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

The Funny Side of Covent Garden - Awesome by sjonesgb

sjonesgb — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:59:50 +0000

Review by sjonesgb

Rating: 5.00

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

We went there last Saturday for my daughters birthday. It is a small venue - seats about 80-90 - but the quality of the acts was first class. I haven't laughed so much for ages. Beats Jongleurs hands down. Also they had a bar in the room which meant you could easily get a drink.

I would unreservedly reccomend it.We went there last Saturday for my daughters birthday. It is a small venue - seats about 80-90 - but the quality of the acts was first class. I haven't laughed so much for ages. Beats Jongleurs hands down. Also they had a bar in the room which meant you could easily get a drink.

I would unreservedly reccomend it.

Guanabara - great night out (midweek) by Smileysusan

Smileysusan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:54:41 +0000

Review by Smileysusan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7242 8600

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

Tags: cool, friendly, brazilian

Best night here is Thursday.Don't be fooled into thinking Fri and Sat nights are best as it does get very very busy and the dancefloor gets way too cramped for my liking!

Go midweek any night and they do free samba classes, and we even got free cocktails from people in the street giving out flyers! and it's free to get in! result!

Tip to eat - try their warm cheesebread soooo yummy!Best night here is Thursday.Don't be fooled into thinking Fri and Sat nights are best as it does get very very busy and the dancefloor gets way too cramped for my liking!

Go midweek any night and they do free samba classes, and we even got free cocktails from people in the street giving out flyers! and it's free to get in! result!

Tip to eat - try their warm cheesebread soooo yummy!

Lamb & Flag - food at the lamb and flat by britom01

britom01 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:31:18 +0000

Review by britom01

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7497 9504

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, friendly

This is indeed a very charming pub for a drink, but keep away from the food, its the very worst of British food! I made the mistake of taking some friends from France for a Sunday roast here and it was embarrassing! Hard peas, carrots straight from a tin, over cooked beef, boiled cabbage, etc! OMG I thought this didn't exist anymore in 21st century Britain! But I was wrong, bad cooking is still very much a part of our culture it seems, at least at the Lamb and Flag!!This is indeed a very charming pub for a drink, but keep away from the food, its the very worst of British food! I made the mistake of taking some friends from France for a Sunday roast here and it was embarrassing! Hard peas, carrots straight from a tin, over cooked beef, boiled cabbage, etc! OMG I thought this didn't exist anymore in 21st century Britain! But I was wrong, bad cooking is still very much a part of our culture it seems, at least at the Lamb and Flag!!

Jewel Bar - Sexy crowd and fantastic drinks!! by leila_k

leila_k — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:09:51 +0000

Review by leila_k

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7439 4089

Website: http://www.jewelbar.com

Tags: sexy, relaxed, food

Beautiful bar with sexy crowd, great food and atmosphere!

The bar has a superb range of cocktails made with fresh ingredients and flavours! What to choose is the only problem!

Staff is very friendly and helpful.
Would highly recommend for funky night out.

Beautiful bar with sexy crowd, great food and atmosphere!

The bar has a superb range of cocktails made with fresh ingredients and flavours! What to choose is the only problem!

Staff is very friendly and helpful.
Would highly recommend for funky night out.

The Langley - Top food, great service by SallyYSP

SallyYSP — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:31:26 +0000

Review by SallyYSP

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 5005

Website: www.thelangley.co.uk

Tags: friendly, lively, trendy

We don't do Valentine's Day so instead decided to treat ourselves on Friday 13th to a meal at the Langley. And mightily impressed we were too.

We booked an hour before arriving and were given a lovely booth table that was comfy and relatively private.

Unknowingly we arrived during Happy Hour which finishes @8pm, offering cracking wine for around the £10 mark. We had the Rioja and very nice it was too.

Both of us had the surf 'n turf, sirloin steak with half a lobster and chips plus a decent size salad. It was cooked beautifully rare and the lobster was also well prepared. Thank goodness we didn't have starters or we would have been overfaced - the portions sizes add to the great value of this place.

We were also impressed that we could be in and out in the hour (we were heading to the cinema) with great food, wine and service.

