please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
OK, decent beer range but prices go up 30p a year. Gets very very noisy.
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Went to this pub on Sunday evening after a cricket match at nearby Vincent Square. It was a glorious evening so we congregated outside. Good range of ales on handpump from which I selected Thwaites Wainwright which was truly magnificent and very well kept. It's a big, roomy pub and I liked it.
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Bewilderingly popular.
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Pretty good selection of ales were on last night - about 5 in total, everyone I tasted was in decent nick.
It's not the most exciting of pubs, probably suffers from being pretty big and roomy. Made it a bit souless for me. But the service was solid and there was certainly nothing bad about the place.
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Wouldn't let me in as supposedly 'full' tonight. Shame as it clearly was not that crowded and they could have fitted the odd extra punter in for the footy. I explained to the landlady that this had never happened in 25 years of my drinking in the area. Forced to go to the Royal Oak, which is truly horrid. Situation very much reversed from ten years ago. No mark given as I just want to have a whinge.
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I hired the upstairs room of the Barley Mow for a function recently. The pub management were really kind and helpful. The staff on the day were really friendly and engaging. The room was well decorated and a good size. It seemed all in all a very friendly and well run pub....no where else really wanted us to run a hula-hooping class for a hen-do on their premises so I felt very lucky to come across this place!
Terra - 22 Apr 2012 15:29 |
Not blown away by the beer and seemed a sort of near adolescent crowd.
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good choice of ale, friendly service and somewhere to go for a quick pint. OK but nothing special. Better and friendlier than White horse & bower
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An attractive, street corner pub with plenty of flower troughs outside, and happily one of the very few establishments around these parts that seems to bother opening on a Saturday night.
Inside, it's a single room, L-shaped pub, that in some ways has the appearance of a sports bar � there are numerous flags hanging from the ceiling, both small ones around the bar and full size ones elsewhere. There is a projector in the corner (although the screen was rolled up on our visit) and a fixtures list for forthcoming tournaments. Besides that, it's a little more traditional. A raised area in one corner is full of leather sofas and chairs, and there are large windows to look out of. There is wood panelling on the lower part of the walls with cream paint-work above and the flooring is a mixture of carpet and wood. A small TV was on in the corner.
Beers on tap were Nelson's Jammin' Jack, Harvey's Sussex Best, Doom Bar, Spitfire and Deuchar's IPA. Ciders were Strongbow and Thatcher's Gold.
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Good range of beers on tap but the place feels just a little "clincal". That said it was pretty handy for a pint and far enough away from Victoria Street to make the place untouristy.
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A pretty good pub for this area of London. Clean and tidy but shame about the big screen TV (not so bad because motor racing was on). Beer OK, prices reasonable, staff OK. Not exceptional but perfectly acceptable!
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The beer was in poor condition and was pored in very short measures - a 3 inch head! When I politely asked for a top-up, I was told off by the blond lady behind the bar. So I said I wasn't prepared to pay full price for short measures, and she asked me to leave. What a sham!
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Had a very bad experience friday night, about twelve of us went here after work, most unwelcome, poor service bordering on rude and beer that was sour and flat.
Nice building, so has potential, a shame.
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Nothing special, clean ok but lacks any character whatsoever
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Situated along Horseferry Road and sufficiently away from the bustle of Victoria Street and the endless hoard of tourists that buzz around the various Westminster and Whitehall attracts, is an accommodating hostelry going by the name of The Barley Mow. Complete with hanging baskets and benches, the pubs facade is one of invite and promise � and indeed, the smart, modern and altogether appealing interior shows merit, also. A raised area to the left as you enter plays host to a large plasma television and a couple of leather sofas. Further on is another screen for those sporting events and another raised area � seemingly more geared towards those wishing to dine: the menu displays the usual gastro fare with main meals starting at around �7.00. Black and white prints are dotted around, depicting the locality in days gone by. Background music has been aired during both of my recent stays and pleasingly, at a delicate, appropriate volume. Clientele seemingly consist of the odd local and nearby office-types. Choice at the bar is relatively extensive, with six hand-pumps being in operation alongside the regular, commonplace keg offerings: London Pride, Spitfire, Sussex Best, Doom Bar, Hogs Back TEA, and Deuchars IPA � the latter being priced at �3.00 and served in fine fettle. The bar personnel encountered have been diligent and well mannered in their service. To conclude: whist being far from outstanding, I found here to be a pleasant surprise. A relaxed ambience and well-conditioned ales will always result in a thumbs-up from this reviewer!
