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

Match EC1 - Tried and Tested by rissy82

rissy82 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:43:34 +0000

Review by rissy82

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7250 4002

Website: http://www.matchbar.com

I work around the corner from Match and every time I pop in it never disappoints. The food's good and the staff are really nice. The drinks are really good too- I thought I knew what a mojito was meant to taste like until I had one here.I work around the corner from Match and every time I pop in it never disappoints. The food's good and the staff are really nice. The drinks are really good too- I thought I knew what a mojito was meant to taste like until I had one here.

Cafe Kick - by sokratis

sokratis — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:31:12 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 8077

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

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

Celebratory drinks at Cafe Kick last night. Made some new friends: Hunny Bunny and...can't remember the other one, but had rasberry and straweberry. Another great night.Celebratory drinks at Cafe Kick last night. Made some new friends: Hunny Bunny and...can't remember the other one, but had rasberry and straweberry. Another great night.

The Hat and Tun - by LittleIsla

LittleIsla — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:11:34 +0000

Review by LittleIsla

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 4747

Website: http://www.thehatandtun.com/

Tags: food, pub, gastropub

This is another lovely little pub, just away from the usual Clerkenwell haunts. I was telling the staff in The Well how much I liked there place, and they recommended I try this place, a sister pub, and was equally enjoyable. It is an oldy sort of pub, that has a really nice drinks list and some really tasty nibbles.This is another lovely little pub, just away from the usual Clerkenwell haunts. I was telling the staff in The Well how much I liked there place, and they recommended I try this place, a sister pub, and was equally enjoyable. It is an oldy sort of pub, that has a really nice drinks list and some really tasty nibbles.

Hat & Feathers - Awful by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:06:04 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7490 2244

Website: http://www.hatandfeathers.com/

Tags: gastro pub, romantic, french

Never let it be said I don't give restaurants a fair hearing. I am open-minded, even of temperament and balanced of judgement. I will gather all available information, weigh up the pros and cons and deliver an objective verdict which meticulously details the relevant points, whether good or bad. Usually. It's just that some places don't deserve a fair hearing. They need abusing, locking up and shutting down. They need barricading, quarantining and fire-bombing. They need 100ft-high billboards with giant spot lit lettering, carried over London by a phalanx of helicopters, reading "NEVER EVER HAVE LUNCH AT THE HAT AND FEATHERS". Ahem.

It may seem like I'm over-reacting, but picture the scene. Beer garden at the aforementioned Hat and Feathers pub in Clerkenwell, on a blazing hot summer's day. "Chef", sweating profusely onto the gas grille, has just produced what looks like a large grey turd from a shelf behind the counter and is pressing it into the heat. On closer inspection, the turd turns out to be a pre-cooked beefburger, solid with cold, congealed fat. After about three minutes of this activity, long enough to turn the outside black but presumably to still have a nice dense heart of lukewarm grease within, he proudly places the meat into a cold burger bun and pops a nice cold slice of Kraft cheese on top. A side order of undressed salad completes the dish.

I watched this horror unfold open-mouthed. Fortunately - oh, so fortunately - I had not yet selected my own food, so was able to cross the turdburger off the mental list and opted instead for "beef skewers". Ordering was another exercise in the bizarre and unpleasant. Approaching the bar, I couldn't help noticing the waitress had something in her mouth, and was staring wide-eyed at me as I advanced. Just as I began to speak, she reeled over and spat whatever it was (I'd really rather not ever know) into the nearest bin, then bounced back upright, saliva dribbling down her chin like an eager basset hound. It was, to say the least, off-putting, but I mumbled my order and escaped back to the beer garden before she turned into a werewolf.

The beef skewers were tiny, chewy and accompanied by a desperately depressing unseasoned green salad and bought-in pitta bread. With no accompanying sauce or moisture of any kind, it was a chore to eat even this meagre amount of food. Even worse though was a side order of chips, anaemic and flabby and reeking of old oil, the nastiest I think I've ever been served in London. A friend's salmon steak was tasteless, tiny, shrivelled and dripping in oil, and even came with a sneering Â£2 supplement.

