Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in West End, London, United Kingdom

The Green Man - used to be so great! Now, no longer :( by sflondongal

sflondongal — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:49 +0000

Review by sflondongal

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7479 7991

Tags: friendly, young professionals, traditional pub

This was my local for years - I loved it! A nice big pub, all good. New owners or new management mean the food quality has really gone down the hill - dreadful food now. And the last few times I have been there, there has been no soap in the women's bathroom, so I dread to imagine the female staff pulling pints and cooking food with unclean hands... yuck. One time no soap, OK, that's just bad luck. But four times? That's poor managment. It's Soho, so easy to find another pub nearby - avoid this one!This was my local for years - I loved it! A nice big pub, all good. New owners or new management mean the food quality has really gone down the hill - dreadful food now. And the last few times I have been there, there has been no soap in the women's bathroom, so I dread to imagine the female staff pulling pints and cooking food with unclean hands... yuck. One time no soap, OK, that's just bad luck. But four times? That's poor managment. It's Soho, so easy to find another pub nearby - avoid this one!

Absolut Icebar - It's an ice bar by paolaenergya

paolaenergya — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:28:47 +0000

Review by paolaenergya

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 9192

Website: http://www.belowzerolondon.com

Tags: sexy, cool & smart, cool

Oh yes it's a nice bar. Oh yes it's an ice bar. The end.
No, seriously, this is a nice little place to bring your friends visiting London, I've never been even if I live in London so I thought it would be a fun thing to do, and fun it was.
I agree with other reviewers that the waiters were rude: a lady shouting instructions about gloves being attached to our robes; a girl serving free top ups to her friends while ignoring me and my friend waiting to be served.
But who cares, we stayed there for 20 mins as we were done after the initial novelty factor - a couple was snogging nearby (I never knew that ice ignited passion).
Took pictures, had a laugh, and went for a lovely meal at Momo's next door.Oh yes it's a nice bar. Oh yes it's an ice bar. The end.
No, seriously, this is a nice little place to bring your friends visiting London, I've never been even if I live in London so I thought it would be a fun thing to do, and fun it was.
I agree with other reviewers that the waiters were rude: a lady shouting instructions about gloves being attached to our robes; a girl serving free top ups to her friends while ignoring me and my friend waiting to be served.
But who cares, we stayed there for 20 mins as we were done after the initial novelty factor - a couple was snogging nearby (I never knew that ice ignited passion).
Took pictures, had a laugh, and went for a lovely meal at Momo's next door.

Milk And Honey - You must try the salt-rubbed lamb chops by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:00:01 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7565 1620

Website: http://www.mlkhny.com/london

Tags: jazz, dark, cocktails

It's not usual to give five overall stars and five for food, service and ambience, but it's hard not to with Milk & Honey.

Let's begin from the end â¬ Ambience. Milk & Honey has this magical quality of removing you completely from noisy Soho and London in general. You feel youâ¬"ve stepped back in time to a different place, solely dedicated to you enjoying some of Londonâ¬"s best cocktails, in cosy company, whether it is with friends or a date (Iâ¬"d really recommend it if youâ¬"re going on a first date and are looking to impress, without risking something swanky or pretentious). Dark lighting, jazz that has the right balance between adding energy to the room and blending in the background and really comfortable booths for a group of up to 6.

Service. Exceptional in a word. The waiters know the menu very well and will happily recommend something if you cannot decide. Just tell them roughly what youâ¬"re after and you want be disappointed. The staff at the door is very friendly, making you feel welcome and comfortable from the start. This is the same on the phone. Milk and Honey is a members club, but anyone can reserve a table by calling before 5pm. They will do their best to help you.

Finally food. I hadnâ¬"t tried it in my previous visits, but I was blown away by its quality last time I went. Remember that weâ¬"re talking about bar snacks here, but the salt-rubbed lamb chops are right up there with the best Iâ¬"ve tried. There were other memorable mentions Iâ¬"m sure, but the quality of those chops was so high that Iâ¬"m struggling to remember the other things (we had started quite early that day). I do remember that everything was really good, with only the portions of chips feeling a bit small and not spectacular.