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Much bigger than other pubs in the area and much more geared for sport watching with a number of TVs scattered around the bar. Although there were quite a lot of people in the size of the pub made it fairly easy to find a seat with a view of a screen. If I was in the area and wanted to see a match I'd head here but otherwise nothing much to distinguish the pub.
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Partly modernised pub, but redone using fairly light wood so the place has a fairly light and airy feel. Six real ales on, including a decent pint of Jennings Cumberland. Owned by Market Taverns - the same company as owns the Market Porter at Borough Market.
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The worst thing about this place is that they've stopped smoking inside (yes that's down to the smoking ban I know) and the result is that you now smell the puke stained, bile ridden carpets inside.
On the upside, they got rid of the bar man/woman who used to sing at you in a very high voice.
Nice when it's sunny (so you are outside and don't smell the carpets), not so nice when it's raining (in which case we would be somewhere else).
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I had my Xmas Party here last year & was accomidated fine. Great service and it wes a very busy Thursday night.
Looking forward to this years party.
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Nice pub but dont think of going in near xmas as half the pub is sectioned off for groups not eating the trays of food laid on.
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Just been to the mow, and must say the sunday lunch was very good, as was the service and cold fosters. be assured i shall visit again but next time it will be for longer than my lunch break.
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Have to agree with icedragon, that black barmaid is just so damn perfect, hardly noticed anything else about the pub after seeing her...
anonymous - 27 Apr 2009 11:01 |
I have to utterly disagree with Ericw. The service here is poor poor poor!! The food is sub standard. We had our Christmas party there and it was poorly organised. I have been twice since as it's very local to me, but have been dissapointed every time. My wife refuses to go back, as she says it is full of chavs! There are lots of nice pubs round here so I throughly suggest people go to them.
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Best pub in the area. The Manageress is lovely and obviously knows how to run a great locals pub. Proof being it is always the busiest in the area. The staff are the friendliest around and you never have to wait long to be served. Good beer, good ale,good food and a mighty fine pint of quinness. don't change a thing!
ericw - 30 Mar 2009 15:12 |
I've been drinking in the Barley now for about 6 months since I started working in the area. It is a busy traditional pub with a great mix of clientele. As an ale drinker i was very please with the variety and condition of the ales on offer spitfire, ipa duechars, harvey sussex and 3 other ever changing guest ales. The bar staff are very friendly and helpful. (If my pint isn't tickety boo they have changed it immediately without question just apologies). The management is excellent as we have held numerous functions there and they have all been well organised, staffed accordingly and the catering excellent. In my opinion this is an very well run establishment with a good range of beers & wines, friendly staff, good management and great mix of people. I would definately recommend this pub as the best in the area.
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Don't normally write reveiews for places but felt I really needed to say something about this real treasure. Normally central pubs are either too businessy or too touristy but this place was simply fantastic with a real mix of workers,locals and a sprinkling of tourists as well adding to a really good vibe. There was a very good selection (about 6 I think) of real ales on when I visited and the one's I sampled were in excellent condition. The staff were great, polite and very friendly and made me feel as if I had been drinking there for years in just a couple of hours!! Didn't eat anything but the steady stream of food being taken out suggests it has a good reputation and looked very good with large portions. All in all had a great evening and looking forward to going back which won't be too long!!
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best looking barmaids in the area, the black barmaid has got a great pair and by jimmeny she does not mind showing them off in her tight tops, can hardly watch the match when she is about.....anyone know if she has a fella
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I was quite getting to like this place for a swift lunchtime pint (they have a good selection) but then just before Christmas it went through a time warp to the 1970's.
