Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom

De Hems - Chips and Peanut sauce and a touch of mayo! by Dharminder

Dharminder — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:24:10 +0000

Review by Dharminder

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 2494

The place is chilled out (if a bit hot inside on warmer days, oxymoron alert!). If peckish try the chips with lashings of peanut sauce and mayo. Quite a nice way to soak up some of the beers on tap. With the Euro's (2008) going on at the moment, this is usually rammed with dutch fans (from memory of euro 2004)
The place is chilled out (if a bit hot inside on warmer days, oxymoron alert!). If peckish try the chips with lashings of peanut sauce and mayo. Quite a nice way to soak up some of the beers on tap. With the Euro's (2008) going on at the moment, this is usually rammed with dutch fans (from memory of euro 2004)

The Crooked Surgeon - Great place to hang out by fidelis

fidelis — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:12:54 +0000

Review by fidelis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 3335

Tags: comfortable, enjoyable, nice

I won't have a word said against the place :)

Spread over two floors with a typical bar layout downstairs, and sofas and pool tables on the 2nd floor, the Surgeon is roomy and comfortable.

I've run meet-ups here many times and almost always drop in for a quick drink or some very good food when I'm around Leicester Square. One of the things which keep me coming back has to be the wonderful staff.
for instance, are you under one of the speakers and finding the - usually good - music a bit too loud for conversation? They'll turn it down for you, just ask. They're never less than happy to help and - wonder of wonders - come up to you with a genuine smile. A far cry from some of the surly nonsense you can find elsewhere.

I thoroughly enjoy every visit. The prices on food and drink are a little bit high but you do at least get what you pay for (generous helpings!) and its still cheaper than the local alternatives, which is saying something for a bar in that area! :)

Great stuff all round.
I won't have a word said against the place :)

Spread over two floors with a typical bar layout downstairs, and sofas and pool tables on the 2nd floor, the Surgeon is roomy and comfortable.

I've run meet-ups here many times and almost always drop in for a quick drink or some very good food when I'm around Leicester Square. One of the things which keep me coming back has to be the wonderful staff.
for instance, are you under one of the speakers and finding the - usually good - music a bit too loud for conversation? They'll turn it down for you, just ask. They're never less than happy to help and - wonder of wonders - come up to you with a genuine smile. A far cry from some of the surly nonsense you can find elsewhere.

I thoroughly enjoy every visit. The prices on food and drink are a little bit high but you do at least get what you pay for (generous helpings!) and its still cheaper than the local alternatives, which is saying something for a bar in that area! :)

Great stuff all round.

Hamptons Wine Bar - Friendly Wine Bar by sue

sue — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:36:04 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7839 2823

Tags: friendly, wine bar, cool

Hamptons Wine Bar is located a little off the main drag, close to Leicester square. I met up with some friends one night before moving on for dinner.

There were lots of wines on offer, by the glass or bottle, but only one type of beer (beer drinkers be warned!). They also serve some food here, though I didn't sample any.

Service was efficient and very friendly - we tortured our friendly Aussie waitress by asking her to take photos of us girls with 6 different cameras!

Some may find the atmosphere lacking, though the quieter environment was ideal for us ladies on this occasion.

Hamptons Wine Bar is located a little off the main drag, close to Leicester square. I met up with some friends one night before moving on for dinner.

There were lots of wines on offer, by the glass or bottle, but only one type of beer (beer drinkers be warned!). They also serve some food here, though I didn't sample any.

Service was efficient and very friendly - we tortured our friendly Aussie waitress by asking her to take photos of us girls with 6 different cameras!

Some may find the atmosphere lacking, though the quieter environment was ideal for us ladies on this occasion.

