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

Sebright Arms - by barbd

barbd — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:33:12 +0000

Review by barbd

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 0937

A great place to go for a salt-of-the-earth-sunday-lunch. And once in a while, they surprise you with a random sojourn to their basement on a Saturday night (I went there once after Field Day, in nearby Victoria Park) where you can dance until late to whichever Eastend DJ happens to be behind the decks...A great place to go for a salt-of-the-earth-sunday-lunch. And once in a while, they surprise you with a random sojourn to their basement on a Saturday night (I went there once after Field Day, in nearby Victoria Park) where you can dance until late to whichever Eastend DJ happens to be behind the decks...

Sosho - good night by anna98

anna98 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:51:18 +0000

Review by anna98

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7920 0701

Website: http://www.matchbar.com

Tags: cool, late license, food

Went there with few friends last week and have to say I had really good time! The cocktails are absolutely stunning! the staff friendly and cool, and the crowd really friendly. Will defo be back for moreWent there with few friends last week and have to say I had really good time! The cocktails are absolutely stunning! the staff friendly and cool, and the crowd really friendly. Will defo be back for more

Cargo - by Hectorboece

Hectorboece — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:05:35 +0000

Review by Hectorboece

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 3440

Website: http://www.cargo-london.com

Tags: live music, cool, underground

Yeah, this is one of the coolest venues in London, from location to staff to the acts they bring in. Best to check what's on before you go if you're a little fussy about your music because it can be quite specific (usually without loss of quality!). The sound system in there is awesome, and the beer garden makes it easy to nip out for a cigarette or a cooldown when the dance floor gets too hot!Yeah, this is one of the coolest venues in London, from location to staff to the acts they bring in. Best to check what's on before you go if you're a little fussy about your music because it can be quite specific (usually without loss of quality!). The sound system in there is awesome, and the beer garden makes it easy to nip out for a cigarette or a cooldown when the dance floor gets too hot!

The Royal Oak - Weekend pub grub by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:39:14 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 2220

Tags: independent pub, excellent pub food, relaxed

Have eaten here on a couple of occasions and the food is pricey, but definitely worth it.

Full breakfast is amazing on a sat (when its quieter and you can actually find a seat). Set in the middle of Columbia Road its a nice little boozer to wander down to at the weekend.Have eaten here on a couple of occasions and the food is pricey, but definitely worth it.

Full breakfast is amazing on a sat (when its quieter and you can actually find a seat). Set in the middle of Columbia Road its a nice little boozer to wander down to at the weekend.

Callooh Callay - Quirky Narnia themed bar by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:48:24 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 4781

Tags: relaxed, friendly, trendy

Narnia themed bar, with a wardrobe leading to an eccentric little room, hidden behind a curtain.

Excellent selection of cocktails, including Mad Hatter Tiki Punchbowl served in a His Master's Voice-style gramophone punchbowl!

Random and fun little place definitely worth a visitNarnia themed bar, with a wardrobe leading to an eccentric little room, hidden behind a curtain.

Excellent selection of cocktails, including Mad Hatter Tiki Punchbowl served in a His Master's Voice-style gramophone punchbowl!

Random and fun little place definitely worth a visit

The Dragon Bar - Good grub... by brenna

brenna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:37:33 +0000

Review by brenna

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, trendy, young and fun

Cozy little bar on the high street. Serves good quality food, such as lamb cutlets, roast dinners etc. Service was very good and in the summer the windows are fully opened and you can sit outside. All in all a nice place to grab a bite.Cozy little bar on the high street. Serves good quality food, such as lamb cutlets, roast dinners etc. Service was very good and in the summer the windows are fully opened and you can sit outside. All in all a nice place to grab a bite.

The Last Days of Decadence - Sumptuous Art Deco in the heart of Shoreditch by SusieH

SusieH — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:55:16 +0000

Review by SusieH

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 2896

Website: http://thelastdaysofdecadence.com/home.html

Tags: live music, jazz, cool

What really makes this place different is the atmosphere. When you have a venue to get dressed up for, a cool crowd and delicious food all at a more-than-decent price you can't go wrong. I go to the Saturday nights regularly and end up dancing all night, which is more than can be said for most Shoreditch venues. Try it, you'll definately be back.What really makes this place different is the atmosphere. When you have a venue to get dressed up for, a cool crowd and delicious food all at a more-than-decent price you can't go wrong. I go to the Saturday nights regularly and end up dancing all night, which is more than can be said for most Shoreditch venues. Try it, you'll definately be back.