On returning a pint which refused to clear the twenty-something barperson took a slug from my drink and informed me that "there is nothing wrong with that!" -haven't seen that sort of thing from bar staff for years. Couldn't be bothered to argue the point and left - won't go back.
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This is the finest establishment of its kind in the area. It is worth a visit if only to enjoy the variety of bar staff and beverages on parade: there is something to suit every taste from the truly sublime to the outrageously bizarre.
I would not hesitate to recommend this place, although with all little gems you would much prefer to keep them purely for private viewing.
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There's something for everyone at this place. The staff alone provide enough entertainment value to warrant a second visit. Whatever your preference of beer or barmaid you'll find it within these four walls.
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If a variety of beers and bar staff flaunting their homosexuality is up your street, go here!
Easy to get served, decent beer and bar staff serving up a non-stop carnival of sexual innuendos ("this stiff pump is dripping everywhere", for example).
Special mention goes to the black female barmaid who happily plays with her two prize assets at every given opportunity.
Well worth a visit.....
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A fairly sizeable late Victorian corner pub situated away from the more touristy areas of Westminster. The spacious interior has a few partitions and raised areas but still seems quite open and cavernous. One corner is devoted to tub seats and sofas whereas the rest is of a more traditional pub style. A good number of Ales (HBB, Pedigree, Bombardier, Spitfire Deuchars and Youngs) of decent enough quality and reasonably priced for the area. It can get busy with large groups of office workers who can get quite vociferous. Well positioned plasma screen and a few fruit / quiz machines and I am sure they once also had an upright piano for those Knees Up Mother Brown moments but I didn�t recall seeing it on my recent visit. There is an upstairs dining / function room and outside seating but basically, this is a no thrills, no nonsense, does what it says on the tin kind of pub and whilst it lacks any great draw, it just about merits its slightly above average rating for its number of Ales. Apart from that,it�s not really a place to go out of the way for.
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Horrible staff, Horrible management, horrible beer, horrible prices, horrible horrible horrible...
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This is an OK pub in an area of OK pubs. The refit hasn't really changed it that much but it may attracted more people in. Always well staffed though which is a plus point in my book.
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Probably the best pub in the area but - given the other pubs in the area - that's not saying much. That said, I've never had a bad day / night in here, so that's something. One word of warning, though: if you're not a Chelsea fan, probably best to steer clear if there's a Chelsea match on, particularly if you value your hearing.
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An honest down to earth sort of boozer. OK if you want a quick pint after work. However, found the manager was rude and arrogant, treating customers & staff with contempt in equal measures. Hope hes moved on.
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It looks like what it is - a s**thole that's had a cheap makeover. It says something about a pub that it's best feature is the toilet. Overpriced for what it is. I won't say I'll never go back there, but it won't be very often.
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was a regular here for two years and have just visited after a year away and found it as good as ever. steel stuff at least the toilets which were amongst the worst in london have improved. always found the staff excellent if not the best looking but there is always good banter going on. plenty of local types to chew the fat with. for me its a place with a lot of good memories but i dont think they needed to add the stainless. food is ok for the price and better value then the puzz or white heart
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No complaints apart from it being a little expensive. Can get busy late in the week with office workers.
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I popped in here on Sunday and thought the pub had a certain charm. It was packed with British legion types, what with it being remembrance Sunday, and someone on the old Joanna bashing out the tunes. The pint of T.E.A. I had was well kept too...
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Well, you can get a decent pint here. I think it's quite nice actually.
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Great pub that used to be run by a great woman. Now sadly trumaized by Pimlico people.
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Another mainly DEFRA pub. Normally part of teh Friday night booze trek, which starts in the Marquis.
Only a so, so kinda pub. But sometimes thats all you need. Certainly spent enough time in here. IN fact, this is the first pub i had a drink in when i started @ MAFF (as it was back then.
Happy days indeed!
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If your looking to maybe read a paper here while u drink remember to bring a torch, barstaff r quite lippy aswell.
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I found the staff to be quite nice and efficient. The day I visted the food was fine remembering of course that this is a pub. I will certainly return when I come to London next year.