For those wanting a quiet romantic meal this isn't the place on a Friday, buzzing with after work revellers and loud music. But the restaurant is tucked to one side so there is some separation.

The beauty of this place is also it's location, while creating a private club style atmosphere. We will be going again, soon, and probably in happy hour with friends. Thoroughly impressed.

P.S. Take your ID - the doormen seem to enjoy quizzing you on entry despite being well over the legal drinking age!!

We don't do Valentine's Day so instead decided to treat ourselves on Friday 13th to a meal at the Langley. And mightily impressed we were too.

We booked an hour before arriving and were given a lovely booth table that was comfy and relatively private.

Unknowingly we arrived during Happy Hour which finishes @8pm, offering cracking wine for around the £10 mark. We had the Rioja and very nice it was too.

Both of us had the surf 'n turf, sirloin steak with half a lobster and chips plus a decent size salad. It was cooked beautifully rare and the lobster was also well prepared. Thank goodness we didn't have starters or we would have been overfaced - the portions sizes add to the great value of this place.

We were also impressed that we could be in and out in the hour (we were heading to the cinema) with great food, wine and service.

For those wanting a quiet romantic meal this isn't the place on a Friday, buzzing with after work revellers and loud music. But the restaurant is tucked to one side so there is some separation.

The beauty of this place is also it's location, while creating a private club style atmosphere. We will be going again, soon, and probably in happy hour with friends. Thoroughly impressed.

P.S. Take your ID - the doormen seem to enjoy quizzing you on entry despite being well over the legal drinking age!!

The Porterhouse - Bad Customer Service by jennyc

jennyc — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:26:37 +0000

Review by jennyc

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7379 7917

Website: http://www.porterhousebrewco.com

Tags: friendly, live music, relaxed

Porterhouse was always a nice place to go for a drink, food etc., and we have always chosen Porterhouse compare to other places in Covent Garden, until recently, when we have experienced an unusual customer service. First of full the barmen has been absolutely rude and for some reason not a very happy person, who has served my boyfriend by letting him know that he's just hates the job and don't want to be there at all, which obviously not really our problem, but then when my boyfriend replied as why he is being so rude, instead the barmen has just called security and with no reason we have been asked to leave. It was very unexpected as taking into account that I do not drink alcohol at all and quietly having a conversation by the table with my friends I had to be embarrassed by Porterhouse staff making me and my friends leaving the pub...Well at least I have noticed that other people who were sitting next to our table weren't happy by the behavior of staff and had to leave too, so next time if anyone fancies to go to Porterhouse be prepared of bad customer service and disrespect to customers!!!!Porterhouse was always a nice place to go for a drink, food etc., and we have always chosen Porterhouse compare to other places in Covent Garden, until recently, when we have experienced an unusual customer service. First of full the barmen has been absolutely rude and for some reason not a very happy person, who has served my boyfriend by letting him know that he's just hates the job and don't want to be there at all, which obviously not really our problem, but then when my boyfriend replied as why he is being so rude, instead the barmen has just called security and with no reason we have been asked to leave. It was very unexpected as taking into account that I do not drink alcohol at all and quietly having a conversation by the table with my friends I had to be embarrassed by Porterhouse staff making me and my friends leaving the pub...Well at least I have noticed that other people who were sitting next to our table weren't happy by the behavior of staff and had to leave too, so next time if anyone fancies to go to Porterhouse be prepared of bad customer service and disrespect to customers!!!!

Dirty Martini - Do not go on a Sat night by a_female

a_female — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:43:38 +0000

Review by a_female

Rating: 2.00

Tags: young professionals, glamorous, cool & smart

I was shocked after hearing so many good thing about this place that it was far from glam. This might not always be the case mind you. i was there in a Sat night after 9pm. After a rather long wait I was not expecting the boring crowd i had to share a bar this. More topman & DP's than topshop and reiss for men - get my drift?

I've not given up on this place yet. i'm giving it one more go to impress me. This time I'm gonna try to get there before before 9pm and on a week day night. If nothing else the drinks will be 1/2 price.I was shocked after hearing so many good thing about this place that it was far from glam. This might not always be the case mind you. i was there in a Sat night after 9pm. After a rather long wait I was not expecting the boring crowd i had to share a bar this. More topman & DP's than topshop and reiss for men - get my drift?

