The Spice of Life, Cambridge Circus

Spice of Life

Standing guard over the entrance to Soho at Cambridge Circus, the Spice is enjoying a revival thanks to an egalitarian policy of daily live entertainment and to upping the ante on food and drink offerings. In its crossroads location, the Spice was always a place for a passing pint � but the decision to throw open its basement Backstage Bar to jazz musicians twice a week, indie bands thrice, bluesers on Tuesdays and open-mic try-outs on Mondays has generated a new community of regulars spanning the generations. On Friday lunchtimes you�ll see over-50s queuing for trad jazz; by the evening, it�s earnest young indie types. The spacious upstairs bar is a hive of activity, with its all-day kitchen (Big Plates of chicken-and-seafood paella �8.95, sirloin steak �11.95) and fine ales (McMullen AK and Country Best, Deuchars IPA). Six wines of each colour and cheap cocktails too.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2006/7



Buy Bars, Pubs and Clubs 2006 ONLY �6.99
Services:
Disabled: toilet
Function room: Bar available for hire
Music: open mic 6.30pm Mon; blues 8pm Tue; both free; jazz 8pm Wed and Thur, lunch Fri and Sun; �5-�10; acoustic guitar and bands 7.30pm Fri-Sun; �6
Outdoor tables: 5, pavement

25 Aug 2006 10:40

The Spice of Life, Cambridge Circus

one of the problems with people who have been reviewing this pub is the lack of knowledge they have about the pub. If mr bonser had taken the time to talk to the bar staff or walk down stairs to the basement bar that has live music every night i hope it would educate him not to wax lyrical about something he has no comprehension of. this pub and music venue has the singular aspect of having regulars for over 20 years there are very few and far between pub's in central london that can make this claim.

29 Jun 2006 11:55

The White Hart, Holborn

another find in the west end use to be a god awful scream pub but mand b have finaly done something right a peaceful busy place where a luch time drink can turn into anything. Staff a are great becuse they will talk to you with out judgement.Put me in mind of the spice of life just with out the great music.

6 Mar 2006 12:45