BITE user comments - BrianCheese
Comments by BrianCheese
Used to be my go to late bar in this part of town but went there last night and will not be going there again...well until it goes out of business and reopens again.
Maybe it is the time of year but the whole upstairs bar and most of downstairs were roped off for corporate parties forcing us into one tiny space only to find ourselves roped off and moved on again.
With the exception of one chap with an outstanding afro, the staff were probably the rudest people working in service industry job anywhere...and I include Oddbins in that.
The events manager even managed to give the old two fingered salute to a friend after she complained, spotted by a another friend who was watching from the other side of the bar.
Cramped, sweaty, full of suits from the offices on Villiers Street and generally an absolute hole.
Cashed up the bar tab and went to Gordon's which was also cramped and sweaty, but in a good way. The staff also demonstrated that, even though you are serving a drunk Christmas crowd, you don't have to behave like you've been thrust into a job unbefitting your obvious talents and cannot believe that the people paying your wages might expect you to offer some tiny degree of customer service.
Never, never never again. Worst bar in London.
22 Dec 2005 14:59
The Harringay Arms, Crouch End
It's what a pub should be, it smells of beer tobacco and old men. The TV always has horse racing on, even at closing time, and they do rolls wrapped in clingfilm behind the bar...I almost wept when I first saw that.
This is a proper boozer, run by and frequented by real people who go to the pub for a drink, a chat and maybe a little snooze in the corner.
1 Aug 2005 17:08
If Timmy Mallet married Jade Goody, they would have the reception here.
Annoying, tacky, expensive, menacing, unhygenic.
1 Aug 2005 17:02
The Swimmer at The Grafton Arms, Holloway
Brilliant little boozer, good range of beers and lagers (litovel is very plesant), good music, gorgeous bar staff, and the bar manager is a cracking bloke too.
The winking(yes, winking) blonde barmaid is still there, and a lovely young lady she is too. The clientelle seemed pleasant, great atmosphere, no hint of trouble. Only popped in for one, but stayed all night.
1 Aug 2005 16:50
First time here was brilliant, we ended up on the top floor drinking, dancing and generally enjoying ourselves.
Been a couple of times since, but at times when the only the downstairs bar was open, not bad, but nothing to write home about. Bit pricey, but the staff have always been friendly.
Worth popping in of a Friday night if you're in the area.
1 Aug 2005 16:34
Used to meet here regularly but in the last few years it's gone right down hill. I too have had my drink snatched away, which was a cheek because it took me half an hour to order the damn thing.
The staff either seem to be untrained novices or confirmed sociopaths. Either way the service is pretty poor and the atmosphere is like the dingy and depressing bars that you find in small train stations.
Alright for a quick beer on your way to a better pub, but not worth sticking around.
13 Jul 2005 13:10
Gordon's Wine Bar, Charing Cross
Still brilliant, but always crowded, get there early or make it a summer venue.
Excellent choice of wines as ever and the friendly staff are always willing to give a good recommendation.
22 Dec 2005 15:07