Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom

La Perla Del Pacifico Bar - Good grub, if you can wait! by MissBex

MissBex — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:31:05 +0000

Review by MissBex

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7240 7400

Website: http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com/laperla/index_cg.htm

Good atmosphere and a great place to eat if you're looking for something well priced and fun - specially if you hit the cocktails! Unfortunately our food took quite a while to arrive... so by the time it did I had probably had a few too many margarita's and wasn't really into the idea of eating! pretty loud so don't expect to take a date here, but overall a good night and tasty food.Good atmosphere and a great place to eat if you're looking for something well priced and fun - specially if you hit the cocktails! Unfortunately our food took quite a while to arrive... so by the time it did I had probably had a few too many margarita's and wasn't really into the idea of eating! pretty loud so don't expect to take a date here, but overall a good night and tasty food.

Walkabout Inn - Lively, to say the least! by Artflight

Artflight — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:14:25 +0000

Review by Artflight

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 5555

Website: http://www.walkaboutinns.com

Tags: food, students, pool

As you'd expect this place is full of Aussies. The males looking to drink as much as possible and to cop off, and the females, well, doing much the same really.

It's loud, full of sports video screens and always busy. Things get very cramped as the night goes on, and it can take ages to get served sometimes - but that's normal in this type of place. Things may get a little lewd at times, but as long as you've been keeping up with the drinking, you'll probably go along with the general mood. It's not the place to go into sober at 10pm, as you'll feel totally out of place, and want to get out as soon as possible.

Lots of Aussie music too!As you'd expect this place is full of Aussies. The males looking to drink as much as possible and to cop off, and the females, well, doing much the same really.

It's loud, full of sports video screens and always busy. Things get very cramped as the night goes on, and it can take ages to get served sometimes - but that's normal in this type of place. Things may get a little lewd at times, but as long as you've been keeping up with the drinking, you'll probably go along with the general mood. It's not the place to go into sober at 10pm, as you'll feel totally out of place, and want to get out as soon as possible.

Lots of Aussie music too!

Detroit - Chez Wilma's by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:31:48 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7240 2662

Website: http://www.detroit-bar.com

Tags: live music, food, cool

I've no idea what the home of Fred and Wilma Flintstone feels like, but if looks don't deceive, Detroit gets pretty close to it. This restaurant cum bar (what is it?) is completely below ground, under the beautiful Thomas Neal's Warehouse. There is no day light, little truly fresh air, and a slightly stuffy and enclosed atmosphere. If you're with friends and take your time for a few drinks, the atmosphere probably doesn't matter too much. If you just want to relax with a friend and want to enjoy a nice drink, why would you visit a cave?

I have never plucked up the courage to stay long enough to eat and don't know what the quality of the food is like, but the wine is way too expensive and cocktails are also going to set you back heavily.

I can understand that Detroit appeals to some - the interior is stylish and has had quite a lot of money spent on it. There are also nice, little alcoves and booths where you have some privacy. Overall, the place is too pretentious and modern - it just feels and looks out of place in this grand building and I just don't like being in a cave for dinner!
I've no idea what the home of Fred and Wilma Flintstone feels like, but if looks don't deceive, Detroit gets pretty close to it. This restaurant cum bar (what is it?) is completely below ground, under the beautiful Thomas Neal's Warehouse. There is no day light, little truly fresh air, and a slightly stuffy and enclosed atmosphere. If you're with friends and take your time for a few drinks, the atmosphere probably doesn't matter too much. If you just want to relax with a friend and want to enjoy a nice drink, why would you visit a cave?

I have never plucked up the courage to stay long enough to eat and don't know what the quality of the food is like, but the wine is way too expensive and cocktails are also going to set you back heavily.

I can understand that Detroit appeals to some - the interior is stylish and has had quite a lot of money spent on it. There are also nice, little alcoves and booths where you have some privacy. Overall, the place is too pretentious and modern - it just feels and looks out of place in this grand building and I just don't like being in a cave for dinner!

Crown & Anchor - they sell beer.... by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:45 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7836 5649

Tags: food, cozy, chilled

Nicely located on the corner of busy Neal Street and Shelton Street, between the Seven Dials and Covent Garden tube station. This pub has no official outdoor space, but most punters seem to crowd onto the pavement. Although there is a small, square open space opposite, most drinkers just stand bang in the middle of pedestrianised Neal Street. From my own observations, this leads to annoyed and often hostile pedestrians, who simply can't weave their way through the bodies and pints. That's not clever, but wait till you go inside.

