).

Match Bar - A great place for a party! by louloubelle79

louloubelle79 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:03:12 +0000

Review by louloubelle79

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7499 3443

Website: http://www.matchbar.com

Tags: cool & smart, trendy, cool

I reserved an area at Match bar for some birthday drinks last weekend. From the moment we got there, the service we received was second to none and we were very impressed. The manager was excellent, and the bar staff brilliant. Although the bar was busy for a Saturday night, at no point did we have to queue for drinks at the bar. The cocktails were beautifully made, and tasted amazing. I would have no hesitation in recommending this bar to anyone for a place for a party (or just general drinks!)I reserved an area at Match bar for some birthday drinks last weekend. From the moment we got there, the service we received was second to none and we were very impressed. The manager was excellent, and the bar staff brilliant. Although the bar was busy for a Saturday night, at no point did we have to queue for drinks at the bar. The cocktails were beautifully made, and tasted amazing. I would have no hesitation in recommending this bar to anyone for a place for a party (or just general drinks!)

The Guinea Grill - Truly terrible by Cheam_Bob

Cheam_Bob — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:50:18 +0000

Review by Cheam_Bob

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7409 1728

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

Tags: food, business, british

An awful pub/restaurant, I won't credit it with the moniker gastropub as it's not. The chips and vegetables are something you'd expect in a Wetherspoons, frozen chips bunged straight into a deep fat fryer with microwaved squishy veg. The decor is naff, the seats are cramped and the staff are rude beyond any comprehension (one of them spilt our wine over my plate and the table and then simply walked off). An enormous disappointment, although they have a very reasonable wine collection for such a small venue.An awful pub/restaurant, I won't credit it with the moniker gastropub as it's not. The chips and vegetables are something you'd expect in a Wetherspoons, frozen chips bunged straight into a deep fat fryer with microwaved squishy veg. The decor is naff, the seats are cramped and the staff are rude beyond any comprehension (one of them spilt our wine over my plate and the table and then simply walked off). An enormous disappointment, although they have a very reasonable wine collection for such a small venue.

The Pontefract Castle - Ales by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:34:51 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7935 8034

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I'm a big fan of ales so I always enjoy finding somewhere new that serves a good variety. Pontefract Castle has 6 different ales on tap and they even do a "matching sausages and ales" night on Mondays. I've only eaten there once so far and I had a 5 bean and vegetable soup and some breaded prawns with sweet chilli sauce. The prawns were a bit overcooked and so were slightly dry and the soup was lacking in actual vegetables and beans!! I guess most traditional pubs have the same standard of food so I can't really complain.I'm a big fan of ales so I always enjoy finding somewhere new that serves a good variety. Pontefract Castle has 6 different ales on tap and they even do a "matching sausages and ales" night on Mondays. I've only eaten there once so far and I had a 5 bean and vegetable soup and some breaded prawns with sweet chilli sauce. The prawns were a bit overcooked and so were slightly dry and the soup was lacking in actual vegetables and beans!! I guess most traditional pubs have the same standard of food so I can't really complain.

The Phoenix - Great bar/pub on ground floor+amazing club night by tedford

tedford — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:11:15 +0000

Review by tedford

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7493 8003

Website: http://www.the-phoenix-cavendish-sq.co.uk/

Tags: friendly, cosy, good music

And it's right in the tourist/pikey Oxford Street zone! As mentioned, a really nice bar on the ground level, food is served upstairs but I've never eaten here. A young crowd in the bar, friendly as well (bar staff are too), and there' a big club downstairs too. Went to a night called Heavy Load and it's effing brilliant-70's Southern USA rock (think Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes etc) with a really friendly crowd. Is 4 stars for the bar, 5 stars for Heavy Load!And it's right in the tourist/pikey Oxford Street zone! As mentioned, a really nice bar on the ground level, food is served upstairs but I've never eaten here. A young crowd in the bar, friendly as well (bar staff are too), and there' a big club downstairs too. Went to a night called Heavy Load and it's effing brilliant-70's Southern USA rock (think Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes etc) with a really friendly crowd. Is 4 stars for the bar, 5 stars for Heavy Load!

