BITE user comments - proxy
Comments by proxy
The Hand and Racquet, Covent Garden
agree with all comments below - the upstairs lounge is definitely worth a visit, it seats 10-12 and can hold a group of 30, perfect for after work-drinks. also its central & easy enough to get to and apparently now open on sundays. when we visited they'd just started a new spring menu which was great - will def come back.
13 Apr 2006 15:54
The Green Man and French Horn, Covent Garden
nice surprise - this is a spacious & bright bar in a great location with a friendly & lively atmosphere. clientele is varied - on our visit all seats were taken by groups of students, tourists and even families. recommended.
13 Apr 2006 15:35
The Essex Serpent, Covent Garden
nice little boozer - with the added bonus of a non smoking restaurant upstairs where you can enjoy a quiet meal away from tourist crazed covent garden streets. small enough to be cosy, with affordable beers & wines.
13 Apr 2006 15:28
The Northumberland Arms, Fitzrovia
once past the initial impulse of avoiding tottenham court road at all costs there are much worse places you could end up in than the 'arms. everything here is straightforward & unpretentious: service is fast, food is substantial and good looking cocktails & liqueur coffees keep the girls happy. cant fault it.
2 Feb 2006 14:54
Metro Bar and Canteen, Holloway
metro 'bar & canteen'is a good looking, spacious venue offering top quality, uncomplicated modern british food during the daytime and cocktail fuelled DJ parties on special evenings. the fact that its located in between a college and 2 unis guarantees reasonable prices, fresh faces & good attitudes all round. all areas of the bar including the back room are available for hire - as are the decks for all aspiring bedroom DJ'on certain weekdays. sophisticated, friendly and unintimidating.
2 Feb 2006 11:59
this bar seems somehow misplaced in the queens park area. put it anywhere east and people would kill - or at least queue - to get into this warehouse sized, bright, beautifully designed space. recent noticable changes are a shorter, snazzier italo menu, DJ's on selected nights and later opening hours [0:30am]. unchanged are the well made cocktails, pizza specials, friendly staff & reasonable prices.
1 Feb 2006 17:53
The King William IV, Hampstead
if you think about how much ka-ching walks by the king's door every day [hampstead high street, darling] it is surprising how unspoilt this pub still is - not a fusiony nibble, sauteed prawn or chocolate souffle in sight. instead the atmosphere is relaxed, and it sometimes gets a bit noisy with the many different nights they host [hula party in february - genius] great place to drink & not be rushed.
1 Feb 2006 16:46
Jack Stamps Beer House, Streatham
if you dont expect a 'gastro' experience this is a pretty decent pub. they have a good quality thai food franchise going and the juxtaposition of plastic table cloths, framed hunting art and 'lady in love' king prawns in rice paper is quite funny to behold.
from what i've been told they are soon up for a refurb but important stuff like the big screen tv, international lagers and welcoming staff will stay.
1 Feb 2006 16:22
if you are comfortable in the company of work-hard, play-hard types this is a good place to come. once you've gone through some of the spectacular creations on their customised cocktail menu check out the downstairs club - resident DJs play very danceable house tunes and there's just enough low seating to do all the things you shouldn't...
their evening menu successfully follows the not-so-recent trend of british tapas and the general vibe is less self consciously cool than welcoming to anyone out to have fun.
1 Feb 2006 15:12
The Catcher in the Rye, Finchley
well run gastro pub kitted out with customary fireplaces, comfy leather sofas, real cask ale, flying duck wall art - the lot. some distinguishing details i noticed are the all time immaculate bar top [i prefer my shirt sleeves dry after getting a drink], friendly, well groomed staff and a short but spot-on 'modern british' menu. popular for all the right reasons.
1 Feb 2006 12:37
so glad i found this. laid-back bar thats trendy enough to attract interesting people; fun, fast, attentive barstaff devoid of attitude [so important - it really annoys me when I get served by someone sour-faced, ignorant & deliberately slow] and ever changing pages of fresh fruit cocktails great for my kind of vitamin intake. highly recommended.
1 Feb 2006 11:35
The Pillars of Hercules, Soho
new owners to finance a facelift and the imminent summer months can only mean good business for the pillars. always crowded due to its size so be prepared to stand outside - which really is preferable anyway.
13 Apr 2006 16:25