And there we have probably the most awful lunch I've had anywhere for a very long time. If I was feeling even slightly charitable I suppose I could point out that Â£10 is not very much to spend on lunch, and the option of a beer garden will be attractive to some. But if any restaurant cares so little about their customers that they're shamelessly serving REHEATED BURGERS under the pretext of a "credit crunch" menu, then I don't have to be in the least bit generous in return. The Hat and Feathers is a cynical, incompetent establishment serving - almost literally - shit food. Please do yourself and the world a favour, and never ever go.Never let it be said I don't give restaurants a fair hearing. I am open-minded, even of temperament and balanced of judgement. I will gather all available information, weigh up the pros and cons and deliver an objective verdict which meticulously details the relevant points, whether good or bad. Usually. It's just that some places don't deserve a fair hearing. They need abusing, locking up and shutting down. They need barricading, quarantining and fire-bombing. They need 100ft-high billboards with giant spot lit lettering, carried over London by a phalanx of helicopters, reading "NEVER EVER HAVE LUNCH AT THE HAT AND FEATHERS". Ahem.

It may seem like I'm over-reacting, but picture the scene. Beer garden at the aforementioned Hat and Feathers pub in Clerkenwell, on a blazing hot summer's day. "Chef", sweating profusely onto the gas grille, has just produced what looks like a large grey turd from a shelf behind the counter and is pressing it into the heat. On closer inspection, the turd turns out to be a pre-cooked beefburger, solid with cold, congealed fat. After about three minutes of this activity, long enough to turn the outside black but presumably to still have a nice dense heart of lukewarm grease within, he proudly places the meat into a cold burger bun and pops a nice cold slice of Kraft cheese on top. A side order of undressed salad completes the dish.

I watched this horror unfold open-mouthed. Fortunately - oh, so fortunately - I had not yet selected my own food, so was able to cross the turdburger off the mental list and opted instead for "beef skewers". Ordering was another exercise in the bizarre and unpleasant. Approaching the bar, I couldn't help noticing the waitress had something in her mouth, and was staring wide-eyed at me as I advanced. Just as I began to speak, she reeled over and spat whatever it was (I'd really rather not ever know) into the nearest bin, then bounced back upright, saliva dribbling down her chin like an eager basset hound. It was, to say the least, off-putting, but I mumbled my order and escaped back to the beer garden before she turned into a werewolf.

The beef skewers were tiny, chewy and accompanied by a desperately depressing unseasoned green salad and bought-in pitta bread. With no accompanying sauce or moisture of any kind, it was a chore to eat even this meagre amount of food. Even worse though was a side order of chips, anaemic and flabby and reeking of old oil, the nastiest I think I've ever been served in London. A friend's salmon steak was tasteless, tiny, shrivelled and dripping in oil, and even came with a sneering Â£2 supplement.

And there we have probably the most awful lunch I've had anywhere for a very long time. If I was feeling even slightly charitable I suppose I could point out that Â£10 is not very much to spend on lunch, and the option of a beer garden will be attractive to some. But if any restaurant cares so little about their customers that they're shamelessly serving REHEATED BURGERS under the pretext of a "credit crunch" menu, then I don't have to be in the least bit generous in return. The Hat and Feathers is a cynical, incompetent establishment serving - almost literally - shit food. Please do yourself and the world a favour, and never ever go.

The Last - Good for lunch near Holborn by Sarah_W

Sarah_W — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:33:50 +0000

Review by Sarah_W

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7583 8602

Website: http://www.lewisandclarke.com/last.html

Tags: food, friendly, cocktails

I have been here now twice, both times for lunch. One of its plus points is that it is large and always seems quiet, despite being in a busy part of town where lots of office workers and business people are likely to be looking for a bite. And it isnâ¬"t because the food is poor, though it is a bit dearer than the average round here, which may have something to do with it. But I think itâ¬"s worth paying for, as the service is pleasant but unrushed, the large dining area tastefully furnished with well-spaced tables, and the food good.

On my first visit I only wanted a light meal so chose the â¬Sfish-cakesâ¬ (actually just one fish-cake!) from the starter menu, accompanied by a side salad of rocket and parmesan. This was fine, but the lunch I had on a more recent visit was far better â¬ a main course dish of artichoke-stuffed ravioli served with a sage and walnut butter. This was very tasty, and sered in a manageable size for a lunchtime meal in my view. With bottled water, espresso and service, my friend and I paid £29 for the two of us.