The Conduit of Tybourne - Triplexing by neelmistry

neelmistry — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:47:20 +0000

Review by neelmistry

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7935 9311

Website: www.theconduit.co.uk

Tags: british, lively, romantic

After its recent refurb, the Conduit has become somewhat of a local for office goers and Marylebonites. nestled behind Wigmore street, the gastro pub, come cocktail bar is a great hang-out with a late license, ideal if you live in Marylebone. The food isn't great, (although I've only eaten there once almost a year ago) but the ambiance, the stylish decor and the friendly staff are worth visiting for. The downstairs cocktail bar is great especially for private parties, or if you're like me, afterwork drinks with the office. Look out for the owner too. Top Geezer and all-round nice guy. Highly recommended.After its recent refurb, the Conduit has become somewhat of a local for office goers and Marylebonites. nestled behind Wigmore street, the gastro pub, come cocktail bar is a great hang-out with a late license, ideal if you live in Marylebone. The food isn't great, (although I've only eaten there once almost a year ago) but the ambiance, the stylish decor and the friendly staff are worth visiting for. The downstairs cocktail bar is great especially for private parties, or if you're like me, afterwork drinks with the office. Look out for the owner too. Top Geezer and all-round nice guy. Highly recommended.

The Social - Small and skinny by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:52:27 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 4992

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

Tags: friendly, indie, hipster

Despite some good scheduling - exciting dj's, new launches and innovative ideas, including the genuinely funny hip hop karaoke, this bar is small and skinny, meaning wherever you stand, you are invariably in somebody's way. It also pales in comparison with its sister bar in Nottingham. BUT...it definitely makes for a good mid-week venue, the upstairs bar being very homely with cosy booths and wood cabin walls giving a feel-good americana vibe.Despite some good scheduling - exciting dj's, new launches and innovative ideas, including the genuinely funny hip hop karaoke, this bar is small and skinny, meaning wherever you stand, you are invariably in somebody's way. It also pales in comparison with its sister bar in Nottingham. BUT...it definitely makes for a good mid-week venue, the upstairs bar being very homely with cosy booths and wood cabin walls giving a feel-good americana vibe.

The Running Horse - Nice bar, but too busy by carolirish

carolirish — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:25:14 +0000

Review by carolirish

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7493 1275

Tags: food, pool tables, vegetarian dishes

This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)

Annex 3 - Surrealist Cocktails and superb service by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:58:14 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7631 0700

Tags: lively, romantic, bar

As the previous (excellent) review pointed out, there are plenty of bars in London claiming to serve cocktails, and very few that do it particularly well. On the one hand it's nice that you can nip into your local and order a Mojito and it will generally be made with fresh mint and Havana Club rum. On the other hand, we're in danger of losing the craft and excitement that early cocktail pioneers like the Match Bar generated when they first opened over ten years ago. A visit to Annex 3 at the weekend reminded me what is so great about a good drink, as the focal point of a superb evening out.

It is a surrealist masterpiece of a drinks list. Some eyebrow-raising ingredients included wasabi, avocado and rhubarb - not all in the same drink, thankfully, but still unusual enough to wonder what on earth they tasted like. Fortunately, all the examples we ordered on Friday were delicious - particularly a short drink made with ginger and cinnamon, and a martini with pomegranate seeds, the names of which unfortunately escape me. The flavours were as bright and fresh as they were unique and clearly indicated a bar staff determined to put their mark on the London cocktail map. Most impressive.

Tying our evening together impeccably was some sterling service. We hardly had to look up from an empty glass before our gaze was met with a friendly face. Perhaps this was understandable given that a 12.5% service charge was added to the bar bill (even Claridge's only adds 10%) but it was hard to complain given how well our experience was handled. I can heartily recommend you save your pennies for a visit to Annex 3 one evening - you're almost guaranteed to love it.As the previous (excellent) review pointed out, there are plenty of bars in London claiming to serve cocktails, and very few that do it particularly well. On the one hand it's nice that you can nip into your local and order a Mojito and it will generally be made with fresh mint and Havana Club rum. On the other hand, we're in danger of losing the craft and excitement that early cocktail pioneers like the Match Bar generated when they first opened over ten years ago. A visit to Annex 3 at the weekend reminded me what is so great about a good drink, as the focal point of a superb evening out.

It is a surrealist masterpiece of a drinks list. Some eyebrow-raising ingredients included wasabi, avocado and rhubarb - not all in the same drink, thankfully, but still unusual enough to wonder what on earth they tasted like. Fortunately, all the examples we ordered on Friday were delicious - particularly a short drink made with ginger and cinnamon, and a martini with pomegranate seeds, the names of which unfortunately escape me. The flavours were as bright and fresh as they were unique and clearly indicated a bar staff determined to put their mark on the London cocktail map. Most impressive.

Tying our evening together impeccably was some sterling service. We hardly had to look up from an empty glass before our gaze was met with a friendly face. Perhaps this was understandable given that a 12.5% service charge was added to the bar bill (even Claridge's only adds 10%) but it was hard to complain given how well our experience was handled. I can heartily recommend you save your pennies for a visit to Annex 3 one evening - you're almost guaranteed to love it.