So there you have it. One of central Londonâ¬"s and Sohoâ¬"s finest hidden gems with amazing cocktails that stays open late (4am if youâ¬"re a member) and a place youâ¬"ll equally enjoy with friends or more romantic encounters. The last part applies if you go on a date. This is not the place to pick someone up and house rules strongly discourage male punters from approaching ladies. The reverse does not apply, so you never know...you may still get lucky. Unlikely though, so just go to enjoy the atmosphere, drink and food.
It's not usual to give five overall stars and five for food, service and ambience, but it's hard not to with Milk & Honey.

Let's begin from the end â¬ Ambience. Milk & Honey has this magical quality of removing you completely from noisy Soho and London in general. You feel youâ¬"ve stepped back in time to a different place, solely dedicated to you enjoying some of Londonâ¬"s best cocktails, in cosy company, whether it is with friends or a date (Iâ¬"d really recommend it if youâ¬"re going on a first date and are looking to impress, without risking something swanky or pretentious). Dark lighting, jazz that has the right balance between adding energy to the room and blending in the background and really comfortable booths for a group of up to 6.

Service. Exceptional in a word. The waiters know the menu very well and will happily recommend something if you cannot decide. Just tell them roughly what youâ¬"re after and you want be disappointed. The staff at the door is very friendly, making you feel welcome and comfortable from the start. This is the same on the phone. Milk and Honey is a members club, but anyone can reserve a table by calling before 5pm. They will do their best to help you.

Finally food. I hadnâ¬"t tried it in my previous visits, but I was blown away by its quality last time I went. Remember that weâ¬"re talking about bar snacks here, but the salt-rubbed lamb chops are right up there with the best Iâ¬"ve tried. There were other memorable mentions Iâ¬"m sure, but the quality of those chops was so high that Iâ¬"m struggling to remember the other things (we had started quite early that day). I do remember that everything was really good, with only the portions of chips feeling a bit small and not spectacular.

So there you have it. One of central Londonâ¬"s and Sohoâ¬"s finest hidden gems with amazing cocktails that stays open late (4am if youâ¬"re a member) and a place youâ¬"ll equally enjoy with friends or more romantic encounters. The last part applies if you go on a date. This is not the place to pick someone up and house rules strongly discourage male punters from approaching ladies. The reverse does not apply, so you never know...you may still get lucky. Unlikely though, so just go to enjoy the atmosphere, drink and food.

Jewel Bar - Fantastic night by Danny69

Danny69 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:43:50 +0000

Review by Danny69

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7439 4089

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

Tags: friendly, trendy, sexy

We booked our staff party here and I must say the event guy Michael was just a gem.

The party was a huge success due to the planning and bar staff.

Drinks are well good and not to expensive for the area

A place for a great time and not to toffee nose like some mayfair placesWe booked our staff party here and I must say the event guy Michael was just a gem.

The party was a huge success due to the planning and bar staff.

Drinks are well good and not to expensive for the area

A place for a great time and not to toffee nose like some mayfair places

Bar Red - by axly

axly — Sun, 31 May 2009 00:46:39 +0000

Review by axly

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7434 3417

Website: http://www.bar-red.com

Tags: cool, food, trendy

The most horrible bar experience in years!

Overpriced cocktails of really poor quality.

Staff is rude and tend to cheat -charged for doubles, the drinks taste like non-alcoholic, even worse if you try to avoid the annoying waitress and order at the bar.

Don't look at the appearance - avoid, avoid, avoid!The most horrible bar experience in years!

Overpriced cocktails of really poor quality.

Staff is rude and tend to cheat -charged for doubles, the drinks taste like non-alcoholic, even worse if you try to avoid the annoying waitress and order at the bar.

Don't look at the appearance - avoid, avoid, avoid!