The Hoxton Pony - The Hoxton Pony by xxlouisexx

xxlouisexx — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:00:46 +0000

Review by xxlouisexx

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7613 2844

Website: http://www.thehoxtonpony.com/

Tags: cool, trendy, pretentious

I went to this place last weekend and thought it was really good. I have never really been out in the Shoreditch way but my friends and I were up for trying it out and I am so glad that we did!
The music was really amazing and the sound system that they have there was wicked!
We got there about 10:00pm and it was buzzing with atmosphere and we ended up staying there for the rest of the night.
The staff were so friendly on the door and at the bar. The cocktails were shockingly good! And they had such a selection of them that it was too hard to choose!
It closed at 2:00am but I wish it stayed open later as I was having such a good time!
Would definitley recommend this place to anyone who wants a fab time out with their friends and enjoys a cosmopolitan.... or two!!I went to this place last weekend and thought it was really good. I have never really been out in the Shoreditch way but my friends and I were up for trying it out and I am so glad that we did!
The music was really amazing and the sound system that they have there was wicked!
We got there about 10:00pm and it was buzzing with atmosphere and we ended up staying there for the rest of the night.
The staff were so friendly on the door and at the bar. The cocktails were shockingly good! And they had such a selection of them that it was too hard to choose!
It closed at 2:00am but I wish it stayed open later as I was having such a good time!
Would definitley recommend this place to anyone who wants a fab time out with their friends and enjoys a cosmopolitan.... or two!!

The Bedroom Bar - Good DJ, bad bouncers! by Mattip

Mattip — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:56:17 +0000

Review by Mattip

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7739 5706

Tags: relaxed, food, trendy

The club itself is pretty awesome and the music is great. The only reason I'm rating it so low is because of the staff - vulgar, rude, and so discourteous to their customers. Who do they think they are? The barman was so obnoxious, and the doormen were actually physically aggressive (I saw a man get pushed by them when he was trying to sort out a reservation which the club had screwed up - it made everyone queuing noticeably uncomfortable). Avoid the place if you don't want to be treated like dirt.
The club itself is pretty awesome and the music is great. The only reason I'm rating it so low is because of the staff - vulgar, rude, and so discourteous to their customers. Who do they think they are? The barman was so obnoxious, and the doormen were actually physically aggressive (I saw a man get pushed by them when he was trying to sort out a reservation which the club had screwed up - it made everyone queuing noticeably uncomfortable). Avoid the place if you don't want to be treated like dirt.

Lounge Bohemia - interesting/pretentious by gilka

gilka — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:30:23 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 07720 707 000

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

Tags: trendy, cool, friendly

My first experience in Lounge Bohemia was weird. My friend arranged his leaving drinks there and apparently they do not allowed to be more than 8 people in a group. When I arrived, my friend came to me quickly and said we need to leave because they are unhappy with the situation. We went to another place but I was curious about Lounge Bohemia so decided to check it up some other time.

I went there again with one friend (just to be safe...) on a Tuesday evening. When asked if we booked places we answered no and were sited next to another couple. I asked if we can sit on a different table but the waitress told me that it was reserved.
I think this was a lie because there was no one coming for the next hour and a half.

It seems that Lounge Bohemia punish you if you don't reserve places by not being able to choose your sits even if the whole place is empty.

The place itself is really nicely designed with attention to detail and serves nice drinks and small bites.
I think it is a good place if you manage to overcome the bizarre service.

Lounge Bohemia staff are making the rules difficult in order to make this place more desirable. It does probably work for some people but I personally think that the person who came up with this idea got an overly strict upbringing.My first experience in Lounge Bohemia was weird. My friend arranged his leaving drinks there and apparently they do not allowed to be more than 8 people in a group. When I arrived, my friend came to me quickly and said we need to leave because they are unhappy with the situation. We went to another place but I was curious about Lounge Bohemia so decided to check it up some other time.

