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

79 CXR - 79 CRAP XTREME RUN by Simplybelieve

Simplybelieve — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:01:40 +0000

Review by Simplybelieve

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 0769

Website: http://www.79cxr.co.uk

Dont let appearances fool you. This looks like a nice bar - wrong. It used to be but now it is frequented by more elderly gay men and young guys looking for a sugar daddy. The toilets are full of people cruising for sex and are not too clean. Everynow and again the boiuncer appears and throws people out. On a plus side good juke box and in the summer it's nice to sit outside - but that's rare. My advice - A-V-O-I-DDont let appearances fool you. This looks like a nice bar - wrong. It used to be but now it is frequented by more elderly gay men and young guys looking for a sugar daddy. The toilets are full of people cruising for sex and are not too clean. Everynow and again the boiuncer appears and throws people out. On a plus side good juke box and in the summer it's nice to sit outside - but that's rare. My advice - A-V-O-I-D

Detroit - Chez Wilma's by Navajo_Pete

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

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7240 2662

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

Tags: live music, food, cool

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

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

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

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

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

Boheme Kitchen & Bar - Huge mussels by emmanx

emmanx — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:22:21 +0000

Review by emmanx

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 5656

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

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

This place certainly stands out from the Old Compton campness and brings a much-needed relaxed sophistication to the area. I popped in last Sunday with a friend to have the infamous 'one last drink' before we headed home and to our surprise, a DJ was pumping some nice house tunes (and not the cheesy big vocal church house) and the crowd was jamming.

People were smiling, grooving in their chairs but not making an ass of themselves which is rare as we all know in London it's either one or the other.

I decided to pay a visit again last night with my flatmate after we left the bar and had a case of the booze munchies. The kitchen was open well past 11 on a Tuesday night, a weeknight rarity indeed, and everything was impeccable. Apart from stunning, our waitor was very friendly and quick and our food was just as great. We shared steamed mussels in a creamy white wine sauce which were served in a cast-iron dutch oven and were literally the size of my fist.

The recommended Voigner was just as great and so were our side dishes, hand-cut chips included. Bill came to just over Â£30 so bargain all around! Will definately go back and probably slip the waitor my number this time.This place certainly stands out from the Old Compton campness and brings a much-needed relaxed sophistication to the area. I popped in last Sunday with a friend to have the infamous 'one last drink' before we headed home and to our surprise, a DJ was pumping some nice house tunes (and not the cheesy big vocal church house) and the crowd was jamming.

People were smiling, grooving in their chairs but not making an ass of themselves which is rare as we all know in London it's either one or the other.

I decided to pay a visit again last night with my flatmate after we left the bar and had a case of the booze munchies. The kitchen was open well past 11 on a Tuesday night, a weeknight rarity indeed, and everything was impeccable. Apart from stunning, our waitor was very friendly and quick and our food was just as great. We shared steamed mussels in a creamy white wine sauce which were served in a cast-iron dutch oven and were literally the size of my fist.

The recommended Voigner was just as great and so were our side dishes, hand-cut chips included. Bill came to just over Â£30 so bargain all around! Will definately go back and probably slip the waitor my number this time.

Lab Bar - Lab's had its day by thamshere

thamshere — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:18:13 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7437 7820

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

Tags: cool, friendly, trendy

Popped in here on Thursday night with a friend from out of town on the basis of the previous reviews here and was very underwhelmed. The place is in need of a radical refurbishment. It looks old, tatty and dirty. I was asked to take my tie off, which annoyed me as it was part of my outfit. It's not like I was wearing a business suit. This gave me the impression that I was rather over-dressed for the place, which certainly appeared to be the case. It's not a place that anyone should ever bother dressing up for.

The cocktail menu is large and in the dim light almost unreadable. I found a pomegranate martini which seemed acceptable but proved rather dull with very little depth after the first sip. A couple of ladies at the bar ordered a shot each only to find it was some sort of flaming thing. Both of them looked quite disgusted before, during and after drinking it.

The music was overly loud given the small number of people in the bar, making conversation difficult.

If this bar was ever hip and fashionable it certainly isn't now. It's got no style, no elan, no... well, no anything much.

All in all, Lab is a bit of a mess.Popped in here on Thursday night with a friend from out of town on the basis of the previous reviews here and was very underwhelmed. The place is in need of a radical refurbishment. It looks old, tatty and dirty. I was asked to take my tie off, which annoyed me as it was part of my outfit. It's not like I was wearing a business suit. This gave me the impression that I was rather over-dressed for the place, which certainly appeared to be the case. It's not a place that anyone should ever bother dressing up for.

The cocktail menu is large and in the dim light almost unreadable. I found a pomegranate martini which seemed acceptable but proved rather dull with very little depth after the first sip. A couple of ladies at the bar ordered a shot each only to find it was some sort of flaming thing. Both of them looked quite disgusted before, during and after drinking it.

The music was overly loud given the small number of people in the bar, making conversation difficult.

If this bar was ever hip and fashionable it certainly isn't now. It's got no style, no elan, no... well, no anything much.

