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

Ruby Lounge - Ruby Lounge by Gemma_Townsend

Gemma_Townsend — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:03:07 +0000

Review by Gemma_Townsend

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 9558

Website: http://www.ruby.uk.com

I went to Ruby Lounge last week for a night out with my girlfriends and had a fabulous time. We sat and talked while enjoying a few bottles of wine and when the music was turned up we were straight on our feet until it closed. Our only complaint was that it took a while to get served once it got busy P.S. Hi to the really fit barman with the bead-necklace.
I went to Ruby Lounge last week for a night out with my girlfriends and had a fabulous time. We sat and talked while enjoying a few bottles of wine and when the music was turned up we were straight on our feet until it closed. Our only complaint was that it took a while to get served once it got busy P.S. Hi to the really fit barman with the bead-necklace.

Bree Louise - Wonderful pub! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:59:24 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7383 2141

Tags: relaxed, friendly, real ale

Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!

The Victoria - The Goose has lost it's Crown... Camden's best pub by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:22:33 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 3804

Tags: beer garden, jazz, cool

I donâ¬"t want to alarm any one, but this could well be the best pub in Camden. I know thatâ¬"s controversial, and I think I may have to write a letter of apology to the Crown, but this place is just utterly fantastic. I think Iâ¬"m in love.

For a start, it closes in the afternoon. Now, that may not seem like a merit in most peopleâ¬"s book but there is something so quintessentially â¬Spubbyâ¬ about it â¬ open for lunch, close during the â¬Sgraveyard hoursâ¬, which any barman/maid is familiar with (in fact, I wrote most of my undergraduate dissertation while at work during this down time) then open up for knocking off time.

(Also, if you think about it, itâ¬"s completely logical â¬ A: the kind of people who are drinking at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon are the kind of people you probably donâ¬"t want in your pub. People like me. B: just a quick cost/benefit analysis must highlight the fact that the amount of money you take over the bar on your average weekday afternoon is usually significantly less than the cost of powering and manning the place.)

So. Itâ¬"s closed. Great. Inside it is beautiful! Very comfortable and welcoming, a little dark but that gave it a more cosy touch. Thereâ¬"s a decent sized L-shaped bar, with some excellent bar stools. Around one side are some very interesting copper-topped tables, which must be a bugger to keep clean but they look great! Around the other side there are some more comfy looking tables, chairs and sofas.

Now then. The garden is a delight! Itâ¬"s enclosed, itâ¬"s paved and overhung with some kind of vegetation. There is also a long trestle table roofed with trellising which I can imagine in the evening looks very romantic indeed.

They only have one beer, but itâ¬"s London Pride and it was delicious so who gives a crap. Further to that they have a pretty standard collection of lagers etc.

By far and away the highlight of this pub is the juke box. I had a wonderful time (and spent a lot of money!) trawling through the extensive collection which can cater to pretty much any taste.

As if l that wasnâ¬"t enough, the staff when we went in were some of the most charming and sociable Iâ¬"ve had the pleasure to have met and they do great pizza.

This all makes for a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and I can see this gaff becoming a regular.
I donâ¬"t want to alarm any one, but this could well be the best pub in Camden. I know thatâ¬"s controversial, and I think I may have to write a letter of apology to the Crown, but this place is just utterly fantastic. I think Iâ¬"m in love.

For a start, it closes in the afternoon. Now, that may not seem like a merit in most peopleâ¬"s book but there is something so quintessentially â¬Spubbyâ¬ about it â¬ open for lunch, close during the â¬Sgraveyard hoursâ¬, which any barman/maid is familiar with (in fact, I wrote most of my undergraduate dissertation while at work during this down time) then open up for knocking off time.

(Also, if you think about it, itâ¬"s completely logical â¬ A: the kind of people who are drinking at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon are the kind of people you probably donâ¬"t want in your pub. People like me. B: just a quick cost/benefit analysis must highlight the fact that the amount of money you take over the bar on your average weekday afternoon is usually significantly less than the cost of powering and manning the place.)

So. Itâ¬"s closed. Great. Inside it is beautiful! Very comfortable and welcoming, a little dark but that gave it a more cosy touch. Thereâ¬"s a decent sized L-shaped bar, with some excellent bar stools. Around one side are some very interesting copper-topped tables, which must be a bugger to keep clean but they look great! Around the other side there are some more comfy looking tables, chairs and sofas.