Strawberry Moons - Best night ever!! by smile34

smile34 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:36:57 +0000

Review by smile34

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 7300

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

Tags: friendly, cocktails, club

Me and my friends were at Strawberry Moons last Saturday and had a booth for the night as one of my friends were celebrating their 23rd birthday. We got 2 tasty free platters included with reserving our own area. Service was really good as drinks were flowing and staff were really nice. The DJ played all the latest hits and got everyone moving on the dancefloor. The price of drinks were reasonable. The place definately had a good vibe and everyone was just having a good time. Couldnt have asked for a better night out!! If anyone out there has plans to celebrate a birthday or hen night as we saw a couple of hen parties than this is the place....Me and my friends were at Strawberry Moons last Saturday and had a booth for the night as one of my friends were celebrating their 23rd birthday. We got 2 tasty free platters included with reserving our own area. Service was really good as drinks were flowing and staff were really nice. The DJ played all the latest hits and got everyone moving on the dancefloor. The price of drinks were reasonable. The place definately had a good vibe and everyone was just having a good time. Couldnt have asked for a better night out!! If anyone out there has plans to celebrate a birthday or hen night as we saw a couple of hen parties than this is the place....

Mahiki - Mahiki also known as Kindergarten by 00nm16

00nm16 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:02:11 +0000

Review by 00nm16

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7493 9529

Website: http://www.mahiki.com

Tags: posh, pop, trendy

Well...my night at Mahiki started out fabulously, but quickly turned sour. When i entered the club downstairs, it suddenly dawned on me that i felt old, and at the grand age of 19 i shouldn't really be feeling old yet...i dont think!

The general Mahiki crowd tends to be kids with far too much of their parents money to flash around, sadly i was there for a birthday party of one of my friends (or acquaintances shall i say) who fits that description perfectly. So i walked in to be greeted by a sea of girls and boys of under 18 who all looked identical.

All the girls have their straightened but slightly messy hair in an attempt to look 'effortless,' and all the boys are wearing their trousers round their ankles...you know the types!

Once i managed to find my friends i started to have a good time, the mojitos were good, not the best ive ever had, but they were good, obviously not worth the £8.00 we were being charged! It wasnt until later when my night turned for the worst.

My friend and i were at the bar when some anorexic chic clone pushed past behind me and knocked me into the bar, where there was a collection of small glass decorative bottles filled with coloured liquids, of course being Mahiki and trying to be clever, these glass bottles were on a movable wooden board! So when the board moved and the glass bottles smashed the barman took our two mojitos away and our two samboucas and refused to serve us, even though we had already given him our card, he gave us no receipt to say we had not been charged or anything! So that was a potential £35 down the drain for something we hadnt done, and not being one of these rich kids with my parents credit card i wasnt prepared to stand down! This really rubbed me up the wrong way!

To cut a long story short, if you are over the age of 12 you will probably feel old if you go to Mahiki! There are far better places to go in Mayfair without the pre-pubescent crowd which comes along with Mahiki!Well...my night at Mahiki started out fabulously, but quickly turned sour. When i entered the club downstairs, it suddenly dawned on me that i felt old, and at the grand age of 19 i shouldn't really be feeling old yet...i dont think!

The general Mahiki crowd tends to be kids with far too much of their parents money to flash around, sadly i was there for a birthday party of one of my friends (or acquaintances shall i say) who fits that description perfectly. So i walked in to be greeted by a sea of girls and boys of under 18 who all looked identical.

All the girls have their straightened but slightly messy hair in an attempt to look 'effortless,' and all the boys are wearing their trousers round their ankles...you know the types!

Once i managed to find my friends i started to have a good time, the mojitos were good, not the best ive ever had, but they were good, obviously not worth the £8.00 we were being charged! It wasnt until later when my night turned for the worst.

