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

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

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.

The Jerusalem Tavern - Ancient ales by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:56:50 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7490 4281

Tags: independent pub, traditional pub, relaxed

A charming pub, tucked away behind St. John's gate in Farringdon. The ancient building oozes character and full marks to the management in bravely serving only organic and independent ales. The bar staff are as friendly as you'd like and they'll even serve your pint in a sturdy plastic glass if you want to soak up the sun outside (or, as on the occasion I visited, huddle in the alleyway and shelter from the rain). Highly recommended, rain or shine.A charming pub, tucked away behind St. John's gate in Farringdon. The ancient building oozes character and full marks to the management in bravely serving only organic and independent ales. The bar staff are as friendly as you'd like and they'll even serve your pint in a sturdy plastic glass if you want to soak up the sun outside (or, as on the occasion I visited, huddle in the alleyway and shelter from the rain). Highly recommended, rain or shine.

Ye Olde Mitre - Very olde worlde by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:54:34 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7405 4751

Tags: old, traditional pub, relaxed

Tiny, atmospheric little drinking den down a hidden alley near Holborn. It's centuries old, and therefore is of interest to those wanting the "I drank in London's oldest pub" badge, but they do a pretty good pint of interesting ale, and the bar snacks (sausage rolls and scotch eggs), although I didn't try them myself, looked good too. Clientele is a mix of suits from the Holborn offices and curious tourists, but everyone seems to get on well enough. Recommended.Tiny, atmospheric little drinking den down a hidden alley near Holborn. It's centuries old, and therefore is of interest to those wanting the "I drank in London's oldest pub" badge, but they do a pretty good pint of interesting ale, and the bar snacks (sausage rolls and scotch eggs), although I didn't try them myself, looked good too. Clientele is a mix of suits from the Holborn offices and curious tourists, but everyone seems to get on well enough. Recommended.

Match Bar - Matchless by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:19:22 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7250 4002

Website: http://www.matchbar.com

Tags: cool, trendy, european

The original and as far as I'm concerned still the best of the Match Bar mini-chain. When Match first opened, back in the late 90s, the Â£5.50 martinis were a revolution in reasonably-priced, lovingly-crafted drinks. Nowadays you can get pretty good cocktails in far more places and Match has lost its edge slightly, but it remains a cool, intimate place to enjoy an expertly made gin martini or the stunning Match Spring Punch. The bar menu nachos aren't bad either.The original and as far as I'm concerned still the best of the Match Bar mini-chain. When Match first opened, back in the late 90s, the Â£5.50 martinis were a revolution in reasonably-priced, lovingly-crafted drinks. Nowadays you can get pretty good cocktails in far more places and Match has lost its edge slightly, but it remains a cool, intimate place to enjoy an expertly made gin martini or the stunning Match Spring Punch. The bar menu nachos aren't bad either.

The Peasant - Delicious food, nice venue by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:54:39 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7336 7726

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

Tags: gastro pub, jazz, live music

Having eaten lunch here some time ago in the downstairs gastro pub we decided to make a return visit for an evening upstairs in the restaurant proper.

The pub was full of wedding revellers so it was a little surreal to wade through the crowds to go upstairs to the sombre-by-comparison dining room.

The upstairs restaurant is beautifully decorated with vintage cinema posters and the furniture is very much of the French brasserie style (with a wonderful high ceiling, proper napkins and French waitresses).

The menu is short and concise with half a dozen choices for each course.

Of particular note was the squid with mini stuffed peppers, a salad dressed with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and little pieces of gently fried chorizo. The best dessert (which I can only recommend second hand as there was no way my husband was going to share) was the assiette of chocolate - a chocolate parfait, chocolate mousse and (I think) a white chocolate milk thingy. I also enjoyed the pan fried haddock which was served on a delicious bed of crushed potatoes, flavoured with mustard and plenty of butter (making the additional mash we'd ordered rather superfluous).

Service was excellent - friendly but laid back - and the selection of wines available both by the glass and by the bottle were excellent.

All told, three courses with wine (including a delicious red dessert wine) came to about Â£90 including service charge.

I'd definitely recommend a visit, especially at the weekends when this neck of London is pretty quiet.Having eaten lunch here some time ago in the downstairs gastro pub we decided to make a return visit for an evening upstairs in the restaurant proper.

The pub was full of wedding revellers so it was a little surreal to wade through the crowds to go upstairs to the sombre-by-comparison dining room.

The upstairs restaurant is beautifully decorated with vintage cinema posters and the furniture is very much of the French brasserie style (with a wonderful high ceiling, proper napkins and French waitresses).

The menu is short and concise with half a dozen choices for each course.

Of particular note was the squid with mini stuffed peppers, a salad dressed with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and little pieces of gently fried chorizo. The best dessert (which I can only recommend second hand as there was no way my husband was going to share) was the assiette of chocolate - a chocolate parfait, chocolate mousse and (I think) a white chocolate milk thingy. I also enjoyed the pan fried haddock which was served on a delicious bed of crushed potatoes, flavoured with mustard and plenty of butter (making the additional mash we'd ordered rather superfluous).

Service was excellent - friendly but laid back - and the selection of wines available both by the glass and by the bottle were excellent.