There is also a wet fish counter at the entrance where the catch of the day is displayed â¬ an unusual touch in a city place like this.I have been here now twice, both times for lunch. One of its plus points is that it is large and always seems quiet, despite being in a busy part of town where lots of office workers and business people are likely to be looking for a bite. And it isnâ¬"t because the food is poor, though it is a bit dearer than the average round here, which may have something to do with it. But I think itâ¬"s worth paying for, as the service is pleasant but unrushed, the large dining area tastefully furnished with well-spaced tables, and the food good.

On my first visit I only wanted a light meal so chose the â¬Sfish-cakesâ¬ (actually just one fish-cake!) from the starter menu, accompanied by a side salad of rocket and parmesan. This was fine, but the lunch I had on a more recent visit was far better â¬ a main course dish of artichoke-stuffed ravioli served with a sage and walnut butter. This was very tasty, and served in a manageable size for a lunchtime meal in my view. With bottled water, espresso and service, my friend and I paid £29 for the two of us.

There is also a wet fish counter at the entrance where the catch of the day is displayed â¬ an unusual touch in a city place like this.

Charterhouse Bar - A great night out... by jobegg

jobegg — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:09:33 +0000

Review by jobegg

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7608 0858

Website: http://www.charterhouse-bar.co.uk

Tags: bar, friendly, electronica

The building is really cool and inside its surprisingly bigger than I thought it would be, its set over two floors with the DJ playing upstairs later in the night. I was there on a Friday night and they had a happy hour running till 7pm, which pleased my wallet, drinks after were reasonably priced, the bar staff were really friendly and laid back and generally it was a nice crowd and pretty busy with a good atmosphere. Will definitely go and check this place out again.The building is really cool and inside its surprisingly bigger than I thought it would be, its set over two floors with the DJ playing upstairs later in the night. I was there on a Friday night and they had a happy hour running till 7pm, which pleased my wallet, drinks after were reasonably priced, the bar staff were really friendly and laid back and generally it was a nice crowd and pretty busy with a good atmosphere. Will definitely go and check this place out again.

The White Swan - Surprise! by foxie

foxie — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:03:51 +0000

Review by foxie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7242 9696

Website: http://www.thewhiteswanlondon.com/

Tags: gastro pub, posh, food

My partner and I wandered into this place totally by accident, and were really surprised at what we found. Downstairs is a rather normal looking pub with the usual legal crowd for the area. Perhaps one clue should have been the extremely wine savvy workers behind the bar and a pretty unique wine list (who knew there was an English sparkling wine?). The barman mentioned that there were some seats upstairs if we wanted dinner (he overheard us talking about where we wanted to go) and on a whim, upstairs we went and the dining room we stepped into could have easily been Paris, smallish and extremely smart. We were rather underdressed compared to the rest of the patrons, but the head waiter didn't even sniff, showing us to a table without pause. Food was not cheap, but was excellent value considering the quality. I don't sadly remember what we had, but I do remember savouring every bite and being extremely well attended to. The wine list upstairs is even more extensive than down and our waiter was again very well versed in options that matched the menu.

Definitely recommended for a more upscale night out, though I am given to understand that reservations are required usually for Fridays.My partner and I wandered into this place totally by accident, and were really surprised at what we found. Downstairs is a rather normal looking pub with the usual legal crowd for the area. Perhaps one clue should have been the extremely wine savvy workers behind the bar and a pretty unique wine list (who knew there was an English sparkling wine?). The barman mentioned that there were some seats upstairs if we wanted dinner (he overheard us talking about where we wanted to go) and on a whim, upstairs we went and the dining room we stepped into could have easily been Paris, smallish and extremely smart. We were rather underdressed compared to the rest of the patrons, but the head waiter didn't even sniff, showing us to a table without pause. Food was not cheap, but was excellent value considering the quality. I don't sadly remember what we had, but I do remember savouring every bite and being extremely well attended to. The wine list upstairs is even more extensive than down and our waiter was again very well versed in options that matched the menu.

