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

The Viaduct Tavern - absolutely cacked myself by andybrown

andybrown — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:41:19 +0000

Review by andybrown

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7600 1863

Tags: food, after work crowd, good beer

I will admit that this pub is often full of lawyers and bankers, braying mindlessly at each other in mockney as they whomp down large amounts of the blandest lager they can find. However, this is one of the few places where they can effortlessly be ignored, through one or more of the following ways:

1 - admire the beautiful, original Victorian furnishings, mirrors, glass, etc, etc.
2 - get drunk in the old-fashioned way, on either numerous types of gin, or the delectable London Porter, invented for the specific benefit of the Smithfield Market meat carriers.
3 - take in the view, the Old Bailey, the 16th century church of St Sepulchre, the engineering wonder of Holborn Viaduct, etc.
4 - scare yourself absolutely and completely shitless.

Now, the more astute of you may have noticed that, of the four options, one tends to stick out somewhat. And it's the one that leads most people to think "no, let's not go there, if i want to be scared i can go to romford". and that is true up to a point, but what you're missing my darlings is the source of that fear. Will it help if i say i was rendered numb and terrified by the lime cordial in the cellar? No?

The Viaduct is built on the cellars/foundations/cells of the Giltspur Street Compter, an old remand prison in the Old City of London, which took the overflow from Newgate across the road. The misery of prison existence was almost unthinkable, what with the total corruption of the warders who weren't obliged to feed the prisoners. Some inevitably died in these cold dank places. Now I'm a rational human being, even after a couple of beers, so when I say that I felt something, you can be forgiven for assuming it was the barmaid's bottom.
But I did. I went down into the cellars, and it was all very interesting, and they took me round, and showed me the cells, and the cell numbers, and we got to cell where they stored lime cordial and somesuch other liquids, she opened the door, I went to enter...

and i couldn't. it was as if something was holding me there, pushing me. that's the only way i can describe it. like a forcefield. and, try as i might, my legs wouldn't obey, and i stood there in perfect terror as the lady showing me around told me someone had died in that cell, and the staff didn't like to be down in the cellar in the night time on their own because sometimes the lights went off and the doors locked themselves and noises were heard, terrible noises of pain and loneliness, echoing through the old bricks, cracked walls, and rusted iron bars in the awful, total blackness.

so you see, the lawyers and the bankers don't bother me at all. i don't even see them. i sit there and nurse my pint, and wonder how one experience can overturn a lifetime of reason. it's a good place, the Viaduct. But I wouldn't bloody work there.I will admit that this pub is often full of lawyers and bankers, braying mindlessly at each other in mockney as they whomp down large amounts of the blandest lager they can find. However, this is one of the few places where they can effortlessly be ignored, through one or more of the following ways:

1 - admire the beautiful, original Victorian furnishings, mirrors, glass, etc, etc.
2 - get drunk in the old-fashioned way, on either numerous types of gin, or the delectable London Porter, invented for the specific benefit of the Smithfield Market meat carriers.
3 - take in the view, the Old Bailey, the 16th century church of St Sepulchre, the engineering wonder of Holborn Viaduct, etc.
4 - scare yourself absolutely and completely shitless.

Now, the more astute of you may have noticed that, of the four options, one tends to stick out somewhat. And it's the one that leads most people to think "no, let's not go there, if i want to be scared i can go to romford". and that is true up to a point, but what you're missing my darlings is the source of that fear. Will it help if i say i was rendered numb and terrified by the lime cordial in the cellar? No?

The Viaduct is built on the cellars/foundations/cells of the Giltspur Street Compter, an old remand prison in the Old City of London, which took the overflow from Newgate across the road. The misery of prison existence was almost unthinkable, what with the total corruption of the warders who weren't obliged to feed the prisoners. Some inevitably died in these cold dank places. Now I'm a rational human being, even after a couple of beers, so when I say that I felt something, you can be forgiven for assuming it was the barmaid's bottom.
But I did. I went down into the cellars, and it was all very interesting, and they took me round, and showed me the cells, and the cell numbers, and we got to cell where they stored lime cordial and somesuch other liquids, she opened the door, I went to enter...

and i couldn't. it was as if something was holding me there, pushing me. that's the only way i can describe it. like a forcefield. and, try as i might, my legs wouldn't obey, and i stood there in perfect terror as the lady showing me around told me someone had died in that cell, and the staff didn't like to be down in the cellar in the night time on their own because sometimes the lights went off and the doors locked themselves and noises were heard, terrible noises of pain and loneliness, echoing through the old bricks, cracked walls, and rusted iron bars in the awful, total blackness.

so you see, the lawyers and the bankers don't bother me at all. i don't even see them. i sit there and nurse my pint, and wonder how one experience can overturn a lifetime of reason. it's a good place, the Viaduct. But I wouldn't bloody work there.

