Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Tower Hamlets, London, United Kingdom

Prospect Of Whitby - Terrible! by Jane2009

Jane2009 — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Review by Jane2009

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7481 1095

Tags: food, beer garden / outside seating, traditional english

NOT IMPRESSED at all! Have been to this pub in the past (a few years back) took the parents for lunch there today, what a shame!! It's a lovely old pub and obviously has a load of history! Very busy, got a table, ordered food and was told by the bar staff it would take an hour! I ordered Roast Dinner - Half a Chicken (on the menu its listed as Roast Dinner, served with all the trimmings) Parents ordered Moules with fries. Food arrived as promised an hour later, parents moules and fries and the waiter (doesnt speak very good english) brought my plate ............ Chicken, chips, salad and spicy sauce!? I told him I had asked for a Roast Chicken Dinner and he said YES!!! So it turns out if you order a Roast Chicken Dinner you wont receive one, but you will receive ...Chicken with spicy sauce chips and salad!??? WTF is that all about!!!! I told him to take it away as I wasnt going to eat it! We got our money back, the staff at the bar (could speak English) told us this is how its served, why not be specific on the menu PLEASE!!? A waitress came to clear the table she stacked up the plates of finshed moules in such a way that she spilt the sauce all over the table, chairs, floor and herself! Clever!!! What a shame, this pub could be a little goldmine! I wont be going there again!NOT IMPRESSED at all! Have been to this pub in the past (a few years back) took the parents for lunch there today, what a shame!! It's a lovely old pub and obviously has a load of history! Very busy, got a table, ordered food and was told by the bar staff it would take an hour! I ordered Roast Dinner - Half a Chicken (on the menu its listed as Roast Dinner, served with all the trimmings) Parents ordered Moules with fries. Food arrived as promised an hour later, parents moules and fries and the waiter (doesnt speak very good english) brought my plate ............ Chicken, chips, salad and spicy sauce!? I told him I had asked for a Roast Chicken Dinner and he said YES!!! So it turns out if you order a Roast Chicken Dinner you wont receive one, but you will receive ...Chicken with spicy sauce chips and salad!??? WTF is that all about!!!! I told him to take it away as I wasnt going to eat it! We got our money back, the staff at the bar (could speak English) told us this is how its served, why not be specific on the menu PLEASE!!? A waitress came to clear the table she stacked up the plates of finshed moules in such a way that she spilt the sauce all over the table, chairs, floor and herself! Clever!!! What a shame, this pub could be a little goldmine! I wont be going there again!

Booty's Riverside Bar - Docklands pub by martylondon

martylondon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:38:05 +0000

Review by martylondon

Rating: 5.00

Tags: jazz, live music, posh

Excellent riverside pub on Narrow Street with live music on Satuday nights to late. Website is www.bootysriversidebar.co.uk
Excellent riverside pub on Narrow Street with live music on Satuday nights to late. Website is www.bootysriversidebar.co.uk