Now then. The garden is a delight! Itâ¬"s enclosed, itâ¬"s paved and overhung with some kind of vegetation. There is also a long trestle table roofed with trellising which I can imagine in the evening looks very romantic indeed.

They only have one beer, but itâ¬"s London Pride and it was delicious so who gives a crap. Further to that they have a pretty standard collection of lagers etc.

By far and away the highlight of this pub is the juke box. I had a wonderful time (and spent a lot of money!) trawling through the extensive collection which can cater to pretty much any taste.

As if all that wasnâ¬"t enough, the staff when we went in were some of the most charming and sociable Iâ¬"ve had the pleasure to have met and they do great pizza.

This all makes for a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and I can see this gaff becoming a regular.

The Exmouth Arms - Beautiful local by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:06:40 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7387 5440

Website: http://www.exmouth-arms.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

The Exmouth Arms is a BEAUTIFUL pub, inside and out. It is always festooned with the most gloriously technicolour hanging baskets and window boxes - it's simply a joy to behold.

It's stuck somewhat out of the way, in not the nicest part of Euston, but as you're walking through some pretty grotty, dodgy roads you round the corner to behold an explosion of colour. It's just glorious. They are frequent winners of Camden in Bloom.

On to something a little more masculine...

Inside the pub is spacious and well appointed with a long dark wood bar complete with eye level glass shelves and some of the best bar stools I have come across.

They have the standard range of lagers, ciders and Guinness, and three (I think) ales. Regrettably one is the ironically named Courage Best, but this is made up for by an Spitfire and an Adnam's. I always have a good pint here.

The menu boasts some very straight forward pub food. Sandwiches, pies, jackets, sausage and mash, and an artery clotting all-day-breakfast. I'm not going to lie, the food ain't gonna win no awards. But if you can find a better fish finger sandwich in London then I would very much like to know where.

You get a pretty mixed crowd, but this is very much a locals pub. It can get a little be rowdy at times, but where in Central London doesn't on a Friday night? The staff are always charming and efficient, in a very London fashion.

Be warned. The distinguished Londoner behind the bar who, to all intents and purposes, looks like the gaffer, does not rule the roost. This is a pub where The Cat is the King. I received a very disdainful look from him last time I was in for sitting in what was evidently his chair. After helping himself to a crisp and receiving a tickle behind the ear he decided we could share and curled up on my lap. So, I would suggest that if you don't like livestock don't sit at the bar!

There is a large function room upstairs, some benches out front if you want to enjoy the fragrance of the flora with a B&H, and I believe a juke box, though I haven't tried it out.

Also, if you're into that kind of thing (which I am. And proud.) The Exmouth Arms is host to one of the best folk clubs in London, The Cellar Upstairs.

So, if you are ever in that neck of the woods, or have an while to wait for a train at Euston Station then have a little walk and discover the Exmouth. You shanâ¬"t be disappointed!The Exmouth Arms is a BEAUTIFUL pub, inside and out. It is always festooned with the most gloriously technicolour hanging baskets and window boxes - it's simply a joy to behold.

It's stuck somewhat out of the way, in not the nicest part of Euston, but as you're walking through some pretty grotty, dodgy roads you round the corner to behold an explosion of colour. It's just glorious. They are frequent winners of Camden in Bloom.

On to something a little more masculine...

Inside the pub is spacious and well appointed with a long dark wood bar complete with eye level glass shelves and some of the best bar stools I have come across.

They have the standard range of lagers, ciders and Guinness, and three (I think) ales. Regrettably one is the ironically named Courage Best, but this is made up for by an Spitfire and an Adnam's. I always have a good pint here.

The menu boasts some very straight forward pub food. Sandwiches, pies, jackets, sausage and mash, and an artery clotting all-day-breakfast. I'm not going to lie, the food ain't gonna win no awards. But if you can find a better fish finger sandwich in London then I would very much like to know where.

You get a pretty mixed crowd, but this is very much a locals pub. It can get a little be rowdy at times, but where in Central London doesn't on a Friday night? The staff are always charming and efficient, in a very London fashion.

Be warned. The distinguished Londoner behind the bar who, to all intents and purposes, looks like the gaffer, does not rule the roost. This is a pub where The Cat is the King. I received a very disdainful look from him last time I was in for sitting in what was evidently his chair. After helping himself to a crisp and receiving a tickle behind the ear he decided we could share and curled up on my lap. So, I would suggest that if you don't like livestock don't sit at the bar!

