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

The Diner - Pancake Tower by walid

walid — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:04:23 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 8962

Website: http://www.thedinersoho.com

A friend of mine brought me to The Diner this afternoon as she wanted French Toasts.... ooohhh French Toasts hmmmmm. I love French Toasts but I also love pancakes, especially a pancake tower American style. Fighting our way up Regent Street we approached Carnaby Street where tucked to the side you can find The Diner.

The decoration is what you'd expect a traditional American diner to look like abroad, ie. close to the real thing, but trying a little bit too hard.

My friend ordered the French Toasts and me my pancakes. Now I make French Toasts, and I love them when they're crispy from the outside and soft in the inside. Her pancakes looked nice, except that they weren't crispy from the outside and had some cinnamon which may please some but not me. As for my pancakes as you can see from the picture it was a good portion but not what I would describe as a pancake tower.

Overall we had a good experience, the food was ok, the service was fine, the pricing is good, but the music was getting too loud. So I'm giving this place a "small" 3 stars.A friend of mine brought me to The Diner this afternoon as she wanted French Toasts.... ooohhh French Toasts hmmmmm. I love French Toasts but I also love pancakes, especially a pancake tower American style. Fighting our way up Regent Street we approached Carnaby Street where tucked to the side you can find The Diner.

The decoration is what you'd expect a traditional American diner to look like abroad, ie. close to the real thing, but trying a little bit too hard.

My friend ordered the French Toasts and me my pancakes. Now I make French Toasts, and I love them when they're crispy from the outside and soft in the inside. Her pancakes looked nice, except that they weren't crispy from the outside and had some cinnamon which may please some but not me. As for my pancakes as you can see from the picture it was a good portion but not what I would describe as a pancake tower.

Overall we had a good experience, the food was ok, the service was fine, the pricing is good, but the music was getting too loud. So I'm giving this place a "small" 3 stars.

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)

Polka - good cocktail bar which is not as crowded by heyphilip

heyphilip — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:17:01 +0000

Review by heyphilip

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 7500

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

Tags: bar, friendly, cocktails

I was recommended here, and i got to say this is one of my favourite bars in London, they do all sort of cocktails and it is not as crowded, the decor is also amazing. I guess it is not as crowded because its hidden away in the heart of Soho, or the layout makes it look that way. Although sometime the Djs could be better.
I was recommended here, and i got to say this is one of my favourite bars in London, they do all sort of cocktails and it is not as crowded, the decor is also amazing. I guess it is not as crowded because its hidden away in the heart of Soho, or the layout makes it look that way. Although sometime the Djs could be better.

Strawberry Moons - Pole Dancing Paradise! by Philippe

Philippe — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:30:21 +0000

Review by Philippe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 7300

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

Tags: friendly, cocktails, club

Went to Strawberry Moons a few weeks ago with some friends - dance floor was absolutely packed...so ended up on stage...under the spotlight...on the pole...again!
Second visit this year - until 2008 haven't been there for about 5 years or more. Even more lively than I recall, everyone out for a good time, very friendly.
I even got chatted up by one of the Shot Girls - yow!Went to Strawberry Moons a few weeks ago with some friends - dance floor was absolutely packed...so ended up on stage...under the spotlight...on the pole...again!
Second visit this year - until 2008 haven't been there for about 5 years or more. Even more lively than I recall, everyone out for a good time, very friendly.
I even got chatted up by one of the Shot Girls - yow!

Akbar - Basement bar by Coffeegeek

Coffeegeek — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:31:46 +0000

Review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 2525

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

Tags: cool, posh

A good sturdy basement bar under a great indian resturant.

Good decor and a decient DJ make this a pleasent bar for week niht drinks. You can reserve an area for small birthdays and the like.

Like most of Soho, its best enjoyed on week nights as Saturday night see's the whole area fill with out-of-towners,stag doos and brash blonds with L plates.

Drinks are on the pricey side but that shouldn't bother the middle class urban professionals that drink there.

A good sturdy basement bar under a great indian resturant.

Good decor and a decient DJ make this a pleasent bar for week niht drinks. You can reserve an area for small birthdays and the like.

Like most of Soho, its best enjoyed on week nights as Saturday night see's the whole area fill with out-of-towners,stag doos and brash blonds with L plates.

Drinks are on the pricey side but that shouldn't bother the middle class urban professionals that drink there.

