Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in St Giles, London, United Kingdom

Ye Olde Red Cow - very good! by minnym

minnym — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:31:10 +0000

Review by minnym

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7606 0735

Website: http://www.shepherd-neame.co.uk

just had the most delicious steak at this pub. Never been there before, but I think it's just reopened. I loved the free jukebox...nice touch!just had the most delicious steak at this pub. Never been there before, but I think it's just reopened. I loved the free jukebox...nice touch!

Vertigo 42 - Head for heights by QueenB

QueenB — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:29:40 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7877 7842

Website: http://www.vertigo42.co.uk

Tags: posh, friendly, expensive

Head for the tallest building in the city. You can see the blue strip of lighting from miles away.

Enter through a lilac-lit building entrance that reminded me of the Mayors Office.

Check in with a very smart glamour-puss of a receptionist and get shown to the lift that will whisk you directly up to the ear popping 42nd floor.

There you enter a dark, stylised reception area, greeted warmly by staff who take your coats and show you to your seats. With mirrored walls on your right and glass from floor to ceiling on your left, you can't help but feel a little unsteady on your feet!

Gazing out over a moon lit London, we spotted many buildings and got a breath taking view while sipping Lychee Bellinis (Â£12.50 each)and a plate of lovely marinated olives and shared a bottle of red (Australian Shiraz).

The staff were attentive, smiling and very helpful. Our waiter was sweet and took photos for us and when the more sought after seats with the better view became available (the first seats as you walk in) he kindly moved us and our drinks there without us even having to ask.

There was nice soulful house music playing quietly in the background, the clientelle was wealthy 30 somethings of all nationalities, along with a handful of tourists.

I would def would come back here, for a special night out out or a romantic evening.

If you don't have ahead for heights though, don't even attempt this! I had legs like Bambi for the 1st 15min!Head for the tallest building in the city. You can see the blue strip of lighting from miles away.

Enter through a lilac-lit building entrance that reminded me of the Mayors Office.

Check in with a very smart glamour-puss of a receptionist and get shown to the lift that will whisk you directly up to the ear popping 42nd floor.

There you enter a dark, stylised reception area, greeted warmly by staff who take your coats and show you to your seats. With mirrored walls on your right and glass from floor to ceiling on your left, you can't help but feel a little unsteady on your feet!

Gazing out over a moon lit London, we spotted many buildings and got a breath taking view while sipping Lychee Bellinis (Â£12.50 each)and a plate of lovely marinated olives and shared a bottle of red (Australian Shiraz).

The staff were attentive, smiling and very helpful. Our waiter was sweet and took photos for us and when the more sought after seats with the better view became available (the first seats as you walk in) he kindly moved us and our drinks there without us even having to ask.

There was nice soulful house music playing quietly in the background, the clientelle was wealthy 30 somethings of all nationalities, along with a handful of tourists.

I would def would come back here, for a special night out out or a romantic evening.

If you don't have ahead for heights though, don't even attempt this! I had legs like Bambi for the 1st 15min!

Cocomo - welcome break by ben1982

ben1982 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:51:15 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7613 0315

Tags: cosy, food, relaxed

Dirty (in a good way) and dark, this small bar has a lot of charisma - especially in the basement where a range of battered old sofas are clustered. The cocktails ordered on previous visits have been pretty badly thrown together, so maybe go for something that's harder to screw up, but doubles are often cheap. It represents a nice change from the more contrived scene around the corner in hoxton square.Dirty (in a good way) and dark, this small bar has a lot of charisma - especially in the basement where a range of battered old sofas are clustered. The cocktails ordered on previous visits have been pretty badly thrown together, so maybe go for something that's harder to screw up, but doubles are often cheap. It represents a nice change from the more contrived scene around the corner in hoxton square.

The Angel - Heaven sent by chrisp

chrisp — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:08:01 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7240 2876

Tags: traditional pub, friendly, beer garden

A proper old pub that looks like it hasn't changed in 100 years - just how we like them. There is a traditional bar island surrounded by 3 or 4 small rooms and snugs, and a couple of old fireplaces for the winter. Being Sam Smiths, the beer is very cheap and attracts a friendly, ecclectic crowd. The only thing I would avoid is the food. Great place.A proper old pub that looks like it hasn't changed in 100 years - just how we like them. There is a traditional bar island surrounded by 3 or 4 small rooms and snugs, and a couple of old fireplaces for the winter. Being Sam Smiths, the beer is very cheap and attracts a friendly, ecclectic crowd. The only thing I would avoid is the food. Great place.