All in all, Lab is a bit of a mess.

The Montagu Pyke - good food and cheap beers modern pub by volcom883

volcom883 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:17:01 +0000

Review by volcom883

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 6039

Tags: food, real ale, friendly

this is a very modern looking british pub owned by jd wetherspoons. its got 2 entrences. one is from greek street and the other from charing cross.

they serve a lot of types of beers. even some foreign ones. My favorites are the polish ones

prices of pints start from 2.20 only

the best thing about this place is their food prices.

anytime deal: hamburger, chips and beer Â£4.99!

thursday day: indian, thai food + beer Â£6.99!

their toilets are huge and always clean.

they also got a huge projector screen for football events. though you better book your place in advance for guaranteed places.
this is a very modern looking british pub owned by jd wetherspoons. its got 2 entrences. one is from greek street and the other from charing cross.

they serve a lot of types of beers. even some foreign ones. My favorites are the polish ones

prices of pints start from 2.20 only

the best thing about this place is their food prices.

anytime deal: hamburger, chips and beer Â£4.99!

thursday day: indian, thai food + beer Â£6.99!

their toilets are huge and always clean.

they also got a huge projector screen for football events. though you better book your place in advance for guaranteed places.

The Brewmaster - I like it by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:13:31 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 1038

Website: http://www.whitbread.com

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

If you are in leicester square, its very difficult to find a pub where you don't grow old waiting at the bar. Brewmasters is a traditional english pub that is serves good food and beer and even though, its centrally located never seems to be very crowded. There are few chairs outside where you can sit and relax with your drink. You do get occasional Big Issue sellers if you sit outside.

The service at the bar is very good. The food served is traditional english fare and good. A good pub to start your evening with and enjoy a pint in a traditional environment.If you are in leicester square, its very difficult to find a pub where you don't grow old waiting at the bar. Brewmasters is a traditional english pub that is serves good food and beer and even though, its centrally located never seems to be very crowded. There are few chairs outside where you can sit and relax with your drink. You do get occasional Big Issue sellers if you sit outside.

The service at the bar is very good. The food served is traditional english fare and good. A good pub to start your evening with and enjoy a pint in a traditional environment.

All Bar One - Central but Crowded by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:13:57 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7747 9921

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: relaxed, european, food

Crowded but what can you expect for a bar right in Leicester square. There is plenty of seating area spread over 3 levels and there is a area outside as well. But still, the bar is very crowded and it takes forever to get a drink from the bar.
Overall its a nice place for its location and if you arrive early. On offer is a standard all bar one menu and drinks selection, so you won't be disappointed. I prefer sitting outside if the weather permits as inside it can get very noisy. Another advantage is that you can get table service outside, so no standing forever at the bar.Crowded but what can you expect for a bar right in Leicester square. There is plenty of seating area spread over 3 levels and there is a area outside as well. But still, the bar is very crowded and it takes forever to get a drink from the bar.
Overall its a nice place for its location and if you arrive early. On offer is a standard all bar one menu and drinks selection, so you won't be disappointed. I prefer sitting outside if the weather permits as inside it can get very noisy. Another advantage is that you can get table service outside, so no standing forever at the bar.

Bear & Staff - Excellent by me123

me123 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:38:43 +0000

Review by me123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7930 5260

Tags: cool, friendly, food

I have visted this traditional english pub a few times and it is great. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is lovely. There is a really cosy atmosphere in this pub. It is lovely to sit outside on a sunny summer day (rare in London!)There is a normal nice bar area downstairs and a eating area upstairs where i have not been to yet. There is a lovely clean dark woodpolished floor which really makes the pub nice. The pub does a range of food including speacials, serving traditional English food. Visit if you really like good food.I have visted this traditional english pub a few times and it is great. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is lovely. There is a really cosy atmosphere in this pub. It is lovely to sit outside on a sunny summer day (rare in London!)There is a normal nice bar area downstairs and a eating area upstairs where i have not been to yet. There is a lovely clean dark woodpolished floor which really makes the pub nice. The pub does a range of food including speacials, serving traditional English food. Visit if you really like good food.

Zoo Bar - chavtastic by shopaholcleo

shopaholcleo — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:44:28 +0000

Review by shopaholcleo

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7839 4188

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

Tags: friendly, sexy, trendy

Urgh, this place was sweaty and horrible. I regret coming here after being harassed by some guy on leicester square trying to fill the place up. I came on a student night, and it was full of people who were definitely not students. Felt like a piece of meat, there was no room to move on the dancefloor and didn't feel comfortable anywhere at all. The music was passable R&B and cheese, but it was too stifling to enjoy. I didn't really take in much of the surroundings, but from what I remember they were nothing special. Didn't have a drink, as i wanted to leave asap.Urgh, this place was sweaty and horrible. I regret coming here after being harassed by some guy on leicester square trying to fill the place up. I came on a student night, and it was full of people who were definitely not students. Felt like a piece of meat, there was no room to move on the dancefloor and didn't feel comfortable anywhere at all. The music was passable R&B and cheese, but it was too stifling to enjoy. I didn't really take in much of the surroundings, but from what I remember they were nothing special. Didn't have a drink, as i wanted to leave asap.