There is a large function room upstairs, some benches out front if you want to enjoy the fragrance of the flora with a B&H, and I believe a juke box, though I haven't tried it out.

Also, if you're into that kind of thing (which I am. And proud.) The Exmouth Arms is host to one of the best folk clubs in London, The Cellar Upstairs.

So, if you are ever in that neck of the woods, or have an while to wait for a train at Euston Station then have a little walk and discover the Exmouth. You shanâ¬"t be disappointed!

The Driver - newly open by carlyc

carlyc — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:21:50 +0000

Review by carlyc

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7278 8827

Tags: friendly, glamorous, modern pub

after a few months of being shut :( The driver has reopened - amazing new front - great roof garden and same amazing but reasonable food - I hear the weekends are really busy as a club/bar ..... need to check it outafter a few months of being shut :( The driver has reopened - amazing new front - great roof garden and same amazing but reasonable food - I hear the weekends are really busy as a club/bar ..... need to check it out

Dover Castle - by maclennane

maclennane — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:32:35 +0000

Review by maclennane

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 4412

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, tv for sporting events

Fabulous, old-style boozer, with hearty, reasonably-priced food, and typically cheap Sam Smiths bar prices.

A wide range of c;ientelle unfussily frequent it, and there are tables outside in the Mews for warmer days. My favourite London pub.Fabulous, old-style boozer, with hearty, reasonably-priced food, and typically cheap Sam Smiths bar prices.

A wide range of c;ientelle unfussily frequent it, and there are tables outside in the Mews for warmer days. My favourite London pub.

The Cape Of Good Hope - Another estate pub. by beeronaut

beeronaut — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:49:48 +0000

Review by beeronaut

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7388 6826

Tags: food, pool tables, vegetarian dishes

A basic estate pub on Albany Street, frequented by the locals. No real ale but you wouldn't expect it, I have no idea if there was any food. The locals aren't unfriendly however and the place seemed clean and well-attended. At some point long ago this must have been a more traditional Victorian pub (it appears in records from the 19th century) but now it's a box.A basic estate pub on Albany Street, frequented by the locals. No real ale but you wouldn't expect it, I have no idea if there was any food. The locals aren't unfriendly however and the place seemed clean and well-attended. At some point long ago this must have been a more traditional Victorian pub (it appears in records from the 19th century) but now it's a box.

Loom Bar - Great atmosphere and Brazilian dancing by Sarahzouk

Sarahzouk — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:42:48 +0000

Review by Sarahzouk

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7436 0035

Website: http://www.loombar.com

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Loom is a great bar and one of a kind in that area. The atmosphere is both cozy and trendy and it's a brilliant place to chill out after work. Handy too as it's very close to all the offices in the Great Portland street area and only 3 mins from Great Portland street tube so easy to get home!!

They have a great selection of drinks, cocktails etc and it's definitely one of the coolest bars I've been to in London. They have a very big dance floor and great little alcoves at the back which are intimate and a great place to chill.

Also a bonus is that they do Brazilian dance classes every Tuesday except the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Zouk lambada which is definitely a lot of fun. Classes are from 7.30 till 9.30 and then there's dancing and a great club ambiance. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and it is a fantastic way to spend a Tuesday evening.Loom is a great bar and one of a kind in that area. The atmosphere is both cozy and trendy and it's a brilliant place to chill out after work. Handy too as it's very close to all the offices in the Great Portland street area and only 3 mins from Great Portland street tube so easy to get home!!

They have a great selection of drinks, cocktails etc and it's definitely one of the coolest bars I've been to in London. They have a very big dance floor and great little alcoves at the back which are intimate and a great place to chill.

Also a bonus is that they do Brazilian dance classes every Tuesday except the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Zouk lambada which is definitely a lot of fun. Classes are from 7.30 till 9.30 and then there's dancing and a great club ambiance. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and it is a fantastic way to spend a Tuesday evening.

The Albany - by lightlines

lightlines — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:57:30 +0000

Review by lightlines

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7387 0221

Tags: cool, bar, friendly

Seems like a great place, but shame about the fact that thieves appear to operate here rather regularly. On two separate occasions, people I was with had items stolen from them. I guess if you go here with only your wallet, a good time can be had by all.Seems like a great place, but shame about the fact that thieves appear to operate here rather regularly. On two separate occasions, people I was with had items stolen from them. I guess if you go here with only your wallet, a good time can be had by all.