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 Three Kings - Archetypal boozer by ben1982

ben1982 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:14:11 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7253 0483

Tags: food, dj, jukebox

This pub just feels great; a little bit dark and dingy (in the best possible way), a healthy post-work bustle and a slight creative twist, particularly the upstairs rooms with its Fifties decor, which mirrors the Clerkenwell clientele...when it gets dark the candles come out and the food has a pub-grub quality lacking in many similar places. A place to return to again and again.This pub just feels great; a little bit dark and dingy (in the best possible way), a healthy post-work bustle and a slight creative twist, particularly the upstairs rooms with its Fifties decor, which mirrors the Clerkenwell clientele...when it gets dark the candles come out and the food has a pub-grub quality lacking in many similar places. A place to return to again and again.

Reflex The 80's Bar - Reflex! by louisemc29

louisemc29 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:08:39 +0000

Review by louisemc29

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7248 5641

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

Tags: friendly, cocktails, dj

Brilliant bar set in the middle of Liverpool's busy concert Square area. Great if you're after some cheesy music from the 80's, however if you feel like a change there's also L1 downstairs which plays R and B and recent tunes. They sell all kinds of merchandise, such as sunglasses or sweatbands, and it's great for a laugh! The DJ will usually play requests all night, and the drinks are a decent price, and it's open late of a weekend. L1 also does food in the day, and is reasonably priced and there's comfy couches to sit on, and televisions to keep you entertained. All in all I'd recommend this place day or night!Brilliant bar set in the middle of Liverpool's busy concert Square area. Great if you're after some cheesy music from the 80's, however if you feel like a change there's also L1 downstairs which plays R and B and recent tunes. They sell all kinds of merchandise, such as sunglasses or sweatbands, and it's great for a laugh! The DJ will usually play requests all night, and the drinks are a decent price, and it's open late of a weekend. L1 also does food in the day, and is reasonably priced and there's comfy couches to sit on, and televisions to keep you entertained. All in all I'd recommend this place day or night!

The Porters Lodge - by Mad

Mad — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:47:54 +0000

Review by Mad

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7648 5851

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

5 dart boards ,2 pool tables, real ale, thai food,,,did i miss anything?5 dart boards ,2 pool tables, real ale, thai food,,,did i miss anything?

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.

London Stone - Quirky and fun by WB1

WB1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:53:06 +0000

Review by WB1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7626 8246

Tags: food, standard pub food, underground

The London Stone is located on Cannon Street and at first seems more like a dungeon than a pub. The entrance is down a steep staicase and the pub itself is atmospheric from the start. The room is a treasure trove of strange and sometimes gruesome artifacts - an old library effect combines with spooky decor and props to give almost a haunted house feel. The food is definitely not spooky, just your standard pub food - sandwiches, wraps, burgers etc but is all quite decent and very reasonably priced (especially given the location). The drinks are again your standard pub selection and not such good value as the food although still reasonable for the area. The pub never seems to get too busy and is therefore a good place if you actually want to talk to your companions!The London Stone is located on Cannon Street and at first seems more like a dungeon than a pub. The entrance is down a steep staicase and the pub itself is atmospheric from the start. The room is a treasure trove of strange and sometimes gruesome artifacts - an old library effect combines with spooky decor and props to give almost a haunted house feel. The food is definitely not spooky, just your standard pub food - sandwiches, wraps, burgers etc but is all quite decent and very reasonably priced (especially given the location). The drinks are again your standard pub selection and not such good value as the food although still reasonable for the area. The pub never seems to get too busy and is therefore a good place if you actually want to talk to your companions!

Abacus Bar - Abacus by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:44:15 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7337 6767

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

Tags: cool, food, lively

A trendy bar near Bank station, Abacus in its new avatar is a good place to hang out. Preferred by city workers, the place is also is a favourite with many of the trendy folks. There are lots of drinks on offer and the food is actually good. There is also a dance floor at the lower levels and it seems to be very popular with the girls.
One piece of warning though. There are few mini-cab drivers and suspicious looking characters outside. I have not heard of any problems but it does feel odd once you step out late in night.
Overall, a trendy joint for those wanting a late night drink.A trendy bar near Bank station, Abacus in its new avatar is a good place to hang out. Preferred by city workers, the place is also is a favourite with many of the trendy folks. There are lots of drinks on offer and the food is actually good. There is also a dance floor at the lower levels and it seems to be very popular with the girls.
One piece of warning though. There are few mini-cab drivers and suspicious looking characters outside. I have not heard of any problems but it does feel odd once you step out late in night.
Overall, a trendy joint for those wanting a late night drink.

