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

The Gunmakers - Good friendly local by oogywawa

oogywawa — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:42:35 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 1022

Situated just off the Clerkenwell Rd, The Gunmakers is a welcoming relaxed local with a mixed clientele. The staff are friendly and the landlord engaging.

A good selection of beers on tap, although the much vaunted Tim Taylor's Landlord though probably one of the best kept in London was light years away from the drop you'll get in Keighley and surrounding areas. It hinted at that complex hoppy greatness but was definitely not the finished article by some way. When a beer is that iconic it has to be perfect and to be honest I haven't found a pint of this down South that does it justice. Not the Landlord's fault, he makes the best of what is delivered - it just doesn't travel. Problem is that the media hype over Landlord means that Londoner's drink gallons of the stuff having never drunk a true Northern pint of Landlord but like it anyway.

My advice - get yourself up to the Boltmakers Arms in Keighley and taste something tectonically better in its home surroundings.Situated just off the Clerkenwell Rd, The Gunmakers is a welcoming relaxed local with a mixed clientele. The staff are friendly and the landlord engaging.

A good selection of beers on tap, although the much vaunted Tim Taylor's Landlord though probably one of the best kept in London was light years away from the drop you'll get in Keighley and surrounding areas. It hinted at that complex hoppy greatness but was definitely not the finished article by some way. When a beer is that iconic it has to be perfect and to be honest I haven't found a pint of this down South that does it justice. Not the Landlord's fault, he makes the best of what is delivered - it just doesn't travel. Problem is that the media hype over Landlord means that Londoner's drink gallons of the stuff having never drunk a true Northern pint of Landlord but like it anyway.

My advice - get yourself up to the Boltmakers Arms in Keighley and taste something tectonically better in its home surroundings.

Old Red Lion Theatre - A proper pub by vich

vich — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:24:58 +0000

Review by vich

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7837 7816

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

This is a dangerous pub....but dangerous in the best possible way. It is practically impossible to stay for only one drink as the eclectic mix of people and excellent atmosphere will keep you there much longer than intended - especially at the weekend when they are open til 1am.
The staff are friendly, efficient and knowledgable and the music is always good.
Occasional DJ nights and events in the pub and an award winning fringe theatre venue upstairs means there is always a different mix of people to entertain you.
There is also an excellent range of lagers and ales along with ciders and wines - you are spoilt for choice really.

And no review of the Old Red is complete without mentioning the best pub dog ever - Rolo the boxer, who features prominently on the pub sign.This is a dangerous pub....but dangerous in the best possible way. It is practically impossible to stay for only one drink as the eclectic mix of people and excellent atmosphere will keep you there much longer than intended - especially at the weekend when they are open til 1am.
The staff are friendly, efficient and knowledgable and the music is always good.
Occasional DJ nights and events in the pub and an award winning fringe theatre venue upstairs means there is always a different mix of people to entertain you.
There is also an excellent range of lagers and ales along with ciders and wines - you are spoilt for choice really.

And no review of the Old Red is complete without mentioning the best pub dog ever - Rolo the boxer, who features prominently on the pub sign.

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

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

Review by up_shiraz

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7336 7726

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

Tags: gastro pub, jazz, young professionals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cocomo - Not my kind of place by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:52:42 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7613 0315

Tags: cosy, food, relaxed

I'd be lying if I said it was a good bar.

The cocktails aren't very good and way too expensive for what they are. I actually like bars that don't hide the fact that they're not offering luxury and are a bit un-kept. But this place is just grimy, in a bad way. Plus the staff are rude!

I'd be lying if I said it was a good bar.

The cocktails aren't very good and way too expensive for what they are. I actually like bars that don't hide the fact that they're not offering luxury and are a bit un-kept. But this place is just grimy, in a bad way. Plus the staff are rude!

The Nelson's Retreat - Grubby and dated by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:47:05 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7684 7420

Tags: food, international, pool

I really dislike pubs that thinhk traditional means dirty and unkept.

The landlady behind the bar seems to be unhelpful just to wind you up and the selection of beers and spirits is limited.

