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

The Phoenix - The Phoenix by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:48:01 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7834 3547

Tags: friendly, young professionals, gastro pub

Despite having gone through a major refurbishment and image overhaul The Phoenix has failed to live up to its namesake.

6 years ago this was my work local. We nicknamed it The Fleapit. It was truly awful. Since then it has come a long way. It's been cleaned and refitted and generally improved all round. The food is no longer dire. The beer is reasonably good. The staff are quite nice, generally.

So why only two stars? Well, it's also still awful. Its layout does not lend itself to a large crowd meaning there is always someone in your way. Far too much space in the main bar area is taken up by large sofas - great for a quiet local, but in this area the real crowds come in at 5pm as all the local offices clear out. It's the closest pub to Elizabeth House, the huge tower block outside Victoria station, and suffers as a result.

The small outdoor area is badly utilized with minimal heating or cover from the rain and ratty chairs. I find that we end up standing outside every evening. Getting to the bar is a challenge and getting served a bigger one.

The only interesting beer in the house, a german wheat beer, weighs in at a hefty Â£4.50 a bottle. I still don't understand why wheat beer is classed as a speciality item - surely getting a barrel in is no more expensive than a barrel of any other imported beer.

I guess you're not in London if you're not being ripped off.

That goes for the food, too. It's not bad, but definitely not good. Edible nachos. A bowl of nice, meaty sausages (unusaul, tasty, not worth the money). Some sort of meat platter or, if you're feeling adventurous, the cold meat platter. I'd avoid it all really. There are some reasonably good chain restaurants in the Cardinal shopping center such as Wagamammas and La Tasca. Much better suited for foodening.

However, having said all that, if you're in the area and want a reasonable, non-tourist-infested pub for a quiet lunchtime beer or at the weekend then this is probably the best option within at least a ten-minute walk radius.

Just don't go in the evening.Despite having gone through a major refurbishment and image overhaul The Phoenix has failed to live up to its namesake.

6 years ago this was my work local. We nicknamed it The Fleapit. It was truly awful. Since then it has come a long way. It's been cleaned and refitted and generally improved all round. The food is no longer dire. The beer is reasonably good. The staff are quite nice, generally.

So why only two stars? Well, it's also still awful. Its layout does not lend itself to a large crowd meaning there is always someone in your way. Far too much space in the main bar area is taken up by large sofas - great for a quiet local, but in this area the real crowds come in at 5pm as all the local offices clear out. It's the closest pub to Elizabeth House, the huge tower block outside Victoria station, and suffers as a result.

The small outdoor area is badly utilized with minimal heating or cover from the rain and ratty chairs. I find that we end up standing outside every evening. Getting to the bar is a challenge and getting served a bigger one.

The only interesting beer in the house, a german wheat beer, weighs in at a hefty Â£4.50 a bottle. I still don't understand why wheat beer is classed as a speciality item - surely getting a barrel in is no more expensive than a barrel of any other imported beer.

I guess you're not in London if you're not being ripped off.

That goes for the food, too. It's not bad, but definitely not good. Edible nachos. A bowl of nice, meaty sausages (unusaul, tasty, not worth the money). Some sort of meat platter or, if you're feeling adventurous, the cold meat platter. I'd avoid it all really. There are some reasonably good chain restaurants in the Cardinal shopping center such as Wagamammas and La Tasca. Much better suited for foodening.

However, having said all that, if you're in the area and want a reasonable, non-tourist-infested pub for a quiet lunchtime beer or at the weekend then this is probably the best option within at least a ten-minute walk radius.

Just don't go in the evening.

The Greencoat Boy - The Greencoat Disaster by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:12:17 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7834 7894

Tags: food, pub chain, standard pub food

This place is awful. The staff are arrogant and unhelpful (this isn't a Parisian cafe, people) and liable to respond to complaints with barring rather than apologies.

The food is bad. Not awful, but it's obvious that no care at all has gone in to its production. Out of the packet, in to the microwave, on to your plate, then left on the counter to cool while the staff get on with more important things like being rude and pointless.

Never, ever go after 5pm. For some reason this pub is the darling of all the local office workers and becomes so crowded that the short bar (even when staffed by five people) is three-deep and it can take half an hour to get served.

On the few occasions I have been inside the majority of the cask ales have been off.