The Vintry - Nothing special but a bit overpriced by WB1

WB1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:36:23 +0000

Review by WB1

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 72809610

Tags: mature, pretentious, standard pub food

The Vintry is hidden down a little lane off Cannon Street, but that hasn't stopped a huge number of City workers finding it and crowding in every day after work. Get there early and the atmosphere is fairly pleasant - nothing special, just your standard modern bar - but nothing to complain about either. As the evening wears on however, it tends to become more and more crowded with peak time about 5:30 to 7:30 and during this time it is noisy, packed and often difficult to get served at the bar. The bar staff (when you get there) are friendly and efficient. Prices are not friendly, but not out of the ordinary for the heart of the City.The Vintry is hidden down a little lane off Cannon Street, but that hasn't stopped a huge number of City workers finding it and crowding in every day after work. Get there early and the atmosphere is fairly pleasant - nothing special, just your standard modern bar - but nothing to complain about either. As the evening wears on however, it tends to become more and more crowded with peak time about 5:30 to 7:30 and during this time it is noisy, packed and often difficult to get served at the bar. The bar staff (when you get there) are friendly and efficient. Prices are not friendly, but not out of the ordinary for the heart of the City.

The Viaduct Tavern - absolutely cacked myself by andybrown

andybrown — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:41:19 +0000

Review by andybrown

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7600 1863

Tags: food, after work crowd, good beer

I will admit that this pub is often full of lawyers and bankers, braying mindlessly at each other in mockney as they whomp down large amounts of the blandest lager they can find. However, this is one of the few places where they can effortlessly be ignored, through one or more of the following ways:

1 - admire the beautiful, original Victorian furnishings, mirrors, glass, etc, etc.
2 - get drunk in the old-fashioned way, on either numerous types of gin, or the delectable London Porter, invented for the specific benefit of the Smithfield Market meat carriers.
3 - take in the view, the Old Bailey, the 16th century church of St Sepulchre, the engineering wonder of Holborn Viaduct, etc.
4 - scare yourself absolutely and completely shitless.

Now, the more astute of you may have noticed that, of the four options, one tends to stick out somewhat. And it's the one that leads most people to think "no, let's not go there, if i want to be scared i can go to romford". and that is true up to a point, but what you're missing my darlings is the source of that fear. Will it help if i say i was rendered numb and terrified by the lime cordial in the cellar? No?

The Viaduct is built on the cellars/foundations/cells of the Giltspur Street Compter, an old remand prison in the Old City of London, which took the overflow from Newgate across the road. The misery of prison existence was almost unthinkable, what with the total corruption of the warders who weren't obliged to feed the prisoners. Some inevitably died in these cold dank places. Now I'm a rational human being, even after a couple of beers, so when I say that I felt something, you can be forgiven for assuming it was the barmaid's bottom.
But I did. I went down into the cellars, and it was all very interesting, and they took me round, and showed me the cells, and the cell numbers, and we got to cell where they stored lime cordial and somesuch other liquids, she opened the door, I went to enter...

and i couldn't. it was as if something was holding me there, pushing me. that's the only way i can describe it. like a forcefield. and, try as i might, my legs wouldn't obey, and i stood there in perfect terror as the lady showing me around told me someone had died in that cell, and the staff didn't like to be down in the cellar in the night time on their own because sometimes the lights went off and the doors locked themselves and noises were heard, terrible noises of pain and loneliness, echoing through the old bricks, cracked walls, and rusted iron bars in the awful, total blackness.

so you see, the lawyers and the bankers don't bother me at all. i don't even see them. i sit there and nurse my pint, and wonder how one experience can overturn a lifetime of reason. it's a good place, the Viaduct. But I wouldn't bloody work there.I will admit that this pub is often full of lawyers and bankers, braying mindlessly at each other in mockney as they whomp down large amounts of the blandest lager they can find. However, this is one of the few places where they can effortlessly be ignored, through one or more of the following ways:

1 - admire the beautiful, original Victorian furnishings, mirrors, glass, etc, etc.
2 - get drunk in the old-fashioned way, on either numerous types of gin, or the delectable London Porter, invented for the specific benefit of the Smithfield Market meat carriers.
3 - take in the view, the Old Bailey, the 16th century church of St Sepulchre, the engineering wonder of Holborn Viaduct, etc.
4 - scare yourself absolutely and completely shitless.

Now, the more astute of you may have noticed that, of the four options, one tends to stick out somewhat. And it's the one that leads most people to think "no, let's not go there, if i want to be scared i can go to romford". and that is true up to a point, but what you're missing my darlings is the source of that fear. Will it help if i say i was rendered numb and terrified by the lime cordial in the cellar? No?