I went there again with one friend (just to be safe...) on a Tuesday evening. When asked if we booked places we answered no and were sited next to another couple. I asked if we can sit on a different table but the waitress told me that it was reserved.
I think this was a lie because there was no one coming for the next hour and a half.

It seems that Lounge Bohemia punish you if you don't reserve places by not being able to choose your sits even if the whole place is empty.

The place itself is really nicely designed with attention to detail and serves nice drinks and small bites.
I think it is a good place if you manage to overcome the bizarre service.

Lounge Bohemia staff are making the rules difficult in order to make this place more desirable. It does probably work for some people but I personally think that the person who came up with this idea got an overly strict upbringing.

Trafik - by sillysnake

sillysnake — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:44:20 +0000

Review by sillysnake

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7613 0234

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

Tags: cool, bar, food

I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!I had dinner there with a friend and we both decided to grab a pizza. I have to say both of us felt seriously unwell afterwards. It ruined our whole day getting food poisoning from this place and I couldn't apologise enough to my friend for taking her there. WILL NEVER EVER GO TO AGAIN!!

My friends have said it is terrible for a night out also.

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!

Bar Kick - by arianova

arianova — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:56:31 +0000

Review by arianova

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 8700

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

Tags: friendly, cool, relaxed

Great place to meet friendsGreat place to meet friends

Kings Stores - Venue Hire by michou

michou — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:12:02 +0000

Review by michou

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4089

Website: http://www.laurelpubco.com

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

We hired this pub for a 50th birthday party and I cannot praise it enough. Very accommodating owner and staff, great venue so central, just the right size for 60-100 people. Space to dance, or talk ; food was excellent, late licence, could go in early to decorate, reasonable priced wine - made for a perfect evening. Will definetly use again if the occasion ariseWe hired this pub for a 50th birthday party and I cannot praise it enough. Very accommodating owner and staff, great venue so central, just the right size for 60-100 people. Space to dance, or talk ; food was excellent, late licence, could go in early to decorate, reasonable priced wine - made for a perfect evening. Will definetly use again if the occasion arise

Commercial Tavern - Kooky relaxed by aimeealewis

aimeealewis — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:32:06 +0000

Review by aimeealewis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 1888

Tags: relaxed, trendy, cool

I like this pub. It's very Shoreditch with it's darkness and random wallpaper samples, chandelier collection decor and photo wall. It also serves wine in tumblers. Yes that is because it's cool to disregard wine glasses. Not because they broke them all (apparently). Upstairs the decor is a little smarter with artistic lighting. You can reserve areas which is a good idea if you have a big group. They have a pool table too, if you like that kind of thing.I like this pub. It's very Shoreditch with it's darkness and random wallpaper samples, chandelier collection decor and photo wall. It also serves wine in tumblers. Yes that is because it's cool to disregard wine glasses. Not because they broke them all (apparently). Upstairs the decor is a little smarter with artistic lighting. You can reserve areas which is a good idea if you have a big group. They have a pool table too, if you like that kind of thing.

INDO - Awesome Staff, Food and Atmosphere by london4life

london4life — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:42:58 +0000

Review by london4life

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4926

Tags: friendly, independent pub, cool

Tiny little boozer on Whitechapel road, right opposite the East London Mosque. A great change from your typical east end pub, and one of the best places to drink for miles around. The staff and clientele are all friendly, the food is legend (particularly the pizza) all in all can't be beat...
It's a little bit trendy and pretentious, art on the walls etc, but that's not really a criticism. Does get a bit rammed in the evenings though, so don't expect a seat. Often open late late with music (live or DJ).

Highest recommendation.Tiny little boozer on Whitechapel road, right opposite the East London Mosque. A great change from your typical east end pub, and one of the best places to drink for miles around. The staff and clientele are all friendly, the food is legend (particularly the pizza) all in all can't be beat...
It's a little bit trendy and pretentious, art on the walls etc, but that's not really a criticism. Does get a bit rammed in the evenings though, so don't expect a seat. Often open late late with music (live or DJ).