My friend and i were at the bar when some anorexic chic clone pushed past behind me and knocked me into the bar, where there was a collection of small glass decorative bottles filled with coloured liquids, of course being Mahiki and trying to be clever, these glass bottles were on a movable wooden board! So when the board moved and the glass bottles smashed the barman took our two mojitos away and our two samboucas and refused to serve us, even though we had already given him our card, he gave us no receipt to say we had not been charged or anything! So that was a potential £35 down the drain for something we hadnt done, and not being one of these rich kids with my parents credit card i wasnt prepared to stand down! This really rubbed me up the wrong way!

To cut a long story short, if you are over the age of 12 you will probably feel old if you go to Mahiki! There are far better places to go in Mayfair without the pre-pubescent crowd which comes along with Mahiki!

The Warwick - Great atmosphere, I'll definately be back! by sassy_girl

sassy_girl — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:32:17 +0000

Review by sassy_girl

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 4409

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

Tags: friendly, live music, food

A great venue all round, so easy to find. The lounges and booths downstairs make for a fab night out with the girls!A great venue all round, so easy to find. The lounges and booths downstairs make for a fab night out with the girls!

The Guinea Grill - Truly terrible by Cheam_Bob

Cheam_Bob — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:50:18 +0000

Review by Cheam_Bob

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7409 1728

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

Tags: food, business, british

An awful pub/restaurant, I won't credit it with the moniker gastropub as it's not. The chips and vegetables are something you'd expect in a Wetherspoons, frozen chips bunged straight into a deep fat fryer with microwaved squishy veg. The decor is naff, the seats are cramped and the staff are rude beyond any comprehension (one of them spilt our wine over my plate and the table and then simply walked off). An enormous disappointment, although they have a very reasonable wine collection for such a small venue.An awful pub/restaurant, I won't credit it with the moniker gastropub as it's not. The chips and vegetables are something you'd expect in a Wetherspoons, frozen chips bunged straight into a deep fat fryer with microwaved squishy veg. The decor is naff, the seats are cramped and the staff are rude beyond any comprehension (one of them spilt our wine over my plate and the table and then simply walked off). An enormous disappointment, although they have a very reasonable wine collection for such a small venue.

The Rivoli Bar - Thinking Silver, Drinking Gold by intoxicating

intoxicating — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:36:06 +0000

Review by intoxicating

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7493 8181

Tags: jazz, posh, cocktails

I SHOULD have been in Aspen, Colorado. My services as a sommelier were originally required for a private new yearâ¬"s eve shebang. I would have travelled with an almost empty case, in eager expectation of carrying home gargantuan gratuities. There was a time when the average house price topped $6 million in that former silver mining camp turned skiers playground. Unfortunately, the draining credit crunch rendered me obsolete.

What would I do to salve the pain of broken promise? All too often, my Hogmanay experience has been an impoverishly organised, miserable scenario spent with a sweating cast of too many of the wrong characters. As regular readers will know, I would gladly hibernate within the pampering acme of Londonâ¬"s hotels. Impressive old piles with clubby lounges, intimate bars, palatial dining rooms and gracious service. Almost at the last minute, â¬Ülastminute.comâ¬" drew my attention to The Ritzâ¬"s â¬ÜRivoli Barâ¬". An ideal venue to gesture goodbye to hectic â¬"08â¬¦

Named after the boutique-lined Rue de Rivoli in Paris, which in turn takes its title from Napoleonâ¬"s victorious battle, the latest incarnation is inspired by the interior of an Orient Express Pullman coach. Years ago, I had a bumpy lunch aboard one of these gleaming trains in the Yorkshire Dales. There is a likeness in the grand, banded blend of camphor and satinwood, pearlescent Lalique plates, glowing alabaster vases and domes brushed in gold leaf (of which, more later). A few of the deeply cushioned chairs are incongruously swathed in leopard print. The Ritz lion is impressed everywhere.