Definitely recommended for a more upscale night out, though I am given to understand that reservations are required usually for Fridays.

The Crown Tavern - Clerkenwell charm by gilka

gilka — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:12:26 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 4973

Tags: cosy, food, sofas

I don't know what is it with Clerkenwell, but many of the pubs there have a special atmosphere like The Crown Tavern.
It is a very busy bar and we struggled to find a place.

We ordered some olives and wedges. The olive portion is huge... It is a wide glass full with them and it is addictive so watch out... The wedges were alright.

It took quite a while for the food to arrive but somehow it was understandable. I would definitely go again sometime.

gilka.co.ukI don't know what is it with Clerkenwell, but many of the pubs there have a special atmosphere like The Crown Tavern.
It is a very busy bar and we struggled to find a place.

We ordered some olives and wedges. The olive portion is huge... It is a wide glass full with them and it is addictive so watch out... The wedges were alright.

It took quite a while for the food to arrive but somehow it was understandable. I would definitely go again sometime.

gilka.co.uk

Ye Olde Mitre - Clandestine survivor from olde London by oogywawa

oogywawa — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:51:02 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7405 4751

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, old

It's humbling to think that when Shakespeare started living in London this hidden gem had been serving Ale for nearly 50 years!

Entry via a small passage off Hatton Gardens transports you back in time to a compact piece of authentic English history and its not a well kept secret judging by the hordes that pack it out early evening. There are 2 small oak clad bars downstairs serving 5 well kept real ales to an assortment of office workers (Sainsbury's HQ is yards away), locals and inquisitive tourists. There is more space upstairs and it's needed as the low ceilinged downstairs bars can get slightly claustrophobic at ultra busy times.

It's all presided over by a genial Landlord affectionately known as "Scotty" by the regulars who chat with him about his beer and what guest ales are arriving shortly. I was made to feel welcome when I visited and such was his knowledge of the licenced trade, that he knew most of the pubs & licencees in my hometown York!

In short, a lovely refuge from the chaos and daily grind of the metropolis.

It's humbling to think that when Shakespeare started living in London this hidden gem had been serving Ale for nearly 50 years!

Entry via a small passage off Hatton Gardens transports you back in time to a compact piece of authentic English history and its not a well kept secret judging by the hordes that pack it out early evening. There are 2 small oak clad bars downstairs serving 5 well kept real ales to an assortment of office workers (Sainsbury's HQ is yards away), locals and inquisitive tourists. There is more space upstairs and it's needed as the low ceilinged downstairs bars can get slightly claustrophobic at ultra busy times.

It's all presided over by a genial Landlord affectionately known as "Scotty" by the regulars who chat with him about his beer and what guest ales are arriving shortly. I was made to feel welcome when I visited and such was his knowledge of the licenced trade, that he knew most of the pubs & licencees in my hometown York!

In short, a lovely refuge from the chaos and daily grind of the metropolis.

The Jerusalem Tavern - Wonderful pub oozing charisma and charm by oogywawa

oogywawa — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:38:47 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7490 4281

Tags: traditional pub, friendly, independent pub

Pubs don't get much better than this. The Jerusalem Taverns delivers more or less the perfect formula for a great pub night. It's bustling and very often heaving, it's cozy with the right ambience and it serves exceptional hand crafted beers from a small independent Brewery.

It's been knocking around since 1720 and all those years you feel have been condensed into every inch of a pub that evokes other times - only the clientele remind you that you are in the present day. There are 8 St Peter's Brewery beers on draught at any time - not from handpumps but direct from taps at the back of the oak clad bar. The only bar font is serving the excellent Taddington Lager (aka Moravka)and there is a considerable choice of bottled beers as well as the usual premium spirits and selected wines.

The guy behind the bar let slip that the Jerusalem was struggling to cope and that the Brewery were considering maybe doubling their "estate" to include another hostelry. Good for them although this bijout gem will be hard to replicate.Pubs don't get much better than this. The Jerusalem Taverns delivers more or less the perfect formula for a great pub night. It's bustling and very often heaving, it's cozy with the right ambience and it serves exceptional hand crafted beers from a small independent Brewery.