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Good pub close to work, only had food there once but that was good too. Read comments re unfriendly barstaff and disagree, went in recently and was unprepared for the friendly welcome by a barmaid! If you're reading this (unlikely!) thanks for asking how my day was!
cheers
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Variable, but nice enough, and open late on Fridays. The food is nothing special. Two or three good ales.
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Bar staff were friendly enough. Went in with a few mates to watch the rugby - intimidating enough if you're on your own though. Good selection of ales.
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I wouldn't suggest eating here. Had a great big bug in food and didn't even get an apology. Staff rude and ignore you, although guy in charge seemed nice.
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Scruffy Grim Indifferent beer Wouldn't even contemplate eating there. Its only advantage is that it's open on a Sunday when lots of other nearby pubs aren't. If you're needing a drink go to the refurbished White Horse & Bower (almost next door) instead.
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So-so pub on Horseferry road. Not much to comment on either way.
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We visited yesterday (27/02/05), we found the manager very polite as were most of the staff apart from the Irish girl who was only polite and smiled at Irish people!! Somebody smashed a glass on the floor and she was quite rude to me when i pointed it out. The food is not good at all, it was cold by the time it reached our table. The roast beef was burnt round the edges but very red in the middle and the veg was just waterlogged and very bland.
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We went here at Friday luchtime last week. I found one of the barmen (the landlord??) to be adsurdly rude and quite amazed that people want to all come on a friday lunchtime. In fact he was trying to persuade me not to buy any food or drinks as it was far too inconvenient and he was very busy.
max - 6 Oct 2004 21:35 |
I have to say I find the Manager in there very rude, and his tone of voice/attitude to his bar staff and customers is appalling. Perhaps he should get some tips from some of his staff (Old and New) who always came/come across as friendly, helpful and considerate, some qualities this person is lacking in abundance.
In reply to the recent messages from "Bar Girl" and "You Know Who", I wouldn't consider myself to be a regular but when I go in there I like to think I treat all the bar staff with respect, I might not always say please, but I def. say Thank you afterwards!
I'll try and say please next time I'm in there being served by either of you two!
John - 4 Oct 2004 13:19 |
i work at the barley and have to say that the customers are not much friendlier than the staff.i personally always greet people with a smile and enquire about their welfare only to be grunted and snorted at...how can people expect good service after a first impression like that? we do our jobs and try to make the customers evening as pleasant as possible but please spare a thought for us and think about how rude you come across to other people...just because we work in a pub doesnt mean we do not deserve a few manners and a bit of curtosy every once in a while.
bar girl - 17 Sep 2004 16:19 |
The glasses are always unclean. And the stench from the gents is something else. On the upside it's got tables outside with a good selection of beers. Normally packed on Friday after work.
flashman - 30 Jun 2004 13:41 |
Really nasty barmaid... Ruined the rest of it. Apart from that a little hollow though for the area nicely priced.
Jonny Field - 26 Apr 2004 19:44 |
nice enough for a bank holiday monday, haven't been in during peak hours though.
Bar staff was busy and the food though standard fair, came quickly which is worth points in my book.
Richard - 14 Apr 2004 00:21 |
Didn't think much of the pub, and the landlord was surly and unhelpful. Warm glasses, miserable staff. Bring back Craig!
Alyoisus - 8 Apr 2004 12:36 |
Much better than others in this area - decent beer as well.
BAZMOND - 5 Dec 2003 13:08 |
The staff were extremley moody and the service wasn't much better. My food was tasteless and may as well have been a piece of cardboard
Lee-Ann Wickes - 7 Aug 2003 17:25 |
The Fosters was flat, changed that for a Carlsberg and that was even flatter, the pint glass was filthy, the "hot salt beef" was freezing cold (was told thats how it was supposd to be?), the bread was stale, the crisps were stale and the staff were unhelpful and rude. Nice flowers though !
Brian - 7 Aug 2003 17:12 |
Good selection of beer and great atmosphere! Has an upstairs venue that you can hire.
Jeff - 5 Mar 2003 08:52 |
Excellent food at a very reasonable price, the landlord is a bit of a character!
anonymous - 24 Nov 2002 15:19 |
