The Blackfriar, Blackfriars

Passed by on Saturday and was surprised to find it open on the weekends now. Totally full of tourists and a few stray builders but then there really isn't much in the neighbourhood to attract anyone who doesn't work nearby or happen to be passing as we were. We both had bottles of Weston organic cider so I can't speak for any of the draught beers. The building is beautiful but I agree the decor is a bit worse for the wear and there is an underlying stench which was lessened by the doors being open on a sunny day. Food served which we didn't try, but looked of the unremarkable, frozen/deep fried variety. Seems a shame not to spend a bit to bring such a fantastic looking pub in such a prime location a better experience.

15 May 2006 16:26

Shochu, Fitzrovia

Having been to this bar last year around Xmas and found it excellent in all areas : decor, service and quality, I am shocked and disappointed to report exactly how downhill it has gone. Visited them last night around 9.30pm, and all of the tables and most of the bar was full. I found an empty spot at the bar and was quickly attended to by a barman who took my order for 2 martinis and a long drink. A few minutes later, before he had delivered them, he indicated that I needed to move away from the bar as "someone was sitting there", indicating a gentleman who had walked up behind me. I said there was no seat, just an empty space, and he said "someone was standing there then". I asked where I should go to receive our drinks, and he looked around at the fully packed bar and shrugged and said "I really don't know". Lovely. We eventually found a couple of inches of bar space by the till. We were then presented with our drinks - one of which was incorrect - and a bill which included 12.5% service!!! At a self service bar!!! I asked the hostess to replace the incorrect drink and that I was declining to pay the service charge. She pulled a face, so I explained it was as the bar staff were rude and got our order wrong. She said "no problem" in a tone which indicated their obviously WAS a problem. We then stood and drank our drinks (which were DELICIOUS it must be said) only for me to find a piece of cellophone in my martini glass. Probably a wrapping from the cucumber garnish which had been carelessly served up. I complained to the hostess and she apologised and offered a replacement, then disappeared for 10 minutes, in which time no drink had arrived and my friends and finished theirs. We just wanted to leave. I asked her to please refund my money and leave it at that. She argued that the order was already placed and the bar was just busy. I explained my friends were done, we wanted to leave, and I wanted a refund for my half consumed drink. She went to the bar and came back with my drink. I still insisted on a refund, repeating my reasons. She then had a hissy fit, throwing a bunch of receipts onto the ground, and saying "this is ridiculous but I will give you a refund anyway". I told her she was being inhospitable and downright childish, and which point she slammed my refund down on the bar and exclaimed "now why don't you drink the drink as well!!". We left, never to darken their door again.

29 Sep 2005 12:54

The Great Northern Railway Tavern, Hornsey

A beautiful little pub which has escaped unsympathetic moderisation. Tables out front on the street and a lovely little conservatory and a concrete beer "garden" out back. Excellent Thai food served during lunch and dinner by the very friendly Joe. The bar staff are often quite moody and the clientele sometimes a bit stern but nothing "worrisome" in my humble opinion. With a slightly friendlier welcome this pub would have grand possibilities - as it is, can be a great place to visit if you are happy to bring your own good company.

24 Aug 2005 13:41