The Bountiful Cow - Beef lovers paradise. by steveblower

steveblower — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:30:14 +0000

Review by steveblower

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7404 0200

Tags: gastro pub, relaxed, lively

I love Bountiful Cow, and have been several times when I have one of my beef frenzies.

Wonderful steaks, fries, burgers. It really is a beef place, not much if you dont want it!

But if you do, well, fantastic.

Staff are so lovely and friendly, recorded jazz playing in the background, upstairs booths which are really cosy, downstairs open tables and you get to watch the chefs working their magic.

Do check www.toptable.co.uk as they often have special offers too.

I love Bountiful Cow, and have been several times when I have one of my beef frenzies.

Wonderful steaks, fries, burgers. It really is a beef place, not much if you dont want it!

But if you do, well, fantastic.

Staff are so lovely and friendly, recorded jazz playing in the background, upstairs booths which are really cosy, downstairs open tables and you get to watch the chefs working their magic.

Do check www.toptable.co.uk as they often have special offers too.

Carpenters Arms - Amazing Find by kittylyst

kittylyst — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:17:19 +0000

Review by kittylyst

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7307 9931

Tags: relaxed, friendly, beer garden

We found this pub by accident, after a hard afternoon shopping for tech on Tottenham Court Road.

At 2 on a Sunday it was quiet, with only the downstairs bars in operation. We were easily able to get a sofa in the back room for Sunday lunch.

The decor is dark wood panels, with interesting flock wallpaper in other parts of the pub - a little bit "quirky gastropub", but not jarringly so.

The drinks selection was well above average - 2 different real ales (London Pride and Greene King IPA), and a good wine list - which seems to change regularly given how out of date the board seemed to be.

The staff were extremely helpful, taking time to guide me through what was was and wasn't available from the wine list, and letting me taste any of the wines they had open bottles of.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the by-the-glass wines - too many pubs seem to regard them as an afterthought at best but here they were well thought through, and I ended up buying a bottle of one of them.

The roast beef arrived promptly and was absolutely superb. Not only was the roast one of the best I've had in a London pub, but it had clearly been prepared by someone who understood the importance of plating to a Sunday roast.

The beef was melting, the potatoes crisp on the outside and floury inside and the 3 different kinds of vegetables (carrots, gorgeous pan-fried French beans and cauliflower cheese) complemented each other very well.

I'll be interested to return during the week, when that part of town is a lot busier, and see how the ambience holds up, but on first visit - 5*.We found this pub by accident, after a hard afternoon shopping for tech on Tottenham Court Road.

At 2 on a Sunday it was quiet, with only the downstairs bars in operation. We were easily able to get a sofa in the back room for Sunday lunch.

The decor is dark wood panels, with interesting flock wallpaper in other parts of the pub - a little bit "quirky gastropub", but not jarringly so.

The drinks selection was well above average - 2 different real ales (London Pride and Greene King IPA), and a good wine list - which seems to change regularly given how out of date the board seemed to be.

The staff were extremely helpful, taking time to guide me through what was was and wasn't available from the wine list, and letting me taste any of the wines they had open bottles of.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the by-the-glass wines - too many pubs seem to regard them as an afterthought at best but here they were well thought through, and I ended up buying a bottle of one of them.

The roast beef arrived promptly and was absolutely superb. Not only was the roast one of the best I've had in a London pub, but it had clearly been prepared by someone who understood the importance of plating to a Sunday roast.

The beef was melting, the potatoes crisp on the outside and floury inside and the 3 different kinds of vegetables (carrots, gorgeous pan-fried French beans and cauliflower cheese) complemented each other very well.

I'll be interested to return during the week, when that part of town is a lot busier, and see how the ambience holds up, but on first visit - 5*.

Crown & Sceptre - Over priced by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:08:02 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7307 9971

Tags: cool, food, trendy

This used to be my workplace local, but now my colleagues and I have nick-named it the "Crown and Septic Tank". it's well decorated and nice to perch outside in the summer, but a couple of things have put us off from going here.

