Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Oxford Circus, London, United Kingdom

The Diner - Happy bruncheon! by foodbymark

foodbymark — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:57:38 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 8962

Website: http://www.thedinersoho.com

Tags: american, relaxed, young and fun

The Diner is in the Carnaby St area of Soho, directly opposite Cha Cha Moon on Ganton Street. It is much more spacious and darker than it's Shoreditch cousin. Rather than waiting for the next available booth we opted to sit at a normal table. At 1pm on a Sunday when we arrived, it was reasonably busy but customers didn't have to wait long to be seated.

The comprehensive menu is exactly the same as the other two branches. Our helpful and friendly waitress very quickly brought our drinks over very shortly after we had ordered. My breakfast burrito was average if not a little too salty and was served with standard guacamole (freshly prepared) and sour cream and a tiny side salad. My girlfriend's blueberry pancakes were good but they could've been a bit more generous with the blueberries.

As we rarely have breakfast out, the diner style breakfast was an exciting trip for my girlfriend who is an American. Above average, The Diner is for Europeans not expecting "american diner-sized" portions! I would certainly go back.

A more detailed review with photos can be found:
http://foodbymark.blogspot.com/2008/09/diner-ganton-street-w1.htmlThe Diner is in the Carnaby St area of Soho, directly opposite Cha Cha Moon on Ganton Street. It is much more spacious and darker than it's Shoreditch cousin. Rather than waiting for the next available booth we opted to sit at a normal table. At 1pm on a Sunday when we arrived, it was reasonably busy but customers didn't have to wait long to be seated.

The comprehensive menu is exactly the same as the other two branches. Our helpful and friendly waitress very quickly brought our drinks over very shortly after we had ordered. My breakfast burrito was average if not a little too salty and was served with standard guacamole (freshly prepared) and sour cream and a tiny side salad. My girlfriend's blueberry pancakes were good but they could've been a bit more generous with the blueberries.

As we rarely have breakfast out, the diner style breakfast was an exciting trip for my girlfriend who is an American. Above average, The Diner is for Europeans not expecting "american diner-sized" portions! I would certainly go back.

A more detailed review with photos can be found:
http://foodbymark.blogspot.com/2008/09/diner-ganton-street-w1.html

The Social - Small and skinny by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:52:27 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 4992

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

Tags: friendly, indie, hipster

Despite some good scheduling - exciting dj's, new launches and innovative ideas, including the genuinely funny hip hop karaoke, this bar is small and skinny, meaning wherever you stand, you are invariably in somebody's way. It also pales in comparison with its sister bar in Nottingham. BUT...it definitely makes for a good mid-week venue, the upstairs bar being very homely with cosy booths and wood cabin walls giving a feel-good americana vibe.Despite some good scheduling - exciting dj's, new launches and innovative ideas, including the genuinely funny hip hop karaoke, this bar is small and skinny, meaning wherever you stand, you are invariably in somebody's way. It also pales in comparison with its sister bar in Nottingham. BUT...it definitely makes for a good mid-week venue, the upstairs bar being very homely with cosy booths and wood cabin walls giving a feel-good americana vibe.

Dover Castle - by PlasticMoose

PlasticMoose — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:44:18 +0000

Review by PlasticMoose

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 4412

Tags: food, tv for sporting events, vegetarian dishes

An absolute gem. Incredibly friendly with a brilliant atmopshere. Excellent value for money too with some beautiful beers. Definately one to check out.An absolute gem. Incredibly friendly with a brilliant atmopshere. Excellent value for money too with some beautiful beers. Definately one to check out.

The Running Horse - Nice bar, but too busy by carolirish

carolirish — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:25:14 +0000

Review by carolirish

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7493 1275

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)

The Newman Arms - Pies Pies Pies! by foodbymark

foodbymark — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:04:55 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7636 1127

Tags: food, pies, friendly

The Newman Arms is best known for its pies, served both downstairs in the bar and upstairs in a small but cosy restaurant with cheery red checked tablecloths on every table. The food is honest and high quality, serving up British Pie favourites such as Steak and Kidney, Steak and Ale, Chicken and Leek Pies and Apple Pie, Rhubarb Crumble, and Bread and Butter pudding topped with a choice of Ice Cream, Cream or Custard. Service here is friendly and efficient. The menu also has regular specials and vegetarian options (today's included Lamb, Leek and Rosemary and Fisherman's) served with fresh seasonal vegetables all at very reasonable prices.