Has nothing to recommend it.This place is awful. The staff are arrogant and unhelpful (this isn't a Parisian cafe, people) and liable to respond to complaints with barring rather than apologies.

The food is bad. Not awful, but it's obvious that no care at all has gone in to its production. Out of the packet, in to the microwave, on to your plate, then left on the counter to cool while the staff get on with more important things like being rude and pointless.

Never, ever go after 5pm. For some reason this pub is the darling of all the local office workers and becomes so crowded that the short bar (even when staffed by five people) is three-deep and it can take half an hour to get served.

On the few occasions I have been inside the majority of the cask ales have been off.

Has nothing to recommend it.

The Cardinal - The Cardinal by thamshere

thamshere — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:05:11 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7834 7260

Tags: quiet, friendly, food

The Cardinal is a Sam Smiths pub so the beer's cheap and reliable, as is the service, decor and clientele. It's got a very traditional feel to it with a separate dining area, lots of wood panelling proper pub food and a set of locals hanging out all day, nursing there Â£2 pints.

That's the big upside of a Sam Smiths. I've no idea how they've done it, but the amount they charge for a pint here is stunning.

It's generally quiet and, depsite being right next to some large offices, is less liable to be overrun by after-work drinkers.The Cardinal is a Sam Smiths pub so the beer's cheap and reliable, as is the service, decor and clientele. It's got a very traditional feel to it with a separate dining area, lots of wood panelling proper pub food and a set of locals hanging out all day, nursing there Â£2 pints.

That's the big upside of a Sam Smiths. I've no idea how they've done it, but the amount they charge for a pint here is stunning.

It's generally quiet and, depsite being right next to some large offices, is less liable to be overrun by after-work drinkers.

The Stag - The Stag, Victoria by sweettirana

sweettirana — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:55:32 +0000

Review by sweettirana

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7828 7287

Tags: live music, pop, food

The Stag in Victoria is tucked away down a few little side streets near the shopping precinct in Victoria Street (by the Marks & Spencers!)

It is predominately a gay pub although EVERYONE is welcome. I am straight yet vist here often and am never made to feel uncomfortable.

A friday night sees The Stag become particularly lively and they have a house DJ who plays plenty of house, cheese and 80's pop (think Madonna, Tiffany and Bananarama!). A side entrance from inside the pub leads to "Victoria's Secret Garden" which is also known as the smoking area!

A good night out with good music, a nice crowd and reasonably priced drinks and with a late licence.The Stag in Victoria is tucked away down a few little side streets near the shopping precinct in Victoria Street (by the Marks & Spencers!)

It is predominately a gay pub although EVERYONE is welcome. I am straight yet vist here often and am never made to feel uncomfortable.

A friday night sees The Stag become particularly lively and they have a house DJ who plays plenty of house, cheese and 80's pop (think Madonna, Tiffany and Bananarama!). A side entrance from inside the pub leads to "Victoria's Secret Garden" which is also known as the smoking area!

A good night out with good music, a nice crowd and reasonably priced drinks and with a late licence.

Marquis Of Granby - nice one but there are better by FallenAngel

FallenAngel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:29:54 +0000

Review by FallenAngel

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7227 0941

Tags: live music, british, food

This is a nice little pub, the beer is pretty good and the food isn't bad either. The staff are friendly and helpful.

There is disabled access although the disabled loo is kept locked. It is not on the RADAR system (as far as I know) so you will need to ask for the key from the bar staff. The other toilets are upstairs.

There is normally a crowd of smokers on the pavement outside which makes access difficult for everyone, as the pavement is quite small. The doors are quite awkward as well for people with mobility issues.

It's a worth a visit but there are better pubs within walking distance on both sides of the river.This is a nice little pub, the beer is pretty good and the food isn't bad either. The staff are friendly and helpful.

There is disabled access although the disabled loo is kept locked. It is not on the RADAR system (as far as I know) so you will need to ask for the key from the bar staff. The other toilets are upstairs.

There is normally a crowd of smokers on the pavement outside which makes access difficult for everyone, as the pavement is quite small. The doors are quite awkward as well for people with mobility issues.

It's a worth a visit but there are better pubs within walking distance on both sides of the river.