The food is hideously over priced. They charge around Â£8 or Â£9 for a meal, and often it isn't cooked particularly well. The food can take ages to arrive, and often sporadically so one person is usually left hungry for a little longer.

And then there's the bar staff. It takes forever to get served. The final nail in the coffin was that the last lunch time I was there, the barman tried to strike up conversation with: "so, are you from the English Language school down the road?"
This used to be my workplace local, but now my colleagues and I have nick-named it the "Crown and Septic Tank". it's well decorated and nice to perch outside in the summer, but a couple of things have put us off from going here.

The food is hideously over priced. They charge around Â£8 or Â£9 for a meal, and often it isn't cooked particularly well. The food can take ages to arrive, and often sporadically so one person is usually left hungry for a little longer.

And then there's the bar staff. It takes forever to get served. The final nail in the coffin was that the last lunch time I was there, the barman tried to strike up conversation with: "so, are you from the English Language school down the road?"

Smugglers Tavern - Good place for after-work drinks by lightlines

lightlines — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:15:23 +0000

Review by lightlines

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7255 9921

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

Warm, cosy, helpful staff. Liked it here and would definitely go back.Warm, cosy, helpful staff. Liked it here and would definitely go back.

The Green Man - Much better by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:41:22 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7307 9981

Tags: relaxed, friendly, standard pub food

This place was recently refurbished, and is much better for it. Much nicer decor, and they now serve many different ciders.

It can get really super busy on Friday nights with a younger crowd, but they generally play decent (indie) music. Food is also good; macaroni cheese is a particular favourite with our work crowd.

Beward of the 'Green Man Special' cider... at around 7.5% it's best sipped rather than gulped!This place was recently refurbished, and is much better for it. Much nicer decor, and they now serve many different ciders.

It can get really super busy on Friday nights with a younger crowd, but they generally play decent (indie) music. Food is also good; macaroni cheese is a particular favourite with our work crowd.

Beward of the 'Green Man Special' cider... at around 7.5% it's best sipped rather than gulped!

Smithy's Wine Bar - Victoriana by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:41:04 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7278 5949

Website: http://www.smithyslondon.com

Tags: live music, young professionals, gastro pub

Deservedly popular, this attractive and historic space near Kings Cross serves a good selection of wines and some well kept ales. A full review will have to wait until I've tried the food, but the signs were encouraging from what I could gather from a quick read of the chalk board menu. There's some decent competition in this part of town, but Smithy's stands out as a unique and characterful place for a drink.Deservedly popular, this attractive and historic space near Kings Cross serves a good selection of wines and some well kept ales. A full review will have to wait until I've tried the food, but the signs were encouraging from what I could gather from a quick read of the chalk board menu. There's some decent competition in this part of town, but Smithy's stands out as a unique and characterful place for a drink.

The Queen's Larder - A new entry in the Top 5! Best ploughman's in town by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:33:39 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 5627

Website: http://www.laurelpubco.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

I wrote this review some time ago after quite a long, boozey lunch in the Queen's Larder (is that a euphemism?) and decided that it was probably drunken nonsense and best not to post it. Having re-read it, and revisited the pub many times I've decided to post it anyway! There is not a word of a lie, not a single exaggeration in the following review. One of the best pubs in London!

"I donâ¬"t know how often you go to a restaurant or pub, or meet a new friend that you just love SO much that you want to tell everyone you know about it. But what then?! All of a sudden everyone knows about your new favourite place, everyone wants to hang out there, it gets busy, the place tarnishes, itâ¬"s no longer special, and beautiful and ALL YOUR VERY OWN! So, Phil and I donâ¬"t really talk to each other any moreâ¬¦.

On a less creepy note, The Queens Larder is much like my former-friend Phil.
Quite simply, itâ¬"s perfect. Tucked away off Southampton Row, Queenâ¬"s Square is like the Secret Garden, just with out any locked doors or creepy Franciscine boys conversing with robins â¬ a little haven of peace and tranquillity, flowers and trees, complete with market squarette and the wrought iron gated Queenâ¬"s Square Gardens. Seriously, if Peter Pan had been a little less ambitious he could well have ended up by here instead. And, by Zeusâ¬"s beard! Is that a Green King boozer I spy?!