I've not given up on this place yet. i'm giving it one more go to impress me. This time I'm gonna try to get there before before 9pm and on a week day night. If nothing else the drinks will be 1/2 price.

The Fly - by Niamheen

Niamheen — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:34:50 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7691 4244

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

Tags: lively, good value, friendly

The Fly has an upstairs bar and downstairs gig venue, both dark and intimate, it's a great place to see a live band, and is sometimes the location for secret gigs for bigger bands. It's a good spot to catch up and coming acts, like it's sister pub, The Barfly, in Camden.

I've only once popped in for a drink without going to a gig and it was a bit loud for my taste that particular evening. Not just me, but the people I was with too. Maybe we're too old! But, that could have been just that particular night, I wouldn't rule it out for future occasions.The Fly has an upstairs bar and downstairs gig venue, both dark and intimate, it's a great place to see a live band, and is sometimes the location for secret gigs for bigger bands. It's a good spot to catch up and coming acts, like it's sister pub, The Barfly, in Camden.

I've only once popped in for a drink without going to a gig and it was a bit loud for my taste that particular evening. Not just me, but the people I was with too. Maybe we're too old! But, that could have been just that particular night, I wouldn't rule it out for future occasions.

The Crusting Pipe - A lovely wine bar, not too crowded in Covent Grdn by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:27:20 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 1415

Tags: live music, food, good value

This is an excellent wine bar to know about. Why? Because it is in the heart of Covent Garden, yet you can still go here on a Friday evening and find yourself a relaxed and quiet table to catch up with an old friend!

The Crusting Pipe is good in both summer and winter. In summer, there are 20+ small tables outside - first come, first serve.. you can sit outside, and enjoy one of the street performers as many will come down and perform right in this area of the market. Inside, the Crusting Pipe is a series of various rooms.. i think this is why it's fairly easy to find yourself a spot.. if one room has a few too many tables filled, ust try another! In some rooms, there are even some cozy leather chairs - perfect for a solo evening with a glass of wine and a good book.

The Crusting Pipe has an extensve menu and must be part of Davys as they offer various Davys house wines that are quite nice. For food, they have a good variety on offer - I had a nice steamed salmon that was cooked very well. And I've also had a delicious cheese plate and a few of their other sharing platters as well - all quite good!

For a relaxed evening venue, in the heart of crowded Covent Garden, Crusting Pipe feels like a nice secret hideaway - it's rare that you wouldn't find yourself a seat at anytime and it provides a nice warm and welcoming atmosphere, away from all that hustle and bustle!This is an excellent wine bar to know about. Why? Because it is in the heart of Covent Garden, yet you can still go here on a Friday evening and find yourself a relaxed and quiet table to catch up with an old friend!

The Crusting Pipe is good in both summer and winter. In summer, there are 20+ small tables outside - first come, first serve.. you can sit outside, and enjoy one of the street performers as many will come down and perform right in this area of the market. Inside, the Crusting Pipe is a series of various rooms.. i think this is why it's fairly easy to find yourself a spot.. if one room has a few too many tables filled, ust try another! In some rooms, there are even some cozy leather chairs - perfect for a solo evening with a glass of wine and a good book.

The Crusting Pipe has an extensve menu and must be part of Davys as they offer various Davys house wines that are quite nice. For food, they have a good variety on offer - I had a nice steamed salmon that was cooked very well. And I've also had a delicious cheese plate and a few of their other sharing platters as well - all quite good!

For a relaxed evening venue, in the heart of crowded Covent Garden, Crusting Pipe feels like a nice secret hideaway - it's rare that you wouldn't find yourself a seat at anytime and it provides a nice warm and welcoming atmosphere, away from all that hustle and bustle!

The Round House - does anyone ever sit inside? by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:46:20 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 9838

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, tv for sporting events

This is a very well-known and centrally located pub in Covent Garden. Quite why people remember it is beyond me, other than as a place where everyone just stands on the pavement outside. The pub itself is quite small, but has plenty of doors. Beers are uninspiring and expensive.