We arrived at 2pm on a Friday afternoon and had a 10 minute wait for a table for 2. We quickly ordered and I opted for the Lamb and Rosemary as the Special's had sold out. It arrived very quickly in all it's glory, a massive top crust of a pie with perfectly cooked green beans, carrots and light mash. Delicious. I had to follow this with one of their puddings, and since they had run out of Rhubarb crumble and had apple pie, with custard of course.

This place is a must for lunchtime fans of British grub!

NOTE: Newman Arms is only open on weekdays.The Newman Arms is best known for its pies, served both downstairs in the bar and upstairs in a small but cosy restaurant with cheery red checked tablecloths on every table. The food is honest and high quality, serving up British Pie favourites such as Steak and Kidney, Steak and Ale, Chicken and Leek Pies and Apple Pie, Rhubarb Crumble, and Bread and Butter pudding topped with a choice of Ice Cream, Cream or Custard. Service here is friendly and efficient. The menu also has regular specials and vegetarian options (today's included Lamb, Leek and Rosemary and Fisherman's) served with fresh seasonal vegetables all at very reasonable prices.

We arrived at 2pm on a Friday afternoon and had a 10 minute wait for a table for 2. We quickly ordered and I opted for the Lamb and Rosemary as the Special's had sold out. It arrived very quickly in all it's glory, a massive top crust of a pie with perfectly cooked green beans, carrots and light mash. Delicious. I had to follow this with one of their puddings, and since they had run out of Rhubarb crumble and had apple pie, with custard of course.

This place is a must for lunchtime fans of British grub!

NOTE: Newman Arms is only open on weekdays.

The Green Man - A great post-work pub! by raz_kidd

raz_kidd — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:32:51 +0000

Review by raz_kidd

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7479 7991

Tags: friendly, young professionals, traditional pub

This place is fantastic. Its relaxed and has a great atmosphere. The food is cheap and pretty tasty too and there are lots of drinks to choose from. Its not far from the tube and is a great place to grab a wind down after work pint (or 2). Its a good place for catching up with friends too as there is no loud music to drown out the conversation. They do have lots of TVs though so you can keep watch on the world outside while enjoying your drink.

I will be going there again tonight.This place is fantastic. Its relaxed and has a great atmosphere. The food is cheap and pretty tasty too and there are lots of drinks to choose from. Its not far from the tube and is a great place to grab a wind down after work pint (or 2). Its a good place for catching up with friends too as there is no loud music to drown out the conversation. They do have lots of TVs though so you can keep watch on the world outside while enjoying your drink.

I will be going there again tonight.

The Blue Posts - Relaxed Sam Smiths pub by realalelass

realalelass — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:26:07 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7637 8958

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

As with many other Sam Smiths pubs in the capital, the Blue Posts has a lovely wooden interior and relaxed feel. If the upstairs is open, go up there. It has its own bar and comfy leatherchairs and sofas, and is dimly lit to create a cosy atmosphere.

Sam Smiths are great value for money if you're an ale drinker on a budget, so long as you go for the draft beer and not the bottles. That said the Taddy Porter is an amazingly tasty tipple.

I haven't eaten here, so can't comment on the food, but for value and atmosphere, and most importantly of course, the beer, it is well worth a visit or five. Whether you're meeting friends after work or fancy some refreshment after shopping on Oxford Street, this is a great boozer.As with many other Sam Smiths pubs in the capital, the Blue Posts has a lovely wooden interior and relaxed feel. If the upstairs is open, go up there. It has its own bar and comfy leatherchairs and sofas, and is dimly lit to create a cosy atmosphere.

Sam Smiths are great value for money if you're an ale drinker on a budget, so long as you go for the draft beer and not the bottles. That said the Taddy Porter is an amazingly tasty tipple.

I haven't eaten here, so can't comment on the food, but for value and atmosphere, and most importantly of course, the beer, it is well worth a visit or five. Whether you're meeting friends after work or fancy some refreshment after shopping on Oxford Street, this is a great boozer.