It's been knocking around since 1720 and all those years you feel have been condensed into every inch of a pub that evokes other times - only the clientele remind you that you are in the present day. There are 8 St Peter's Brewery beers on draught at any time - not from handpumps but direct from taps at the back of the oak clad bar. The only bar font is serving the excellent Taddington Lager (aka Moravka)and there is a considerable choice of bottled beers as well as the usual premium spirits and selected wines.

The guy behind the bar let slip that the Jerusalem was struggling to cope and that the Brewery were considering maybe doubling their "estate" to include another hostelry. Good for them although this bijout gem will be hard to replicate.

Fox & Anchor - FOX and ANCHOR by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:51:13 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 5075

Website: http://www.foxandanchor.com/news

Tags: friendly, different pub food, cool & smart

This pub is without fail top of my favorites,its tiny but very cumfortable,as a wide range of real ales,which if you choose will be served to you in a nice glass bottomed tankard,they even serve porter ale,there is a very good menu,and the service is tops,Acommodation is available,its a must try pub,but beware you could easily pass it by,This pub is without fail top of my favorites,its tiny but very cumfortable,as a wide range of real ales,which if you choose will be served to you in a nice glass bottomed tankard,they even serve porter ale,there is a very good menu,and the service is tops,Acommodation is available,its a must try pub,but beware you could easily pass it by,

The Peasant - Tough as the Queen's old boots by up_shiraz

up_shiraz — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:06:36 +0000

Review by up_shiraz

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7336 7726

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

Tags: gastro pub, jazz, friendly

It might have had something to do with the long walk, or the pouring rain, but when we walked into the peasant it was with some trepidation. It's quite a big space downstairs but it doesn't seem to be configured to hold that many people, with an enormous space taken up by the bar. The decor is pretty cool and the British Beer Festival that was on was a real beer drinker's delight. If the mark was for the pub alone it would have been a higher star rating.

We headed upstairs for a birthday dinner and the room was nice. The staff were a bit fussy and as it was so quiet (on a Saturday night), they kept trying to take away unfinished drinks etc. They were friendly enough but not inspiring.

Unfortunately it all fell apart with the food. The menu is really very attractive, with very posh sounding gastro pub dishes. Prices seemed to be that London gastro staple - Â£6-8 starters and Â£13-16 mains. The donwside of an exciting menu is that if the food doesn't match it, you have a massive case of over-promising and under-delivering. Now i don't want to see that unless it's means that the annoying girl/guy is being fired by Sir Alan.

Wood pidgeon cassoulet was just a a bit of a cheat. The beans were tasty and the wood pigeon tender, but it wasn't confit'd...so it wasn't really a cassoulet. Don't call it a cassoulet then! The young lady's oxtail was meltingly good. Others had oysters and such like and seemed happy enough.

The wheels came off with the mains. Braised beef brisket was a massive hunk of dry beef without enough juice, fat or sauce to keep the jawbones interested. The birthday girl's Balmoral venison was so tough that it all got left behind. This came from the Queeen's deer, people! I mean...Libby...what happened there? Did you hang the beast at all? Did Phillip do the butchering himself? I'll stop there...before I incriminate myself any further.

So all round not good enough. But the upshot is I get to give my first 2 star review. I've eaten so much good food recently that I was worried it would never happen and you'd start thinking i was a bit soft. Well, I am a tough cookie after all...grrrr...It might have had something to do with the long walk, or the pouring rain, but when we walked into the peasant it was with some trepidation. It's quite a big space downstairs but it doesn't seem to be configured to hold that many people, with an enormous space taken up by the bar. The decor is pretty cool and the British Beer Festival that was on was a real beer drinker's delight. If the mark was for the pub alone it would have been a higher star rating.

We headed upstairs for a birthday dinner and the room was nice. The staff were a bit fussy and as it was so quiet (on a Saturday night), they kept trying to take away unfinished drinks etc. They were friendly enough but not inspiring.

Unfortunately it all fell apart with the food. The menu is really very attractive, with very posh sounding gastro pub dishes. Prices seemed to be that London gastro staple - Â£6-8 starters and Â£13-16 mains. The donwside of an exciting menu is that if the food doesn't match it, you have a massive case of over-promising and under-delivering. Now i don't want to see that unless it's means that the annoying girl/guy is being fired by Sir Alan.

