BITE user comments - benjah
Comments by benjah
Great location, and a good pub. The distinct lack of decent pubs in the centre of London makes The Chandos an appealing prospect, with its booth seating, and old school ambience.
As with all Sam Smith pubs, the fact that their beers etc. are all produced by their own brewery is both a strength and weakness. For while drinks are the cheapest you'll find anywhere in London, their lager is not of a high quality and tastes of nothing. The ales are decent, but the lack of any other familiar beers, or even guest ales that you might be tempted to try, is a definite minus. But overall, it's a good place to meet, at least before heading elsewhere, and the food is reputably of high quality.
15 Mar 2009 19:29
This place has delusions of grandeur. Trendy decor? Check. Cool jukebox with appropriate proportions of classic rock and indie? Check. And they have Timothy Taylor Landlord on tap!
Sounds like a winner? Well unfortunately not. The staff are sullen at the best of times, moody on others (agreed DeliaSmith!) and the distinct lack of tables makes it difficult to find anywhere to sit. Not a terrible place by any means, but definitely not as good as everyone else says.
1 Jan 2009 22:22
The Bank of Friendship, Highbury
A great local boozer.
What I would class as an 'old man' pub, which to me is the kind of pub I like! Good, and well kept ales (Directors, Best, London Pride), friendly staff, and warm convivial atmosphere. There's a lack of decent pubs on Blackstock Road but the Bank is always a winner.
1 Jan 2009 22:11
The service at the Alwyne is abominable.
Despite the good selection of beers, and above average food, the negligent, rude or just plain incompetent staff really take the biscuit. The worst bar service I've ever experienced and I've been to a lot of pubs/bars/etc.
One instance was priceless - I asked for a top up on my pint, very politely, after being served two thirds of a pint with a massive head. The barmaid topped it up a little but it still wasn't by any means full. I said, can I have the full pint, please? And she stared at me censoriously and said, what you want more? Classic. What a buffoon.
I used to go here all time, was a glutton for punishment. One day I decided not to put up with it anymore. And I suggest you don't either.
15 Dec 2008 15:05
The Angel, Old Street
Good boozer - krsone, or should that be Murph, I recall the Prodigy incident well, also when I forgot that you can't smoke in pubs anymore (think I'd had too many at that point!)
6 Jun 2009 13:52