This has always been a grippingly expensive venue. That much is predictable. Mineral water will leave you gasping at Â£5.50, although I discovered complimentary bottles and glasses in the cloakroom, should you feel defiant. The price of an espresso will invigorate more than the caffeine (Â£6). The most basic, but almost regally wrapped Champagne will render you giddy (Â£70). For those endowed with particularly obese wallets, the signature CÃ©sar Ritz cocktail, named in honour of the hotelâ¬"s founder and featuring a blend of cognac dating from 1802, weighs in at Â£120. Distilling can be thrilling...

In contrast, a venue like the nearby â¬Ü5th Floorâ¬" at the top of â¬ÜSimpsonâ¬"sâ¬" (now â¬ÜWaterstonesâ¬") has all the glamour of a sixth form common room but stridently charges a surprising Â£2 for a glass of what may well be the acqua di commune. At least The Ritz doesnâ¬"t make pretend to be something it is not.

Our evening included three courses of canapÃ©s, a bottle of Ritz Champagne and a midnight cocktail. I must say that although elfin-sized, the nibbles were excellent. The highlights: warm brioche croÃ»te with densely perfumed wild mushroom and specks of PÃ©rigord truffle, and a croustade of runny, golden-yoked boiled quailâ¬"s egg. To follow, an elevated, polished silver disc of â¬Ümignardisesâ¬" (chocolates painted with gold, pastry sandwiches, lubricious jellies and fibrous nougat).

Just before midnight a full brass band (of 25 players) trumpeted their way from the the tea time, Palm Court into the Belle Ã0poque dining room. As clock hands married at midnight, a Scotch piper, who has been in the role for ten years cut the air with â¬ÜAuld Langs Ayneâ¬". It was amusing to see the bow ties try to sing along past verse one. Meanwhile, copper coloured fireworks detonated in Green Park.

Back in the bar, amongst wisps of party popper phosphorus, an illuminated line of well-timed cocktails looked more fetching than 50 customers in Colorado. They contained the â¬ÜRitz 100â¬", launched in â¬Ü06 to mark the â¬Üâ¬¦100th year as the finest hotel in the world.â¬" Little lily pads of gold leaf decadently decorated this rich, mesmerising collage of 42 Below, Grand Marnier, Peach Liqueur, bubbles, brown sugar and bitters.

Financially - and only financially - we were probably the poorest guests in the building. But sipping Champagne saucers laced with beautiful, but tasteless 24 carat flakes (which believe it or not have an e-number â¬ 175) we felt wealthy for a while.

As others departed, I took the opportunity to tipsily (but gently) tinkle the keys of the grand piano.

If I could only learn to extinguish my writing ambitions, instead installing myself amongst office furniture, I might afford to come here more often...I SHOULD have been in Aspen, Colorado. My services as a sommelier were originally required for a private new yearâ¬"s eve shebang. I would have travelled with an almost empty case, in eager expectation of carrying home gargantuan gratuities. There was a time when the average house price topped $6 million in that former silver mining camp turned skiers playground. Unfortunately, the draining credit crunch rendered me obsolete.

What would I do to salve the pain of broken promise? All too often, my Hogmanay experience has been an impoverishly organised, miserable scenario spent with a sweating cast of too many of the wrong characters. As regular readers will know, I would gladly hibernate within the pampering acme of Londonâ¬"s hotels. Impressive old piles with clubby lounges, intimate bars, palatial dining rooms and gracious service. Almost at the last minute, â¬Ülastminute.comâ¬" drew my attention to The Ritzâ¬"s â¬ÜRivoli Barâ¬". An ideal venue to gesture goodbye to hectic â¬"08â¬¦

Named after the boutique-lined Rue de Rivoli in Paris, which in turn takes its title from Napoleonâ¬"s victorious battle, the latest incarnation is inspired by the interior of an Orient Express Pullman coach. Years ago, I had a bumpy lunch aboard one of these gleaming trains in the Yorkshire Dales. There is a likeness in the grand, banded blend of camphor and satinwood, pearlescent Lalique plates, glowing alabaster vases and domes brushed in gold leaf (of which, more later). A few of the deeply cushioned chairs are incongruously swathed in leopard print. The Ritz lion is impressed everywhere.