The interior of the pub is very standard and doesn't have much to commend itself for, apart from the nice, large, slightly bowed windows onto Neal Street. I don't know when this place was last refusbished, but it has always looked shabby, for as long as I have known it. No doubt it was a pub almost entirely frequented by the porters and warehousemen of the old Covent Garden fruit & veg market in the older days. they might have accepted the pub's standards, but in today's competitive environment I give this a wide berth.

The pub's exterior is still quite attractive - a nice arts & crafts facade that is visible from all the surrounding streets.
Nicely located on the corner of busy Neal Street and Shelton Street, between the Seven Dials and Covent Garden tube station. This pub has no official outdoor space, but most punters seem to crowd onto the pavement. Although there is a small, square open space opposite, most drinkers just stand bang in the middle of pedestrianised Neal Street. From my own observations, this leads to annoyed and often hostile pedestrians, who simply can't weave their way through the bodies and pints. That's not clever, but wait till you go inside.

The interior of the pub is very standard and doesn't have much to commend itself for, apart from the nice, large, slightly bowed windows onto Neal Street. I don't know when this place was last refusbished, but it has always looked shabby, for as long as I have known it. No doubt it was a pub almost entirely frequented by the porters and warehousemen of the old Covent Garden fruit & veg market in the older days. they might have accepted the pub's standards, but in today's competitive environment I give this a wide berth.

The pub's exterior is still quite attractive - a nice arts & crafts facade that is visible from all the surrounding streets.

Lamb & Flag - nice but very crowded by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:28:21 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7497 9504

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, friendly

Slightly hidden away, between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, but soon detected on a pleasant evening (by the huge crowds standing around outside). This is a nice, old pub - one of the many 'oldest pub in London' pubs and visibly antiquated. Inside, the pub has a cosy atmosphere, with lots of ancient timber beams and panelling, and a fire at the back. Regardless of it being old and 'listed', the owners have ripped part of the traditional shopfront out and replaced it with an opening and folding window.

The first floor bar tends to be a bit quieter, as most people seem to prefer to stand outside (and be seen!). The bar menu is basic and largely cooked on site. The beer is variable, although a range of decent bitters (in reasonable condition) are usually available. The owners have introduced some crowd control, in order to keep the passageway to Floral Street open, but large groups of punters pay little regard.

Nice, little pub that tends to be a bit overrated. Its success as a tourist honey trap is hampered by its extremely busy and slightly unfriendly atmosphere. I wouldn't go here for the quality of the beer, but great for people watching!Slightly hidden away, between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, but soon detected on a pleasant evening (by the huge crowds standing around outside). This is a nice, old pub - one of the many 'oldest pub in London' pubs and visibly antiquated. Inside, the pub has a cosy atmosphere, with lots of ancient timber beams and panelling, and a fire at the back. Regardless of it being old and 'listed', the owners have ripped part of the traditional shopfront out and replaced it with an opening and folding window.

The first floor bar tends to be a bit quieter, as most people seem to prefer to stand outside (and be seen!). The bar menu is basic and largely cooked on site. The beer is variable, although a range of decent bitters (in reasonable condition) are usually available. The owners have introduced some crowd control, in order to keep the passageway to Floral Street open, but large groups of punters pay little regard.

Nice, little pub that tends to be a bit overrated. Its success as a tourist honey trap is hampered by its extremely busy and slightly unfriendly atmosphere. I wouldn't go here for the quality of the beer, but great for people watching!

The White Hart - Threatre Madness by Jamesarama001

Jamesarama001 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:38:25 +0000

Review by Jamesarama001

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7831 0791

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

The White Hart is one of the oldest licensed pub in London, and its a pretty lively pub with plenty of space for all. The range of drinks is excellent with the bar staff to match. The friendly yet lively atmosphere provides an excellent place to drink in late afternoons through to close. Food is available and is well worth a look at. It's a small but adequate menu and it is very tasty.

The White hart is quite a threatre pub, and late in the evenings it can get busy but this certainly adds to the atmosphere. There are larger tables and a large back area so you can easily book these for party and private functions. All together the White Hart is a great pub with a unique feel and one that we visit quite often.The White Hart is one of the oldest licensed pub in London, and its a pretty lively pub with plenty of space for all. The range of drinks is excellent with the bar staff to match. The friendly yet lively atmosphere provides an excellent place to drink in late afternoons through to close. Food is available and is well worth a look at. It's a small but adequate menu and it is very tasty.

The White hart is quite a threatre pub, and late in the evenings it can get busy but this certainly adds to the atmosphere. There are larger tables and a large back area so you can easily book these for party and private functions. All together the White Hart is a great pub with a unique feel and one that we visit quite often.