Westminster Arms - poor quality food by jlonners

jlonners — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:37:14 +0000

Review by jlonners

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7222 8520

Website: http://www.regent-inns.co.uk

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

You would expect this to be a decent pub/bar, itâ¬"s near Westminster Bridge and very near to the House of Commons. There are the traditional high backed leather chairs and the long benched leather seats in a green leather (perhaps to mimic its political neighbour), and it all seemed very inviting. It was a freezing cold day so we were very happy to come in hear and order the homemade pie and chips. However both pies where obviously anything but homemade and where in fact some cheap mass produced rubbish. The filling was no existent apart from what looks like the inners of a cowâ¬"s heart. We sent them back and we got free dessert â¬ no refund on the main or replacement?! Strange way of rectifying matters if you ask me. One to avoid, looks like a cosy pub but the food is atrocious.You would expect this to be a decent pub/bar, itâ¬"s near Westminster Bridge and very near to the House of Commons. There are the traditional high backed leather chairs and the long benched leather seats in a green leather (perhaps to mimic its political neighbour), and it all seemed very inviting. It was a freezing cold day so we were very happy to come in hear and order the homemade pie and chips. However both pies where obviously anything but homemade and where in fact some cheap mass produced rubbish. The filling was no existent apart from what looks like the inners of a cowâ¬"s heart. We sent them back and we got free dessert â¬ no refund on the main or replacement?! Strange way of rectifying matters if you ask me. One to avoid, looks like a cosy pub but the food is atrocious.

The Constitution - Good spot for a quick constitutional by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:58:07 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7834 3651

Tags: relaxed, traditional pub, food

"Traditional" is certainly the word - I didn't know pubs like this still existed in London. From the tiny stools and rickety tables to the weird empty space in the middle of the room, it's very unusual to find an old boozer purely geared towards drinking instead of posey gastropubbery. Clientele is a refreshing mix of builders tucking into gammon & pineapple, pensioners sipping Spitfire and the odd nervous tourist. The atmosphere is workmanlike rather than unfriendly, but the way the tables are arranged (all facing the bar) can make ordering drinks a bit intimidating! However, all things considered the fact that pubs like this are increasingly so rare makes it worth checking out. Pop in before it sells up and becomes an All Bar One."Traditional" is certainly the word - I didn't know pubs like this still existed in London. From the tiny stools and rickety tables to the weird empty space in the middle of the room, it's very unusual to find an old boozer purely geared towards drinking instead of posey gastropubbery. Clientele is a refreshing mix of builders tucking into gammon & pineapple, pensioners sipping Spitfire and the odd nervous tourist. The atmosphere is workmanlike rather than unfriendly, but the way the tables are arranged (all facing the bar) can make ordering drinks a bit intimidating! However, all things considered the fact that pubs like this are increasingly so rare makes it worth checking out. Pop in before it sells up and becomes an All Bar One.

The Jugged Hare - Getting Jugged With It by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:42:22 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7828 1543

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

Tags: relaxed, real ale, food

A handsome pub in what I presume is a converted bank, the Jugged Hare serves a good selection of ales and is a Fuller's Pie and Ale pub so will sell you a decent pie as well. There's an attractive gallery section in the high-ceilinged room, and all would be perfect if it weren't for a determinedly rowdy clientele. Not that there's anything illegal in sitting at the end of a bar shouting at the waitresses, I just wish it was.A handsome pub in what I presume is a converted bank, the Jugged Hare serves a good selection of ales and is a Fuller's Pie and Ale pub so will sell you a decent pie as well. There's an attractive gallery section in the high-ceilinged room, and all would be perfect if it weren't for a determinedly rowdy clientele. Not that there's anything illegal in sitting at the end of a bar shouting at the waitresses, I just wish it was.

The Albert Tavern - Regal by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:43:11 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7222 5577

Tags: food, standard pub food, english

It's between Victoria and Westminster, so it's full of tourists looking for a "traditional" English pub and a plate of mediocre overpriced fish and chips. But if you avoid the food, the Albert is a lovely old spot for a pint or two. A recent refurbishment has the distinction of somehow leaving it look OLDER than before, and that's no bad thing. Extra character is provided by the occasional attendance by red-uniformed Chelsea Pensioners, and there's even a special table in the front room that you have to vacate should any of the old boys wander in! This is potentially quite annoying of course, but having never been personally inconvenienced by this odd rule I can declare it to be charming and characterful. Anyway, pop along and make your own mind up - everyone else already is.It's between Victoria and Westminster, so it's full of tourists looking for a "traditional" English pub and a plate of mediocre overpriced fish and chips. But if you avoid the food, the Albert is a lovely old spot for a pint or two. A recent refurbishment has the distinction of somehow leaving it look OLDER than before, and that's no bad thing. Extra character is provided by the occasional attendance by red-uniformed Chelsea Pensioners, and there's even a special table in the front room that you have to vacate should any of the old boys wander in! This is potentially quite annoying of course, but having never been personally inconvenienced by this odd rule I can declare it to be charming and characterful. Anyway, pop along and make your own mind up - everyone else already is.