Wood pidgeon cassoulet was just a a bit of a cheat. The beans were tasty and the wood pigeon tender, but it wasn't confit'd...so it wasn't really a cassoulet. Don't call it a cassoulet then! The young lady's oxtail was meltingly good. Others had oysters and such like and seemed happy enough.

The wheels came off with the mains. Braised beef brisket was a massive hunk of dry beef without enough juice, fat or sauce to keep the jawbones interested. The birthday girl's Balmoral venison was so tough that it all got left behind. This came from the Queeen's deer, people! I mean...Libby...what happened there? Did you hang the beast at all? Did Phillip do the butchering himself? I'll stop there...before I incriminate myself any further.

So all round not good enough. But the upshot is I get to give my first 2 star review. I've eaten so much good food recently that I was worried it would never happen and you'd start thinking i was a bit soft. Well, I am a tough cookie after all...grrrr...

The Easton - Superb food by toptripster

toptripster — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:31:02 +0000

Review by toptripster

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7278 7608

Website: http://www.theeastonpub.co.uk/Site/Welcome.html

Tags: gastro pub, lively, friendly

Definitely one of the best places to eat around Exmouth Market, and this is saying something in an area where gastropubs seem to pop up every 20 minutes!
The ambience is friendly, and manages to pull of the shabby chic trick, being cool without lapsing into pretentiousness. Consistently fantastic food, and in my experience great service (even when busy). The food is affordable and the portions are generous, so much so that I often miss out on the fantastic traditional desserts on offer (the bread and butter pudding is one of the best puddings I have ever encountered)!
Definitely one of the best places to eat around Exmouth Market, and this is saying something in an area where gastropubs seem to pop up every 20 minutes!
The ambience is friendly, and manages to pull of the shabby chic trick, being cool without lapsing into pretentiousness. Consistently fantastic food, and in my experience great service (even when busy). The food is affordable and the portions are generous, so much so that I often miss out on the fantastic traditional desserts on offer (the bread and butter pudding is one of the best puddings I have ever encountered)!

Slaughtered Lamb - A solid choice by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:42:26 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7253 1516

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

Tags: live music, cool, relaxed

Honey beer (sleemans), fishfinger sandwiches and an oaky smoky wooden interior makes a great setting after-work. Although most of the surrounding businesses have decided the same thing, making getting hold of a seat a tricky proposition, especially close to the weekendHoney beer (sleemans), fishfinger sandwiches and an oaky smoky wooden interior makes a great setting after-work. Although most of the surrounding businesses have decided the same thing, making getting hold of a seat a tricky proposition, especially close to the weekend

Knight's Templar - Wetherspoons chic by realalelass

realalelass — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:28:44 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7831 2660

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pub/theknightstemplar

Tags: pub chain, posh, food

This is another large Wetherspoons pub in central London (on Chancery Lane, so as a previous reviewer has commented, populated with members of the legal profession).

The interior is very grand. Get a table upstairs on the balcony, overlooking the pub if you can. However, this pub definitely isn't posh - it's a Wetherspoons! The beer is reasonably priced and well kept, but as with all Wetherspoons, it gets very very crowded, especially on a Friday evening.

The food is typical Wetherspoons fare, cheap and cheerful (and a little bit greasy).

The toilets (in the basement), are some of the grandest I have ever seen in a pub.This is another large Wetherspoons pub in central London (on Chancery Lane, so as a previous reviewer has commented, populated with members of the legal profession).

The interior is very grand. Get a table upstairs on the balcony, overlooking the pub if you can. However, this pub definitely isn't posh - it's a Wetherspoons! The beer is reasonably priced and well kept, but as with all Wetherspoons, it gets very very crowded, especially on a Friday evening.

The food is typical Wetherspoons fare, cheap and cheerful (and a little bit greasy).

The toilets (in the basement), are some of the grandest I have ever seen in a pub.