For goodness sake get with the times.

I really dislike pubs that thinhk traditional means dirty and unkept.

The landlady behind the bar seems to be unhelpful just to wind you up and the selection of beers and spirits is limited.

For goodness sake get with the times.

Slaughtered Lamb - A solid choice by ben1982

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

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7253 1516

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

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

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

The Three Kings - Archetypal boozer by ben1982

ben1982 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:14:11 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 0483

Tags: food, dj, jukebox

This pub just feels great; a little bit dark and dingy (in the best possible way), a healthy post-work bustle and a slight creative twist, particularly the upstairs rooms with its Fifties decor, which mirrors the Clerkenwell clientele...when it gets dark the candles come out and the food has a pub-grub quality lacking in many similar places. A place to return to again and again.This pub just feels great; a little bit dark and dingy (in the best possible way), a healthy post-work bustle and a slight creative twist, particularly the upstairs rooms with its Fifties decor, which mirrors the Clerkenwell clientele...when it gets dark the candles come out and the food has a pub-grub quality lacking in many similar places. A place to return to again and again.

Bar Aquarium - this bar has it all by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:48:22 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7253 3558

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

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

This is great for food ,drink ,sports ,atmosphere and excelent place to go before a night out what more can you need from a bar.
It is centrally located to old street/the city so easy to get to and home from ,it ajoins the club (aquarium which has apool).
upstairs is great to chill in and whatch the sports on the screens or have a game of pool,it also does food and has a balcony /beer garden.
downstairs they have a dj on fri/sat nights and a great time is had by all.This is great for food ,drink ,sports ,atmosphere and excelent place to go before a night out what more can you need from a bar.
It is centrally located to old street/the city so easy to get to and home from ,it ajoins the club (aquarium which has apool).
upstairs is great to chill in and whatch the sports on the screens or have a game of pool,it also does food and has a balcony /beer garden.
downstairs they have a dj on fri/sat nights and a great time is had by all.

The Litten Tree - great for the footy by glenburg1

glenburg1 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:15:09 +0000

Review by glenburg1

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7336 8310

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

Tags: food, dj, friendly

This is a great place to watch the footy,or any sport realy ,(loads of big screens)although realy this is a great alround pub.
FRi and Sat nights they have a dj and its full of young kids,in the week its maily city bods.
This pub also does great food and is wonderfull for a chilled lunch on a weekend(before the sport comes on)Loads of choice and nice atmospherThis is a great place to watch the footy,or any sport realy ,(loads of big screens)although realy this is a great alround pub.
FRi and Sat nights they have a dj and its full of young kids,in the week its maily city bods.
This pub also does great food and is wonderfull for a chilled lunch on a weekend(before the sport comes on)Loads of choice and nice atmospher

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.

Red Room@Cicada - Excellent by nickvangelis

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

Review by nickvangelis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7608 1550

Website: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com

Tags: cool, friendly, posh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Union Tavern - Gastro Pub by walid

walid — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:43:27 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 0111

Tags: food, bruschetta, good value

I'm wondering whether or not the Union Tavern is to be considered as a Gastro Pub or just a pub? I would lean more towards the gastro side for the following reasons. It has a lot of tables with bottles of wine for being just a simple pub. But it's the food that makes it different.

The food has an international slant to it, for example my starter dish was a kind of bruschetta with some chorizo, halloumi, rocket salad and tomatoes (picture). I was very happily surprised both by the quality ingredients used this starter dish but also how well they all mixed. Feeling very happy to the beginning of this experience I looked forward to my lamb steak with fries. As you can see by the picture the large lamb steak does look quite appetizing. Whilst it was pretty well cooked and the fries where tasty and crispy it wasn't enough to set it apart as being very good.

For dessert I had a creme bruler that wasn't quite what I'm used to (I'm French) but wasn't bad. The Union Tavern has a lunch menu for Â£6.95 which includes a starter and a main dish. At that price it's a real bargain even if I had to add an extra Â£4 for the lamb steak. Will be coming back againI'm wondering whether or not the Union Tavern is to be considered as a Gastro Pub or just a pub? I would lean more towards the gastro side for the following reasons. It has a lot of tables with bottles of wine for being just a simple pub. But it's the food that makes it different.

