please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Well it was St George's Day. So that explains the free jellied eels and strawberries (not in the same pot), the deckchairs, and town crier-complete-with-bell in the entrance passage. I even got a small free glass of Bombadier. I would have preferred free shepherd's pie or yorkie pud to the eels though.
But leaving aside the saint's day jingoism, and sticking to the traditional-pub-wot-makes-Britain-truly-Great ratings jingoism, this is a Nicholsons. Which to me means an above average chain. The pub has an odd entrance passageway, and looks like it will be dark and dingy, but then opens into a fairly light and airy bar. There are a couple of decent sized side rooms, and a small garden. Being Nicholsons, it has a range of RAs on, and was in the midst of its spring guest beers. If memory serves, I switched between Brains SA, and Bombadier, both of which were in reasonable condition. I think Jennings Cumberland and Titanic's Capt Smith are due on soon. I didn't try the food.
This is a reasonable sized pub on the edge of the City. Buisy, and no problem with the customers. I gave it 7/10, which to my mind, is a 'top average'. It doesn't quite have that something to make it an 8+, but it is a decent pub and what I expect from a Nicholsons.
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A Nicholson’s establishment, The Crutched Friar isn’t too dissimilar to other members of the chain. It serves an array of well-conditioned ales, has pleasant, if a little MOR, background music and its clientele ranges from the odd tourist to suited office types. Situated near the City, expect more of the latter in this particular pub. The usual food was on offer and everything was as to be expected on my visit last Wednesday (9th April). One possible standout however, is perhaps the beer patio, a rarity in central London.
HTM69 - 15 Apr 2008 18:27 |
Had part refit since my last visit looks good alot better since no smoking and you can still have your cigs in the back garden had agreat pint of Brains SA
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WOW a pub in the City with a beer garden!!! It's a little sun trap too. The interior is great, it has the feel of a covered Dickensian street and the glass roof at the bar makes it light and pleasant. Service was absolutely fine and it's cheap as well (comparatively), £2.80 for a Kronenbourg and only £8 for a bottle of wine! Food was also cheap and tasty. Can't see why people have complained to be honest, I'll certainly be going back.
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I have to say I'm a little suprised by these comments. This pub is quite local to me and I've been there a few times. I think the service and food is good. I only have around an hour for lunch and I've never had to rush to finish my food
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I agree with the previous comment. Took far too long to get a beer and then asking for one was a hassle. Maybe take a phrase book along to translate to the rude girl behind the bar what a beer is !!! Shame Burger King dont serve beer.
anonymous - 1 Mar 2007 15:27 |
Smoky as hell and took about 20 minutes to get a pint. If you only have an hour for lunch, skip this place.
anonymous - 23 Feb 2007 13:59 |
A bit of a mix n match pub good service lack of ale choice good for pub lunch
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Part of Nicholsons chain but nice feel to it friendly typical city pub rammed lunch /early evening
anonymous - 20 Feb 2007 23:03 |
Would agree with TheHorsesMouth. Visited yesterday, and it does have a chainy feel.
No bad points - cider [Strongbow] OK, and the IPA apparently fine.
Whilst satisfactory in almost every way [they do encourage vertical drinking, with relatively few seats, but that's OK for a 'do' from 1700-1930 or so] this pub has nothing special to attract me to visit it again.
Six.
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I must agree that this pub is pretty average. As a real chainy feel to it. Dont know myself, but told food is a bit greasy but u get large portions.
Its a solid bet for a lunchtime drink if your in a mix crowd of people.
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ABO - All Bar Scum. P&P = Pitcher and Poser. Happy to clear this up.
Crutched Friar = not the worst of a pretty underwhelming bunch at this end of the City.
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Sorry Huddo, but as I am fairly new to this site I don't know what "ABO" and "P&P" refers to. Please explain what these mean.
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Solid option. Chicken burger with cheese and bacon on a Friday is a great hangover cure. Good selection of beers, but the bottles sometimes aren't cold enough - best to ask for one from the back of the fridge. Not sure I agree with the 'chain' comments, given that there's an ABO and P&P within an empty stubby's throw. Bar staff are nice and friendly. Can get rammed on a Friday betwwen 1 and 2.
Huddo - 22 Dec 2005 16:36 |
Surprisingly large. Agree with the sentiments that it has a chain feel to it and is rather bland.
I didn't like as much as some Nicholson pubs. However a minor mix up with my girlfriends starter was quickly righted by the manager and soothed over with a 1/2 on the house.
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bland but not bad.
evers - 29 Aug 2005 17:36 |
Not bad. A bit chainy, as already stated, but comfortable enough. It does the job.
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I went there a few weeks ago. The decor was a tad 'chainish', but, in terms of scenery, the two delightful barmaids who served me more than made up for it... One blonde and one brunette... Both friendly, with exotic foreign accents... Very nice.
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Nice and big. Serves London Pride. Okay garden out back.
RexJacobus - 19 Sep 2003 13:50 |
Been there a few times and it's quite nice and you haven';t been there yet!
Monica - 23 May 2002 17:12 |
