please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Email sent to manager tonight:
We have just finished an experience at your bar. Everything was fine until the point that we had a deluge from a window upstairs that we later recognised as urine. Your staff dutifully attempted to identify the source, though they understood it to be from unoccupied staff quarters with the window open above. My partner witnessed your staff on the night laughing with the likely cause of this distress before taking pains to seed the lie that it came from person non gratis. This behaviour is unacceptable especially when it relates to a gay couple. I have oft wondered why the rowing club do bit frequent your premises and now we know why. We will be logging our complaint with the police tomorrow. As a Vice President at a leading global investment firm I am stunned that this is seen as plausible or something your customers should enjoy.
I expect your response.
Ed Funnell
|
Good job guys - for someone who doesn't really like modern bars - I really enjoyed the service, the good wine & as you described it Well Hung Beef....very imature I know but it amused us.
I shall be back which suprises me!
|
Wow - what a great place, I had such a good time at the weekend. The staff were awesome - love the French Bar Manager - he looked after us so well. There was a mad fancy dress party in the private hire room downstairs with some hilarious costumes. Definate destination for large groups like ours.
Looking forward to going back and gourging on cheese and red wine during the week when it's a little quieter!
Top Place!
|
I would like to thank all the staff and members of management for making our experience a wonderful one. The multicultural staffs were brilliant aiding to every one of our needs. Loved the cheese and wine and the Passionate wine sommelier matched them perfectly for us. We will definitely return soon.
|
Dreadful, my pint was pure vinegar.
|
Avoid! Went here on a Friday night. It was busy, but there were plenty of empty tables nonetheless. We arrived at 7:30 pm and didn't get our food until 9:00 pm. The wine list was extortionate. The service was appalling. Unless you're only having a pint outside, I would advise you to avoid this place.
|
odd, identity crisis of a place, full of dating groups of mid twenties professionals,
did not appear to have anything particularly going for it but fits the needs of the above market i suppose.
yet another waste of a decent location and space. this place is neither a pub, nor a bar or bar/restaurant and oddly lacks seating.
yet another white elephant on a brilliant site and the bogs still stink of piss and have poor cubicles
|
Perhaps the smartest (some might say most pretentious) pub interior I've yet seen in London, the Star and Garter looks more like an expensive West End restaurant or snazzy hotel bar than a boozer; no doubt many like that, but I thought it was very out of keeping with the traditional English pub, and a bit of a pity.
Ale-wise it was offering Pride and Abbot: not very exciting but the Pride was pretty well served and a number of pints of it went down very easily after a return from a day's boating on the river.
The food set-up is rather odd: on the Saturday I visited, the food on offer was plates of cheese from the bar's own cheese room (probably the first time I've seen a boozer offering that!) or plates of cured meats. The cheese room was excellent: I like cheese almost as much as ale and about 10 to 15 cheeses from all over Europe were on offer; the barman / fromagier was happy to let us taste the cheeses and clearly knew his stuff. However, I couldn't help but feel that the pub was missing a trick but not offering a proper selection of hot and cold dishes like everyone else. It was pretty empty while we were there so maybe others think that too.
|
While chatting to the staff in another pub in Carary Wharf it was suggested I try out the Star & Garter, since I live in Putney. Always remember it as being M Bar but didn't realise it had undergone an amazing transformation. Don't consider myself a wine expert but we found ourselves trying quite a few samples before embarking on a long night of French and English wines. Even gave the cheese room a go which is a pretty unique concept and think I need to go back to sample the rest . Great bar, beautiful women, brilliant staff by the river, what more do you want?
|
Wow - loved this place. Feels like a West End bar just a few mins away from my flat. Wine, wine and more wine....bring it on.
|
Walked past last Friday on my way to the Bricklayers expecting to see the usual BAR M neon sign in the window but was surprised to see that Bar M is no more. It has been rebranded as the Star & Garter and looks as if a lot of money has been spent on it. I didn't go in but had a quick squint through the window because, as it says outside, it's a wine bar and I had a pint of Golden Best with my name on it in the Brickies. It certainly looks less of an eyesore than it did but as for beers etc? I've been told that they have one lager and Guinness on tap and that's it but as I didn't go in I can't verify if this is the case.