Zebrano at The Establishment - Zebrano!! by ILoveSoho

ILoveSoho — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:24:53 +0000

Review by ILoveSoho

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 2051

Website: http://www.zebrano-bar-london.com/

Tags: friendly, trendy, young professionals

As a fan of the other Zebrano bar i decided to head over to Greek Street and check out the new Zebrano. I was not disappointed! The atmosphere is even livelier if possible as it is open for longer. The quality cocktails i enjoyed at the first Zebrano bar i visited were just as good here and the same goes for the food. The staff were lovely and i had an amazing time dancing all night on the different floors. Me and my friends will keep coming back to this venue for sure!!As a fan of the other Zebrano bar i decided to head over to Greek Street and check out the new Zebrano. I was not disappointed! The atmosphere is even livelier if possible as it is open for longer. The quality cocktails i enjoyed at the first Zebrano bar i visited were just as good here and the same goes for the food. The staff were lovely and i had an amazing time dancing all night on the different floors. Me and my friends will keep coming back to this venue for sure!!

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!

The Nellie Dean - to small, and ouch watch your head in toilet by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:46:58 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 2572

Website: http://www.uniquepubs.com

Tags: food, traditional english, pool tables

This place is ok in the summer, for a drink outside, as is situated on a corner of a side street of dean street, winter time, there isnt room to swing a cat in the place, and due to its busyness, and size, it can take a while to get near the bar especially in Summer.
The crowd is mixed, id say 50/50 straight / gay. The Candy bar is next door.
Pricewise acceptable, better places near by.
This place is ok in the summer, for a drink outside, as is situated on a corner of a side street of dean street, winter time, there isnt room to swing a cat in the place, and due to its busyness, and size, it can take a while to get near the bar especially in Summer.
The crowd is mixed, id say 50/50 straight / gay. The Candy bar is next door.
Pricewise acceptable, better places near by.

Revolution Bar - Surprisingly I quite like this place by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:37:06 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 0330

Website: http://www.revolution-bars.co.uk

Tags: food, cosy, european

Though I cant stand chains, I cant seem to find anything really wrong with this place, they offer great service, great music, great range of drinks, called quality nachos, and even free wi-fi access.

The bouncers are friendly enough, the toilet attendent offers aftershave like any other trendy bar round the area, and the girls, should you be interested, are nice looking friendly.

This place has a great atmosphere, great service, reasonably priced, and a good place to start the evening on a good night out round soho.
Though I cant stand chains, I cant seem to find anything really wrong with this place, they offer great service, great music, great range of drinks, called quality nachos, and even free wi-fi access.

The bouncers are friendly enough, the toilet attendent offers aftershave like any other trendy bar round the area, and the girls, should you be interested, are nice looking friendly.

This place has a great atmosphere, great service, reasonably priced, and a good place to start the evening on a good night out round soho.

Coach & Horses - Not impressed by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:59:02 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7437 5920

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

I went in here a few times for a drink, because its the one place, you can have a quiet chat about work, or something, where nobody expects to find you.

The reason no one would look for you, is that this place is simply awful, the bar staff were very unattentive, it took me a good few minutes to get served, because fetching crisps is more important, than a waiting customer. dispite the bar not being at all busy.
Secondly the place is filthy, the tables were sticky, just a really bad place to go for a beer.

I went in here a few times for a drink, because its the one place, you can have a quiet chat about work, or something, where nobody expects to find you.

The reason no one would look for you, is that this place is simply awful, the bar staff were very unattentive, it took me a good few minutes to get served, because fetching crisps is more important, than a waiting customer. dispite the bar not being at all busy.
Secondly the place is filthy, the tables were sticky, just a really bad place to go for a beer.

Jewel Bar - Ok, but..... by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:40:52 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7439 4089

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

Tags: cool, lively, cozy

This bar has potential of being so much more, the staff are a little slow behind the bar, the door staff are friendly enough, and the decor is ok..
This bar is a bit of tourist trap, next to the exit of picadilly tube, so good for guys looking to pull tourists, same sort of feel as the terrible ZOO bar, but better maintained..This bar has potential of being so much more, the staff are a little slow behind the bar, the door staff are friendly enough, and the decor is ok..
This bar is a bit of tourist trap, next to the exit of picadilly tube, so good for guys looking to pull tourists, same sort of feel as the terrible ZOO bar, but better maintained..

