The Crown Tavern, Clerkenwell

This is simply one of the best pubs in the area; probably the best if the weather is pleasant.

It's often busy but the friendly staff are usually up the the task of dealing with orders quickly. The ale selection is wide and varied, but due to volumes served one or two are usually being changed. I note that the lager and wine selection looks pretty good, but didn't try from either.

The pub is spacious and able to handle the large volumes of customers well, music levels are spot on providing atmosphere without making it hard to talk. The outside area is great, with a lot of seating and next to a very quiet road.

I go there whenever I'm passing and have time.

13 May 2010 12:36

The Rising Sun, Smithfield

One of the only pubs in the area with a dartboard and pub arrows (the Two Brewers and Hand and Shears both have one, but neither are set up to be played).

A Sam Smiths pub so its cheap yet average (or above) drink offers good value with limited choice. The staff and locals are friendly and the atmosphere just "feels right". Lunch is served 12-2, so be prompt - again good value and decent service.

Fridays sees this place get pretty busy, but there is an upstairs area with an unused bar where you can decamp if the weather's bad, otherwise the alleyway is picturesque and quiet. Hopefully they'll start staffing the upstairs during busier periods.

Recommended.

13 May 2010 12:25

The Hope and Sirloin, Farringdon

The correctly named "The Hope", as another reviewer points out, is a wasted opportunity. With its fantastic fa�ade, rich original features, and decent location this pub would be very successful if it was well run. It's not.

Just go inside to have a look, I can guarantee you'll be disappointed. I used regularly visit The Hope as it was half way between my work and a friend's. It's a deeply depressing place: pokey, uncomfortable, grubby and dingy. Hacking locals and untrained staff with a penchant for European techno add to the general malaise of this place.

The Lost Hope serves some ropey ale (no choice usually) - Young's Bitter is a decent pint usually, but I never quite trust it here. Can't vouch for the food - I've never been brave enough.

Being run into the ground for offices/flats I imagine.

Scrapes 2 stars for the potential and loses one of those for wasting it so totally.

13 May 2010 11:53