The Coach & Horses - Perfectly tucked away... a hidden gem. by foodbymark

foodbymark — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:27:36 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 1336

Website: http://www.thecoachandhorses.com/

Tags: gastro pub, british, good food

Coach and Horses is perfectly tucked away in Farringdon, parked nearly behind the Observer - it is a true gastropub and although we were expecting more of a lazy Sunday lunch we were presented with a menu with 4 options per course. I like it when menus are this simple and full of seasonal items.

The Cold Almond Soup was absolutely delicious and opting for Pork Loin for the main, I was certainly not disappointed. Everything was fresh. Two of four of the party opted for the Polenta, Caponta and Gorgonzola vegetarian option (the only option at that) and it was delicious.

I was also surprised by the substantial wine list with many served by the glass. The staff although minimal on a Sunday afternoon were attentive and we had zero complaints, only compliments.

I would certainly go back and have since.Coach and Horses is perfectly tucked away in Farringdon, parked nearly behind the Observer - it is a true gastropub and although we were expecting more of a lazy Sunday lunch we were presented with a menu with 4 options per course. I like it when menus are this simple and full of seasonal items.

The Cold Almond Soup was absolutely delicious and opting for Pork Loin for the main, I was certainly not disappointed. Everything was fresh. Two of four of the party opted for the Polenta, Caponta and Gorgonzola vegetarian option (the only option at that) and it was delicious.

I was also surprised by the substantial wine list with many served by the glass. The staff although minimal on a Sunday afternoon were attentive and we had zero complaints, only compliments.

I would certainly go back and have since.

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.

Cafe Kick - Get your kicks by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:47:58 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 8077

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

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

A characterful, energetic little bar that serves excellent cocktails and spanish tapas (from Brindisa, no less, just across the road). The bar men & women seem to really know their stuff and the cocktail list is in a state of constant change, although people come back for expertly made mojitos and caipirinhas. Don't miss out on the food though, if you get a chance - the chorizo in white wine is delicious.A characterful, energetic little bar that serves excellent cocktails and spanish tapas (from Brindisa, no less, just across the road). The bar men & women seem to really know their stuff and the cocktail list is in a state of constant change, although people come back for expertly made mojitos and caipirinhas. Don't miss out on the food though, if you get a chance - the chorizo in white wine is delicious.

Dovetail - by Niamheen

Niamheen — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:00:33 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7490 7321

Website: http://www.belgianbars.com

Tags: excellent pub food, relaxed, food

This is a great bar with a fantastic range of beers. Tucked away in an alley, I struggled to find it the first few times, but I know how to beat a path there now. I haven't eaten there all that much and not for a long time so I won't comment on the food, but I am due a trip to try it.This is a great bar with a fantastic range of beers. Tucked away in an alley, I struggled to find it the first few times, but I know how to beat a path there now. I haven't eaten there all that much and not for a long time so I won't comment on the food, but I am due a trip to try it.

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 Eagle - More steaks by acrobat

acrobat — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:17:44 +0000

Review by acrobat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 1353

Tags: cosy, food, lively

The eagle is great, an instituion in fact - but you need to get there early before their signature dish - the steak sandwich - is all gone.The eagle is great, an instituion in fact - but you need to get there early before their signature dish - the steak sandwich - is all gone.

The Plumtree - A good value friendly bar/food place by Brodule

Brodule — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:31:50 +0000

Review by Brodule

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7353 8404

Tags: relaxed, independent pub, friendly

An interesting looking bar in a listed building. Has 3 areas and is well suited to parties/functions.
Very friendly staff, above average food and wine, with the winelist being much more interesting than expected and modestly priced.