The Loop - Not bad, actually. by xLHGx

xLHGx — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:01:22 +0000

Review by xLHGx

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7493 1003

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

Tags: lively, food, expensive

Well I certainly would not agree with the above reviews saying that The Loop is dreadful and overpriced! I came with my boyfriend for a meal before the cinema and we took advantage of an offer of 2 courses for Â£9.99. I don't know about you but I'd say that's good value. I thought the atmosphere was really great. The decor was really fresh and modern but still comfortable and the restaurant was nicely detached from the bar/club area so you could still talk with ease. Our food was superb and the menu was really varied. For example, My boyfriend had a burger and chips whereas I had a green thai curry! I thought it was a really lovely meal and the only drawback was our rather hapless waitress but to be fair to her it was only her first day on the job and the other staff helped to make sure our evening went smoothly. All in all it was a good meal and I would recommend a visit.Well I certainly would not agree with the above reviews saying that The Loop is dreadful and overpriced! I came with my boyfriend for a meal before the cinema and we took advantage of an offer of 2 courses for Â£9.99. I don't know about you but I'd say that's good value. I thought the atmosphere was really great. The decor was really fresh and modern but still comfortable and the restaurant was nicely detached from the bar/club area so you could still talk with ease. Our food was superb and the menu was really varied. For example, My boyfriend had a burger and chips whereas I had a green thai curry! I thought it was a really lovely meal and the only drawback was our rather hapless waitress but to be fair to her it was only her first day on the job and the other staff helped to make sure our evening went smoothly. All in all it was a good meal and I would recommend a visit.

Claridge's Bar - Best bar in London by chrisp

chrisp — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:01:07 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7629 8860

Website: http://www.savoy-group.co.uk/claridges/claridges.html

Tags: cool & smart, mature, posh

A short waddle away from Bond Street is Claridges Hotel, where we decided to entertain ourselves with a Â£14 cocktail each before the long journey home. This is a spectacularly impressive place, from the art deco grandeur of the lobby to the intimate plush luxury of the Bar, where every drink is exquisitely prepared and the gorgeous homemade nibbles delivered by faultless service. On this occasion I had something called a Barb Wire (for such a classy place, they have a slightly worrying habit of naming cocktails after Pamela Anderson vehicles. Another item on the menu was Bay Watch). The moral of this story is, you get what you pay for - my drink consisted of fresh rhubarb and Chambord with vodka and lemon juice. It was superb. Overpriced is a state of mind.A short waddle away from Bond Street is Claridges Hotel, where we decided to entertain ourselves with a Â£14 cocktail each before the long journey home. This is a spectacularly impressive place, from the art deco grandeur of the lobby to the intimate plush luxury of the Bar, where every drink is exquisitely prepared and the gorgeous homemade nibbles delivered by faultless service. On this occasion I had something called a Barb Wire (for such a classy place, they have a slightly worrying habit of naming cocktails after Pamela Anderson vehicles. Another item on the menu was Bay Watch). The moral of this story is, you get what you pay for - my drink consisted of fresh rhubarb and Chambord with vodka and lemon juice. It was superb. Overpriced is a state of mind.

Burlington Arms - My best work local by NickR

NickR — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:13:43 +0000

Review by NickR

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7479 7620

Website: http://www.burlingtonarms.com

Tags: food, real ale

The Burlington has a no nonsense small downstairs that soon gets busy and packed with atmosphere. Tables outside (heaters in the winter) are often taken advantage of. If it gets a bit too crowded then you can usually get some seats in the quieter upstairs that also has its own bar.
The staff are really professional, have great attitude and help the pub have a better than normal atmosphere.
I have only eaten there once and the burger I got was very good. I can recommend this good example of what a british pub should be.The Burlington has a no nonsense small downstairs that soon gets busy and packed with atmosphere. Tables outside (heaters in the winter) are often taken advantage of. If it gets a bit too crowded then you can usually get some seats in the quieter upstairs that also has its own bar.
The staff are really professional, have great attitude and help the pub have a better than normal atmosphere.
I have only eaten there once and the burger I got was very good. I can recommend this good example of what a british pub should be.

The Angel In The Fields - Sam Smith Special by Browners

Browners — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:55:58 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7486 7763

Tags: food, pub, open fire

Great Sam Smiths pub with cracking beer, good cheesey chips, fun regulars and a good dart board.