The Porterhouse - A haven in Covent Garden by Polkadot

Polkadot — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:15:23 +0000

Review by Polkadot

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7379 7917

Website: http://www.porterhousebrewco.com

Tags: friendly, live music, relaxed

The Porterhouse is a haven amongst the busy, touristy streets of Covent Garden. The pub itself is huge and sprawling with many floors and an abundance of nooks and crannies with makes it perfect for a get together with friends or a quiet date tucked away in the corner somewhere - just arrange where to meet first or you'll never find one another! Huge range of continental beers and good pub food at reasonable prices. Music is loud enough to be heard but not overbearing and it attracts a fairly smart but relaxed, slightly older crowd. Outdoor area is a bonus in the summer!The Porterhouse is a haven amongst the busy, touristy streets of Covent Garden. The pub itself is huge and sprawling with many floors and an abundance of nooks and crannies with makes it perfect for a get together with friends or a quiet date tucked away in the corner somewhere - just arrange where to meet first or you'll never find one another! Huge range of continental beers and good pub food at reasonable prices. Music is loud enough to be heard but not overbearing and it attracts a fairly smart but relaxed, slightly older crowd. Outdoor area is a bonus in the summer!

Bungalow 8 - Funny name, funny place - but I liked it by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:56:30 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 4.00

Website: http://www.stmartinslane.com

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

I visited this exclusive members' only lounge bar last week with a degree of curiosity mingled with scepticism, having read online reviews in which 'hate it' seemed to outnumber 'love it' by nine to one. Bungalow 8 is situated in a subterranean spot inside the stunning St. Martin's Lane Hotel in Covent Garden, notable for its interiors designed by Philippe Starck which combine an airy mixture of modern and baroque. Its more famous predecessor is the renowned Bungalow 8 in New York.

Firstly I should point out that I'm not a member, but had an invite to the after party of a film premier screened up the road, so my review is likely to be skewed by the fact that this wasn't a regular night at Bunglaow 8 (although I believe it was still open to regular members). The place is split into two bars on two floors, both absolutely tiny but decorated in very different and distinctive ways. The upper bar was already heaving by the time we arrived so we quickly took our cocktails downstairs, and snagged seats near the DJ. My immediate impression upon entering this downstairs bar was that I'd just walked into one of those paper carrier bags from Joseph - y'know, the iconic black and white striped ones? Freaky. Anyhoo, the cocktails were delicious, the mood laid back and friendly, the lighting pleasantly low, and the music ever so slightly cheesy. People felt comfortable enough to get up and start dancing between the tables or up and down the aisle, often by themselves. Personally I found the staff to be really friendly and upbeat, although that may just have been because my date knew them all.

One word of warning: those, like me, in strappy 3" heels should watch out for all the stairs - once you've managed to reach the bars without breaking any limbs, there's yet more to the toilets.

All in all, I had a good time, and would go again given the chance. Realistically, though, I'm unlikely to get past the doorman a second time without membership. This, I believe, is about Â£350 a year or, for visitors, Â£150 per night. Ouch!I visited this exclusive members' only lounge bar last week with a degree of curiosity mingled with scepticism, having read online reviews in which 'hate it' seemed to outnumber 'love it' by nine to one. Bungalow 8 is situated in a subterranean spot inside the stunning St. Martin's Lane Hotel in Covent Garden, notable for its interiors designed by Philippe Starck which combine an airy mixture of modern and baroque. Its more famous predecessor is the renowned Bungalow 8 in New York.

Firstly I should point out that I'm not a member, but had an invite to the after party of a film premier screened up the road, so my review is likely to be skewed by the fact that this wasn't a regular night at Bunglaow 8 (although I believe it was still open to regular members). The place is split into two bars on two floors, both absolutely tiny but decorated in very different and distinctive ways. The upper bar was already heaving by the time we arrived so we quickly took our cocktails downstairs, and snagged seats near the DJ. My immediate impression upon entering this downstairs bar was that I'd just walked into one of those paper carrier bags from Joseph - y'know, the iconic black and white striped ones? Freaky. Anyhoo, the cocktails were delicious, the mood laid back and friendly, the lighting pleasantly low, and the music ever so slightly cheesy. People felt comfortable enough to get up and start dancing between the tables or up and down the aisle, often by themselves. Personally I found the staff to be really friendly and upbeat, although that may just have been because my date knew them all.

One word of warning: those, like me, in strappy 3" heels should watch out for all the stairs - once you've managed to reach the bars without breaking any limbs, there's yet more to the toilets.

All in all, I had a good time, and would go again given the chance. Realistically, though, I'm unlikely to get past the doorman a second time without membership. This, I believe, is about Â£350 a year or, for visitors, Â£150 per night. Ouch!