|
not bad
jumbo - 22 Jun 2008 19:23 |
Trying to be a trendy bar on the cheap. Better atmosphere in the toilets at the Bricklayers. Unbelievably poor overall for what should be a great pub.
|
I thought this place had closed down! there never seem's to be anyone in there. Staff are OK, Beer is OK, the place is....... OK! Not much better though.
anonymous - 13 Apr 2007 22:43 |
This used to be one of the best pubs in Putney, a real �spit and sawdust� traditional pub. Sadly this was converted to a tacky themed wine bar in early 2000. Now known as Bar M, it�s adopted d�cor is more late nineties night club, think �Ritzy� in purple! As for the clientele, it tends to be frequented by those trying too hard to be middleclass hoorays, which all combined makes for a pretty miserable atmosphere. Food is basic frozen/reheated fare and definitely not worth the extortionate prices.
If you want a real pub with friendly atmosphere just go next door to The Dukes Head. It has retained a traditional feel with tasteful decoration and the clientele don�t try too hard.
|
I don't get Bar M...
Take Friday night for example. Here you have a great bar and a great location. They've got one the best DJ's i've heard in ages but the place is a bit on the errr quiet side.
I think this place needs to promote it's self better. With the addition of a few more people Bar M would rock.
I also find it amusing that people go to a London bar on a Friday night and then moan about loud music. I go to Bar M alot on a friday (mainly because of the music) and i've never found it to be too loud. May I suggest that you stay at home and forget about socialising from now on.
anonymous - 6 Oct 2006 10:31 |
It's bad but it's not that bad. The food's bland, the drink's poor and overpriced and the whole thing is a sad drab cliche of a 90's bar; but it can actually be a very nice place for a spot of lunch and there are worse places in Putney (shame on Putney). However, it's a real shame when you think how good it could be in the right hands. It's painted plum: It's called 'Bar M'. Whoever's responsible deserves to be beaten soundly with a pointy stick.
|
We made the mistake of visiting on a Friday night. There was a DJ playing House so loudly that it was impossible to hear anyone speak. Also because they were 'busy' there was no food available! (and it was very smoky).
Not a successful evening. We left early to find a pub where we could hear each other.
If you want to meet friends for a drink on a Friday I suggest you find another bar, especially if you're on a first date!
|
Don't know what your talking about booths, I am a regular at Bar M, and have been for about 5 years, and to the best of my recollection, the booths were taken out about 2 years ago when they got refurbed. Maybe you shouldn't comment on a bar that you haven't been to in so long? I think Bar M is fantastic, I have always been pleased with the service, atmosphere and food. Maybe you are well due for another visit?
|
Have been to a few parties at Bar M and can't say I was overly impressed. Lacks atmosphere and not great seating if you book an area (booths that are back to back don't facilitate conversation). Never tried the food so couldn't comment.
|
I think the guy who said he'd rate Bar M in negative numbers must be the owner of that pub over the road. It's the best place in Putney by a million miles mate.
Some people really have no taste!
|
Don't know why you would want to rate this bar so badly. I have always found it to be an excellent bar. The staff are friendly, the service is quick and polite, the beers are always cold and the atmosphere is great, especially on saturday nights.
I love coming in the summer and sitting by the open windows, great views of the Thames! Food is tasty too!
anonymous - 4 May 2006 17:07 |
If I could rate this pub in negative numbers, I would. Unfortunately, the site won't allow this luxury.
Absolutely the worst bar I've visited in London. Awful beer selection. Made my ears and eyes bleed. Will never return.
anonymous - 29 Apr 2006 23:41 |
It's got to be one of the better venues in Putney. Really good food durning the day (well done cook). Also had a really good night last Friday (6th), it's stayed open late !!BONUS!! Nice people and lovly music. It's a must for grown-up's who want to enjoy a really good bar vibe with-out going to a club.
|
Nice setting by the river. Quite a nice layout in the main bar (hideous carpet in the seating area though). Good range of bottled beers and wines, but the only bitter on tap is John Smiths...ugh! Staff are quite nice and friendly.