All told, three courses with wine (including a delicious red dessert wine) came to about Â£90 including service charge.

I'd definitely recommend a visit, especially at the weekends when this neck of London is pretty quiet.

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, friendly, posh

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.

Slaughtered Lamb - Rudest service in London by jameshaycock

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

Review by jameshaycock

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7253 1516

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

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

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

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

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

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

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

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, friendly, relaxed

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

Tags: toptable

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, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

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.

Ember - After work fave by QueenB

QueenB — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:45:53 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7490 3985

Website: http://www.faucetinn.com

Tags: cool, relaxed, cozy

This is mine and my work mates after work, lets have a drink bar! Great selection of people, all different genres of work, you have your media crowd, financial, PR, all spliced iwth the clubbers heading to Fabric and Turnmills due to it being a stonethrow from the tube station.

You can either chill on a sofa and head home or get ready and have a dance to the DJs and just start your night at Ember.

Staff are nice, helpful and friendly.

Just a shame its Farringdon ;) This is mine and my work mates after work, lets have a drink bar! Great selection of people, all different genres of work, you have your media crowd, financial, PR, all spliced iwth the clubbers heading to Fabric and Turnmills due to it being a stonethrow from the tube station.

You can either chill on a sofa and head home or get ready and have a dance to the DJs and just start your night at Ember.

Staff are nice, helpful and friendly.

Just a shame its Farringdon ;)

The Crown Tavern - by girlswear

girlswear — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:29:57 +0000

Review by girlswear

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7253 4973

Tags: cosy, sofas, food

The Crown Tavern is an excellent spot for a pint after a long day of work. I agree with Duncan's review below, but it won't matter soon as there will be smoke free London on 1st July. It could get busy especially on Thursdays and Fridays, go right at 5 to secure a table.

Also patio is an illusion as half the outside tables are from the lil sandwich shop next door, you'll be asked to move after 5:30pm.The Crown Tavern is an excellent spot for a pint after a long day of work. I agree with Duncan's review below, but it won't matter soon as there will be smoke free London on 1st July. It could get busy especially on Thursdays and Fridays, go right at 5 to secure a table.

Also patio is an illusion as half the outside tables are from the lil sandwich shop next door, you'll be asked to move after 5:30pm.

The Sir John Oldcastle - Good stuff by keynesian330

keynesian330 — Wed, 09 May 2007 19:40:44 +0000

Review by keynesian330

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7242 1013

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

Tags: food, good value, real ale

Usual sort of Wetherspoons pub, great beer selection (especially generous guest lager selection too) and solid nosh. You'll not be disappointed... unless you smoke that is; this is one of those entirely non-smoking Wetherspoons you hear so much about but never actually find.Usual sort of Wetherspoons pub, great beer selection (especially generous guest lager selection too) and solid nosh. You'll not be disappointed... unless you smoke that is; this is one of those entirely non-smoking Wetherspoons you hear so much about but never actually find.

The Hope - The simple, the better by roicinho

roicinho — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:21:31 +0000

Review by roicinho

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7250 1442

Tags: food, excellent pub food, traditional pub

Enter the downstairs pub and there is little you can order. This direct menu is a metaphor of its food: simple and direct.

Roast gammon, roast beef or roast pork; white or brown bread; apple sauce, mustard or horsadish. Combine them as you like wash them down with a pint of ale. What else would you need to be happy being so close to Smithfields?

There is also a restaurant upstairs; everybody says how great their breakfasts are. But book in advanced... otherwise you will end up like myself, running for an hour at 5:30 in the morning to get hungry for breakfast just to find out there is room. Enter the downstairs pub and there is little you can order. This direct menu is a metaphor of its food: simple and direct.

Roast gammon, roast beef or roast pork; white or brown bread; apple sauce, mustard or horsadish. Combine them as you like wash them down with a pint of ale. What else would you need to be happy being so close to Smithfields?

There is also a restaurant upstairs; everybody says how great their breakfasts are. But book in advanced... otherwise you will end up like myself, running for an hour at 5:30 in the morning to get hungry for breakfast just to find out there is room.

Heads and Tails - Heads and Tails by martinhakel

martinhakel — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 18:36:43 +0000

Review by martinhakel

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 02076000700

Tags: cool, friendly, cozy

Heads and Tails is a bar that has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. A great place to eat as they buy their meat daily from Smithfield market.It's real cooking using real ingredients.

It's a perfect party venue with a wonderful mezzanine bar and balcony over-looking a 250 capacity ground floor bar. The team specialises in organising events - wedding receptions and birthday parties. Slovak Centre in the UK (SKC-UK) already organised two very successful parties over there. I would really recommend it to everybody who would love to organise their own parties. Heads and Tails is a bar that has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. A great place to eat as they buy their meat daily from Smithfield market.It's real cooking using real ingredients.

It's a perfect party venue with a wonderful mezzanine bar and balcony over-looking a 250 capacity ground floor bar. The team specialises in organising events - wedding receptions and birthday parties. Slovak Centre in the UK (SKC-UK) already organised two very successful parties over there. I would really recommend it to everybody who would love to organise their own parties.