The Roundhouse is a useful place to meet up with friends - it's bang in the middle of Covent Garden and en route to Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.
The only problem could be spotting your mate - the crowds standing around outside are huge and the whole area is a heaving mass of bodies.

It, annoyingly, refers to itself as 'Number One' in great letters on its frontage (they get away with it because the pub is at number one Garrick St....)

Now having a drink outside a pub on a nice, warm day is great, but this place takes it to extremes. The managers (and the multi-national chain that owns it) don't seem to care too much about their punters blocking the pavement in both streets. The noise from this massive crowd is another thing, and seriously detracts from the nice atmosphere and architecture in this part of London. Horrid!

Quite what is so good about standing elbow to elbow, forcing little old ladies into the busy traffic, and watching the noisy, articulated Tesco lorries unload (directly opposite), is lost on me.

If anyone is thinking of closing a pub in Covent Garden to change it into something useful, this would probably be my first choice!

This is a very well-known and centrally located pub in Covent Garden. Quite why people remember it is beyond me, other than as a place where everyone just stands on the pavement outside. The pub itself is quite small, but has plenty of doors. Beers are uninspiring and expensive.

The Roundhouse is a useful place to meet up with friends - it's bang in the middle of Covent Garden and en route to Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.
The only problem could be spotting your mate - the crowds standing around outside are huge and the whole area is a heaving mass of bodies.

It, annoyingly, refers to itself as 'Number One' in great letters on its frontage (they get away with it because the pub is at number one Garrick St....)

Now having a drink outside a pub on a nice, warm day is great, but this place takes it to extremes. The managers (and the multi-national chain that owns it) don't seem to care too much about their punters blocking the pavement in both streets. The noise from this massive crowd is another thing, and seriously detracts from the nice atmosphere and architecture in this part of London. Horrid!

Quite what is so good about standing elbow to elbow, forcing little old ladies into the busy traffic, and watching the noisy, articulated Tesco lorries unload (directly opposite), is lost on me.

If anyone is thinking of closing a pub in Covent Garden to change it into something useful, this would probably be my first choice!

Punch & Judy - nice location by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:02:20 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7379 0923

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, beer garden / outside seating

The Punch is a great pub if you're not too fussy about your beer and if you don't mind a bit of noise.

It is situated on the edge of the Covent Garden Market and the Piazza and overlooks the back of St Paul's Church. Anybody who visits 'Covent Garden' visits the Piazza, so it's almost impossible to miss.

What's great about the Punch is that you can, sometimes, watch live Punch & Judy shows on the cobbled pavements outside the pub. This being the heart of Covent Garden, it is where most of the buskers and street entertainers perform.

What's even better about the Punch is that you can watch the whole show from the first floor terrace, which overlooks the Piazza. You get a lovely seat in the sun and have a free show right in front of you. Add a couple of pints of beer and some bangers and mash cooked downstairs, and you could easily forget that you're in the very heart of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

After you've cheered yourself up with some of the (sometimes very good) street entertainment and have stumbled downstairs, you wake up to the fact that so much of Covent Garden is expensive, uninspiring and a bit naff. It has become a victim of its own success.

The Punch is a great pub if you're not too fussy about your beer and if you don't mind a bit of noise.

It is situated on the edge of the Covent Garden Market and the Piazza and overlooks the back of St Paul's Church. Anybody who visits 'Covent Garden' visits the Piazza, so it's almost impossible to miss.

What's great about the Punch is that you can, sometimes, watch live Punch & Judy shows on the cobbled pavements outside the pub. This being the heart of Covent Garden, it is where most of the buskers and street entertainers perform.

What's even better about the Punch is that you can watch the whole show from the first floor terrace, which overlooks the Piazza. You get a lovely seat in the sun and have a free show right in front of you. Add a couple of pints of beer and some bangers and mash cooked downstairs, and you could easily forget that you're in the very heart of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

After you've cheered yourself up with some of the (sometimes very good) street entertainment and have stumbled downstairs, you wake up to the fact that so much of Covent Garden is expensive, uninspiring and a bit naff. It has become a victim of its own success.

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

Tags: friendly, cool, relaxed

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 - nothing like Australia by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:34:38 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7379 5555

Website: http://www.walkaboutinns.com

Tags: food, australian, open 24 hours

This could easily be one of London's most horrid drinking dens. Perhaps I'm getting too old? Nah, mate!