Now, you may have realised from the timbre of my musings (and by my use of the word â¬Stimbreâ¬) that I have just been enjoying a rather lengthy and boozy lunch there. As a consequence I am in much trouble at work (despite a LARGE box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to apologise for my late return and the delicate bouquet of ale and pickled onions I brought along) but I would gladly suffer the indignity all over again for the pleasure of sitting outside this charming old town boozer, in the sunshine, with the best Ploughmanâ¬"s I have had in a long time, a good pint or two of Green Kingâ¬"s finest, and a facefull of sunshine.

On to some less abstract information â¬ to drink. There is the standard selection of lagers, cider, etc plus a couple of Belgium â¬Sponcyâ¬ beers. Most important, there are three Green King cask beers (both the IPA and Sunchaser are top drawer) and a wine list which no pub should be ashamed to have (though I can see the wine bar brigadeâ¬"s heckles bristling slightlyâ¬¦)

The food menu is to die for! I know this is a subject on which I have moaned before but there are so few pubs where you can go these days and have a proper pub lunch. Iâ¬"m talking Ploughmanâ¬"s, a proper Club Sandwich, pie and mash, a huge array of sandwiches which revolve largely around cheese and/or cold meats. Having seen a laden plate making itâ¬"s way to a neighbouring table my friends and I all went for a Ploughmanâ¬"s, though for sake of variety we ordered one of each â¬ ham, stilton, cheddar & brie. I also ordered a bowl of chips.

Although it wasnâ¬"t the most rapid service in the world, I donâ¬"t mind! There were plenty of other diners, and the food was evidently carefully prepared and beautifully presented. Iâ¬"m impressed at their ability to get so much food onto one plate with out it looking likeâ¬¦ well, a pile of food! The ham, home cooked, cut thick as yâ¬"tongue, delicious, juicy and flavoursome. The cheese was served in huge, door wedge chucks, mature, at the right temperature, just as it should be! All this was accompanied by pickled onions, pickled gherkins, a hd boiled egg, a generous helping of salad, discretely dressed, creamy soft butter, sweet pickle, a hot apple pie (move over sliced-of-Brabourne! Youâ¬"re old news) and generous slices of fresh, crusty bread. I donâ¬"t think that any one touched the chips. There was just no need.
I wrote this review some time ago after quite a long, boozey lunch in the Queen's Larder (is that a euphemism?) and decided that it was probably drunken nonsense and best not to post it. Having re-read it, and revisited the pub many times I've decided to post it anyway! There is not a word of a lie, not a single exaggeration in the following review. One of the best pubs in London!

"I donâ¬"t know how often you go to a restaurant or pub, or meet a new friend that you just love SO much that you want to tell everyone you know about it. But what then?! All of a sudden everyone knows about your new favourite place, everyone wants to hang out there, it gets busy, the place tarnishes, itâ¬"s no longer special, and beautiful and ALL YOUR VERY OWN! So, Phil and I donâ¬"t really talk to each other any moreâ¬¦.

On a less creepy note, The Queens Larder is much like my former-friend Phil.
Quite simply, itâ¬"s perfect. Tucked away off Southampton Row, Queenâ¬"s Square is like the Secret Garden, just with out any locked doors or creepy Franciscine boys conversing with robins â¬ a little haven of peace and tranquillity, flowers and trees, complete with market squarette and the wrought iron gated Queenâ¬"s Square Gardens. Seriously, if Peter Pan had been a little less ambitious he could well have ended up by here instead. And, by Zeusâ¬"s beard! Is that a Green King boozer I spy?!

Now, you may have realised from the timbre of my musings (and by my use of the word â¬Stimbreâ¬) that I have just been enjoying a rather lengthy and boozy lunch there. As a consequence I am in much trouble at work (despite a LARGE box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to apologise for my late return and the delicate bouquet of ale and pickled onions I brought along) but I would gladly suffer the indignity all over again for the pleasure of sitting outside this charming old town boozer, in the sunshine, with the best Ploughmanâ¬"s I have had in a long time, a good pint or two of Green Kingâ¬"s finest, and a facefull of sunshine.