Wax Bar - Great night out by baks162

baks162 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:23:17 +0000

Review by baks162

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7436 4650

Website: http://www.wax-bar.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, friendly, cool

I went to Wax bar a few weeks back - music was very good. Staff are friendly and the bartenders can dish up some good cocktails! It looks deceivingly small from the outside, but its fairly big once you get downstairs. Would go again.I went to Wax bar a few weeks back - music was very good. Staff are friendly and the bartenders can dish up some good cocktails! It looks deceivingly small from the outside, but its fairly big once you get downstairs. Would go again.

Bar Red - red! by kathlane

kathlane — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:37:59 +0000

Review by kathlane

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 3417

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

Tags: cool, trendy, food

This is quite a unique and strange place, the frontage is all red glass and the interior red and black ! its very striking yet manages to be funky rather than garish with its low lightening and trendy music. This place is cocktail heaven and each one is made with great attention to detail. They have a huge rage of cocktails including one thats a lovely mix of rasberry and cranberry, this is nice and sweet and a vibrant red and actually works quite well. As you would expect it isnâ¬"t a cheap place but the bar staff really are well trained in the art of cocktails and were able to reel off all the ingredients of a vast array of them until we made our minds up. Very unusual and bold.This is quite a unique and strange place, the frontage is all red glass and the interior red and black ! its very striking yet manages to be funky rather than garish with its low lightening and trendy music. This place is cocktail heaven and each one is made with great attention to detail. They have a huge rage of cocktails including one thats a lovely mix of rasberry and cranberry, this is nice and sweet and a vibrant red and actually works quite well. As you would expect it isnâ¬"t a cheap place but the bar staff really are well trained in the art of cocktails and were able to reel off all the ingredients of a vast array of them until we made our minds up. Very unusual and bold.

The Yard Bar - Nice enough place by chinbergs

chinbergs — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:14:35 +0000

Review by chinbergs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 2652

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

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

This is one of those venues that's good for an after-work drink, or for a chilled out drink during the day at the weekend. They do have a DJ for the weekend evenings, but it's not really a place that people party at or go to for the buzz of the music. It's more a place to stand around, get a bit drunk and talk with your mates. There's also The Loft upstairs, which is quite relaxed and a nice venue to chat with friends.

I have to say, it's not really my favourite place to go to - I always find it a bit lacking in energy and atmosphere.This is one of those venues that's good for an after-work drink, or for a chilled out drink during the day at the weekend. They do have a DJ for the weekend evenings, but it's not really a place that people party at or go to for the buzz of the music. It's more a place to stand around, get a bit drunk and talk with your mates. There's also The Loft upstairs, which is quite relaxed and a nice venue to chat with friends.

I have to say, it's not really my favourite place to go to - I always find it a bit lacking in energy and atmosphere.

Match Bar - A trusty fave! by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:02:00 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7499 3443

Website: http://www.matchbar.com

Tags: trendy, cool & smart, cool

This is a great place to enjoy a few cocktails after work. If you have a large group give them a call and reserve an area, itâ¬"s free of charge and well worth doing. Also, save yourself some money by getting pitchers of cocktails rather than individual glasses! The food is very nice too, it is quite simplistic but very tasty. I would have to recommend the chicken Caesar salad, the jerk chicken sandwich or on of the sharing platters. Match Bar has a great chilled atmosphere, a really good selection of music (not too loud so you have to shout!)and great selectioon of beers too!This is a great place to enjoy a few cocktails after work. If you have a large group give them a call and reserve an area, itâ¬"s free of charge and well worth doing. Also, save yourself some money by getting pitchers of cocktails rather than individual glasses! The food is very nice too, it is quite simplistic but very tasty. I would have to recommend the chicken Caesar salad, the jerk chicken sandwich or on of the sharing platters. Match Bar has a great chilled atmosphere, a really good selection of music (not too loud so you have to shout!)and great selectioon of beers too!

Alphabet Bar - Don't go here for food by LukeG

LukeG — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:34:46 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 2190

Website: http://www.alphabetbar.com

Tags: food, stylish, friendly

I went to Alaphabet with a group from work. Great bar, good atmosphere. My only gripe - I was told they serve food which was one of the reasons I decided to go there, however when we went to the bar to place an order at 9pm or just before, we were told the kitchen was closed.