The Round Table - Dreadful! by Commuter

Commuter — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:39:27 +0000

Review by Commuter

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 6436

Tags: comedy night

A truly dreadful pub - AVOID AVOID AVOID! I visited the Round Table last night with friends. I was totally ignored by the barmaid who continuously served people arriving to the bar after me, when I spoke to her about this she simply smiled and carried on serving other people. I asked to speak to the manager, but he could not be bothered to come and speak to me as he was more interested in rolling cigarettes. Instead he tried to conduct a conversation with me from about 6 feet away. I told him that the barmaid was only serving her friends in preference to anyone else, his reply was that "they are not friends they are regulars" - as though that makes it any better! I told him it was a disgrace and that I had been waiting to be served over 15 minutes - his response, he called me a liar and closed the door of his office on me. This is a truly dreadful pub - it is quite clear that they do not care about providing a decent service because its the sort of pub that will always be busy because of its location. There's plenty of nice pubs in this area, don't waste your time or money with this one.A truly dreadful pub - AVOID AVOID AVOID! I visited the Round Table last night with friends. I was totally ignored by the barmaid who continuously served people arriving to the bar after me, when I spoke to her about this she simply smiled and carried on serving other people. I asked to speak to the manager, but he could not be bothered to come and speak to me as he was more interested in rolling cigarettes. Instead he tried to conduct a conversation with me from about 6 feet away. I told him that the barmaid was only serving her friends in preference to anyone else, his reply was that "they are not friends they are regulars" - as though that makes it any better! I told him it was a disgrace and that I had been waiting to be served over 15 minutes - his response, he called me a liar and closed the door of his office on me. This is a truly dreadful pub - it is quite clear that they do not care about providing a decent service because its the sort of pub that will always be busy because of its location. There's plenty of nice pubs in this area, don't waste your time or money with this one.

Fudge - Very Good by blondchick

blondchick — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:43:47 +0000

Review by blondchick

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7321 0388

Tags: food, cocktails

I found this bar to be very good. A wide range of cocktails were available and happy hour lasts until 8pm which went down well!

It is only small but creates a cosy atmosphere with candles lit on the tables.

I enjoyed it very much hereI found this bar to be very good. A wide range of cocktails were available and happy hour lasts until 8pm which went down well!

It is only small but creates a cosy atmosphere with candles lit on the tables.

I enjoyed it very much here

Zoo Bar - Oh dear... by ToodlePip

ToodlePip — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:47:11 +0000

Review by ToodlePip

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7839 4188

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

I first went here years ago when they just opened, and it was smokey, dingy, molten wax everywhere and a cocktail list as long as my arm.

Went in last night and it's a sh*thole.

The lovely cast iron furniture is gone, replaced by cheap wooden pub stools. Looks liek someone went to a pub closing down sale and snags the rubbish.

The wax is all gone, replaced by three (why??) plasma screens of varying size, all playing different channels, but with the sound on. To top off that cacophony, you then have cheesy r&b playing over the PA.

Drinks are limited to standard 4 p*ss beers on tap and more p*ss beers in bottles.

Clientele consists of sweaty labourers on the pull and underage kids. Terrible.

As for the club, didn;t go but in the past it's just a meat market dive. I doubt that's changed for the better.I first went here years ago when they just opened, and it was smokey, dingy, molten wax everywhere and a cocktail list as long as my arm.

Went in last night and it's a sh*thole.

The lovely cast iron furniture is gone, replaced by cheap wooden pub stools. Looks liek someone went to a pub closing down sale and snags the rubbish.

The wax is all gone, replaced by three (why??) plasma screens of varying size, all playing different channels, but with the sound on. To top off that cacophony, you then have cheesy r&b playing over the PA.

Drinks are limited to standard 4 p*ss beers on tap and more p*ss beers in bottles.

Clientele consists of sweaty labourers on the pull and underage kids. Terrible.

As for the club, didn;t go but in the past it's just a meat market dive. I doubt that's changed for the better.