The food has an international slant to it, for example my starter dish was a kind of bruschetta with some chorizo, halloumi, rocket salad and tomatoes (picture). I was very happily surprised both by the quality ingredients used this starter dish but also how well they all mixed. Feeling very happy to the beginning of this experience I looked forward to my lamb steak with fries. As you can see by the picture the large lamb steak does look quite appetizing. Whilst it was pretty well cooked and the fries where tasty and crispy it wasn't enough to set it apart as being very good.

For dessert I had a creme bruler that wasn't quite what I'm used to (I'm French) but wasn't bad. The Union Tavern has a lunch menu for Â£6.95 which includes a starter and a main dish. At that price it's a real bargain even if I had to add an extra Â£4 for the lamb steak. Will be coming back again

Bavarian Beerhouse - Basic, but entertainingly so by ChrisHarrison

ChrisHarrison — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:04:00 +0000

Review by ChrisHarrison

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7608 0925

Website: http://www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, food, lively

The beer's pretty good, the food is exactly what you want if you're going to be sinking the steins, the waitresses might well be authentically attired, but they'll appeal to the likely male clientele.

It's a fun place, not in the least bit cool and not somewhere for a quite romantic night out, but if you're 16 blokes on bit of a mission (they'll have mostly German sports on the big screens, but they'll turn it over for you if you ask nicely) then this is the perfect option. The beer's pretty good, the food is exactly what you want if you're going to be sinking the steins, the waitresses might well be authentically attired, but they'll appeal to the likely male clientele.

It's a fun place, not in the least bit cool and not somewhere for a quite romantic night out, but if you're 16 blokes on bit of a mission (they'll have mostly German sports on the big screens, but they'll turn it over for you if you ask nicely) then this is the perfect option.

Old China Hand - by gilka

gilka — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:36:58 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 7678

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

Tags: food, chinese, real ale

Credit to my friend Dimitra who told me about it!
Bar which serves dim sum is a genius idea! I was there about 3 month ago.
The dim sum were good- you can obviously find better one in places like royal china and dimT but considering that this is a pub, you are very lucky to have this food around... The atmosphere is a bit strict maybe it is the black tables and chairs. There were many people smoking and that was quite disturbing- I am sure the smoking ban did this place a favour. Staff were great in the bar! Go upstairs to see where the magic happens.Credit to my friend Dimitra who told me about it!
Bar which serves dim sum is a genius idea! I was there about 3 month ago.
The dim sum were good- you can obviously find better one in places like royal china and dimT but considering that this is a pub, you are very lucky to have this food around... The atmosphere is a bit strict maybe it is the black tables and chairs. There were many people smoking and that was quite disturbing- I am sure the smoking ban did this place a favour. Staff were great in the bar! Go upstairs to see where the magic happens.

Exmouth Arms - by qwghlm

qwghlm — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:23:59 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7837 5622

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

Tags: food, traditional

Reasonable pub - good selection of lagers and wheat beers but nothing stand-out about the place. Perfectly fine for stopping off for a quick drink in, though.Reasonable pub - good selection of lagers and wheat beers but nothing stand-out about the place. Perfectly fine for stopping off for a quick drink in, though.

The Crown Tavern - by girlswear

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

Review by girlswear

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7253 4973

Tags: cosy, sofas, food

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

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

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

Filthy Macnasty's - Irish Pub by HellsBells

HellsBells — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:36:59 +0000

Review by HellsBells

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7837 6067

Tags: food, crowded, thai

Irish pubs are normally more spit and sawdust than rock 'n' roll which is why Filthy McNasty's is such a godsend. Filthy McNasty's is an Irish boozer with attitude and all the better for it, in my opinion.Irish pubs are normally more spit and sawdust than rock 'n' roll which is why Filthy McNasty's is such a godsend. Filthy McNasty's is an Irish boozer with attitude and all the better for it, in my opinion.