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

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

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, friendly, food

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.

Milk And Honey - The land of Milk and Honey by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:16:17 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7565 1620

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

Tags: dark, cocktails, jazz

A gorgeous, exclusive and romantic spot that stands head and shoulders above every other drinking spot in this part of town. I'd be the first to admit it's probably not for everyone - it can be expensive, it's very dark (seriously, I had to use a torch to read the drinks menu) and depending on your point of view it sails dangerously close to pretension. But you'd have to have a heart of stone not to be impressed by the cocktails and the levels of service, and how incredible to find a place open until 1am in the center of London that is quiet enough for a normal conversation and doesn't charge Â£20 to get in.

Oh, there is that small matter of the membership of course. But if it's not too busy they won't chuck you out at 11pm, and booking ahead is a tiny price to pay for a reward so sweet.A gorgeous, exclusive and romantic spot that stands head and shoulders above every other drinking spot in this part of town. I'd be the first to admit it's probably not for everyone - it can be expensive, it's very dark (seriously, I had to use a torch to read the drinks menu) and depending on your point of view it sails dangerously close to pretension. But you'd have to have a heart of stone not to be impressed by the cocktails and the levels of service, and how incredible to find a place open until 1am in the center of London that is quiet enough for a normal conversation and doesn't charge Â£20 to get in.

Oh, there is that small matter of the membership of course. But if it's not too busy they won't chuck you out at 11pm, and booking ahead is a tiny price to pay for a reward so sweet.

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, food, bar

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.

Mahiki - Tacky by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:19:38 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7493 9529

Website: http://www.mahiki.com

Tags: pop, posh, glamorous

After reading countless articles depicting Mahiki, celebrity hangout, as nothing less than amazing I was bitterly disappointed after my night there. I had predicted ridiculous prices and tacky dÃ©cor, but what I hadnâ¬"t expected was such a young crowd. I kid you not (excuse the pun the dj couldnâ¬"t have been older than 16.

Cocktails are mediocre and itâ¬"s obvious to me that itâ¬"s a status thing as there are so many better places to go to in Mayfair.
After reading countless articles depicting Mahiki, celebrity hangout, as nothing less than amazing I was bitterly disappointed after my night there. I had predicted ridiculous prices and tacky dÃ©cor, but what I hadnâ¬"t expected was such a young crowd. I kid you not (excuse the pun the dj couldnâ¬"t have been older than 16.

Cocktails are mediocre and itâ¬"s obvious to me that itâ¬"s a status thing as there are so many better places to go to in Mayfair.

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, stylish, friendly

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.

Absolut Icebar - Ice Delight? by QueenB

QueenB — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:05:37 +0000

Review by QueenB

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 9192

Website: http://www.belowzerolondon.com

Tags: sexy, cool & smart, cool

Novelty is the word of the day.

A Thursday night, booked in advance Â£15 a head and that includes one cocktail each.

You check in and pay at reception, you then queue to get a blue plastic thermal, fur lined hooded poncho dropped over your head, that has mittens sewn on to it like you are 5 and back at primary school, all it needed was my name inside the neck!

You then walk through a little corridor to enter a room which can be only be described as a blue lit walk in freezer!
You have to queue at a small bar made of ice on the other side of the room and pick your menu from an Absolute cocktail menu that is on a mirrored square.

Mine was nicer than my boyfriends -but both drinks were still ok but very small. The 'glasses' are great - they are cubes made of ice with what looks like a small test tube size hole in the middle in which they pour the cocktails - so you feel like you drink a scientific experiment!

There are ice sculptures which you can sit in - I looked like the snow queen from Narnia apparently... there is a couple if benches and a table, the walls are even ice too.

Was definitely a nice and different 45 minutes and good start to the night.

The 2 non-ice bars upstairs and downstairs are well over priced, its Â£9.50 each for a G&T and a vodka cocktail - neither of which were even mixed well, sadly.

I'd go back, say if it was a pre birthday night out or had friend over from abroad and were doing something touristy and different.
Novelty is the word of the day.

A Thursday night, booked in advance Â£15 a head and that includes one cocktail each.

You check in and pay at reception, you then queue to get a blue plastic thermal, fur lined hooded poncho dropped over your head, that has mittens sewn on to it like you are 5 and back at primary school, all it needed was my name inside the neck!