This has always been a grippingly expensive venue. That much is predictable. Mineral water will leave you gasping at Â£5.50, although I discovered complimentary bottles and glasses in the cloakroom, should you feel defiant. The price of an espresso will invigorate more than the caffeine (Â£6). The most basic, but almost regally wrapped Champagne will render you giddy (Â£70). For those endowed with particularly obese wallets, the signature CÃ©sar Ritz cocktail, named in honour of the hotelâ¬"s founder and featuring a blend of cognac dating from 1802, weighs in at Â£120. Distilling can be thrilling...

In contrast, a venue like the nearby â¬Ü5th Floorâ¬" at the top of â¬ÜSimpsonâ¬"sâ¬" (now â¬ÜWaterstonesâ¬") has all the glamour of a sixth form common room but stridently charges a surprising Â£2 for a glass of what may well be the acqua di commune. At least The Ritz doesnâ¬"t make pretend to be something it is not.

Our evening included three courses of canapÃ©s, a bottle of Ritz Champagne and a midnight cocktail. I must say that although elfin-sized, the nibbles were excellent. The highlights: warm brioche croÃ»te with densely perfumed wild mushroom and specks of PÃ©rigord truffle, and a croustade of runny, golden-yoked boiled quailâ¬"s egg. To follow, an elevated, polished silver disc of â¬Ümignardisesâ¬" (chocolates painted with gold, pastry sandwiches, lubricious jellies and fibrous nougat).

Just before midnight a full brass band (of 25 players) trumpeted their way from the the tea time, Palm Court into the Belle Ã0poque dining room. As clock hands married at midnight, a Scotch piper, who has been in the role for ten years cut the air with â¬ÜAuld Langs Ayneâ¬". It was amusing to see the bow ties try to sing along past verse one. Meanwhile, copper coloured fireworks detonated in Green Park.

Back in the bar, amongst wisps of party popper phosphorus, an illuminated line of well-timed cocktails looked more fetching than 50 customers in Colorado. They contained the â¬ÜRitz 100â¬", launched in â¬Ü06 to mark the â¬Üâ¬¦100th year as the finest hotel in the world.â¬" Little lily pads of gold leaf decadently decorated this rich, mesmerising collage of 42 Below, Grand Marnier, Peach Liqueur, bubbles, brown sugar and bitters.

Financially - and only financially - we were probably the poorest guests in the building. But sipping Champagne saucers laced with beautiful, but tasteless 24 carat flakes (which believe it or not have an e-number â¬ 175) we felt wealthy for a while.

As others departed, I took the opportunity to tipsily (but gently) tinkle the keys of the grand piano.

If I could only learn to extinguish my writing ambitions, instead installing myself amongst office furniture, I might afford to come here more often...

May Fair Bar - Great spot by QueenB

QueenB — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:20:17 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 0.00

Phone: 020 7629 7777

Website: http://www.radissonedwardian.com

Tags: cool, food, friendly

This place is an after work gem for me.

It is a little pricey but worth while.
Staff are great, know their stuff and are very easy on the eye - cheeky I know but true!
Good wines on offer, cocktails made well with great selection of spirits.

Tends to be full of suits on a week evening or lunch but is quite swanky and inviting on a weekend also.
Can often spot a famous face or two, as the hotel tends to host a lot of parties and promotional events.
Makes for a perfect meeting spot on a night out in town.

There is a nice buzz about the place without it being too loud of brash.This place is an after work gem for me.

It is a little pricey but worth while.
Staff are great, know their stuff and are very easy on the eye - cheeky I know but true!
Good wines on offer, cocktails made well with great selection of spirits.

Tends to be full of suits on a week evening or lunch but is quite swanky and inviting on a weekend also.
Can often spot a famous face or two, as the hotel tends to host a lot of parties and promotional events.
Makes for a perfect meeting spot on a night out in town.