Red Room@Cicada - Excellent by nickvangelis

nickvangelis — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:54:32 +0000

Review by nickvangelis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7608 1550

Website: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com

Tags: cool, posh, friendly

This classy open-plan bar / restaurant serves both cocktails and a wide variety of pan-asian cuisine.

Not far from either Farringdon or Barbican tube stations, Cicada is located on St John Street in Clerkenwell.

The restaurant has an excellent atmosphere and a classy, relaxed feel, as the other reviews will tell you. The food is of an extremely high quality and the service is always friendly (although occassionally a little slow!)

The red room is used for private functions and events and can seat up to twenty-four people.

The room is decorated in an appealing minimalist style, with it's own private bar and setaing area. Private dining and canape menus are available, along with tailor-made Cocktail Masterclasses among others for the more adventurous.

It's the perfect location for a posh business lunch or event.This classy open-plan bar / restaurant serves both cocktails and a wide variety of pan-asian cuisine.

Not far from either Farringdon or Barbican tube stations, Cicada is located on St John Street in Clerkenwell.

The restaurant has an excellent atmosphere and a classy, relaxed feel, as the other reviews will tell you. The food is of an extremely high quality and the service is always friendly (although occassionally a little slow!)

The red room is used for private functions and events and can seat up to twenty-four people.

The room is decorated in an appealing minimalist style, with it's own private bar and setaing area. Private dining and canape menus are available, along with tailor-made Cocktail Masterclasses among others for the more adventurous.

It's the perfect location for a posh business lunch or event.

Leonards - Leonards by miffy

miffy — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:31:09 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 9983

Website: http://www.leonards-ec1.co.uk

Tags: live music, relaxed, friendly

A tiny pub situated in the backstreets of Farringdon off the Clerkenwell road this dingy little pub is full of character and arm chairs. The night I went was a night of unsigned bands with a wide variety of music from rappers to screamo, indie to metal, it was all there. The bar staff were friendly and egged on the bands in a supportive way which gave the pub a communal atmosphere. The location isnt ideal being on a back street next to a large council estate but inside the underground, off the beaten track feel of this pub is nothing special but is relaxed though quite expensive.A tiny pub situated in the backstreets of Farringdon off the Clerkenwell road this dingy little pub is full of character and arm chairs. The night I went was a night of unsigned bands with a wide variety of music from rappers to screamo, indie to metal, it was all there. The bar staff were friendly and egged on the bands in a supportive way which gave the pub a communal atmosphere. The location isnt ideal being on a back street next to a large council estate but inside the underground, off the beaten track feel of this pub is nothing special but is relaxed though quite expensive.

Alibi - Alibi by dartwolf

dartwolf — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:29:02 +0000

Review by dartwolf

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7842 0620

Website: http://www.alibi-bar.co.uk

Overpriced, Over rated two things that sum up Alibi.

If you're looking for a place that is full of obnoxious essex boys with cheap suits, daft haircuts then this is the place for you.

Pretty much a clone of any other city centre bar you care to name.
Nothing special.Overpriced, Over rated two things that sum up Alibi.

If you're looking for a place that is full of obnoxious essex boys with cheap suits, daft haircuts then this is the place for you.

Pretty much a clone of any other city centre bar you care to name.
Nothing special.

The Wilmington - Now a posh gastro kind of place by qwghlm

qwghlm — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:04:55 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 1384

Tags: food, pool tables, vegetarian dishes

Recently redone up, the Wilmington is now a lively place with good music, comfy sofas, nice staff and a pretty decent menu (the Pie Minister pies especially) and a good range of beers too. Nice touch with the tumblers of Hula Hoops as a snack offering.Recently redone up, the Wilmington is now a lively place with good music, comfy sofas, nice staff and a pretty decent menu (the Pie Minister pies especially) and a good range of beers too. Nice touch with the tumblers of Hula Hoops as a snack offering.

Ortega - Olé... by manute10

manute10 — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:35:39 +0000

Review by manute10

Rating: 4.00

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

Tags: relaxed, friendly, spanish

Advisable place: good ambience, many delicious alternatives in food and drink, fantastic music... and Jelena, surely the nicest waitress in all the city of London.Advisable place: good ambience, many delicious alternatives in food and drink, fantastic music... and Jelena, surely the nicest waitress in all the city of London.