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

Commercial Tavern - Candle lit boozer by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:17:22 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 1888

At first glance it could be mistaken for one of those old English pubs but as soon as you walk through the door you step into a candle lit world where collections of curiosities hang from every nook and cranny. The perfect place for a romantic drink for two, and despite serving a quality selection of vodkas I was disappointed that the bartender wasnâ¬"t aware of the difference between Sputnik and Below40. Vodka is vodka, rum is rum I guess and this is part of the laid back atmosphere.

Shame there is no website but like so many independent bars they rely on word of mouth and it works, the place is chockablock on Thursdays and Fridays with your usual Shoreditch trendies and local office workers.

At first glance it could be mistaken for one of those old English pubs but as soon as you walk through the door you step into a candle lit world where collections of curiosities hang from every nook and cranny. The perfect place for a romantic drink for two, and despite serving a quality selection of vodkas I was disappointed that the bartender wasnâ¬"t aware of the difference between Sputnik and Below40. Vodka is vodka, rum is rum I guess and this is part of the laid back atmosphere.

Shame there is no website but like so many independent bars they rely on word of mouth and it works, the place is chockablock on Thursdays and Fridays with your usual Shoreditch trendies and local office workers.

The Gun - A bankers haunt.. by CristinaA

CristinaA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:58:26 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 6462

Tags: food, beer, pub

Nothing going on here apart from the rustle of crisp packets and the occasional cheer at the footy on the big screen. Itâ¬"s a haunt for bankers for a quiet after work pint and a spot of pub grub, where it lacks any sort of atmosphere it makes up for with the friendly bar staff.

It keeps a traditional pub feel with booth shaped chesterfields, dated wallpaper, dingy lighting and a whiff of stale in the air.

With a noticeable absence of lap tops, as they have no wireless, you can opt to sit in a corner and escape in your book.

Nothing going on here apart from the rustle of crisp packets and the occasional cheer at the footy on the big screen. Itâ¬"s a haunt for bankers for a quiet after work pint and a spot of pub grub, where it lacks any sort of atmosphere it makes up for with the friendly bar staff.

It keeps a traditional pub feel with booth shaped chesterfields, dated wallpaper, dingy lighting and a whiff of stale in the air.

With a noticeable absence of lap tops, as they have no wireless, you can opt to sit in a corner and escape in your book.

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes - dirty dive - in a good way by ben1982

ben1982 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:16:37 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 4495

Website: http://www.dreambagsjaguarshoes.com

Tags: cool, underground, food

Despite a distinct possibility of contracting hepatitis from just touching the walls, this is a great rowdy hangout before going on somewhere, and if you've lived in the area for any length of time, you are bound to bump into people you know in here - which may be a good or a bad thing...Despite a distinct possibility of contracting hepatitis from just touching the walls, this is a great rowdy hangout before going on somewhere, and if you've lived in the area for any length of time, you are bound to bump into people you know in here - which may be a good or a bad thing...

Lounge Bohemia - Awful bar staff by HelenFirst

HelenFirst — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:06:04 +0000

Review by HelenFirst

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 07720 707 000

Website: http://www.loungebohemia.com/

Tags: cool, trendy, friendly

One of the most terrible experiences in Shoreditch.
I went there with my friend and we were second couple in the room, the rest is completely empty. When we asked to be seated two girls at the bar pointed at the table of two other customers. We couldnt believe that in an empty bar we are getting seats at other people's table. We werent happy and wanted to leave and a girl at the bar yelled at me: "Next time book darling!"
Definitely wont be coming back.
September,24One of the most terrible experiences in Shoreditch.
I went there with my friend and we were second couple in the room, the rest is completely empty. When we asked to be seated two girls at the bar pointed at the table of two other customers. We couldnt believe that in an empty bar we are getting seats at other people's table. We werent happy and wanted to leave and a girl at the bar yelled at me: "Next time book darling!"
Definitely wont be coming back.
September,24

Bar Kick - Kicking by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:08:14 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 8700

