Sessions, Kettering

well looked after pub named after the local watercress seller and situated in the centre of the old market town of kettering. serves fresh home cooked food from a selection of local suppliers, well looked after beer and tasty cocktails.

3 Feb 2006 16:45

The Union, Marylebone

best place to spend your weekday evenings around baker street if you're not ready to a] venture out to a club or b] your plan is to eat first, and then party - union is modern enough to have a good beer & premium spirit selection and serves up solid gastro pub style food. bar staff are friendly, lively and fun.

3 Feb 2006 16:29

The Study, Holloway

surprisingly pleasant pub on the dodgy old holloway road. very clean, comfy seating, the usual fireplace and big screen sports TV - but best of all well trained staff with a wicked sense of humour - which is why the bar stools are the most coveted seats in the house. the new food menu actually delivers, and sizeable portions of classic british dishes keep bums on sofas and spirits high.

3 Feb 2006 12:46

The Stone House, Hampton Hill

seems to me this place is trying to be too many things to too many people. there's the posh gastro pub feel with fancy red wine displays, back-lit italian espresso machine & ornamental mirrors; wacky back bar fish tanks & staff with the occasional 'i'm mad, me' outfits; and multi-coloured disco lights on a wall full with abstract art pieces. it's more confusing than comfortable at first but its also a huge place with an atrium in the back area bringing lots of light into the dining area next to the well-run open plan kitchen. lots of potential, the imminent refurb should give it the attention it deserves.

3 Feb 2006 12:12

The Salt House, Epsom

last summer's refurbishment has turned this place into a stunning style bar with lively atmosphere, discreet & comfortable seating and a straigtforward, unfussy menu. in epsom, one of its kind.

3 Feb 2006 11:23

Ochre, St Pauls

my favourite hangout in the city, located on a quiet little road off ludgate hill so practically undiscoverable for the hordes of st pauls tourists flocking the churchyard round the corner. hooray. the actual bar is comfy & intimate with low-lying, butt hugging sofas in every corner & a function room downstairs, the atmosphere is friendly & buzzy with fast, fiercely efficient service [cocktails are a specialty, make sure you try one]. reasonable prices so devoid of besuited, image conscious drinkers. absolute gem.

3 Feb 2006 10:45

The Northumberland Arms, Fitzrovia

nice place, good wine offers - but please bring on the smoking ban ...

2 Feb 2006 15:36

The Long Room, Queens Park

I don't get it. Why is it still difficult for some people to distinguish between ye olde pubs and exciting style bars [such as this one]. It's that simple - stay away if you don't think this is for you. The Longroom rocks, it's beautifully designed, the staff and management are attentive & creative and their cocktails are to die for. They know what they have to offer but don't aim to please everyone. An attitude I can handle.

18 Mar 2005 15:21