Light Bar - Visually enlightening by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:48:53 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7300 5599

Website: http://www.stmartinslane.com

Tags: cool, relaxed, posh

This bar, as I understand it, is currently one of London's trendy hotspots, and well worth a mention for the decor alone. Situated in St. Martin's Lane Hotel (known for its stunning interiors designed by Philippe Starck which combine an airy mixture of modern and baroque) it is a long but spacious room running alongside the ground floor restaurant. As the name 'Light Bar' suggests, it combines lighting, shape and colours which are a visual feast for the eyes - in particular the brightly lit wall of wine glasses near the bar, which in some obscure way brings a free-standing chandelier to mind. I dare say this is no accident.

Alas, I was just passing through Light Bar on my way to the members' lounge bar, Bungalow 8, downstairs, but was left with the feeling that I'd like to go back sometime soon and stay long enough for a drink or three. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights "some of London's hottest D.J.'s are featured", according to their website. Maybe next time...This bar, as I understand it, is currently one of London's trendy hotspots, and well worth a mention for the decor alone. Situated in St. Martin's Lane Hotel (known for its stunning interiors designed by Philippe Starck which combine an airy mixture of modern and baroque) it is a long but spacious room running alongside the ground floor restaurant. As the name 'Light Bar' suggests, it combines lighting, shape and colours which are a visual feast for the eyes - in particular the brightly lit wall of wine glasses near the bar, which in some obscure way brings a free-standing chandelier to mind. I dare say this is no accident.

Alas, I was just passing through Light Bar on my way to the members' lounge bar, Bungalow 8, downstairs, but was left with the feeling that I'd like to go back sometime soon and stay long enough for a drink or three. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights "some of London's hottest D.J.'s are featured", according to their website. Maybe next time...

The Cove - A real hidden treasure by xLHGx

xLHGx — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:00:55 +0000

Review by xLHGx

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 7880

Tags: relaxed, cosy, cool

My boyfriend showed me this small quirky pub after dinner in Covent Garden for drinks and it was instant love! They sell some of my favourite cornish ales, as discovered on a recent holiday. It can be quite crowded but that's because it's such a nice atmospheric little bar, emphasis there is on little! They have a balcony which is nice to sit out on if the weather is good. It's really just a shame that now smokers all migrate out there which isn't so fun for non smokers! It's not the cheapest place you'll ever find but it is certainly cosy and a nice place to relax, perhaps to meet friends, have a drink after work or just as a watering hole before going to a club. It's in the centre of covent garden market which is very convenient although I'm not sure I want to tell you exactly where it is or it may get even busier ;) It's worth a visit simply for its unusual nature, it is far more interesting than most pubs!My boyfriend showed me this small quirky pub after dinner in Covent Garden for drinks and it was instant love! They sell some of my favourite cornish ales, as discovered on a recent holiday. It can be quite crowded but that's because it's such a nice atmospheric little bar, emphasis there is on little! They have a balcony which is nice to sit out on if the weather is good. It's really just a shame that now smokers all migrate out there which isn't so fun for non smokers! It's not the cheapest place you'll ever find but it is certainly cosy and a nice place to relax, perhaps to meet friends, have a drink after work or just as a watering hole before going to a club. It's in the centre of covent garden market which is very convenient although I'm not sure I want to tell you exactly where it is or it may get even busier ;) It's worth a visit simply for its unusual nature, it is far more interesting than most pubs!

Roadhouse - by xLHGx

xLHGx — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:16:19 +0000

Review by xLHGx

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 6001

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

Tags: american, cocktails, live music

I've been to Roadhouse twice and had different experiences. My first visit was superb, all my food was gorgeous, the waiting staff were attentive and the atmosphere was electric. On my second visit the atmosphere was just as good with a rather good band playing. The problem with this, though, was it was fairly impossible to have a conversation. I also found the food and the waiters left something to be desired which after our first visit left us disappointed. However, I still rate it fairly highly. I think it's brilliant as a cocktail bar, you never feel cheated on the alcohol! The food is pretty good and not overpriced so I'd recommend it if you're on a tighter budget and aren't looking for haute cuisine! It's an atmospheric venue in the heart of covent garden which is perfect as a starter for your evening but perhaps not your main event for the night.I've been to Roadhouse twice and had different experiences. My first visit was superb, all my food was gorgeous, the waiting staff were attentive and the atmosphere was electric. On my second visit the atmosphere was just as good with a rather good band playing. The problem with this, though, was it was fairly impossible to have a conversation. I also found the food and the waiters left something to be desired which after our first visit left us disappointed. However, I still rate it fairly highly. I think it's brilliant as a cocktail bar, you never feel cheated on the alcohol! The food is pretty good and not overpriced so I'd recommend it if you're on a tighter budget and aren't looking for haute cuisine! It's an atmospheric venue in the heart of covent garden which is perfect as a starter for your evening but perhaps not your main event for the night.