There is a nice buzz about the place without it being too loud of brash.

Lucky Voice Private Karaoke - I wouldn't go back by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:18:43 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7439 3660

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

Tags: relaxed, bar, food

The place is great and you'll have a good time except when it's time to go. We got into our room 10 minutes late but there they were bang on time with an attitude to chuck us out. Completely unecessary. It put a downer on the night and made me really angry.

Plus it's an over priced novelty and I'd suggest you spend the money on a machine and do it at home instead.The place is great and you'll have a good time except when it's time to go. We got into our room 10 minutes late but there they were bang on time with an attitude to chuck us out. Completely unecessary. It put a downer on the night and made me really angry.

Plus it's an over priced novelty and I'd suggest you spend the money on a machine and do it at home instead.

Alphabet Bar - by lightlines

lightlines — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:14:18 +0000

Review by lightlines

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 2190

Website: http://www.alphabetbar.com

Tags: food, friendly, stylish

Music a bit too loud, which was unexpected, but DJ played great tunes. Had I come to dance it would've been the perfect place downstairs. Other downside is minimum spend is Â£10 to use a card - forgive us non-cash carrying women!

Great atmosphere though. Would go back.Music a bit too loud, which was unexpected, but DJ played great tunes. Had I come to dance it would've been the perfect place downstairs. Other downside is minimum spend is Â£10 to use a card - forgive us non-cash carrying women!

Great atmosphere though. Would go back.

The Running Horse - Nice bar, but too busy by carolirish

carolirish — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:25:14 +0000

Review by carolirish

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7493 1275

Tags: food, pool tables, vegetarian dishes

This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)This place is very pleasant when there aren't many people in there, but when you get a few of the after-workers it becomes a little bit of a nightmare - its very difficult to get a seat, or even stand at that point.

Besides that, however, its a very nice trendy-but-warm feeling bar, a good selection of a beers and a friendly atmosphere. I found the staff here to be fairly friendly, and considering some of the other pubs in the area that is a real bonus!

Good food too! :)

The Glassblower - by carolirish

carolirish — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:22:06 +0000

Review by carolirish

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 8547

Tags: food, pub, pub lunch

This is a really nice (relatively) traditional English bar, friendly atmosphere and despite the other reviews here I have always found the food to be up to scratch for the price, and for a bar.

Its a great pub to go to at lunchtime in particular, and I prefer the upstairs bar then.

I would recommend it to anyone that just wants to grab a bite to eat and a pint.

This is a really nice (relatively) traditional English bar, friendly atmosphere and despite the other reviews here I have always found the food to be up to scratch for the price, and for a bar.

Its a great pub to go to at lunchtime in particular, and I prefer the upstairs bar then.

I would recommend it to anyone that just wants to grab a bite to eat and a pint.

Claridge's Bar - Best bar in London by chrisp

chrisp — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:01:07 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7629 8860

Website: http://www.savoy-group.co.uk/claridges/claridges.html

Tags: cool & smart, mature, posh

A short waddle away from Bond Street is Claridges Hotel, where we decided to entertain ourselves with a Â£14 cocktail each before the long journey home. This is a spectacularly impressive place, from the art deco grandeur of the lobby to the intimate plush luxury of the Bar, where every drink is exquisitely prepared and the gorgeous homemade nibbles delivered by faultless service. On this occasion I had something called a Barb Wire (for such a classy place, they have a slightly worrying habit of naming cocktails after Pamela Anderson vehicles. Another item on the menu was Bay Watch). The moral of this story is, you get what you pay for - my drink consisted of fresh rhubarb and Chambord with vodka and lemon juice. It was superb. Overpriced is a state of mind.A short waddle away from Bond Street is Claridges Hotel, where we decided to entertain ourselves with a Â£14 cocktail each before the long journey home. This is a spectacularly impressive place, from the art deco grandeur of the lobby to the intimate plush luxury of the Bar, where every drink is exquisitely prepared and the gorgeous homemade nibbles delivered by faultless service. On this occasion I had something called a Barb Wire (for such a classy place, they have a slightly worrying habit of naming cocktails after Pamela Anderson vehicles. Another item on the menu was Bay Watch). The moral of this story is, you get what you pay for - my drink consisted of fresh rhubarb and Chambord with vodka and lemon juice. It was superb. Overpriced is a state of mind.