The Narrow - Needs a visit from.....errr..........Gordon Ramsay by Bowgreave

Bowgreave — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:39:27 +0000

Review by Bowgreave

Rating: 2.00

Tags: independent pub, standard pub food, young professionals

This place rather brazenly calls itself 'The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay' (as opposed to, say 'The Narrow Armsâ¬" or whatever) thereby raising both its own profile and our expectations accordingly. It shouts Brand Ramsay at every opportunity so we expected (and were quite happy) to pay a premium for the best.
After several years watching him ruthlessly putting other peoples' houses in order, it came as a bit of a surprise to learn that he was missing a few tricks rather closer to home. Unlike other 'celebrity chefs', Ramsay has retained a reputation for keeping on top of venues bearing his name.
We recently booked in for a Sunday lunch, which my wife says thoroughly deserves a bad review. Now anybody with Â£25 million more than I have is only ever going to get an honest and objective review, but she's not entirely wrong.
The place itself is lovely and an attractive bar leads out to a huge glass conservatory, directly overlooking the Thames, which drinkers and bar snackers share with the restaurant overflow. Views are tremendous but, even allowing for Gordon having assembled East London's largest collection of freestanding calor gas heaters, it was still a bit cold.
We were given a premium window table in the restaurant/conservatory and given time to read through the attractive looking menu.
We didn't mind the wait because they were clearly busy but, when it did arrive, my crayfish, haddock and salmon fishcake tasted no different to any other deep-fried breaded fishcake I have ever eaten, whilst the accompanying tartar sauce lacked bite and was more like mayonnaise. My son really enjoyed his swede and honey soup though.
For mains, wifey and son went for the game pie special whilst I had the hake, chips and marrowfat peas.
Another longish wait and the pies arrived in small pots with a dollop of mash and nothing else on the plate; forgivable if the food had knocked their socks off, but it didn't. You could live with mash that was unremarkable and plain but not when it was only luke warm. There was plenty of gravy inside the pie pot but the game filling could have been any stewed meat. My fish was entombed in a thick layer of overcooked dark brown (rather than golden) batter although the chips and mushy peas were fine. My son's marshmallow brownie with white chocolate ice-cream was also served luke warm. As with the fishcake, the products failed to match up to their elaborate description on the menu and they could take a leaf out of the underplay-it manual used at the Anchor and Hope, a genuine gastropub.
Beers and wines were good and reasonably (albeit restaurant) priced and our bill for three just topped Â£100. Don't get me wrong, there were flaws but it wasn't a bad meal per se. It was an okay pub meal served in a lovely setting. The bar and restaurant, the view, the tempting menu, the Brand Ramsay expectations; they were all there yet the food fell short of them. It was the worst bit and that should never happen.
Would we return? Maybe for a drink and a bar snack......on a warmer day though.
This place rather brazenly calls itself 'The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay' (as opposed to, say 'The Narrow Armsâ¬" or whatever) thereby raising both its own profile and our expectations accordingly. It shouts Brand Ramsay at every opportunity so we expected (and were quite happy) to pay a premium for the best.
After several years watching him ruthlessly putting other peoples' houses in order, it came as a bit of a surprise to learn that he was missing a few tricks rather closer to home. Unlike other 'celebrity chefs', Ramsay has retained a reputation for keeping on top of venues bearing his name.
We recently booked in for a Sunday lunch, which my wife says thoroughly deserves a bad review. Now anybody with Â£25 million more than I have is only ever going to get an honest and objective review, but she's not entirely wrong.
The place itself is lovely and an attractive bar leads out to a huge glass conservatory, directly overlooking the Thames, which drinkers and bar snackers share with the restaurant overflow. Views are tremendous but, even allowing for Gordon having assembled East London's largest collection of freestanding calor gas heaters, it was still a bit cold.
We were given a premium window table in the restaurant/conservatory and given time to read through the attractive looking menu.
We didn't mind the wait because they were clearly busy but, when it did arrive, my crayfish, haddock and salmon fishcake tasted no different to any other deep-fried breaded fishcake I have ever eaten, whilst the accompanying tartar sauce lacked bite and was more like mayonnaise. My son really enjoyed his swede and honey soup though.
For mains, wifey and son went for the game pie special whilst I had the hake, chips and marrowfat peas.
Another longish wait and the pies arrived in small pots with a dollop of mash and nothing else on the plate; forgivable if the food had knocked their socks off, but it didn't. You could live with mash that was unremarkable and plain but not when it was only luke warm. There was plenty of gravy inside the pie pot but the game filling could have been any stewed meat. My fish was entombed in a thick layer of overcooked dark brown (rather than golden) batter although the chips and mushy peas were fine. My son's marshmallow brownie with white chocolate ice-cream was also served luke warm. As with the fishcake, the products failed to match up to their elaborate description on the menu and they could take a leaf out of the underplay-it manual used at the Anchor and Hope, a genuine gastropub.
Beers and wines were good and reasonably (albeit restaurant) priced and our bill for three just topped Â£100. Don't get me wrong, there were flaws but it wasn't a bad meal per se. It was an okay pub meal served in a lovely setting. The bar and restaurant, the view, the tempting menu, the Brand Ramsay expectations; they were all there yet the food fell short of them. It was the worst bit and that should never happen.
Would we return? Maybe for a drink and a bar snack......on a warmer day though.

Canary Wharf - Great shopping centre and places to eat by seconds

seconds — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:53:25 +0000

Review by seconds

Rating: 4.00Please note that this review is correct at the time of writing. (September 2008). However, I think Canary Wharf is a really great shopping area, and it will be interesting to see what happens if the local businesses continue to be affected by the current credit crunch.

For me, Canary Wharf is two great things â¬ a wonderful place to shop, and a lovely modern square where I can enjoy looking at the financial headlines and the Swiss Railway Watches mounted on poles around the square. The shopping really is excellent â¬ lots of niche shops, good places to eat (including Itsu), a Waitrose to stock up on the weekâ¬"s groceries, and all sited in a bright and modern environment.

