The Loft, Clapham

Apart from housing two of my main bugbears - a point in the evening where the bar stops serving pints (only bottles) and *those* 'bathroom beggars', I found The Loft to have a great, easy-going vibe with very attentive and friendly staff. In fact some of the friendliest bar staff I have come across - chatty, respectful and eager to please. I held my 30th birthday drinks here recently and the team were great will all my guests; and following a tip-off from my fianc� - even made a special 'birthday panna cotta' (as opposed to bday cake) with a candle in it. Nice touch ;)

The place itself looks cool without being self-conscious about it, and you can forget you're in Clapham for a while. Would recommend, especially for parties or reservations. Also the bar food - namely the pan fried squid was excellent!

14 Sep 2008 10:25

The Hemingford Arms, Barnsbury

Hmm I haven't experienced the 'unfriendliness' of staff that others have, I work nearby and have been coming here day and night (erm not when I should be working of course..) for 5 years and always get a nod or hello from the bar workers. Frankly, I love this pub. It's cosy, tucked away, and even when really busy - which it can get - if you find yourself a table you can sit in your own little Hemi' world and get quietly shloshed of an evening.

Of late (and I'm uncertain whether I like this or not) it has become a bit of a little hideaway for some slebs. I've chatted to Julian Barratt of The Mighty Boosh in here, and caught Kate Moss (!) one lunchtime sitting at the bar. Perhaps because of it's proximity to Pentonville prison (errm..). Borrell and Dunst have also frequented this little oasis in Highbury. I think because such a mixture of people drink in here, suits, locals, slebs, students, old geezers nursing a Guiness, weirdos and straights (ad nauseum) it personifies the London to me. I'd urge anyone to stray off the path and drop by. Oh, and the grub is very good too. The thai menu in the evening is predictable but solid, but the changing lunch menu has some lovely little home cooked gems. Love it.

28 Sep 2007 19:22