John Snow - Superb watering hole by andymyers

andymyers — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:02:04 +0000

Review by andymyers

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 1344

Tags: independent pub, food, pub

The John Snow is an brilliant Sam Smith's pub, centrally located and very cheap. If you like your beer and a pub with some character, then this is a great option. The food is reasonable but beware the Alpine lager; though cheap, it will give you a serious hangover.The John Snow is an brilliant Sam Smith's pub, centrally located and very cheap. If you like your beer and a pub with some character, then this is a great option. The food is reasonable but beware the Alpine lager; though cheap, it will give you a serious hangover.

Burlington Arms - My best work local by NickR

NickR — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:13:43 +0000

Review by NickR

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7479 7620

Website: http://www.burlingtonarms.com

Tags: food, real ale

The Burlington has a no nonsense small downstairs that soon gets busy and packed with atmosphere. Tables outside (heaters in the winter) are often taken advantage of. If it gets a bit too crowded then you can usually get some seats in the quieter upstairs that also has its own bar.
The staff are really professional, have great attitude and help the pub have a better than normal atmosphere.
I have only eaten there once and the burger I got was very good. I can recommend this good example of what a british pub should be.The Burlington has a no nonsense small downstairs that soon gets busy and packed with atmosphere. Tables outside (heaters in the winter) are often taken advantage of. If it gets a bit too crowded then you can usually get some seats in the quieter upstairs that also has its own bar.
The staff are really professional, have great attitude and help the pub have a better than normal atmosphere.
I have only eaten there once and the burger I got was very good. I can recommend this good example of what a british pub should be.

Shampers - another vote by ceedoubleu

ceedoubleu — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:50:18 +0000

Review by ceedoubleu

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7439 9910

Website: http://www.shampers.net/

Tags: french, good value, british

another vote for Shampers. Had lunch there today and there were at least four early Christmas parties taking place. Service and food were just fine, no pressure at all. One of my favourites. another vote for Shampers. Had lunch there today and there were at least four early Christmas parties taking place. Service and food were just fine, no pressure at all. One of my favourites.

Volstead - Volstead - 1920's Private Members Bar by MissBex

MissBex — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:02:50 +0000

Review by MissBex

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 1919

Website: http://www.volstead.com/

This place is swanky - tucked away on Swallow St just down the rd from The Cuckoo Club the bar/club is decorated in a 1920's theme - velvet curtains, mirrored walls. I have been here a number of times and had a great time!
It's relatively small, and fills up by 12am - by 2am everyone inside is pretty messy, probably because they all have Mummy and Daddy's credit cards. The people are generally good fun though, not your snobby crowd while under the influence.

Once you have a table inside the Grey Goose flows all night, and the hot waitors who serve your table are always good to look at. The place is not cheap though! The membership I think is around Â£700 a year, and you will only get in if you are a hot lady of the night, or have your name on the door list.

Good luck...This place is swanky - tucked away on Swallow St just down the rd from The Cuckoo Club the bar/club is decorated in a 1920's theme - velvet curtains, mirrored walls. I have been here a number of times and had a great time!
It's relatively small, and fills up by 12am - by 2am everyone inside is pretty messy, probably because they all have Mummy and Daddy's credit cards. The people are generally good fun though, not your snobby crowd while under the influence.

Once you have a table inside the Grey Goose flows all night, and the hot waitors who serve your table are always good to look at. The place is not cheap though! The membership I think is around Â£700 a year, and you will only get in if you are a hot lady of the night, or have your name on the door list.

Good luck...