You then walk through a little corridor to enter a room which can be only be described as a blue lit walk in freezer!
You have to queue at a small bar made of ice on the other side of the room and pick your menu from an Absolute cocktail menu that is on a mirrored square.

Mine was nicer than my boyfriends -but both drinks were still ok but very small. The 'glasses' are great - they are cubes made of ice with what looks like a small test tube size hole in the middle in which they pour the cocktails - so you feel like you drink a scientific experiment!

There are ice sculptures which you can sit in - I looked like the snow queen from Narnia apparently... there is a couple if benches and a table, the walls are even ice too.

Was definitely a nice and different 45 minutes and good start to the night.

The 2 non-ice bars upstairs and downstairs are well over priced, its Â£9.50 each for a G&T and a vodka cocktail - neither of which were even mixed well, sadly.

I'd go back, say if it was a pre birthday night out or had friend over from abroad and were doing something touristy and different.

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, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

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 lunch, pub

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.

The Green Man - A great post-work pub! by raz_kidd

raz_kidd — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:32:51 +0000

Review by raz_kidd

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7479 7991

Tags: friendly, young professionals, traditional pub

This place is fantastic. Its relaxed and has a great atmosphere. The food is cheap and pretty tasty too and there are lots of drinks to choose from. Its not far from the tube and is a great place to grab a wind down after work pint (or 2). Its a good place for catching up with friends too as there is no loud music to drown out the conversation. They do have lots of TVs though so you can keep watch on the world outside while enjoying your drink.

I will be going there again tonight.This place is fantastic. Its relaxed and has a great atmosphere. The food is cheap and pretty tasty too and there are lots of drinks to choose from. Its not far from the tube and is a great place to grab a wind down after work pint (or 2). Its a good place for catching up with friends too as there is no loud music to drown out the conversation. They do have lots of TVs though so you can keep watch on the world outside while enjoying your drink.

I will be going there again tonight.

Bar Red - red! by kathlane

kathlane — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:37:59 +0000

Review by kathlane

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 3417

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

Tags: cool, trendy, food

This is quite a unique and strange place, the frontage is all red glass and the interior red and black ! its very striking yet manages to be funky rather than garish with its low lightening and trendy music. This place is cocktail heaven and each one is made with great attention to detail. They have a huge rage of cocktails including one thats a lovely mix of rasberry and cranberry, this is nice and sweet and a vibrant red and actually works quite well. As you would expect it isnâ¬"t a cheap place but the bar staff really are well trained in the art of cocktails and were able to reel off all the ingredients of a vast array of them until we made our minds up. Very unusual and bold.This is quite a unique and strange place, the frontage is all red glass and the interior red and black ! its very striking yet manages to be funky rather than garish with its low lightening and trendy music. This place is cocktail heaven and each one is made with great attention to detail. They have a huge rage of cocktails including one thats a lovely mix of rasberry and cranberry, this is nice and sweet and a vibrant red and actually works quite well. As you would expect it isnâ¬"t a cheap place but the bar staff really are well trained in the art of cocktails and were able to reel off all the ingredients of a vast array of them until we made our minds up. Very unusual and bold.

Jewel Bar - Lively, comfortable...not too trendy! by Weeboo

Weeboo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:30:15 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7439 4089

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

Tags: friendly, trendy, cool

Jewel doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, considering its location right on the edge of [the not-so-trendy side of] Soho, this particular nightclub looks vaguely seedy. However inside it delights with its mixture of oversized chandeliers and ethnic furniture, an interior that seems to be ageing quite well versus other nightclubs in the immediate area (No 1 Leicester immediately springs to mind). Its also a very convenient venue, being situated immediately opposite one of the exits/entrances to Piccadilly Circus tube station. Ideal for when you need to catch that last train home and you might be a bit unsteady on your feet.

The atmosphere in here is always buzzy and fun, there's a good mixture of music (in my opinion) and the service is pretty good even when its packed. The menu contains the standard fare, but who cares...you're there for the alcohol.Jewel doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, considering its location right on the edge of [the not-so-trendy side of] Soho, this particular nightclub looks vaguely seedy. However inside it delights with its mixture of oversized chandeliers and ethnic furniture, an interior that seems to be ageing quite well versus other nightclubs in the immediate area (No 1 Leicester immediately springs to mind). Its also a very convenient venue, being situated immediately opposite one of the exits/entrances to Piccadilly Circus tube station. Ideal for when you need to catch that last train home and you might be a bit unsteady on your feet.