Free WiFi & were happy to serve a coffee while someone surfed away.An interesting looking bar in a listed building. Has 3 areas and is well suited to parties/functions.
Very friendly staff, above average food and wine, with the winelist being much more interesting than expected and modestly priced.

Free WiFi & were happy to serve a coffee while someone surfed away.

Dion - The All Stars on Wednesday's - fabulous by oogywawa

oogywawa — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:59:58 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7248 8880

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

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

For anyone wanting a seriously good time watching / dancing to the best session band in the business then Wednesday's at Dion is the place to go.

The music is sublime and a great atmosphere ensures that you'll have great fun and go home with a smile on your face. Great location too - at the back of St Pauls.

Good drinks menu and good snacky bites to eat make the evening go along swimmingly...For anyone wanting a seriously good time watching / dancing to the best session band in the business then Wednesday's at Dion is the place to go.

The music is sublime and a great atmosphere ensures that you'll have great fun and go home with a smile on your face. Great location too - at the back of St Pauls.

Good drinks menu and good snacky bites to eat make the evening go along swimmingly...

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.

Clerkenwell House - Clerkenwell House by nyreejones

nyreejones — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:40:41 +0000

Review by nyreejones

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7404 1113

Website: http://www.clerkenwellhouse.com/

Tags: cool, friendly, food

If you like cool interiors then this is the bar for you, it is small but funky beautifully decorated. The upstairs bar is nice for a quiet drink with friends with a DJ playing chilled out music and downstairs is the same but a bit more intimate.

If you like cool interiors then this is the bar for you, it is small but funky beautifully decorated. The upstairs bar is nice for a quiet drink with friends with a DJ playing chilled out music and downstairs is the same but a bit more intimate.

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 ;)

Ye Olde Watling - Lovely olde worlde pubbe in the cittie of Londonee by janie_lou

janie_lou — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:25:18 +0000

Review by janie_lou

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7653 9971

Tags: food, good value, friendly

Sorry, got a bit carried away there! This is a gem of pub on a little cobbled alleyway, the sort which would make you feel like you lived in Dickensian times if it wasn't for all the typical high street food and clothes stores which line this street.

So amongst all these its a nice surprise to find this quaint old pub, with lots of original features including exposed beams which date back to the 17th century (I think, if not they are nonetheless very old indeed). The floors are wonky and the staircases steep and scary. Exactly the sort of character that a building this old should deliver.*

The bar is ideal for people-watching and is usually quite busy. Men who like to drink pints whilst standing up favour this part of the pub. I like the back room, which has mixed level (and mixed comfort) seating, and is much cosier with its soft lighting and candles.

On my first visit was I surprised to notice that this was actually a chain pub - a Nicholson's - as it retains so much charm! The hallmarks of its ownership are only evident really in its uniformed staff, the food menus and those chalk boards with food and drink specials.

This has been my favourite pub for post-work drinks for a good while now but as we've just recently booked this venue for our work christmas party we thought we'd drop by for lunch today to 'officially' check out the food. Work refused to pick up the tab, sadly. The upstairs dining area (also the function room) was open so we ate up there. The waiting staff were friendly and efficient, if perhaps a little too efficient - asking me whether I was ready to order my food and I'd not even had chance to look at a menu! Sausages are meant to be the speciality at this place, so it would've been rude not to order the toad in the hole. It didn't disappoint - an enormous crispy yorkshire pudding was filled to the brim with steaming hot buttery mash, two great big fat meaty sausages, perfectly cooked veggies - all smothered in gravy. Oooh, I could eat it all over again!

I did my usual trick of ignoring my dining companions for a while to nose around at other people's food and everything looked well tasty. All portions were massive, all prices were reasonable, all people looked very happy! Especially that couple sat at the next table who shared a huge slab of gooey looking chocolate cake served with a big dollop of ice-cream. Mmmm.

To sum up the food - its very good value, very tasty, and upstairs at Ye Olde Watling it is served with the efficiency and care you'd get at a restaurant but at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure the service downstairs is pretty decent though.

The pub itself is consistently good, no complaints from me.

* Just had a thought - it does have a disabled toilet and wide doorways so whilst it is quirky and wobbly and olde worlde, it is accessible to all.