In the winter their fire is a great way to get some much needed warmth into your bones. If you're going for fish and chips at the Golden Hind next door, this is a great place to meet before hand.Great Sam Smiths pub with cracking beer, good cheesey chips, fun regulars and a good dart board.

In the winter their fire is a great way to get some much needed warmth into your bones. If you're going for fish and chips at the Golden Hind next door, this is a great place to meet before hand.

108 Marylebone Lane - At last, a late night bar in the area by bombaybeauty

bombaybeauty — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:34:20 +0000

Review by bombaybeauty

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7969 3900

Website: http://www.108marylebonelane.com/

Tags: business, mature, toptable

An update on my previous review (below). The place remains very unpredictable: some nights packed with a great crowd, other nights dead. But as mentioned below, the bar stays open till 1 or 2 am. The trick is to walk around the block and enter through the hotel. The place is often open, even though it looks closed from outside. They've lost some of their friendlier staff, but the food menu is decent (sourced locally in Marylebone) and the room pleasant.

* * *

This place is newish and has been trying to drum up business by offering 2-for-1 dinner specials. The decor makes it feel a bit clubbish but it's not crowded (at least for the moment) and well lit. Think of it as a quiet, elegant spot. I've only ever tried one bit of food here - the grilled cheese - and it was more than fine. But best till last: though the restaurant closes at 11 the bar stays open till 2 am. At last a civilized refuge after all restaurants in the area have kicked you out.An update on my previous review (below). The place remains very unpredictable: some nights packed with a great crowd, other nights dead. But as mentioned below, the bar stays open till 1 or 2 am. The trick is to walk around the block and enter through the hotel. The place is often open, even though it looks closed from outside. They've lost some of their friendlier staff, but the food menu is decent (sourced locally in Marylebone) and the room pleasant.

* * *

This place is newish and has been trying to drum up business by offering 2-for-1 dinner specials. The decor makes it feel a bit clubbish but it's not crowded (at least for the moment) and well lit. Think of it as a quiet, elegant spot. I've only ever tried one bit of food here - the grilled cheese - and it was more than fine. But best till last: though the restaurant closes at 11 the bar stays open till 2 am. At last a civilized refuge after all restaurants in the area have kicked you out.

Mash - CLOSED - Noisy Bar with Microbrewery by sue

sue — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:21:58 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7637 5555

Tags: cool, lively, expensive

One evening before dinner we needed somewhere to have a drink and we came across Mash. Located close to Oxford Circus, this is a large modern bar with its own Microbrewery. There is also a restaurant upstairs.

When we stopped by it was around 7pm on a Friday night and the bar was packed full with the after-work crowd letting off steam at the end of the week. The noise inside the main part of the bar was deafening! How anyone could have a conversation in there I don't know.

After buying two (expensive) drinks we managed to score a small table in the front section, by the main door, where we could at least have a chat. Ideally we would have sat at one of the tables out the front on the footpath, but these were in high demand.

I liked the look of Mash, and it is conveniently located to Oxford Street, though a bit too noisy for me to bother returning.One evening before dinner we needed somewhere to have a drink and we came across Mash. Located close to Oxford Circus, this is a large modern bar with its own Microbrewery. There is also a restaurant upstairs.

When we stopped by it was around 7pm on a Friday night and the bar was packed full with the after-work crowd letting off steam at the end of the week. The noise inside the main part of the bar was deafening! How anyone could have a conversation in there I don't know.

After buying two (expensive) drinks we managed to score a small table in the front section, by the main door, where we could at least have a chat. Ideally we would have sat at one of the tables out the front on the footpath, but these were in high demand.

I liked the look of Mash, and it is conveniently located to Oxford Street, though a bit too noisy for me to bother returning.

The Chopper Lump - Great atmospheric wine bar, a hidden gem! by handbag

handbag — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:37:06 +0000

Review by handbag

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7499 7569

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

Tags: great service, good value, business

The Chopper Lump is a hidden gem in the busy centre of Oxford Circus. You walk through a rather random door on the corner of Hanover Square, down some stairs and then the busy hidden wine bar comes to life! AS it is a basement bar it has secret vibe about the place, as though you are away from the hustle and bustle of London. I went their with some work colleagues, we had a great spread of food and nibbles, and generally all had a fab time! I would recommend this place!The Chopper Lump is a hidden gem in the busy centre of Oxford Circus. You walk through a rather random door on the corner of Hanover Square, down some stairs and then the busy hidden wine bar comes to life! AS it is a basement bar it has secret vibe about the place, as though you are away from the hustle and bustle of London. I went their with some work colleagues, we had a great spread of food and nibbles, and generally all had a fab time! I would recommend this place!