A little disappointing as we had 20 very hungry people! We got drunk quicker though........
I went to Alaphabet with a group from work. Great bar, good atmosphere. My only gripe - I was told they serve food which was one of the reasons I decided to go there, however when we went to the bar to place an order at 9pm or just before, we were told the kitchen was closed.

A little disappointing as we had 20 very hungry people! We got drunk quicker though........

Crown & Sceptre - trendy welcoming pub by Coffeegeek

Coffeegeek — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:24:57 +0000

Review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7307 9971

Tags: cool, trendy, food

We went to the Crown and Sceptre last Saturday for lunch. Itâ¬"s a very trendy pub but manages to still be welcoming and comfortable. The staff are friendly and service is pretty swift. They have a wide range of the more interesting beers and a good wine list.

The menu is simple but the food is good quality and well cooked. We had the Burger and Maris Piper chips and cod and chips. The chips were perfect, the best I have had for years! The burger and cod were both well above average.

As itâ¬"s one of my locals, I have been here many, many times. Thursday and Friday nights are packed and in the summer there is a good crowd outside. Weekends are quieter and they have board games to play. Thereâ¬"s a quirky mix of 40s â¬ 80s furniture that includes sofas, tables and a rather nice 40â¬"s sideboard.

I think this is probably the best gastro-pub in the area.
We went to the Crown and Sceptre last Saturday for lunch. Itâ¬"s a very trendy pub but manages to still be welcoming and comfortable. The staff are friendly and service is pretty swift. They have a wide range of the more interesting beers and a good wine list.

The menu is simple but the food is good quality and well cooked. We had the Burger and Maris Piper chips and cod and chips. The chips were perfect, the best I have had for years! The burger and cod were both well above average.

As itâ¬"s one of my locals, I have been here many, many times. Thursday and Friday nights are packed and in the summer there is a good crowd outside. Weekends are quieter and they have board games to play. Thereâ¬"s a quirky mix of 40s â¬ 80s furniture that includes sofas, tables and a rather nice 40â¬"s sideboard.

I think this is probably the best gastro-pub in the area.

Long Bar At The Sanderson - To see and be seen by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:11:59 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7300 1448

Website: http://www.ianschragerhotels.com

Tags: posh, trendy, food

A bar so pretentious, posey and glamorous it almost inhabits a twisted world of its own. The drinks may be ordinary and overpriced, the service slow and the seating arrangements uncomfortable, but people come here for one reason only - to stand there looking cool. And rich.

If you *are* cool and rich, you'll probably love it. The rest of us are probably better off spending our money elsewhere.A bar so pretentious, posey and glamorous it almost inhabits a twisted world of its own. The drinks may be ordinary and overpriced, the service slow and the seating arrangements uncomfortable, but people come here for one reason only - to stand there looking cool. And rich.

If you *are* cool and rich, you'll probably love it. The rest of us are probably better off spending our money elsewhere.

Shochu Lounge - Jackie by jackiefreedom

jackiefreedom — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:31:28 +0000

Review by jackiefreedom

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 6464

Website: http://www.shochulounge.com/

Tags: cool, trendy, relaxed

Went down here a couple of nights ago with some of my girlfriends, the bartenders were outstanding. I had this cocktail called a Lipstick Rose with champagne, it was amazing. I eventually met this really cute guy (Amongst many)and ended up having a fantastic time. The music was a brilliant the drinks flowing (and amazing), the night was a massive success, I loved every mintue of it.Went down here a couple of nights ago with some of my girlfriends, the bartenders were outstanding. I had this cocktail called a Lipstick Rose with champagne, it was amazing. I eventually met this really cute guy (Amongst many)and ended up having a fantastic time. The music was a brilliant the drinks flowing (and amazing), the night was a massive success, I loved every mintue of it.

Polka - Hot Cocktails by thamshere

thamshere — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:51:47 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 7500

Website: http://www.jamiesbars.co.uk/polka

Tags: relaxed, bar, friendly

At first glance Polka has an impressive cocktail list, but I must say that I'm not convinced by their homebrew recipes. The staff were helpful and reasonably attentive, but given that we were the only two people in the bar this isn't surprising (it was a Monday, so this is probably not indicative).

We went for a Cherry Crush and a Coconut & Lemongrass Martini. I found the Crush to be good - strong cherry flavours with the sharp edge of grapefruit underneath, but the flavour was very strong. Still, by the end of the glass I could happily have drunk another.