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk/BK_location.html

Tags: friendly, cool, relaxed

Like its sister bar in Exmouth Market, Bar Kick is a cosmopolitan, friendly and trendy place to spend an afternoon or evening. Bar staff are approachable and (in most cases) can mix a decent cocktail. The food menu - a much expanded version of the tapas at the other place - looked tempting but I have to admit I wasn't there to eat. We spent an hour and a half in the darkened basement watching the footie, and were grateful for the expanse of seating and thoughtful placing of flatscreen TVs. Always popular and never dull, Bar Kick is the pick of the drinking holes on Shoreditch High Street.Like its sister bar in Exmouth Market, Bar Kick is a cosmopolitan, friendly and trendy place to spend an afternoon or evening. Bar staff are approachable and (in most cases) can mix a decent cocktail. The food menu - a much expanded version of the tapas at the other place - looked tempting but I have to admit I wasn't there to eat. We spent an hour and a half in the darkened basement watching the footie, and were grateful for the expanse of seating and thoughtful placing of flatscreen TVs. Always popular and never dull, Bar Kick is the pick of the drinking holes on Shoreditch High Street.

Electricity Showrooms - nice by richfair

richfair — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:42:50 +0000

Review by richfair

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 3939

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

Tags: relaxed, young and fun, friendly

I had a great night out recently at the Electricity Showrooms. I always saw it as I passed by and wanted to see what it was like, but only recently made it inside. It's very nice and quite spacious, though it does get quite packed on the weekends. My friends and I chatted for awhile in the nice, quite relaxed atmosphere upstairs and we realized there were some good retro tunes one. We made our way downstairs and saw that they have a light up dancefloor! So from there we boogied the night away and had a great time. Drinks were a little expensive, but no more than you'd expect on a night out in Shoreditch.I had a great night out recently at the Electricity Showrooms. I always saw it as I passed by and wanted to see what it was like, but only recently made it inside. It's very nice and quite spacious, though it does get quite packed on the weekends. My friends and I chatted for awhile in the nice, quite relaxed atmosphere upstairs and we realized there were some good retro tunes one. We made our way downstairs and saw that they have a light up dancefloor! So from there we boogied the night away and had a great time. Drinks were a little expensive, but no more than you'd expect on a night out in Shoreditch.

The Griffin - by chrisp

chrisp — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:25:32 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7739 6719

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

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

A lovely building and decent selection of drinks let down by the people who choose to drink there. On my last visit you couldn't move for drugged-up Hoxtonites being obnoxious and loud. Maybe that makes me a snob - I don't care.A lovely building and decent selection of drinks let down by the people who choose to drink there. On my last visit you couldn't move for drugged-up Hoxtonites being obnoxious and loud. Maybe that makes me a snob - I don't care.

The Poet - The Water Poet by subterranean

subterranean — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:49:22 +0000

Review by subterranean

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7426 0495

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

The name of this pub is actually the Water Poet...though many people simply call it the Poet. As my local I am obviously obliged to produce a biased review - but after hearing rave reviews from all friends I bring to the pub, I think I can honestly give an objective view.

Put simply, an excellent pub in the heart of the Spitalfields area and (perhaps) the only beer garden in all of Shoreditch. The pub is absolutely massive and goes on and on...you'd think the front room was all there was to be seen, of course there are about 4 other massive rooms, an events venue downstairs, and a massive gardne out back to while away a Sunday afternoon.

The beer selection is solid but unexciting. At least Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Flower's IPA are usually on offer (however a few additional Belgian beers would be a welcome improvement). Food is good as well - but this is the kind of pub you come to to drink and hang out with friends...

Trendy? Maybe a bit - but it's a trend all its own.The name of this pub is actually the Water Poet...though many people simply call it the Poet. As my local I am obviously obliged to produce a biased review - but after hearing rave reviews from all friends I bring to the pub, I think I can honestly give an objective view.

Put simply, an excellent pub in the heart of the Spitalfields area and (perhaps) the only beer garden in all of Shoreditch. The pub is absolutely massive and goes on and on...you'd think the front room was all there was to be seen, of course there are about 4 other massive rooms, an events venue downstairs, and a massive gardne out back to while away a Sunday afternoon.

The beer selection is solid but unexciting. At least Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Flower's IPA are usually on offer (however a few additional Belgian beers would be a welcome improvement). Food is good as well - but this is the kind of pub you come to to drink and hang out with friends...

Trendy? Maybe a bit - but it's a trend all its own.

The Market Trader - The Market Trader by Brodule

Brodule — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:29:36 +0000

Review by Brodule

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 3459

Website: http://www.thorleytaverns.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

While this pub is under restoration from a new owner, the interior already looks much better & is more welcoming. A good range of wines and beers, and good food too.

While this pub is under restoration from a new owner, the interior already looks much better & is more welcoming. A good range of wines and beers, and good food too.