It would be unfair to portray this as a typical Ozzie bar and the bahaviour of the customers as typical of Ozzies.

This is part of a chain of 'Australian' drinking holes, most of them in busy city centres. The Covent Garden one occupies two buildings that back onto each other so that a very long, narrow bar has been created between Henrietta Street and Maiden Lane. So far so good.

The drinks on offer include an impressive range of Australian beers of all descriptions and colours. This may be comforting to a homesick Ozzie, but can be a bit sobering for any Pom who's not been down under before. The atmosphere is heavy, rowdy and very loud. One night, there was live music which (even with the doors closed) must have been audible in Trafalgar Square.

However, the downstairs bar was the real eye opener for me. The large video screens with constant sports coverage tend to be ignored - most of the people drinking down here were more interested in each other, some extremely so. The intimate boy-girl scenes and the use of a table as a prop don't make for easy reading on these review pages.
One 'lady' in the crowd was so overcome with her inner feelings that she emptied the contents of her stomach onto the floor. The reaction of the staff was surprising: they accepted this as part of working here.

Interesting, unusual, but not a good advertisement for the beautiful land down under.
This could easily be one of London's most horrid drinking dens. Perhaps I'm getting too old? Nah, mate!

It would be unfair to portray this as a typical Ozzie bar and the bahaviour of the customers as typical of Ozzies.

This is part of a chain of 'Australian' drinking holes, most of them in busy city centres. The Covent Garden one occupies two buildings that back onto each other so that a very long, narrow bar has been created between Henrietta Street and Maiden Lane. So far so good.

The drinks on offer include an impressive range of Australian beers of all descriptions and colours. This may be comforting to a homesick Ozzie, but can be a bit sobering for any Pom who's not been down under before. The atmosphere is heavy, rowdy and very loud. One night, there was live music which (even with the doors closed) must have been audible in Trafalgar Square.

However, the downstairs bar was the real eye opener for me. The large video screens with constant sports coverage tend to be ignored - most of the people drinking down here were more interested in each other, some extremely so. The intimate boy-girl scenes and the use of a table as a prop don't make for easy reading on these review pages.
One 'lady' in the crowd was so overcome with her inner feelings that she emptied the contents of her stomach onto the floor. The reaction of the staff was surprising: they accepted this as part of working here.

Interesting, unusual, but not a good advertisement for the beautiful land down under.

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, cool, food

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.

Lowlander - Beer & Cheese by bristle

bristle — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:44:00 +0000

Review by bristle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7379 7446

Website: http://www.lolander.com

Tags: good food, lively, bar

Nice, lively and unusual atmosphere. Conveniently located just off the beaten Long Acre track.
The variety of Belgian beers is excellent, with many on draught and very well kept.
Should really have tried their wines, but who wants to risk these if you can drink such superb beers?!
When we last visited, we discovered the subtle combination of large cubes of medium-mature Dutch Gouda cheese and a dark, warm Belgian brew.
The snack menu is great if all you want is just a quick bite and a few beers. Everything is cooked to order by kitchen staff who know their stuff. Haven't been able to fault them once.
Lowlander is a good example of what Covent Garden actually needed - a non-pretentious bar with prices that are high enough to keep it 'select' and not hideously expensive either.
It is also a huge improvement over the sports bar that was here before!Nice, lively and unusual atmosphere. Conveniently located just off the beaten Long Acre track.
The variety of Belgian beers is excellent, with many on draught and very well kept.
Should really have tried their wines, but who wants to risk these if you can drink such superb beers?!
When we last visited, we discovered the subtle combination of large cubes of medium-mature Dutch Gouda cheese and a dark, warm Belgian brew.
The snack menu is great if all you want is just a quick bite and a few beers. Everything is cooked to order by kitchen staff who know their stuff. Haven't been able to fault them once.
Lowlander is a good example of what Covent Garden actually needed - a non-pretentious bar with prices that are high enough to keep it 'select' and not hideously expensive either.
It is also a huge improvement over the sports bar that was here before!

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, relaxed, food

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.

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, relaxed, friendly

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, posh, relaxed

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!