The atmosphere in here is always buzzy and fun, there's a good mixture of music (in my opinion) and the service is pretty good even when its packed. The menu contains the standard fare, but who cares...you're there for the alcohol.

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.

Polka - Hot Cocktails by thamshere

thamshere — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:51:47 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7287 7500

Website: http://www.jamiesbars.co.uk/polka

Tags: relaxed, bar, friendly

At first glance Polka has an impressive cocktail list, but I must say that I'm not convinced by their homebrew recipes. The staff were helpful and reasonably attentive, but given that we were the only two people in the bar this isn't surprising (it was a Monday, so this is probably not indicative).

We went for a Cherry Crush and a Coconut & Lemongrass Martini. I found the Crush to be good - strong cherry flavours with the sharp edge of grapefruit underneath, but the flavour was very strong. Still, by the end of the glass I could happily have drunk another.

The martini was overpoweringly sweet and coconutty - it completely masked the gin and the lemongrass also, despite the large stick of it floating atop the drink. I couldn't have drunk half of one of these and am rather glad my companion chose it rather than I.

We stayed upstairs (being as quiet as it was I doubt the second bar was open). The music was set to a very reasonable volume, to the point where I don't even remember if there was any.

Prices are reasonable for Soho. Around 7 pounds for a martini, short or long cocktail and 9 for their specials. I'd love to come back here to sample a few more of their concoctions, but lack of a happy hour inclines me towards other venues.

http://www.polkasoho.co.uk/At first glance Polka has an impressive cocktail list, but I must say that I'm not convinced by their homebrew recipes. The staff were helpful and reasonably attentive, but given that we were the only two people in the bar this isn't surprising (it was a Monday, so this is probably not indicative).

We went for a Cherry Crush and a Coconut & Lemongrass Martini. I found the Crush to be good - strong cherry flavours with the sharp edge of grapefruit underneath, but the flavour was very strong. Still, by the end of the glass I could happily have drunk another.

The martini was overpoweringly sweet and coconutty - it completely masked the gin and the lemongrass also, despite the large stick of it floating atop the drink. I couldn't have drunk half of one of these and am rather glad my companion chose it rather than I.

We stayed upstairs (being as quiet as it was I doubt the second bar was open). The music was set to a very reasonable volume, to the point where I don't even remember if there was any.

Prices are reasonable for Soho. Around 7 pounds for a martini, short or long cocktail and 9 for their specials. I'd love to come back here to sample a few more of their concoctions, but lack of a happy hour inclines me towards other venues.

http://www.polkasoho.co.uk/

Strawberry Moons - Pole Dancing Paradise! by Philippe

Philippe — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:30:21 +0000

Review by Philippe

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7437 7300

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

Tags: friendly, cocktails, club

Went to Strawberry Moons a few weeks ago with some friends - dance floor was absolutely packed...so ended up on stage...under the spotlight...on the pole...again!
Second visit this year - until 2008 haven't been there for about 5 years or more. Even more lively than I recall, everyone out for a good time, very friendly.
I even got chatted up by one of the Shot Girls - yow!Went to Strawberry Moons a few weeks ago with some friends - dance floor was absolutely packed...so ended up on stage...under the spotlight...on the pole...again!
Second visit this year - until 2008 haven't been there for about 5 years or more. Even more lively than I recall, everyone out for a good time, very friendly.
I even got chatted up by one of the Shot Girls - yow!

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.

The Warwick - Karaoke Night, Great chill out after shopping by princessjasmine

princessjasmine — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:07:59 +0000

Review by princessjasmine

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 4409

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

Tags: live music, friendly, food

The Warwick is a nice venue to chill out after work, or take the edge off after a gruelling shopping trip. The atmosphere is nice especially as it is located on the outskirts of Soho. Thursday night is Karaoke night and a lot of fun with plenty of encouragement from fellow drinkers!
The Warwick is a nice venue to chill out after work, or take the edge off after a gruelling shopping trip. The atmosphere is nice especially as it is located on the outskirts of Soho. Thursday night is Karaoke night and a lot of fun with plenty of encouragement from fellow drinkers!

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...