Poetry Cafe - Bordering on the comical by LukeG

LukeG — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:27:11 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7240 4810

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

I have been here twice and both times was rather shocked by the genuine rudeness of the bar-staff. The first time we went we ordered snacks (bread and cheese, salad, soup etc), coffees and drinks. The service was horrendously slow and erratic and the waitress was rather tearful, but the food was good. However, at one point the waitress barked at us to be quiet because there was a reading on - even though we hadn't been pre-warned or even raised our voices.

Giving the venue the benefit of the doubt we returned. This time there was music playing downstairs so we assumed we could talk and ordered a bottle of wine. It arrived without glasses, they came 10 mins later and when we requested them the waitress became distressed and slightly aggressive. Then she told us we had to be very quiet. If we so much as spoke to each other she glared at us balefully. It was an impossible situation. We felt extremely uncomfortable and inhibited so didn't order food, downed our drinks and left. Surely if people aren't allowed to talk when there is a reading downstairs then the cafe should be closed? Or perhaps a door dividing the upstairs from the basement would be a good idea?

This is not a relaxed venue and the staff have an attitude problem, but if you like being told off for chatting with your friends then go ahead and brave it.
I have been here twice and both times was rather shocked by the genuine rudeness of the bar-staff. The first time we went we ordered snacks (bread and cheese, salad, soup etc), coffees and drinks. The service was horrendously slow and erratic and the waitress was rather tearful, but the food was good. However, at one point the waitress barked at us to be quiet because there was a reading on - even though we hadn't been pre-warned or even raised our voices.

Giving the venue the benefit of the doubt we returned. This time there was music playing downstairs so we assumed we could talk and ordered a bottle of wine. It arrived without glasses, they came 10 mins later and when we requested them the waitress became distressed and slightly aggressive. Then she told us we had to be very quiet. If we so much as spoke to each other she glared at us balefully. It was an impossible situation. We felt extremely uncomfortable and inhibited so didn't order food, downed our drinks and left. Surely if people aren't allowed to talk when there is a reading downstairs then the cafe should be closed? Or perhaps a door dividing the upstairs from the basement would be a good idea?

This is not a relaxed venue and the staff have an attitude problem, but if you like being told off for chatting with your friends then go ahead and brave it.

Grape Street Wine Bar - Secret underground wine bar/bistro by jethro

jethro — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:49:06 +0000

Review by jethro

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 0686

Tags: food, underground, friendly

A well-kept secret venue in central London. This basement venue is clean, safe and user-friendly.
Ghanaian Chef Louis offers a superb menu for snacking and general dining.
Mine Host, Cliff Allen, is usually present to oversee the excellent, reasonably-priced wine list; there are a few good beers for the non-oenophiles.
Situated almost equidistantly from Covent garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court road tube stations it's well worth a wander.
CheersA well-kept secret venue in central London. This basement venue is clean, safe and user-friendly.
Ghanaian Chef Louis offers a superb menu for snacking and general dining.
Mine Host, Cliff Allen, is usually present to oversee the excellent, reasonably-priced wine list; there are a few good beers for the non-oenophiles.
Situated almost equidistantly from Covent garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court road tube stations it's well worth a wander.
Cheers

Henry's Cafe Bar - Henry's Bar & Cafe by topruss

topruss — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:50:05 +0000

Review by topruss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7379 1871

Website: http://www.the1440.co.uk/Venue/HenrysCafeBar-CoventGarden.aspx

Tags: cheap eat, lively, food

Perfect for chilling and people watchingPerfect for chilling and people watching

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - Brill Comedy - Not so brill food or staff by laurierose21

laurierose21 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:29:17 +0000

Review by laurierose21

Rating: 3.00

Website: http://www.thefunnyside.info/

Tags: friendly, posh, relaxed

I had my Hen night at the Funny Side, we ate upstairs at the Corner Store. It took an hour to be served our food and we had 15 minutes to eat it before the comedy show started. I had made the restaurant staff aware that we were booking both and they advised us it would be ok. We just about got to eat our main course - no time for desert. They had ran out of fish, chicken and cheese (all by 6pm) - the staff got our drinks wrong and one of my friends meals wasn't put on the order so she got given a bowl of chips.

Comedy show was brilliant - no probs with going back there. Then we went back upstairs for a few more drinks and decided to have some shots. We were left waiting at the bar for almost 15 minutes whilst they served everyone else because they couldn't find the person who knew how to do the shots!! How stupid! So we ordered a cocktail and left.

