The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

This pub has gone back up in my estimation after catering for one of our party who had a very particular diet. Service was really good, both in bar and restaurant. Vegetarian menu is limited and repetitive (falafels, soup or pasta only on last few visits) otherwise would go there more often. Very good range of beers and wines by the glass though. I have taken friends and family there, who all seem to like it.

11 Aug 2013 23:46

The Old China Hand, Clerkenwell

There is a new chef who is now doing Malaysian food, so it is back to its original feel. I like this pub as the staff are very open and friendly. They talk to all the regulars without any airs and graces. Its a good mix of locals and suits. Good range of draft beers. Nice atmosphere, though perhaps not very pub-like.

27 Feb 2009 12:16

The Foundry, Shoreditch

I thought this place was okay despite anticipating too many 'cool' people trying too hard. People were generally friendly. Its quite rough and ready: I caught and ripped my dress on a nail in the downstairs area when coming out of the poetry area. The poetry evening was full of tense intellectuals trying very hard to show they had swallowed their own thesaurus and therefore most people too self-conscious to be friendly and hence not a very 'fun' evening. People outside were okay though. I do think that it is good to have a place like this in Shoreditch to counterract the Holiday Inns and White Cubes, and its no worse than other 'style' bars in the area.

23 Aug 2008 16:34

The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

I used to like this pub. They have improved the beer selection since it changed hands a few years ago.

The staff are a bit up their own arse. Particularly, Australian / kiwi bar lady who is in charge. Service is impersonal, probably because lots of people from hotels and less regulars.

Food good, but prices have gone up.

23 Aug 2008 13:42

The Duke of York, Clerkenwell

I like this pub on every level except for the large television in the corner. I find this kills the atmosphere and is totally anti-social.... otherwise a nice London pub with good food and beer.

21 Feb 2008 16:32

The Coach and Horses, Clerkenwell

I like this pub on every level except for the large television in the corner. I find this kills the atmosphere and is totally anti-social.... otherwise a nice London pub with good food and beer.

21 Feb 2008 16:30

The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell

I like this pub and the down-to-earth atmosphere. Yes, its full of posties and locals - Personally, I'm pleased that there's few pubs left which retain some of their old character instead of being turned into duplicates of the same tried and tested formula (flock wall-paper, the odd chandelier, a pretentious menu and arrogant bar staff). The food is excellent and comes at a fair price, the staff are friendly, the posties are totally fine, beer selection good, you can sit outside on a hot day. Thank fully its not full of "like-minded young professionals" - whatever that means...

21 Feb 2008 16:18

The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

I like this pub. Friendly staff. Good food; not too pricey, clean toilets. Draught beer used to be a let down (only had Stella) but this may have improved....? Apart from this... very good!

21 Feb 2008 16:12

Smithy's Wine Bar, Kings Cross

I used to go here often when it was under the previous management (I think it was sold at least five year's ago). The young staff are courteous and well-trained, though slightly impersonal (- hard to strike up a conversation with any of them). The main sticking point was the price of the food: only �16.95 and �17.95 options for mains, not a great choice (mainly fish or pasta)... Slightly stingy as they also offer bread or olives while you wait for your food for example... I don't mind paying for a nice meal occasionally but at the end of the day - its a pub so I would expect to pay pub prices.

21 Feb 2008 16:02

The Albert, Primrose Hill

I went here a few weeks ago on a Wednesday night. very chilled atmosphere, not that busy. Staff were really friendly. Food was excellent and very reasonably priced. Nice unpretentious boozer.

21 Feb 2008 15:55