On to some less abstract information â¬ to drink. There is the standard selection of lagers, cider, etc plus a couple of Belgium â¬Sponcyâ¬ beers. Most important, there are three Green King cask beers (both the IPA and Sunchaser are top drawer) and a wine list which no pub should be ashamed to have (though I can see the wine bar brigadeâ¬"s heckles bristling slightlyâ¬¦)

The food menu is to die for! I know this is a subject on which I have moaned before but there are so few pubs where you can go these days and have a proper pub lunch. Iâ¬"m talking Ploughmanâ¬"s, a proper Club Sandwich, pie and mash, a huge array of sandwiches which revolve largely around cheese and/or cold meats. Having seen a laden plate making itâ¬"s way to a neighbouring table my friends and I all went for a Ploughmanâ¬"s, though for sake of variety we ordered one of each â¬ ham, stilton, cheddar & brie. I also ordered a bowl of chips.

Although it wasnâ¬"t the most rapid service in the world, I donâ¬"t mind! There were plenty of other diners, and the food was evidently carefully prepared and beautifully presented. Iâ¬"m impressed at their ability to get so much food onto one plate with out it looking likeâ¬¦ well, a pile of food! The ham, home cooked, cut thick as yâ¬"tongue, delicious, juicy and flavoursome. The cheese was served in huge, door wedge chucks, mature, at the right temperature, just as it should be! All this was accompanied by pickled onions, pickled gherkins, a hard boiled egg, a generous helping of salad, discretely dressed, creamy soft butter, sweet pickle, a hot apple pie (move over sliced-of-Brabourne! Youâ¬"re old news) and generous slices of fresh, crusty bread. I donâ¬"t think that any one touched the chips. There was just no need.

The Lamb - Fab Victorian pub by realalelass

realalelass — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:09:24 +0000

Review by realalelass

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7405 0713

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

Tags: traditional pub, beer garden, standard pub food

A lovely Victorian pub, full of character, with 'snob screens' around the bar. The beer is well-kept (Youngs), and they had seasonal ales on draft which are well worth a try, such as Winter Warmer. Also, in my view a plus, there is no music.

The down sides are that it can get very busy (especially around Christmas) and I have never had a good food experience here ... so stick to the beer!

The seating area at the front of the pub sadly no longer exists, but there is still a very small courtyard at the back.

Worth a visit for any real ale fan, but also anyone who enjoys atmospheric pubs, as this is unique and full of character.A lovely Victorian pub, full of character, with 'snob screens' around the bar. The beer is well-kept (Youngs), and they had seasonal ales on draft which are well worth a try, such as Winter Warmer. Also, in my view a plus, there is no music.

The down sides are that it can get very busy (especially around Christmas) and I have never had a good food experience here ... so stick to the beer!

The seating area at the front of the pub sadly no longer exists, but there is still a very small courtyard at the back.

Worth a visit for any real ale fan, but also anyone who enjoys atmospheric pubs, as this is unique and full of character.

Lord John Russell - The qiuet is welcome by haydenwhite2003

haydenwhite2003 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:54:12 +0000

Review by haydenwhite2003

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 0500

Tags: friendly, standard pub food, relaxed

I mostly agree with the other reviewers- good selection of beers at acceptable prices. I spend my summers in Bloomsbury and have found LJR to be about the friendliest pub in London.

Others have remarked on the lack of music or the low volume level when music is playing. This is one of my favorite things about LJR. If I want to rock out, I go to the Rocket.I mostly agree with the other reviewers- good selection of beers at acceptable prices. I spend my summers in Bloomsbury and have found LJR to be about the friendliest pub in London.

Others have remarked on the lack of music or the low volume level when music is playing. This is one of my favorite things about LJR. If I want to rock out, I go to the Rocket.

The Rocket - Eating a late Lunch by FeedBag

FeedBag — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:15:16 +0000

Review by FeedBag

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 0021

Tags: pool, pop, food

If you are in Euston and stuck for a late lunch, "The Rocket" could be your answer. Its the very definition of cheap & cheerful.

My Ultimate Cheesburger is Â£5 and very filling (comes with fries) and my Â£3 pint of Staropramen is absoultly delicious. No doubt they go through a lot of beer at this place.

Its a large, rough at the edges Pub, that feels welcoming. All in all a decent place to tie on the ole' feedbag!

If you are in Euston and stuck for a late lunch, "The Rocket" could be your answer. Its the very definition of cheap & cheerful.

My Ultimate Cheesburger is Â£5 and very filling (comes with fries) and my Â£3 pint of Staropramen is absoultly delicious. No doubt they go through a lot of beer at this place.

Its a large, rough at the edges Pub, that feels welcoming. All in all a decent place to tie on the ole' feedbag!

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, friendly, pies

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.