The martini was overpoweringly sweet and coconutty - it completely masked the gin and the lemongrass also, despite the large stick of it floating atop the drink. I couldn't have drunk half of one of these and am rather glad my companion chose it rather than I.

We stayed upstairs (being as quiet as it was I doubt the second bar was open). The music was set to a very reasonable volume, to the point where I don't even remember if there was any.

Prices are reasonable for Soho. Around 7 pounds for a martini, short or long cocktail and 9 for their specials. I'd love to come back here to sample a few more of their concoctions, but lack of a happy hour inclines me towards other venues.

http://www.polkasoho.co.uk/At first glance Polka has an impressive cocktail list, but I must say that I'm not convinced by their homebrew recipes. The staff were helpful and reasonably attentive, but given that we were the only two people in the bar this isn't surprising (it was a Monday, so this is probably not indicative).

We went for a Cherry Crush and a Coconut & Lemongrass Martini. I found the Crush to be good - strong cherry flavours with the sharp edge of grapefruit underneath, but the flavour was very strong. Still, by the end of the glass I could happily have drunk another.

The martini was overpoweringly sweet and coconutty - it completely masked the gin and the lemongrass also, despite the large stick of it floating atop the drink. I couldn't have drunk half of one of these and am rather glad my companion chose it rather than I.

We stayed upstairs (being as quiet as it was I doubt the second bar was open). The music was set to a very reasonable volume, to the point where I don't even remember if there was any.

Prices are reasonable for Soho. Around 7 pounds for a martini, short or long cocktail and 9 for their specials. I'd love to come back here to sample a few more of their concoctions, but lack of a happy hour inclines me towards other venues.

http://www.polkasoho.co.uk/

22 Below - Quick cocktail stopover by thamshere

thamshere — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:04:18 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Website: Oxford Circus

Tags: cool & smart, cool, trendy

Popped in to get a happy-hour cocktail before heading to Ran, just down the road. We both ended up with the same one due to a short list to choose from, but I was impressed enough that I would have happily drunk them both. Not amazing but very tasty indeed.

We had a... um... well, it had raspeberries in it and it was the one at the top of the happy hour menu, on which all the cocktails were 4.50.

The bar is one of Soho's little oddities. Very hip, it combines alchohol with art. We walked in to find ourselves confused by voices coming from the walls, which after a moment we realised to be coming from the video screens at the end of the room - they were showing a selection of short films from the Rushes Short Film Festival. An unexpected but not unwanted experience.

After a while the films were abandoned in favour of music, which seemed rather loud for an empty bar. Of course, it was early Monday evening so I wasn't expecting a crowd. Best thing about going out on a Monday :)Popped in to get a happy-hour cocktail before heading to Ran, just down the road. We both ended up with the same one due to a short list to choose from, but I was impressed enough that I would have happily drunk them both. Not amazing but very tasty indeed.

We had a... um... well, it had raspeberries in it and it was the one at the top of the happy hour menu, on which all the cocktails were 4.50.

The bar is one of Soho's little oddities. Very hip, it combines alchohol with art. We walked in to find ourselves confused by voices coming from the walls, which after a moment we realised to be coming from the video screens at the end of the room - they were showing a selection of short films from the Rushes Short Film Festival. An unexpected but not unwanted experience.

After a while the films were abandoned in favour of music, which seemed rather loud for an empty bar. Of course, it was early Monday evening so I wasn't expecting a crowd. Best thing about going out on a Monday :)

The Green Man - A quiet retreat from Oxford Street by thamshere

thamshere — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:26:49 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7307 9981

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

An off-track gem. Just around the corner from the excellent SohoJapan, the Green Man offers a superb range of ciders and beer, all well kept, including the very dangerous Green Man Special. Drink by the half!

Thursdays sees a regular DJ lining up a fine selection of modern indie & rock. If it gets too loud inside, try the tables outside or the upstairs room (which can be hired out with a Â£300 bar bill minimum). The upstairs room is very private and sports its own jukebox and although it doesn't have a bar has some very, very comfortable seating.

The food is always good and given the price of some gastropubs definitely on the reasonably-priced side. Excellent burgers.

Staff are friendly and helpful.An off-track gem. Just around the corner from the excellent SohoJapan, the Green Man offers a superb range of ciders and beer, all well kept, including the very dangerous Green Man Special. Drink by the half!