Yates's Wine Lodge - Great pre club bar by Rhydster

Rhydster — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:17:38 +0000

Review by Rhydster

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7839 7967

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

Tags: food, cocktails, friendly

Yatesâ¬" Leicester Square is very popular as the after work venue earlier on and gradually filters out into a pre club crowd approaching midnight. The bar service is as quick as can be expected with such numbers, there are two bars and drinks are not expensive. There are plenty of seating areas to eat or relax with your drink and if youÂ´re planning to dance later on, entry before 9pm is free. The dance floor isnÂ´t huge but the urban music selection is usually current and thereÂ´s a good atmosphere.

Bags are free at the clock room. They also serve decent bar food at good value, but go early to avoid too much noise.Yatesâ¬" Leicester Square is very popular as the after work venue earlier on and gradually filters out into a pre club crowd approaching midnight. The bar service is as quick as can be expected with such numbers, there are two bars and drinks are not expensive. There are plenty of seating areas to eat or relax with your drink and if youÂ´re planning to dance later on, entry before 9pm is free. The dance floor isnÂ´t huge but the urban music selection is usually current and thereÂ´s a good atmosphere.

Bags are free at the clock room. They also serve decent bar food at good value, but go early to avoid too much noise.

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

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

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 4.00

Website: http://www.stmartinslane.com

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light Bar - Visually enlightening by Lacrimosa

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

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7300 5599

Website: http://www.stmartinslane.com

Tags: cool, relaxed, posh

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

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

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

The Chandos - You could do a lot worse... by rich42uk

rich42uk — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:05:49 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 1401

Tags: relaxed, pub, food

...than if you're in the centre of London and struggling for a half-decent place for a cheeky pint than to go here! Whilst there are many places locally that could beat it in terms of a straight comparison, The Chandos is still worth it for a couple of reasons...

Firstly, it's dead easy to find being on the NE corner of Trafalgar Square opposite Charing Cross Post Office & just along from the Coliseum so if you're meeting mates it's a good central point to start from. Secondly, the Opera Room upstairs (provided you get there early) is very comfy with large sofas and cosy snugs. Above all though (and in sharp relief to the nearby drinking barns in Leicester Square), The Chandos is a Sam Smith pub which means there's always something interesting to drink and because it's brewed and sold by the same firm, there's no mark-up and so becomes pretty much the only place in WC2 where a round for three people can come in for under a fiver... With that in mind, there are no "brands" behind the bar so those seeking a pint of Stella will be disappointed (is that such a bad thing?).

The only downside is that, being in such a central location, it gets busier than Mumbai Central at rush-hour and can be frustrating to navigate. The staff are the usual central London mix of gap-yearers on minimum wage and don't care about good service and the proliferation of tourists and their lack of basic pub etiquette may drive some to distraction. For all that though, there's a lot more right than there is wrong!...than if you're in the centre of London and struggling for a half-decent place for a cheeky pint than to go here! Whilst there are many places locally that could beat it in terms of a straight comparison, The Chandos is still worth it for a couple of reasons...

Firstly, it's dead easy to find being on the NE corner of Trafalgar Square opposite Charing Cross Post Office & just along from the Coliseum so if you're meeting mates it's a good central point to start from. Secondly, the Opera Room upstairs (provided you get there early) is very comfy with large sofas and cosy snugs. Above all though (and in sharp relief to the nearby drinking barns in Leicester Square), The Chandos is a Sam Smith pub which means there's always something interesting to drink and because it's brewed and sold by the same firm, there's no mark-up and so becomes pretty much the only place in WC2 where a round for three people can come in for under a fiver... With that in mind, there are no "brands" behind the bar so those seeking a pint of Stella will be disappointed (is that such a bad thing?).

The only downside is that, being in such a central location, it gets busier than Mumbai Central at rush-hour and can be frustrating to navigate. The staff are the usual central London mix of gap-yearers on minimum wage and don't care about good service and the proliferation of tourists and their lack of basic pub etiquette may drive some to distraction. For all that though, there's a lot more right than there is wrong!

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.

Dog & Duck - Cozy and cramped by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:04:57 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7494 0697

Tags: relaxed, young and fun, food

It's one of a very few remaining "traditional" drinking dens in Soho, and no matter what time you go, it's packed to the rafters. However there's a good reason for its popularity - excellent real ales served in cozy and attractive surroundings, all served with an atmospheric slice of Olde London history. Food is bog standard, but you don't have room to eat anyway.It's one of a very few remaining "traditional" drinking dens in Soho, and no matter what time you go, it's packed to the rafters. However there's a good reason for its popularity - excellent real ales served in cozy and attractive surroundings, all served with an atmospheric slice of Olde London history. Food is bog standard, but you don't have room to eat anyway.

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

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

Review by jethro

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 0686

Tags: food, underground, friendly

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

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

Tags: crowded, beer, belgian

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)

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