John Snow - Superb watering hole by andymyers

andymyers — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:02:04 +0000

Review by andymyers

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 1344

Tags: independent pub, food, pub

The John Snow is an brilliant Sam Smith's pub, centrally located and very cheap. If you like your beer and a pub with some character, then this is a great option. The food is reasonable but beware the Alpine lager; though cheap, it will give you a serious hangover.The John Snow is an brilliant Sam Smith's pub, centrally located and very cheap. If you like your beer and a pub with some character, then this is a great option. The food is reasonable but beware the Alpine lager; though cheap, it will give you a serious hangover.

The Warwick - Karaoke Night, Great chill out after shopping by princessjasmine

princessjasmine — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:07:59 +0000

Review by princessjasmine

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 4409

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

Tags: live music, friendly, food

The Warwick is a nice venue to chill out after work, or take the edge off after a gruelling shopping trip. The atmosphere is nice especially as it is located on the outskirts of Soho. Thursday night is Karaoke night and a lot of fun with plenty of encouragement from fellow drinkers!
The Warwick is a nice venue to chill out after work, or take the edge off after a gruelling shopping trip. The atmosphere is nice especially as it is located on the outskirts of Soho. Thursday night is Karaoke night and a lot of fun with plenty of encouragement from fellow drinkers!

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.

Milk And Honey - Milk and honey by gilka

gilka — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:21:55 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7565 1620

Website: http://www.mlkhny.com/london

Tags: dark, cocktails, jazz

Great place! It helped that we knew someone from inside.
It is a member bar so not sure how difficult it is to get in.
We had A-M-A-Z-I-N-G cocktails with extermely professional stories being told
on each drink! The place is a bit dark but it has good energy.
They have some house rules so ask before doing something silly...
the theme is prohibition time and this is why the place has no clear signs outside of it.
Great place! It helped that we knew someone from inside.
It is a member bar so not sure how difficult it is to get in.
We had A-M-A-Z-I-N-G cocktails with extermely professional stories being told
on each drink! The place is a bit dark but it has good energy.
They have some house rules so ask before doing something silly...
the theme is prohibition time and this is why the place has no clear signs outside of it.

Bar Soho - Fab! by Miss_Piggy

Miss_Piggy — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:12:32 +0000

Review by Miss_Piggy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7439 0439

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

Tags: cool, friendly, good value

We were there for a Theatre Companys launch and it was a good venue for it.

Staff were good and the amosphere was cozy and intimate (candles). There was a DJ which was at the right volume to allow people to speak without shouting and comfy chairs and sofas.

I had a wonderful time!We were there for a Theatre Companys launch and it was a good venue for it.

Staff were good and the amosphere was cozy and intimate (candles). There was a DJ which was at the right volume to allow people to speak without shouting and comfy chairs and sofas.

I had a wonderful time!

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.

All Bar One - Chill out with the beautiful people by drumsgemma83

drumsgemma83 — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:58:47 +0000

Review by drumsgemma83

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7479 7921

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: food, pub food, european

This is a great place if you want to chill out after a big shop spree in Oxford street and don't fancy paying a fortune. My other half works in this street so we regularly go in for a bite. The burgers (so i am told) are to die for and i can vouch for their side salad which is large and plentiful.Before i was vegan i was quite into the camembert with bread to dip in...heavenly. Try it, you'll be suprised. The service is great...often table service if they are not rushed off their feet. And it hasn't got it's head up it's arse like you'd expect.This is a great place if you want to chill out after a big shop spree in Oxford street and don't fancy paying a fortune. My other half works in this street so we regularly go in for a bite. The burgers (so i am told) are to die for and i can vouch for their side salad which is large and plentiful.Before i was vegan i was quite into the camembert with bread to dip in...heavenly. Try it, you'll be suprised. The service is great...often table service if they are not rushed off their feet. And it hasn't got it's head up it's arse like you'd expect.

Shampers - another vote by ceedoubleu

ceedoubleu — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:50:18 +0000

Review by ceedoubleu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7439 9910

Website: http://www.shampers.net/

Tags: french, good value, british

another vote for Shampers. Had lunch there today and there were at least four early Christmas parties taking place. Service and food were just fine, no pressure at all. One of my favourites. another vote for Shampers. Had lunch there today and there were at least four early Christmas parties taking place. Service and food were just fine, no pressure at all. One of my favourites.

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.