Lab Bar - no so hidden gem by lattebird

lattebird — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:19:23 +0000

Review by lattebird

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 7820

Website: http://www.lab-townhouse.com/

Tags: cool & smart, cool, friendly

I've been going there for years and am yet to be let down. Sit at the bar, and describe the things you like to the bar crew and they will make you up a bespoke taste sensation. I knew that they were beyond great when I got a alco-free delight when I was on the wagon - anyone that can make pop taste that good has to be a geniusI've been going there for years and am yet to be let down. Sit at the bar, and describe the things you like to the bar crew and they will make you up a bespoke taste sensation. I knew that they were beyond great when I got a alco-free delight when I was on the wagon - anyone that can make pop taste that good has to be a genius

Walkabout Inn - students by rharvey

rharvey — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 22:30:33 +0000

Review by rharvey

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7255 8620

Website: http://www.walkaboutinns.com

Tags: food, young and fun, students

good for students on a wednesday night, worth getting a membership card for Â£5 that then allows u free entry and Â£1.50 drinks
can get very busy, so queues at the bars.
a good cheap student night!good for students on a wednesday night, worth getting a membership card for Â£5 that then allows u free entry and Â£1.50 drinks
can get very busy, so queues at the bars.
a good cheap student night!

12 Bar Club - Worse night out... by melinda

melinda — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:04:58 +0000

Review by melinda

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7916 6989

Website: http://www.12barclub.com

Tags: live music, food, music

A mate of mine was playing at this venue a few days ago so me and some friends went down to show our support. When we got there I was shocked by the standard of the venue, its in very poor condition, the stage is very small and if the band is standing up and playing the audience canâ¬"t see half of their body, which is a bit of a akward experience.
The toilettes are by far the worst Iâ¬"ve ever seen in my life â¬ but still the worst thing probably was when we had to see the corps bride look-a-like of the venue owner who completely screwed over my mates band on their agreed fee for the performance.
I will most certainly not be visiting 12 bar againâ¬¦ i am only giving them one start because you must rate the place in order to publish...if i had to choose they would get NO starts whatsoever....
A mate of mine was playing at this venue a few days ago so me and some friends went down to show our support. When we got there I was shocked by the standard of the venue, its in very poor condition, the stage is very small and if the band is standing up and playing the audience canâ¬"t see half of their body, which is a bit of a akward experience.
The toilettes are by far the worst Iâ¬"ve ever seen in my life â¬ but still the worst thing probably was when we had to see the corps bride look-a-like of the venue owner who completely screwed over my mates band on their agreed fee for the performance.
I will most certainly not be visiting 12 bar againâ¬¦ i am only giving them one start because you must rate the place in order to publish...if i had to choose they would get NO starts whatsoever....

Dial Bar & Restaurant - Great restaurant in Theatre-land by belinda

belinda — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:17:25 +0000

Review by belinda

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 4300

Website: http://www.radisson.com

Tags: cocktails, cosy, cool

We had dinner here before a show and it was a last minute, "just across the road from the theatre" choice. we were greatly impressed. Fantastic food, great service, nice wine list and cocktails. Highly recommended.We had dinner here before a show and it was a last minute, "just across the road from the theatre" choice. we were greatly impressed. Fantastic food, great service, nice wine list and cocktails. Highly recommended.

The Chandos - by lenalouise

lenalouise — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:38:59 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7836 1401

Tags: food, traditional, pub

Great little place to go for cheap pints in central. Generally very crowded after 5pm though.Great little place to go for cheap pints in central. Generally very crowded after 5pm though.

Le Beaujolais - The oldest French wine bar in London by andreams

andreams — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:30:03 +0000

Review by andreams

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 2955

Tags: french, relaxed, food

Squeeze into this tiny bar just off the Charing Cross Road and suddenly you're in a local bar somewhere in France... from the music to the signing in board for regulars, this place oozes atmosphere and Gallic charm. The menu and wine list are everything you'd expect from a French wine bar, but its the ambience that is the real draw here.Squeeze into this tiny bar just off the Charing Cross Road and suddenly you're in a local bar somewhere in France... from the music to the signing in board for regulars, this place oozes atmosphere and Gallic charm. The menu and wine list are everything you'd expect from a French wine bar, but its the ambience that is the real draw here.