The Royal Oak - Not too impressed by fairy600

fairy600 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:07:49 +0000

Review by fairy600

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 2220

Tags: independent pub, trendy, excellent pub food

I have been to this pub a couple of times on a Sunday when the Columbia Flower Road Market is on and it is sooooo busy. Extremely hard to find a table and once you've found that you need to get teh chairs! Quite a stressful event. I havent found the staff to be that friendly which certainly didn't help. The food was good - especially the roasts and the portion sizes are very generous. Once we'd finished our meal we were surrounded by eager lunch goers looking to grab our table. Slightly annoying when you are trying to relax and finish your drink. Therefore, if you are after a relaxed quiet lunch this is not really the place to go. I haven't been on a week day so it could be very different.I have been to this pub a couple of times on a Sunday when the Columbia Flower Road Market is on and it is sooooo busy. Extremely hard to find a table and once you've found that you need to get teh chairs! Quite a stressful event. I havent found the staff to be that friendly which certainly didn't help. The food was good - especially the roasts and the portion sizes are very generous. Once we'd finished our meal we were surrounded by eager lunch goers looking to grab our table. Slightly annoying when you are trying to relax and finish your drink. Therefore, if you are after a relaxed quiet lunch this is not really the place to go. I haven't been on a week day so it could be very different.

The Misty Moon - Thai and English Food by stitch

stitch — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:53:51 +0000

Review by stitch

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7613 4263

Tags: relaxed, mature

The Misty Moon is a traditional east End pub, popular with locals and visitors alike.

The staff are friendly and welcoming, often engaging in conversation with locals and customers.

The menu is a mix of Thai and English, with excellent curries and incredible Chips.

The drinks are pricey, as expected in London, with a pint of Coke setting you back Â£2.70, which is rather high.

The Misty Moon has a pub garden which is perfect for those wishing to eat outside or to smoke.

The toilets are cleaned frequently and are modern.

Overall, the price of drinks lets the Misty Moon down, however the staff are friendly.

The Misty Moon is a traditional east End pub, popular with locals and visitors alike.

The staff are friendly and welcoming, often engaging in conversation with locals and customers.

The menu is a mix of Thai and English, with excellent curries and incredible Chips.

The drinks are pricey, as expected in London, with a pint of Coke setting you back Â£2.70, which is rather high.

The Misty Moon has a pub garden which is perfect for those wishing to eat outside or to smoke.

The toilets are cleaned frequently and are modern.

Overall, the price of drinks lets the Misty Moon down, however the staff are friendly.

Foundry - hmmm by abcjess

abcjess — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:07:34 +0000

Review by abcjess

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7739 6900

Tags: bar, underground, live music

When it comes to the foundry, it really does depend on the experience, Iâ¬"m not sure where I stand with it. Iâ¬"ve had enjoyable times there and recently, less enjoyable times there. It depends on the crowd and who youâ¬"re with. The toilets and graffiti are pretty but that feature can be found anywhere in the area really. I have heard good things about their art installations and live events and did enjoy one, but I found the noise from upstairs invasive.

The bar is quite small and can get very crowded, which can be hard for someone a bit smaller (like myself) to get served â¬ but once served, drinks come fast. It has a nice outside atmosphere, and I find people are much more friendly outside.

When it comes to the foundry, it really does depend on the experience, Iâ¬"m not sure where I stand with it. Iâ¬"ve had enjoyable times there and recently, less enjoyable times there. It depends on the crowd and who youâ¬"re with. The toilets and graffiti are pretty but that feature can be found anywhere in the area really. I have heard good things about their art installations and live events and did enjoy one, but I found the noise from upstairs invasive.

The bar is quite small and can get very crowded, which can be hard for someone a bit smaller (like myself) to get served â¬ but once served, drinks come fast. It has a nice outside atmosphere, and I find people are much more friendly outside.

Vibe Bar - Trendy! by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:12:26 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 3479

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

Tags: young and fun, live music, cool

Just off brick lane, the Vibe Bar is a trendy and fun place to be. A sunny afternoon is the perfect day to visit as you can enjoy the sun in its outside seating area. There are live bands performing on some days and no, there are no extra charges. The seating inside is comfortable with couches here and there, but the lighting is bit dark. I guess that adds to the overall underground appeal. The bar is so-so with regular beers on offer, nothing special.