Only real gripe with this place was the New Year's Eve party. Was led to believe this would be something special, but to be quite honest, the setup, layout and organisation of the upstairs "River Room" wasn't up to scratch at all. Had a good time, but maybe that was down to the people I was with rather than the venue. Won't be going back next year!
|
I think Bar M is really classy.
Nice atmos, great setting and the music on Friday night is something special. It's dance music but really chilled out (kind of thing you'd hear in the Ibiza bars).
I would agree that it did feel a touch pretentious, but thats Putney for you.
|
Could be great, but is quite mediocre. The DUkes Head next door is much better.
|
I have been going to bar m for 6 years now obout once every 3 weeks or so. after reading some of the comments on the place i cant believe anybody finds faults with it, sure you cant expect 100% all the time but if you really take a look at the place it is most definately the ceanest pub/bar in putney. 10 out of 10
anonymous - 17 Sep 2005 13:16 |
Went in for a quick lunchtime drink on a Sat about two weeks ago.
Ordered a bottle of Becks (I think!) and I then had the temerity to ask for a glass.
The barmaid (I'm being generous) pulled out a dirty glass, saw that it was dirty and still gave it to me.
I didn't use it but regret not telling her off.
That's what you get for going to the M Bar since 1998.
Tizer - 16 Sep 2005 17:45 |
they've never quite pulled it off in here but better than it's been.
Too much Ralph Lauren going on my liking but you can't have everything.
could be rammed 7 nights a week if they got it right.
evers - 29 Aug 2005 15:04 |
I was in Bar m last week and enjoyed the best meal with my family I have had for a long time, and you always get served by realy freindly staff
|
Could be an amzing place, but isn't.
Beer was ok and I like the fact that the windows can open up on a hot summer's day, but it needs a revamp internally.
And some of the staff could do with a crash course on how to serve beer and stop flirting with moderately attractive Rahs.
Dukes Head and Half Moon are better spots for a decent pint.
|
Went down on Friday night and they had a dj playing which I didnt find loud at all the music was great, and so was the atmosphere. Got a bit tipsy with my friends on some great wine. Definitely the place to be.
|
{Further to that comment about it being too loud} what I've always found in Bar M is that their sound system is cheap and sounds muffled and appaling. This is strange considering quite a bit of investment has gone into this place. Some pubs would be better off playing no music at all, and this is one of them.
|
IT SEEMS I LOVE RUGBY DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT IS SUMMER AND IT CAN GET HOT BELIEVE IT OR NOT. IT SEEMS YOU ARE NEVER HAPPY WITH ALL THE PLACES YOU VISIT. BAR M STAFF HAVE ALWAYS BEEN UP TO STANDARD AND IT SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE A SHORT FUSE ANYWAY, SO RATHER GET YOUR DRINK FROM THE LOCAL CORNER SHOP AND STAY AWAY FROM BARS AND GO AND SIT IN A PARK SOMEWHERE.
|
Is this me getting old or is the music in Bar M getting louder and louder?
It's a Bar - with a great location - not a club. I couldn't have any kind of conversation with friends at 20.30 on a Sat night not long ago.
Tizer - 12 May 2005 15:01 |
BAR M IS AMAZING, ALWAYS BUSY ON WEEKENDS AND I THINK THE DJ ON A FRIDAY MAKES A BIG DIFFERANCE TO THE ATMOSPHERE. BAR M NEEDED THAT FOR A LONG TIME, JUST WISH YOU WOULD DO THE SAME ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG NIGHTS, BOAT RACE , NEW YEARS EVE SA DAY AND SO ON BEST PARTIES EVER. CHEERS YOU LOT YOU MAKE WORKING WORTH IT ALL, JUST SO I CAN SPEND HALF MY SALARY IN BAR M.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2005 15:12 |
What can i say about bar m? everything, best bar in london by far. Been going there for about 3 years now and it just keeps on getting better. the staff are very pleasant and so are the managers, well done you lot, now all you have to do is paint the outside.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2005 15:08 |
Fab bar, Fab food, Fab Staff
need I say more!!
anonymous - 4 Jan 2005 17:35 |
I have been going to bar m for 2 years, regulary and can't belive that anyone wouldn't like it . The food and service is fantastic and by far the best in Putney,
And the atmosphere on the weekends is wicked.
