19:20, Clerkenwell

We booked the lower floor of 19:20 for a private function, but apparently no-one told the bar staff. They were rude, incompetent and inattentive throughout.

There were a paltry four beers on tap, one of which remained unavailable all night - on a Friday, even. Bar staff on the upper level refused outright to serve punters from the function despite the contrast between the heaving mass of people waiting to be served below and the empty upper deck.

19-20 could have some promise as a bar or function space but is sorely compromised by the dismal layout - the one link between the upper and lower floors is a cramped spiral staircase that is doubly compromised by emerging on the top floor at the main entranceway and descending outside the entrance to the toilets.

In peak times this makes for a pitifully cramped and uncomfortable environment. However, in contrast to the other two establishments on Great Sutton St, the upper floor was conspicuously deserted throughout the evening. Consider heading there for an expensive and indifferently-served drink. Do not under any circumstances consider hiring it out. Dismal.

30 Jun 2007 17:46