A cool , trendy joint and will be specially liked by the young crowd. I would strongly recommend the Vibe Bar if for a lazy afternoon drink in a relaxed ambienceJust off brick lane, the Vibe Bar is a trendy and fun place to be. A sunny afternoon is the perfect day to visit as you can enjoy the sun in its outside seating area. There are live bands performing on some days and no, there are no extra charges. The seating inside is comfortable with couches here and there, but the lighting is bit dark. I guess that adds to the overall underground appeal. The bar is so-so with regular beers on offer, nothing special.

A cool , trendy joint and will be specially liked by the young crowd. I would strongly recommend the Vibe Bar if for a lazy afternoon drink in a relaxed ambience

The Big Chill Bar - Big Chill by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:17:10 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7392 9180

Tags: relaxed, friendly, young and fun

Big Chill is a very trendy bar/pub that is almost always full. Amazing cocktails are on offer and the staff are friendly/helpful.

The Crowd: Located off Brick Lane, big chill is frequented mostly by young crowd, you won't find much of the city-suits here. Most patron come here for a drink before they hit the clubs around the area.

Seating: The bar has an inside seating area and a outside covered area that allows smoking. The inside seating area is nice done with lots of corner areas for young couples to get cosy :). However, the place really gets crowded late and you can find many people standing outside. You are lucky if you get a seat!

Drinks: The bar has a decent selection of beers - Amstel, Heineken, and some german wheat beer (forgot the name sorry). But what really sets the place apart are the cocktails. Quite a few are available and they are absolutely tasty! My favourites being Rum & Ting (Wray & Nephew Rum, passionfruit syrup, fresh lime juice & Ting ) and Caipirinha. You can also order cocktails by pitcher.

Food: Never had food there. The fare seemed to be standard burgers etc. Did try a snack which had grilled Haloumi cheese, nice.

Staff: The staff are friendly and glad to talk.

Prices: The beers cost close to Â£3.50 and the cocktails cost around Â£6. Bit pricey

Overall, a nice place to unwind in the evening.Big Chill is a very trendy bar/pub that is almost always full. Amazing cocktails are on offer and the staff are friendly/helpful.

The Crowd: Located off Brick Lane, big chill is frequented mostly by young crowd, you won't find much of the city-suits here. Most patron come here for a drink before they hit the clubs around the area.

Seating: The bar has an inside seating area and a outside covered area that allows smoking. The inside seating area is nice done with lots of corner areas for young couples to get cosy :). However, the place really gets crowded late and you can find many people standing outside. You are lucky if you get a seat!

Drinks: The bar has a decent selection of beers - Amstel, Heineken, and some german wheat beer (forgot the name sorry). But what really sets the place apart are the cocktails. Quite a few are available and they are absolutely tasty! My favourites being Rum & Ting (Wray & Nephew Rum, passionfruit syrup, fresh lime juice & Ting ) and Caipirinha. You can also order cocktails by pitcher.

Food: Never had food there. The fare seemed to be standard burgers etc. Did try a snack which had grilled Haloumi cheese, nice.

Staff: The staff are friendly and glad to talk.

Prices: The beers cost close to Â£3.50 and the cocktails cost around Â£6. Bit pricey

Overall, a nice place to unwind in the evening.

The Camel - Relaxed Atmosphere by gregwo

gregwo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:10:58 +0000

Review by gregwo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8983 9888

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

My favourite thing about The Camel is the relaxed, chilled atmosphere. It's a small pub that rarely gets too busy and no one seems in that much of a hurry. It's low-key charm makes it a great place to go for lovely chats over drinks or to wind down after a tough day. It also has a great community feel to it-- there are board games and a book trade in the corner. There is some outdoor seating for when the weather's nice and the staff is always friendly and up for a little chat-- a welcome change from most pubs in London.

There is always a decent selection of drinks at reasonable prices and the food and bar snacks are excellent as well.My favourite thing about The Camel is the relaxed, chilled atmosphere. It's a small pub that rarely gets too busy and no one seems in that much of a hurry. It's low-key charm makes it a great place to go for lovely chats over drinks or to wind down after a tough day. It also has a great community feel to it-- there are board games and a book trade in the corner. There is some outdoor seating for when the weather's nice and the staff is always friendly and up for a little chat-- a welcome change from most pubs in London.

There is always a decent selection of drinks at reasonable prices and the food and bar snacks are excellent as well.