Highest recommendation.

Ye Olde Axe - avoid at all costs by Dizzee

Dizzee — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:40:13 +0000

Review by Dizzee

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7729 5137

Tags: friendly, trendy, rock

beer is grossly over priced served in dirty plastic glasses!
Music is good, and sounds fairly authentic on crackling speakers.
venue is grotty at best.
ceiling leaks when it rains.
Staff are miserable.
Only positive to this place is when you leave the whole world seems a better place.beer is grossly over priced served in dirty plastic glasses!
Music is good, and sounds fairly authentic on crackling speakers.
venue is grotty at best.
ceiling leaks when it rains.
Staff are miserable.
Only positive to this place is when you leave the whole world seems a better place.

Verge Bar - Laid-back and great cocktails by eastendjen

eastendjen — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:34:52 +0000

Review by eastendjen

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://www.thevergebar.com/

Tags: cool, relaxed, young and fun

Comfy sofas, eclectic music, friendly staff, great cocktails and a buzzing location. What more could you ask?Comfy sofas, eclectic music, friendly staff, great cocktails and a buzzing location. What more could you ask?

The Marksman - Excellent Food and very friendly by edward_a

edward_a — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:59:04 +0000

Review by edward_a

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 7393

Tags: friendly, traditional pub, trendy

We have lived in the Columbia Road are for about a year and have tended to go to The Royal Oak, which can get absolutely packed and the service in the bar can be a bit variable.

The Marksman has just been refurbished and we tried it for the first time on Good Friday. Timmy Taylor was fine but the food was absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. It was so good that I went back on Easter Mon for dinner again just to make sure I wasn't imagining things. Their £10.50 menu for two courses was very good value

Unlike The Royal Oak this pub has a nice mix of locals and younger trendies and is not packed (i always think being able to hear yourself speak is useful.)

What else? The landlady is very friendly. Also they have the funkiest beer bottle-chandelier towards the back. IMO the pub is well worth a visit just to see this!We have lived in the Columbia Road are for about a year and have tended to go to The Royal Oak, which can get absolutely packed and the service in the bar can be a bit variable.

The Marksman has just been refurbished and we tried it for the first time on Good Friday. Timmy Taylor was fine but the food was absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. It was so good that I went back on Easter Mon for dinner again just to make sure I wasn't imagining things. Their £10.50 menu for two courses was very good value

Unlike The Royal Oak this pub has a nice mix of locals and younger trendies and is not packed (i always think being able to hear yourself speak is useful.)

What else? The landlady is very friendly. Also they have the funkiest beer bottle-chandelier towards the back. IMO the pub is well worth a visit just to see this!

Scarborough Arms - by Johnpubman

Johnpubman — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:14:41 +0000

Review by Johnpubman

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7481 1841

Tags: cool, food, friendly

Now this is a little gem - a back street pub just one block from tower hill dlr or aldgate east - unlike most of the pubs in the area it's bright and airy serves great beer and fabulous traditional pub grub. You can sit outside in the sunshine all day. Prices are decent too and the menu is incredible value. Friendly, welcoming and fun. The first floor is a real shock, with downstairs being a traditional country pub feel; the first floor is a luxourious bar with red and silver decor, a smoking balcony and its own bar. Bar far the best pub in the disrict.Now this is a little gem - a back street pub just one block from tower hill dlr or aldgate east - unlike most of the pubs in the area it's bright and airy serves great beer and fabulous traditional pub grub. You can sit outside in the sunshine all day. Prices are decent too and the menu is incredible value. Friendly, welcoming and fun. The first floor is a real shock, with downstairs being a traditional country pub feel; the first floor is a luxourious bar with red and silver decor, a smoking balcony and its own bar. Bar far the best pub in the disrict.

Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes - Maybe it's because it has 'shoes' in its name by kellytron

kellytron — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:17:05 +0000

Review by kellytron

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 4495

Website: http://www.dreambagsjaguarshoes.com

Tags: cool, underground, food

I don't have a great deal to add about this place that hasn't been said.

I just like it is all.I don't have a great deal to add about this place that hasn't been said.

I just like it is all.