I would def go back to the comedy club, but I would never eat or drink in the Corner Store ever again. They can just about speak English too!I had my Hen night at the Funny Side, we ate upstairs at the Corner Store. It took an hour to be served our food and we had 15 minutes to eat it before the comedy show started. I had made the restaurant staff aware that we were booking both and they advised us it would be ok. We just about got to eat our main course - no time for desert. They had ran out of fish, chicken and cheese (all by 6pm) - the staff got our drinks wrong and one of my friends meals wasn't put on the order so she got given a bowl of chips.

Comedy show was brilliant - no probs with going back there. Then we went back upstairs for a few more drinks and decided to have some shots. We were left waiting at the bar for almost 15 minutes whilst they served everyone else because they couldn't find the person who knew how to do the shots!! How stupid! So we ordered a cocktail and left.

I would def go back to the comedy club, but I would never eat or drink in the Corner Store ever again. They can just about speak English too!

The Fly - The Fly by miffy

miffy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:57:45 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7691 4244

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

Tags: lively, good value, friendly

Younger brother to Camden Barfly the fly has had some big bands play in it, good gigs that have that, "big band in a small venue" feel that is always satifying. As well as this they have a new bands night on wednesdays which allows emerging small bands to play- a great stepping stone to bigger venues. The Djs play great music to dance to and the staff are friendly which is always nice, depite there being few people there the djs were still enthusiastic and the bar prices are reasonable. The downstairs area has comfortable sofas and big tables which are good if you're in a large group but less so if you just want to sit with a few people. Overall a good small venue in a handy central location.Younger brother to Camden Barfly the fly has had some big bands play in it, good gigs that have that, "big band in a small venue" feel that is always satifying. As well as this they have a new bands night on wednesdays which allows emerging small bands to play- a great stepping stone to bigger venues. The Djs play great music to dance to and the staff are friendly which is always nice, depite there being few people there the djs were still enthusiastic and the bar prices are reasonable. The downstairs area has comfortable sofas and big tables which are good if you're in a large group but less so if you just want to sit with a few people. Overall a good small venue in a handy central location.

The Globe - Never Again by jennifer7

jennifer7 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:51:07 +0000

Review by jennifer7

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7379 9896

Tags: takeaway, office catering, delivery

Unfortunately this must have been the worse meal of my life. It sounded tempting on the menu "Whole Seabass, Green Beans and Salte Potates" - when it arrived the Seabass looked as if it had been in the freezer for 40 years, it was so hard I could not cut off the head to eat. It arrived with the green beans but no potatoes, after a few minutes I asked the waitress for the potatoes to be told "we have not got any - do you want chips?" (I think had I not mentioned them she thought I wouldn't have noticed they were not there). Two bowls of chips came into the Dining Room but were severed to other customers, once I had finished my meal I was served with a bowl of chips to be asked "Do you want ketchup".

There was no apology for the poor service and poor standard of food. I think this is kind of thing is awful no only for us English but for Foreign Tourists who come to our country expecting good food and a certain standard. An experience never to be repeated.Unfortunately this must have been the worse meal of my life. It sounded tempting on the menu "Whole Seabass, Green Beans and Salte Potates" - when it arrived the Seabass looked as if it had been in the freezer for 40 years, it was so hard I could not cut off the head to eat. It arrived with the green beans but no potatoes, after a few minutes I asked the waitress for the potatoes to be told "we have not got any - do you want chips?" (I think had I not mentioned them she thought I wouldn't have noticed they were not there). Two bowls of chips came into the Dining Room but were severed to other customers, once I had finished my meal I was served with a bowl of chips to be asked "Do you want ketchup".

There was no apology for the poor service and poor standard of food. I think this is kind of thing is awful no only for us English but for Foreign Tourists who come to our country expecting good food and a certain standard. An experience never to be repeated.

The Essex Serpent - Horrific. Doesn't even deserve 1 star by Browners

Browners — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:46:40 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7240 0302

Tags: food, pub, covent garden

Anna organised for a group of 6 of us to go ice skating at the idyllic Somerset House last night. I was a bit nervous about ice skating having only done it once when I was 5 on some crappy plastic ice rink at Ally Pally. We thought it would be a good idea to go for dinner before hand and use our TasteLondon card to get some money off.

Cowie chose the Essex Serpent in Covent Garden having put Wahaca and Waggamma to one side. A decision we'd all regret later! We had wanted to go to an authentic pub to have some good olde worlde winter grub.