Thursdays sees a regular DJ lining up a fine selection of modern indie & rock. If it gets too loud inside, try the tables outside or the upstairs room (which can be hired out with a Â£300 bar bill minimum). The upstairs room is very private and sports its own jukebox and although it doesn't have a bar has some very, very comfortable seating.

The food is always good and given the price of some gastropubs definitely on the reasonably-priced side. Excellent burgers.

Staff are friendly and helpful.

The Champion - great pub, just ignore the decor by Coffeegeek

Coffeegeek — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:45:10 +0000

Review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7323 1228

Tags: food, traditional pub, standard pub food

When empty this pub looks like a dusty old mans pub. However, it has good food upstairs, friendly service and the atmosphere is lively. A genuine London boozer full of the West Ends young and trendy without being in the least bit pretentious. No banging music, no TV, no sport, just people in a pub! What a superb novelty.

Itâ¬"s a Sam Smiths pub so donâ¬"t expect silly prices for fancy cocktails. Its beer, itâ¬"s under Â£2 a pint; so just drink it and enjoy the place. I will be back for more.
When empty this pub looks like a dusty old mans pub. However, it has good food upstairs, friendly service and the atmosphere is lively. A genuine London boozer full of the West Ends young and trendy without being in the least bit pretentious. No banging music, no TV, no sport, just people in a pub! What a superb novelty.

Itâ¬"s a Sam Smiths pub so donâ¬"t expect silly prices for fancy cocktails. Its beer, itâ¬"s under Â£2 a pint; so just drink it and enjoy the place. I will be back for more.

Absolut Icebar - A Great Start To A Night Out! by ablair9999

ablair9999 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:30:49 +0000

Review by ablair9999

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 9192

Website: http://www.belowzerolondon.com

Tags: sexy, cool & smart, relaxed

The Absolut Icebar is a fantastic place to take people if you want to show them something different and provide a bit of a talking point! I've been a couple of times and am off again tomorrow - I'm taking my dad for his 60th Birthday before we go out for dinner!

Sure it's a gimick, sure it's different, and it sure is cold! It is also fun, unusual and a great place to try some fab vodka cocktails.

It's kept at 5 degrees below as the bar, tables, walls, sculptures and glases are all made from crystal clear ice from the Torne River. They do however provide the aforementioned thermal gloves and hi-tec silver thermal ponchos - just as well too!

The entry fee does include the clothing and your first drink. Refills are around Â£7 each, but as you are limited to 40 minutes (due to the temperature) you would be hard pressed to run up a massive bar bill unless you really go for it!

It is small, and they do limit numbers of visitors, so book in advance to be sure you get in. As I said at the begining, it's a great place to start the evening. Enjoy!

Added 03-04-08

We went again last night. Still fantastic and still a great start to the evening. It was very busy, so definately prebook. Entry price (including 1st drink) was Â£12 with refills at Â£6 each. They had changed the interior (they redesign every 6 months)but still great - spot the John Travolta ice statue! Yes - it's a disco theme! The Absolut Icebar is a fantastic place to take people if you want to show them something different and provide a bit of a talking point! I've been a couple of times and am off again tomorrow - I'm taking my dad for his 60th Birthday before we go out for dinner!

Sure it's a gimick, sure it's different, and it sure is cold! It is also fun, unusual and a great place to try some fab vodka cocktails.

It's kept at 5 degrees below as the bar, tables, walls, sculptures and glases are all made from crystal clear ice from the Torne River. They do however provide the aforementioned thermal gloves and hi-tec silver thermal ponchos - just as well too!

The entry fee does include the clothing and your first drink. Refills are around Â£7 each, but as you are limited to 40 minutes (due to the temperature) you would be hard pressed to run up a massive bar bill unless you really go for it!

It is small, and they do limit numbers of visitors, so book in advance to be sure you get in. As I said at the begining, it's a great place to start the evening. Enjoy!

Added 03-04-08

We went again last night. Still fantastic and still a great start to the evening. It was very busy, so definately prebook. Entry price (including 1st drink) was Â£12 with refills at Â£6 each. They had changed the interior (they redesign every 6 months)but still great - spot the John Travolta ice statue! Yes - it's a disco theme!