Bar Music Hall - biscuits! by abcjess

abcjess — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:38:53 +0000

Review by abcjess

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7613 5951

Website: http://www.barmusichall.com

Tags: live music, relaxed, cool

I am aware this place transforms at night into a more intense establishment but during the day its quite and nice to just order a tea or coffee and do some work on the laptop with their free WiFi. The layout is very spacious but I find the bar is unusually high, Iâ¬"m 5â¬"3â¬

Exit Bar - by kozine

kozine — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:46:01 +0000

Review by kozine

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7377 2088

Tags: cool, friendly, sexy

Very low prices on drinks, quick serving time, overall had a brilliant time.Very low prices on drinks, quick serving time, overall had a brilliant time.

The Bedroom Bar - could do better by shopaholcleo

shopaholcleo — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:49:41 +0000

Review by shopaholcleo

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7739 5706

Tags: relaxed, dj, food

I came here on a Friday night, Â£3 entry wasn't too bad, and drinks were ok pricewise. The club only has one bed, which was unavailable, and you couldn't even see it as it was tucked away in the corner, which is different to the similar bars i've visited. The music was a mixture of house and dance, not really my thing, but ok to listen to. The other more interesting and intimate looking room was closed, but would've been nice to chat to friends here. The smoking area was small, and you couldn't take your drinks out and had to leave them on the side, which i saw as a slight hazard, but i guess you could just not smoke to avoid this.I came here on a Friday night, Â£3 entry wasn't too bad, and drinks were ok pricewise. The club only has one bed, which was unavailable, and you couldn't even see it as it was tucked away in the corner, which is different to the similar bars i've visited. The music was a mixture of house and dance, not really my thing, but ok to listen to. The other more interesting and intimate looking room was closed, but would've been nice to chat to friends here. The smoking area was small, and you couldn't take your drinks out and had to leave them on the side, which i saw as a slight hazard, but i guess you could just not smoke to avoid this.

The White Heart - Local pub for the workers by musikmessiah

musikmessiah — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:51:30 +0000

Review by musikmessiah

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7790 2894

Tags: relaxed, rock, friendly

In the last recent months this pub has had more changes to its staff than anywhere I've seen. Located in Whitechapel, the White Heart is a standard boozer pub. Full of local employees of the surrounding businesses. The prices of drinks are in line with other pubs. However the food range is limited and quite dear in price terms, around Â£7.50 for bangers and mash! With outside seating on hot summer days this is ideal for a pint with a bunch of mates. Footie is also shown which is a bonus after work. Staff are polite and well served. It's an ever improving pub and worth a visit in the area with its limited but unique ranges of food.In the last recent months this pub has had more changes to its staff than anywhere I've seen. Located in Whitechapel, the White Heart is a standard boozer pub. Full of local employees of the surrounding businesses. The prices of drinks are in line with other pubs. However the food range is limited and quite dear in price terms, around Â£7.50 for bangers and mash! With outside seating on hot summer days this is ideal for a pint with a bunch of mates. Footie is also shown which is a bonus after work. Staff are polite and well served. It's an ever improving pub and worth a visit in the area with its limited but unique ranges of food.

The Hayfield - Cheap and Cheerful by musikmessiah

musikmessiah — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:45:32 +0000

Review by musikmessiah

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7780 0011

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

Hayfield is part of the Scream range of pubs and bars. Located in the heart of East London, this pub offers customers a range of well catered food and drink. The place itself is nice, feels like a bachelors pad, with the array of pool tables, arcade games and also books along with board games. Hayfield comes alive on footie nights, with 2 screens showing a game or at times 2 games on popular nights. The staffs are nice and friendly however on busy days you'll be waiting for a while at the bar to get served. Located not too far from Queen Mary University, this is an ideal pub for students and can be filled with a lot of them. They have nice sofas and on quiet days you can take someone for a nice quiet drink.Hayfield is part of the Scream range of pubs and bars. Located in the heart of East London, this pub offers customers a range of well catered food and drink. The place itself is nice, feels like a bachelors pad, with the array of pool tables, arcade games and also books along with board games. Hayfield comes alive on footie nights, with 2 screens showing a game or at times 2 games on popular nights. The staffs are nice and friendly however on busy days you'll be waiting for a while at the bar to get served. Located not too far from Queen Mary University, this is an ideal pub for students and can be filled with a lot of them. They have nice sofas and on quiet days you can take someone for a nice quiet drink.