The Viaduct is built on the cellars/foundations/cells of the Giltspur Street Compter, an old remand prison in the Old City of London, which took the overflow from Newgate across the road. The misery of prison existence was almost unthinkable, what with the total corruption of the warders who weren't obliged to feed the prisoners. Some inevitably died in these cold dank places. Now I'm a rational human being, even after a couple of beers, so when I say that I felt something, you can be forgiven for assuming it was the barmaid's bottom.
But I did. I went down into the cellars, and it was all very interesting, and they took me round, and showed me the cells, and the cell numbers, and we got to cell where they stored lime cordial and somesuch other liquids, she opened the door, I went to enter...

and i couldn't. it was as if something was holding me there, pushing me. that's the only way i can describe it. like a forcefield. and, try as i might, my legs wouldn't obey, and i stood there in perfect terror as the lady showing me around told me someone had died in that cell, and the staff didn't like to be down in the cellar in the night time on their own because sometimes the lights went off and the doors locked themselves and noises were heard, terrible noises of pain and loneliness, echoing through the old bricks, cracked walls, and rusted iron bars in the awful, total blackness.

so you see, the lawyers and the bankers don't bother me at all. i don't even see them. i sit there and nurse my pint, and wonder how one experience can overturn a lifetime of reason. it's a good place, the Viaduct. But I wouldn't bloody work there.

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¬

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.

Cargo - Eclectic! by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:49:06 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 3440

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

Tags: live music, cool, underground

Probably one of the best place to go if you're into trying out different music! Always a brilliant atmosphere and a guaranteed top night out.Probably one of the best place to go if you're into trying out different music! Always a brilliant atmosphere and a guaranteed top night out.

The Blackfriar - by ram1992

ram1992 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:43:07 +0000

Review by ram1992

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7236 5474

Tags: food, traditional pub, friendly

A real shame that a pub which had promise is let down by its pub goers. They were just plain rude and ignorant towards anyone who wasnâ¬"t local and one nearly bit my head off when I asked him to move so I could get to the toilet. The staffs just donâ¬"t seem to care. Donâ¬"t let that put you off though because the interior is really nice and pleasant and comfy. The sculptures though are what really get you. The amazing metal sculptors are situated around the pub and really bring life to the pub. The wooden ceiling and walls all the way round which have encarved metal sculptures in them are amazing and give the pub a real traditional feel. The Australian bar staff are also really friendly and calm. Definitely a traditional English pubA real shame that a pub which had promise is let down by its pub goers. They were just plain rude and ignorant towards anyone who wasnâ¬"t local and one nearly bit my head off when I asked him to move so I could get to the toilet. The staffs just donâ¬"t seem to care. Donâ¬"t let that put you off though because the interior is really nice and pleasant and comfy. The sculptures though are what really get you. The amazing metal sculptors are situated around the pub and really bring life to the pub. The wooden ceiling and walls all the way round which have encarved metal sculptures in them are amazing and give the pub a real traditional feel. The Australian bar staff are also really friendly and calm. Definitely a traditional English pub

The Evangelist - Another really good place for lunch by LukeG

LukeG — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:18:10 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7213 0740

Website: http://www.massivepub.com

Tags: food, excellent pub food, international

The food is very good - it is fresh and well prepared in an open kitchen (not what one might expect from what is essentially a trendy bar). The menu is varied and it seems to please everyone in my office when we all lunch together. The service can, however, be a bit hit and miss. In particular, there is one waiter who seems to sleep walk and is, therefore, prone to make mistakes. Apart from the one fly (or should I say waiter) in the ointment, I would recommend this bar/restaurant to anyone in the vicinity.The food is very good - it is fresh and well prepared in an open kitchen (not what one might expect from what is essentially a trendy bar). The menu is varied and it seems to please everyone in my office when we all lunch together. The service can, however, be a bit hit and miss. In particular, there is one waiter who seems to sleep walk and is, therefore, prone to make mistakes. Apart from the one fly (or should I say waiter) in the ointment, I would recommend this bar/restaurant to anyone in the vicinity.

Pause Bar - Great for working lunches by LukeG

LukeG — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:15:52 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 3.00

Tags: gastro pub

Excellent venue for lunchtime, where you are guaranteed a man-size portion and can be in and out in an 1 hour. One of my favoutite places in the City at the moment due to the excellent service (waitresses always smiling), quality of food, good atmosphere and choice of wines.

Also very nice as an evening venue, but can get busy.

Excellent venue for lunchtime, where you are guaranteed a man-size portion and can be in and out in an 1 hour. One of my favoutite places in the City at the moment due to the excellent service (waitresses always smiling), quality of food, good atmosphere and choice of wines.

Also very nice as an evening venue, but can get busy.

The Wall - The wall bar in Liverpool Street by cubicgarden

cubicgarden — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 23:39:20 +0000

Review by cubicgarden

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7588 4845

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

Tags: quiet, outdoor, food

Super smooth bar right around the corner from Liverpool Street. Although on the corner of a busy junction the wall sits above the street level and has a outside area to die for on a hot weekend in London.Super smooth bar right around the corner from Liverpool Street. Although on the corner of a busy junction the wall sits above the street level and has a outside area to die for on a hot weekend in London.