I arrived far too early having pitched up after Lulu's leaving lunch/drinks. I killed half an hour or so by walking around the fantastic winter night market that's been set up around Covent Garden. It's basically all the stalls from Exmouth and Borough Market but with a few extras such as a mushroom man, a Ghanaian stall and a bloke who just makes crepes.

When everyone arrived we all made our way upstair and inspected the "locally sourced, British, seasonal menu". A few things stood out that we should have taken more heed of.

Summer salads

Red snapper from somewhere a long way away

Mussels with churico (sic)

Ah... in hindsight we should have cut and run right there and then. There is nothing seasonal about a summer salad unless you're there in July. There's nothing local about red snapper unless you are lucky enought to love in the Tropics. And there is something very disconcerting about things spelt wrong on a menu. Unless of course it was the Potrugese version of chorizo in which case that's fine. But the waiter told us it was Spanish.

I was an idiot and chose the mussels. Quite why I decdied to go for the most deadly thing on a worrying menu is beyond me. Luckily I've got away with it from a medical point of view. They were supposed to come with a garlic and white wine sauce but it tasted more like the dirty gutter water that my cat drinks when he's feeling ill. Horrid!

The girls had langoustine which looked like they had been frozen as they oozed their shell water over the plate. The only half respectable starter was an assortment of meats with warm baguette. But then again the baguettes were decidedly dicey warmed cattering pack type things. It wasn't getting any better!

Things went for bad to worse as we waited an age for our main courses. Cowie went to ask how they were getting on a couple of times and pointed out that we didn't have long before we had to leave for ice skating.

Then the horror course arrived.

My steak was not medium rare. It wasn't even medium. Or even medium well. Somehow it was well done and cold! How did they manage it? And they had smothered the incinerated piece of meat with a gloopy mushroom sauce. All this rested on a bed of chips so chilly they needed a good dose of lemsip and a hot water bottle. Shocking.

Harreit's tuna summer salad featured a slab of grey tuna that was so hard that it could have been used in Roman times as a writing tablet.

Nick had earlier said, "you can't go wrong in a pub with a burger". Sadly he was wrong. The waiter had to inspect the locally sourced focaccia bun to see if they had actually put the burger inside it. The sight of the charred blob of beef was a welcome sight!

Anna's sausage and mash was OK. Not sure you screw that one up really!

Cowie stormed off to pay the bill and get our 2 for 1 discount on the meals which were reluctant to pay for in the first place. I looked over to see Cowie glaring at our cheerful, but inept waiter arguing about the fact that our card show allow the whole meal to be priced at 2 for 1. That's what the TasteLondon website says anyway. We landed up paying almost full price for everything and being British were far too reserved to kick up too much of a fuss!

So we agreed we'd slope off and write it up in full on the blog and as many suitable websites as possible. The Essex Serpent serves very bad food and is less than honest when it comes to their partnership with TasteLondon. They turned what should have been a great pre Christmas meal into an embarrassment. Cowie felt awful for having organised the meal. Exactly the opposite of how it should be. It also reflects very badly on TasteLondon. Cowie rang them up to complain and they said they would speak to the director of Essex Serpent.

Essex Serpent. Good riddance. It makes appreciate how good all the other restaurants we've been to have been this year.Anna organised for a group of 6 of us to go ice skating at the idyllic Somerset House last night. I was a bit nervous about ice skating having only done it once when I was 5 on some crappy plastic ice rink at Ally Pally. We thought it would be a good idea to go for dinner before hand and use our TasteLondon card to get some money off.

Cowie chose the Essex Serpent in Covent Garden having put Wahaca and Waggamma to one side. A decision we'd all regret later! We had wanted to go to an authentic pub to have some good olde worlde winter grub.

I arrived far too early having pitched up after Lulu's leaving lunch/drinks. I killed half an hour or so by walking around the fantastic winter night market that's been set up around Covent Garden. It's basically all the stalls from Exmouth and Borough Market but with a few extras such as a mushroom man, a Ghanaian stall and a bloke who just makes crepes.

When everyone arrived we all made our way upstair and inspected the "locally sourced, British, seasonal menu". A few things stood out that we should have taken more heed of.

Summer salads

Red snapper from somewhere a long way away

Mussels with churico (sic)

Ah... in hindsight we should have cut and run right there and then. There is nothing seasonal about a summer salad unless you're there in July. There's nothing local about red snapper unless you are lucky enought to love in the Tropics. And there is something very disconcerting about things spelt wrong on a menu. Unless of course it was the Potrugese version of chorizo in which case that's fine. But the waiter told us it was Spanish.

I was an idiot and chose the mussels. Quite why I decdied to go for the most deadly thing on a worrying menu is beyond me. Luckily I've got away with it from a medical point of view. They were supposed to come with a garlic and white wine sauce but it tasted more like the dirty gutter water that my cat drinks when he's feeling ill. Horrid!