Sorry, got a bit carried away there! This is a gem of pub on a little cobbled alleyway, the sort which would make you feel like you lived in Dickensian times if it wasn't for all the typical high street food and clothes stores which line this street.

So amongst all these its a nice surprise to find this quaint old pub, with lots of original features including exposed beams which date back to the 17th century (I think, if not they are nonetheless very old indeed). The floors are wonky and the staircases steep and scary. Exactly the sort of character that a building this old should deliver.*

The bar is ideal for people-watching and is usually quite busy. Men who like to drink pints whilst standing up favour this part of the pub. I like the back room, which has mixed level (and mixed comfort) seating, and is much cosier with its soft lighting and candles.

On my first visit was I surprised to notice that this was actually a chain pub - a Nicholson's - as it retains so much charm! The hallmarks of its ownership are only evident really in its uniformed staff, the food menus and those chalk boards with food and drink specials.

This has been my favourite pub for post-work drinks for a good while now but as we've just recently booked this venue for our work christmas party we thought we'd drop by for lunch today to 'officially' check out the food. Work refused to pick up the tab, sadly. The upstairs dining area (also the function room) was open so we ate up there. The waiting staff were friendly and efficient, if perhaps a little too efficient - asking me whether I was ready to order my food and I'd not even had chance to look at a menu! Sausages are meant to be the speciality at this place, so it would've been rude not to order the toad in the hole. It didn't disappoint - an enormous crispy yorkshire pudding was filled to the brim with steaming hot buttery mash, two great big fat meaty sausages, perfectly cooked veggies - all smothered in gravy. Oooh, I could eat it all over again!

I did my usual trick of ignoring my dining companions for a while to nose around at other people's food and everything looked well tasty. All portions were massive, all prices were reasonable, all people looked very happy! Especially that couple sat at the next table who shared a huge slab of gooey looking chocolate cake served with a big dollop of ice-cream. Mmmm.

To sum up the food - its very good value, very tasty, and upstairs at Ye Olde Watling it is served with the efficiency and care you'd get at a restaurant but at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure the service downstairs is pretty decent though.

The pub itself is consistently good, no complaints from me.

* Just had a thought - it does have a disabled toilet and wide doorways so whilst it is quirky and wobbly and olde worlde, it is accessible to all.

The Old Bank Of England - a popular city pub with good beers by t0m

t0m — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 23:08:36 +0000

Review by t0m

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7430 2255

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

Tags: food, traditional english, real ale

This one comes recommended! An incredible building (which you wouldn't suspect of being a pub from the outside), it is roomy and has a great atmosphere. Some good beers on tap make for an excellent city drinking hole.

But be warned, it's a big hit with city folk and is often rammed at 5pm. This one comes recommended! An incredible building (which you wouldn't suspect of being a pub from the outside), it is roomy and has a great atmosphere. Some good beers on tap make for an excellent city drinking hole.

But be warned, it's a big hit with city folk and is often rammed at 5pm.

King Of Diamonds - My local by AndyGibson

AndyGibson — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:40:47 +0000

Review by AndyGibson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 0999

Tags: pool, excellent pub food, modern pub

I love this pub. There's nowhere else quite like it. Punk legends on the walls, Joy Division on the jukebox, utterly bonkers decor, good beer, friendly prices and furniture that I am *determined* to steal for my flat. What's not to love? Smokers have a nice terrace to chuff away on, while I can have a nice pint and a burger downstairs. Pool in the basement too. Could do with a few less suits though.I love this pub. There's nowhere else quite like it. Punk legends on the walls, Joy Division on the jukebox, utterly bonkers decor, good beer, friendly prices and furniture that I am *determined* to steal for my flat. What's not to love? Smokers have a nice terrace to chuff away on, while I can have a nice pint and a burger downstairs. Pool in the basement too. Could do with a few less suits though.

The Three Kings - by MichalD

MichalD — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 19:27:31 +0000

Review by MichalD

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 0483

Tags: food, dj, jukebox

There's even a The Three Kings Pub appreciation Society Group on Facebook - that should tell you a lot.

I like the upstairs bit, in fact, the whole place is great.There's even a The Three Kings Pub appreciation Society Group on Facebook - that should tell you a lot.

I like the upstairs bit, in fact, the whole place is great.

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.