Library Bar - Nearly excellent by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:15:05 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7259 5599

Tags: glamorous, posh, relaxed

Yes, it's posh and pretentious and certainly impressive at first, but there's something missing from the experience here. I don't know whether it's the rows of books that you slowly realise are fake, or the cocktails which are priced in line with other London hotels but fail to deliver on taste. It's a brand-new hotel bar masquerading as a grand-old hotel bar, and I'm afraid it's not quite there. Is all a very nice way to pass a few hours, of course, but you can do better. At Claridge's, for a start.Yes, it's posh and pretentious and certainly impressive at first, but there's something missing from the experience here. I don't know whether it's the rows of books that you slowly realise are fake, or the cocktails which are priced in line with other London hotels but fail to deliver on taste. It's a brand-new hotel bar masquerading as a grand-old hotel bar, and I'm afraid it's not quite there. Is all a very nice way to pass a few hours, of course, but you can do better. At Claridge's, for a start.

St. Stephens Tavern - Handy pub with nice atmosphere by Boatfanatic

Boatfanatic — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:07:03 +0000

Review by Boatfanatic

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7925 2286

Tags: relaxed, real ale, food

Here's a place you can eat and drink right at the heart of Westminster just across the road from the Houses of Parliament. We met for a business meeting and people chose a range of different dishes - fish and chips, ham, egg and chips and I chose potato wedges with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and melted cheese - this was served with a garnish of fresh salad and was quite frankly yummy. This and my drink came to around Â£5.50 - wow - how cool is it to be able to go and eat in Central London and not get ripped off! Very good value for money. The waiter looked a little confused between orders and tables, but he was pleasant and happy to help and we didn't have to wait too long for our food.

Down sides - not a lot of room. Up side - good air conditioning so it was restful and relaxing and you weren't struggling with feeling stifled. Would definitely go there again. Here's a place you can eat and drink right at the heart of Westminster just across the road from the Houses of Parliament. We met for a business meeting and people chose a range of different dishes - fish and chips, ham, egg and chips and I chose potato wedges with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and melted cheese - this was served with a garnish of fresh salad and was quite frankly yummy. This and my drink came to around Â£5.50 - wow - how cool is it to be able to go and eat in Central London and not get ripped off! Very good value for money. The waiter looked a little confused between orders and tables, but he was pleasant and happy to help and we didn't have to wait too long for our food.

Down sides - not a lot of room. Up side - good air conditioning so it was restful and relaxing and you weren't struggling with feeling stifled. Would definitely go there again.

Balls Brothers - A place to shout at each other after work by Hugo

Hugo — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:27:51 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7828 4111

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

Tags: food, air conditioning, noisy

This place is grim and noisy. The stark furniture and the lively after work crowd mean that you have to shout to be heard (something that everyone else seems to have figured out already).

My friend summarised it well by saying it was "a place to shout at each other after work".

I had passed it many times on the way home and wondered what it was like.

Not a place to return to if passing by, let alone make an effort to go to. This place is grim and noisy. The stark furniture and the lively after work crowd mean that you have to shout to be heard (something that everyone else seems to have figured out already).

My friend summarised it well by saying it was "a place to shout at each other after work".

I had passed it many times on the way home and wondered what it was like.

Not a place to return to if passing by, let alone make an effort to go to.

The Camel - cheap drinks near victoria by lenalouise

lenalouise — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:00:17 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7233 9004

Website: http://www.elusivecamel.com

Tags: cocktails, food, friendly

Me and a few college mates and our lecturer wanted to find somewhere near Victoria that is fairly cheap and were recommended this place for their happy hour drinks. It's just off Wilton road and about 5 minutes walk from the station which is handy for stumbling home.