One down side â¬ I had occasion to go with someone who is disabled, and the disabled lifts are located behind the scenes. What a contrast! Bare concrete and a very unwelcoming atmosphere. We returned to the hustle and bustle of the â¬Ürealâ¬" shopping centre as soon as we could, a little chastened.

Please note that this review is correct at the time of writing. (September 2008). However, I think Canary Wharf is a really great shopping area, and it will be interesting to see what happens if the local businesses continue to be affected by the current credit crunch.

For me, Canary Wharf is two great things â¬ a wonderful place to shop, and a lovely modern square where I can enjoy looking at the financial headlines and the Swiss Railway Watches mounted on poles around the square. The shopping really is excellent â¬ lots of niche shops, good places to eat (including Itsu), a Waitrose to stock up on the weekâ¬"s groceries, and all sited in a bright and modern environment.

One down side â¬ I had occasion to go with someone who is disabled, and the disabled lifts are located behind the scenes. What a contrast! Bare concrete and a very unwelcoming atmosphere. We returned to the hustle and bustle of the â¬Ürealâ¬" shopping centre as soon as we could, a little chastened.

The Half Moon - A friendly East End Pub by stitch

stitch — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:35:12 +0000

Review by stitch

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7790 6810

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

Tags: friendly, pub chain, relaxed

The Half Moon is a branch of the popular Wetherspoons Pub Chain, situated just a stones throw from Queen Mary College, University of London.

The Half Moon consists of two bars in separate rooms, with distinct atmospheres. One is very airy with very high ceilings and lots of glass walls and the other is painted dark red and is darker. There is a patio area for smokers, furnished with heaters.

Popular with students and locals alike, it offers low priced drinks that are a rarity in London. The food is of good quality and is served quickly. The menu is large and informative and changed afew tiems a year. I recommend the Chocolate Brownies for the Chocoholics out there! The staff are welcoming and chatty, often remembering the orders of locals.

As with all Wetherspoons, the tables are sticky and the place does seem dark, however it could not be described as dirty.

Overall it is a very friendly and welcoming pub, providing cheap drinks and good food.The Half Moon is a branch of the popular Wetherspoons Pub Chain, situated just a stones throw from Queen Mary College, University of London.

The Half Moon consists of two bars in separate rooms, with distinct atmospheres. One is very airy with very high ceilings and lots of glass walls and the other is painted dark red and is darker. There is a patio area for smokers, furnished with heaters.

Popular with students and locals alike, it offers low priced drinks that are a rarity in London. The food is of good quality and is served quickly. The menu is large and informative and changed afew tiems a year. I recommend the Chocolate Brownies for the Chocoholics out there! The staff are welcoming and chatty, often remembering the orders of locals.

As with all Wetherspoons, the tables are sticky and the place does seem dark, however it could not be described as dirty.

Overall it is a very friendly and welcoming pub, providing cheap drinks and good food.

The Henry Addington - Henry Addington by ocean0201

ocean0201 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:57:29 +0000

Review by ocean0201

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7513 0921

Tags: food, dj, english

Located in Canary Wharf, where finding a place to drink is a challenge, Henry Addington offers a good alternative to the overcrowded All Bar One. The pub is frequented by the suit types that work nearby and the crowd thins later in the evening, as they head home.

Plenty of beers on offer and even though there is a big crowd outside, you can get the drink from bar in good time. They also have music and usually there are some people that can't resist dancing.

They serve traditional english food. They have a variety of sausages and the sausage platter is recommended.
If you can find a place to sit, Henry Addington is a good choice in Canary Wharf to enjoy a drink.Located in Canary Wharf, where finding a place to drink is a challenge, Henry Addington offers a good alternative to the overcrowded All Bar One. The pub is frequented by the suit types that work nearby and the crowd thins later in the evening, as they head home.

Plenty of beers on offer and even though there is a big crowd outside, you can get the drink from bar in good time. They also have music and usually there are some people that can't resist dancing.

They serve traditional english food. They have a variety of sausages and the sausage platter is recommended.
If you can find a place to sit, Henry Addington is a good choice in Canary Wharf to enjoy a drink.

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, food, friendly

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.

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, friendly, rock

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, relaxed, food

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.

The Black Horse - trinity by trinity

trinity — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:40:47 +0000

Review by trinity

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7790 1684

Tags: cool, friendly, young and fun

sunday night was great, drag queen Candy host's the karaoke, with her quick wit she makes it a great laughsunday night was great, drag queen Candy host's the karaoke, with her quick wit she makes it a great laugh