The girls had langoustine which looked like they had been frozen as they oozed their shell water over the plate. The only half respectable starter was an assortment of meats with warm baguette. But then again the baguettes were decidedly dicey warmed cattering pack type things. It wasn't getting any better!

Things went for bad to worse as we waited an age for our main courses. Cowie went to ask how they were getting on a couple of times and pointed out that we didn't have long before we had to leave for ice skating.

Then the horror course arrived.

My steak was not medium rare. It wasn't even medium. Or even medium well. Somehow it was well done and cold! How did they manage it? And they had smothered the incinerated piece of meat with a gloopy mushroom sauce. All this rested on a bed of chips so chilly they needed a good dose of lemsip and a hot water bottle. Shocking.

Harreit's tuna summer salad featured a slab of grey tuna that was so hard that it could have been used in Roman times as a writing tablet.

Nick had earlier said, "you can't go wrong in a pub with a burger". Sadly he was wrong. The waiter had to inspect the locally sourced focaccia bun to see if they had actually put the burger inside it. The sight of the charred blob of beef was a welcome sight!

Anna's sausage and mash was OK. Not sure you screw that one up really!

Cowie stormed off to pay the bill and get our 2 for 1 discount on the meals which were reluctant to pay for in the first place. I looked over to see Cowie glaring at our cheerful, but inept waiter arguing about the fact that our card show allow the whole meal to be priced at 2 for 1. That's what the TasteLondon website says anyway. We landed up paying almost full price for everything and being British were far too reserved to kick up too much of a fuss!

So we agreed we'd slope off and write it up in full on the blog and as many suitable websites as possible. The Essex Serpent serves very bad food and is less than honest when it comes to their partnership with TasteLondon. They turned what should have been a great pre Christmas meal into an embarrassment. Cowie felt awful for having organised the meal. Exactly the opposite of how it should be. It also reflects very badly on TasteLondon. Cowie rang them up to complain and they said they would speak to the director of Essex Serpent.

Essex Serpent. Good riddance. It makes appreciate how good all the other restaurants we've been to have been this year.

All Bar One - Packed with suits! by FluffyRona

FluffyRona — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:28:09 +0000

Review by FluffyRona

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7557 7941

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: food, young professionals, european

If you like your wine warm, sploshed in a dirty glass while surrounded by braying suits, this is the place for you. If not, avoid like the plague!If you like your wine warm, sploshed in a dirty glass while surrounded by braying suits, this is the place for you. If not, avoid like the plague!

Bar Oporto - Perfect for low-key girly cocktails by ShinyGemma

ShinyGemma — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:07:42 +0000

Review by ShinyGemma

Rating: 5.00This place is a bit of a hidden gem. Unassuming from outside, we ended up there purely because it was the closest place when we had time to kill one night. It's small, it's been quiet every time I've been in since, and it has a happy hour that goes on until 9pm in the week and includes some amazing cocktails.

Upstairs is quiet with only a handful of seats so this isn't the place to go with a big group. However if you need somewhere to wind down after work with a Cosmo or two, it makes a nice change from busy pubs and cheap chains. Downstairs there's a bigger area with much more seating which gets busier later on though it's sometimes booked for private functions so do check before you settle in for the night!

The staff are great and the drinks even better. My tip is the gorgeous Vanilla Rose Cosmo, though the Mojitos are great too (just don't mix them like we did). There's an extensive menu of cocktails to get through (not all are in the happy hour but they're not too pricey anyway - about Â£6 a pop) as well as spirits, mixers, beers and so on. Definitely worth dropping by if you're in the area and in need of a bit of indulgence.This place is a bit of a hidden gem. Unassuming from outside, we ended up there purely because it was the closest place when we had time to kill one night. It's small, it's been quiet every time I've been in since, and it has a happy hour that goes on until 9pm in the week and includes some amazing cocktails.

Upstairs is quiet with only a handful of seats so this isn't the place to go with a big group. However if you need somewhere to wind down after work with a Cosmo or two, it makes a nice change from busy pubs and cheap chains. Downstairs there's a bigger area with much more seating which gets busier later on though it's sometimes booked for private functions so do check before you settle in for the night!

The staff are great and the drinks even better. My tip is the gorgeous Vanilla Rose Cosmo, though the Mojitos are great too (just don't mix them like we did). There's an extensive menu of cocktails to get through (not all are in the happy hour but they're not too pricey anyway - about Â£6 a pop) as well as spirits, mixers, beers and so on. Definitely worth dropping by if you're in the area and in need of a bit of indulgence.