Doon - Doon - Downstairs at Albannach by sue

sue — Sat, 12 May 2007 17:17:08 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7389 9808

Website: http://doonstairs.co.uk/

Tags: cool, sexy, friendly

Doon is a 'late night cocktail lounge' located in the basement of the Albannach restaurant, just across the road from Trafalgar Square. I went there one night to celebrate a friends Hens night - that special girlie event to celebrate/commiserate the impending nuptials of a friend.

We met up straight from work and the place was empty for a couple of hours, apart from us group of girlies sitting in one of cool 'vaults' sipping our wine and torturing the bride-to-be with all sorts of personal questions.

The vaults are a cool feature - small booths set in the walls which are perfect for small groups or romantic interludes. Service throughout the evening was pretty good, with one friendly waiter dealing with us lovely ladies.

We indulged in a series of their 'bar bites' as well - needed something to try and soak up some of that vino. The selection included Crab risotto balls, Venison sausages, Tempura king prawns, and good old potato wedges.

I liked the feel and look of Doon and will definitely drag hubby here one evening for cocktails and conversation in our private vault.
Doon is a 'late night cocktail lounge' located in the basement of the Albannach restaurant, just across the road from Trafalgar Square. I went there one night to celebrate a friends Hens night - that special girlie event to celebrate/commiserate the impending nuptials of a friend.

We met up straight from work and the place was empty for a couple of hours, apart from us group of girlies sitting in one of cool 'vaults' sipping our wine and torturing the bride-to-be with all sorts of personal questions.

The vaults are a cool feature - small booths set in the walls which are perfect for small groups or romantic interludes. Service throughout the evening was pretty good, with one friendly waiter dealing with us lovely ladies.

We indulged in a series of their 'bar bites' as well - needed something to try and soak up some of that vino. The selection included Crab risotto balls, Venison sausages, Tempura king prawns, and good old potato wedges.

I liked the feel and look of Doon and will definitely drag hubby here one evening for cocktails and conversation in our private vault.

Bunker Bierhall - Chilled basement bar by simonj

simonj — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:24:50 +0000

Review by simonj

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7240 0606

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

A friendly, sometimes lively, but not overly crowded or noisy basement bar located a few minutes from Covent Garden.

As well as having a reasonable pub-style menu, they serve beers made in their own microbrewery, which you can see behind glass at one end of the hall!

I've visited a few times and found it to be clean, with staff friendly and efficient. Much of the seating area consists of long wooden benches, which I'd imagine are well-suited to medium-sized groups.A friendly, sometimes lively, but not overly crowded or noisy basement bar located a few minutes from Covent Garden.

As well as having a reasonable pub-style menu, they serve beers made in their own microbrewery, which you can see behind glass at one end of the hall!

I've visited a few times and found it to be clean, with staff friendly and efficient. Much of the seating area consists of long wooden benches, which I'd imagine are well-suited to medium-sized groups.

The Exchange Bar (formerly brb at Soho) - nice place to start out in the westend by Dharminder

Dharminder — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:03:27 +0000

Review by Dharminder

Rating: 3.00

Tags: comfy, chinatown, soho

This place its inoffensive and has a nice atmosphere and its in a good location with a good selection of drinks. Its got some nice areas where you can sit down and enjoy a few drinks with friends, and the pizza's there are quite good.
This place its inoffensive and has a nice atmosphere and its in a good location with a good selection of drinks. Its got some nice areas where you can sit down and enjoy a few drinks with friends, and the pizza's there are quite good.

Polar Bear - Polar Bear in Central London by cubicgarden

cubicgarden — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:45:52 +0000

Review by cubicgarden

Rating: 4.00

Tags: bar, private room, cellar

Nice place in Central London for a quiet drink or to throw a party during the weekNice place in Central London for a quiet drink or to throw a party during the week