• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Cromer
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Cromer NR27 9HP

Jamesarama001 said
Avoid @ all cost
We went on a walking holdiay in Norfolk and ended up in Cromer. We really struggled to find somewhere to eat but a few people people mentioned the Dolphin Freehouse. So we gave it a go, and we really regret taking the advice.
The restaurant was dirty and in bad order. Not sure why we didn't leave at that point, but we were hungry so we stayed.

The staff were of poor quality and were severely disinterested in their jobs. The menu was extensive so I didn't think that the quality of food would be good, so I chose a jacket potato and salad. When the food came the potato was not cooked, the salad was off and the homemade coleslaw was far for homemade. How could something so easy to make go so horribly wrong. Most of the food served to the 10 of us was tasteless, deep fried and sent back to the kitchen. The staff tasted the food and told us we were wrong! We left immediately without paying which caused an upset with the staff.
AVOID @ ALL COST.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Shoreditch
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London E1 6NU
020 7247 1888

Jamesarama001 said
Commercial Tavern
The Commercial Tavern is one of the best ub that I go to in London. Situated in Shoreditch, the Commercial Tavern is a very quirky and quaint pub on 2 floors. The design inside is amazing! Walls made of puzzle pieces, Noddy wall paper, antique mirros on the ceilings and knomes hanging around. Its great fun and you'll always notice something new each time you go.

The staff are very friendly and make you feel at home. There's no pretentiousness at the Commecial Tavern which makes it a great place to have a drink. Theres plenty of space and if its nice weather then you'll find that everyones outsides. It can get very busy towards the weekend so arrive early to get a table. You can reserve areas.

The last thing that makes it great is the music. You can find yourself drinking to the opening song from the sound of music!

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Aldgate
• Category: Restaurants

London E1 6NF

Jamesarama001 said
Chicken and chips!
If you're looking for a inexpensive meal thats fast served in a funky restaurant then Nando's is the one for you. The concept is pretty cool; you order your food at a counter and wait for it to be served. This kinda makes it feel like a fast food restaurant.

However the food is always good, I've never had any problems, and the chicken and chips in a hot sauce is always a must for me. The service is great and hassell free, and the restaurant is always clean and fresh.

The atmosphere is lively which is helped by the portuguese music thats played overhead. and the kitchen is part open so you get to see some of the cooking, especially the grill.

(make sure you get a loyalty card which give you free food the more visits you make.)

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Bermondsey
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SE1 3XB
020 7089 9355

Jamesarama001 said
The Garrison
The Garrison is a chilled and quirky pub along Bermondsey St and is conviently placed for relaxing drinking and eating (especially in the evenings and weekends). Its a quirky bar / restaurant with lots of odd antiques and objects lying and ahnging around. The Garrison offers a fantastic range of beer, ciders, wines and spirits. Much better than most bars in London. The pub is small and it can get busy but it always maintains a chilled atmoshpere. It's best to call and book a table or an area to sit. The food menu is great if you wish to have a meal. Its not a big meun but it covers all the areas and the food is great. I prefer to drink at the Garrison rather than having a meal, but overal its a lovely atmospheric quaint restaurant / bar and gets the thumbs up from me.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Soho
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1F 0TA
020 7734 0071

Jamesarama001 said
Freedom to dance
Freedom is a great little bar and night club with a great atmosphere. The bar isn't big and therefore can get busy and packed quite quickly. You can book and reserve areas and tables mainly for birthdays and special occasions.

The drinks menu is extensive and the cocktails are always good, especially the mojito! There are bar snacks and foods, although these are only available at certain times.

The main thing going for freedom is the atmosphere and the night club downstairs. The music is mainly funky house but it can sometimes suprise you. However the atmosphere can sometimes get a little pretenious, but this depends on who's out on the night. The only other downside is that the drinks can be a little pricey and that you can only beer in half pints. Apart from that Freedom is worth a go.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SE1 9EF
020 7407 1577

Jamesarama001 said
The Anchor
Another riverside pub with great views of the river thames. If your walking along the southbank then pop along for a drink, and if its sunny sit outside on the terrace.

The pub is as normal as any other pub. It can get busy at times, although there is plenty of bar and bar staff to keep things moving. The food was not great, however the last time I went they'd installed a fish and chip shop which seemed to be popular but expensive.

Generally the Anchor is a tourist trap, but if its not busy, then it makes a good place to have a drink after work. I'd go for a drink and the riverside terrace and views but i'd pass on the food.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 2YG
020 7378 1700

Jamesarama001 said
Go for the view!
I don't often drink in chained pubs and restaurants, but this is a place that I make an expception at. Browns on the riverside is a great place in the evening / weekends to have a drink and watch the boats go by. You'd need to go early to catch a table as it can get busy when the weather is good.

The range of beers is good and there's a large cocktail list. You can get table service although this can be slow sometimes, so if you're prepared to order at the bar then do so. The menu is large and its what I'd expect of such a place. Although the food is ok and I've had no problems or bad experiences. I must say though that i've usually gone for the drinking and not the eating. It's the large outdoor terraces, the river views and the lively atmosphere that does it for me.

So based on drinking i'd give it 4 stars, and on the eating side i'd give it 2.5stars.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Covent Garden
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London WC2B 5QD
020 7831 0791

Jamesarama001 said
Threatre Madness
The White Hart is one of the oldest licensed pub in London, and its a pretty lively pub with plenty of space for all. The range of drinks is excellent with the bar staff to match. The friendly yet lively atmosphere provides an excellent place to drink in late afternoons through to close. Food is available and is well worth a look at. It's a small but adequate menu and it is very tasty.

The White hart is quite a threatre pub, and late in the evenings it can get busy but this certainly adds to the atmosphere. There are larger tables and a large back area so you can easily book these for party and private functions. All together the White Hart is a great pub with a unique feel and one that we visit quite often.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SE1 1TU
020 7403 0257

Jamesarama001 said
Southwark Tavern
Borough market is a lively place, especially in the evenings and at weekends, and the pubs in the area are the same. The southwark tavern on the edge of the market is one of them, with a busy atmosphere of young professionals with a chilled and relaxed feeling. The summer time (or clear rain free nights) are the best as everyone piles outside onto the street (there's limited sitting so prepare to stand or sit on the pavement).

The range of beers is great and the bar staff are young and friendly. There is a food menu available and the grub is decent but nothing special. Visit the cellar to sit in one of the many caves!

The only downside is that it can get busy very quickly, although this can add to the fun of it, as you can easily chat to people queing (its not pretentious at all). Happy drinking!

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Piccadilly Circus
• Category: Restaurants

London SW1Y 6HJ
020 7930 2707

Jamesarama001 said
Old Fashion Dinning
We were tipped of recently about this lovely litle restaurant near Piccadily. We wanted somewhere that did steak and we were pleasantly surprised about Rowleys. This small yet bustling restaurant is quaint and old fashioned with a great atmosphere for a long evening meal.

The service was brillant and we were looked after very well. The menu is small but caters to everyones needs (fish, meat, vegetarian etc). The food was a amazing and full of flavour. As the steak we recommended to us, that what we want for. A large steak cooked to perfection with a herb butter on top. It was succulent and left us feeling very full. It's a little pricey, hence the reason why we took my parents (cheeky I know, but it wasn't overtly expensive), but we all had a great meal.

The only negative is the endless chis you get with your steak (don't be fooled by free food). These were shoe string fries and we wished that they were slightly chunkier. I'm being picky now!