I would recomend the experiance to every-one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
Decor better but gents are still a bit ropey. For those who don't like the M Bar and want a more traditional pub full of old men, there's one next door called The Duke's Head. Views of the Thames aren't that good though, funny that for a bar by the river!!
Tizer - 26 Nov 2004 19:10 |
You will like this pub if...
You like going out on saturday night in a check shirt, pressed trousers and smart shoes to pull birds
You think birch and aliuminium faux-minimal with etched glass and cape daisies in ty-nant bottles is great decor
You aren't offended by an old pub being gutted and painted purple.
You don't mind stepping over the occasional pool of vomit in the street.
Not one for the gently civilised. A dreadful waste of prime riverside beer-estate.
K - 1 Nov 2004 13:17 |
nice setting but boy is it cold in the afternoon. please put on the heating or close the doors. Beer below average,but service good. so wear a big duffle coat and drink bottled beers and you are sorted!!!
jan - 19 Oct 2004 13:45 |
I WENT THERE LAST SAT AND IT WAS PUMPING IN THERE, SA WON THE RUGBY AND EVERYONE HAD A GOOD TIME, SOME FUNNY 60 YEAR OLD MAN WAS DANCIING ON THE TABLE TO DJ JEAN'S THE LAUNCH, BAR M IS BACK BABY GO THERE.
MARK - 24 Aug 2004 10:44 |
bILLIANT place! nice food nice staff, allround a pleasure, another pluss you get served fast not like the dukes, boathouse and so on, makes for a great evening out. go there
john - 30 May 2004 21:24 |
It has a great atmosphere, especially when the suns out! It's the place to be in the summer, great food and service by the river. the place has just been done up so its looking even better...
Tracey - 4 May 2004 16:26 |
The new refurb and menu is superb, The staff are all great and friendly. Nice touch of class on a sunday afternoon with live jazz
Steve - 4 May 2004 16:24 |
Great place, very chilled out and relaxed during the week and has been busy at weekends when i have visited. For some reason it attracts the most gorgeous women on the planet which is a massive bonus for anyone who can afford to buy them their Champagne cocktails all night!!
Damien - 29 Mar 2004 15:54 |
we all love Bar M especially the Turkish Bar man he is hillarious
lovely friendly pub
is beautiful in the summer
check it out
laney - 19 Feb 2004 12:28 |
Great place to come and meet friends and have a drink by the river. they are getting new furniture and a new menu so i am sore that the place can only get better. Thanks for all the good times!!
Jenny - 16 Nov 2003 21:39 |
Anybody remember 'The Star and Garter'?
It was awful then too but at least it was a pub and not a pretentious and overpriced disgrace of a 'bar'
|
views are worth the Qs. especially in the summer. toilets too small and they leave chairs and tables in the aisles on fri and sat nights. service is variable. but overall, a good bar on the river and worth a visit.
Tizer - 22 Aug 2003 17:48 |
lovely pub. go there on fridays for thank funk it is friday! gr8 service great food, and gr8 woman
johan - 22 Jun 2003 08:28 |
Dreadful pub. Beer frequently tastes sour and packed with obnoxious people on weekends. Good views but the general service and standard of beers really lets it down
Alex - 9 Apr 2003 13:14 |
Cool long bar. Try and get a seat by the windows overlooking the Thames. Packed on Saturdays until the Fez opens
Big Paul Hunt - 29 Jan 2003 17:09 |
excellent view to the river, nice food and most of all great atmosphere and nice interior.
|