Happy hour is between 5 and 8. They have a small selection of cocktails for Â£3.50, bottles for Â£2 and wine. We sure did make the most of Â£3.50 cocktails! I recommend the spicy nut, yummy cinnamonny goodness :D

About the place, it's not especially nice. They have comfy seats and their clientele is fairly young. It could be a student's pub really. I'm not sure if it is but it gave the impression of being a bit grotty aswell. When I went, their women's toilets were out of order so the male toilets became unisex toilets. Totally disgusting in there! It was quite funny watching the women who came out who all had a funny expression but I don't want to go through the experience of that again! Nevertheless, one to remember for happy hour drinks.Me and a few college mates and our lecturer wanted to find somewhere near Victoria that is fairly cheap and were recommended this place for their happy hour drinks. It's just off Wilton road and about 5 minutes walk from the station which is handy for stumbling home.

Happy hour is between 5 and 8. They have a small selection of cocktails for Â£3.50, bottles for Â£2 and wine. We sure did make the most of Â£3.50 cocktails! I recommend the spicy nut, yummy cinnamonny goodness :D

About the place, it's not especially nice. They have comfy seats and their clientele is fairly young. It could be a student's pub really. I'm not sure if it is but it gave the impression of being a bit grotty aswell. When I went, their women's toilets were out of order so the male toilets became unisex toilets. Totally disgusting in there! It was quite funny watching the women who came out who all had a funny expression but I don't want to go through the experience of that again! Nevertheless, one to remember for happy hour drinks.

The Clarendon - Typical bar by lenalouise

lenalouise — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:40:19 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7834 5281

Tags: bar, friendly staff, food

The Clarendon is your average nice bar that can be found dotted around most places in London. Drinks prices are normal central London prices. They serve food aswell but I don't think it's very good value for money. Staff are friendly enough and it tends to get packed out with workers from the nearby National Audit Office. Be warned! lolThe Clarendon is your average nice bar that can be found dotted around most places in London. Drinks prices are normal central London prices. They serve food aswell but I don't think it's very good value for money. Staff are friendly enough and it tends to get packed out with workers from the nearby National Audit Office. Be warned! lol

The Plumbers Arms - Fantastic Service by lisaadby

lisaadby — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:41:13 +0000

Review by lisaadby

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7730 4067

Tags: good food, vegetarian dishes, food

Quick service, friendly staff and good food. Will be going back!Quick service, friendly staff and good food. Will be going back!

The Ebury - Great Atmosphere by NickR

NickR — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:15:22 +0000

Review by NickR

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7730 4270

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

Tags: lively, bar, expensive

What ever it is, its got just the right vibe. The atmosphere is lively, busy, cosy and hip without being or feeling too crowded. It's a pub, but not a pub. Its slick and modern and funky. Generally people are really relaxed and friendly. The staff are very good, and so is the food. However its not that cheap to eat!What ever it is, its got just the right vibe. The atmosphere is lively, busy, cosy and hip without being or feeling too crowded. It's a pub, but not a pub. Its slick and modern and funky. Generally people are really relaxed and friendly. The staff are very good, and so is the food. However its not that cheap to eat!

The Cask and Glass - One of the smallest and more charming pubs in london? by Hugo

Hugo — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 21:59:09 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7834 7630

Website: http://www.shepherd-neame.co.uk

Tags: food, small, crowded

A tiny little pub nestled in one of the pretty corners of Palace Street, right by Victoria.

The pub is charming, traditional and no nonsense but can get rather busy.

It has seats outside during the Summer which makes it a bit of a winner (if you can get a seat at one of its 3 odd tables)...
A tiny little pub nestled in one of the pretty corners of Palace Street, right by Victoria.

The pub is charming, traditional and no nonsense but can get rather busy.

It has seats outside during the Summer which makes it a bit of a winner (if you can get a seat at one of its 3 odd tables)...

Thomas Cubitt - Sunday lunch by nGB

nGB — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:31:34 +0000

Review by nGB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7730 6060

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

Tags: gastro pub, lively, food

Great place with table service, both inside and outside where table line the smart Elizabeth Street. The food it consistently good and the people always well turned out. Its best on a Sunday when the sun is shining.Great place with table service, both inside and outside where table line the smart Elizabeth Street. The food it consistently good and the people always well turned out. Its best on a Sunday when the sun is shining.