please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Something old, something new but don't they sit well together? O.K. so you haven't been but I think you should. This is a pub on the perimeter of Smithfield Market and is full of character. Some of the original fittings survive and the tiled exterior is of an age which brought a conservation award in 1993. To the rear are some quite delightful booths for that private meeting or social gathering. Very strong on food which some might find offputting but the extensive range of ales is well-kept.
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Definitely one of my favourites in the area. There's only a couple of high tables and chairs for those who aren't eating, but those who are can sit back in plush old-fashioned booths and enjoy top notch pub grub. (The steak pie served with oysters is great and the fish and chips is damn good. I've never had room for pudding!) Bar staff, especially the Irish guy, are always friendly and happy to chat. Could do with a bit more space but overall, there are far worse places to drink in EC1.
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I know I shouldn't have been I was slightly underwhelmed by this pub. Perhaps it was the distinct smell of cooking oil in the 'back bar' or that it was rather chilly or that it still looked very new. However there was nothing wrong with the beer (Nethergate IPA) or the food (Steak and Oyster pie), so perhaps it was me.
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I'm not sure what this place was like before the refurb, but it can't have changed much as the interior is listed. It's obviously had a polish and a clean and this, for me, takes away a bit of character. The atmosphere is nice though, mainly because of the small booths and candles for lighting. Still, the ale selection was very good and very well kept, but I have to say that I find the whole pewter tankard thing a little gimmicky. The food was very good, if a little overpriced.
Despite my minor gripes, this place is still well worth seeking out and is one of the best pubs in the area. Recommended.
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First visited this pub on Saturday night, (26/01/08), and I must admit I was very impressed. The splendid tiling outside leads to a long thin bar with a further room to the rear with 4 intimate little booths. The features are classy - dark wood panelling and stained glass abounds and the atmosphere enhanced by candles on the tables.
On the beer front there were 6 real ales on, (3 from Nethergate), plus a selection of bottled British beers including St. Peters and Grand Union. The beer was served in pewter tankards - even the half pints. The Nethergate Barfly (£3/pint) and Old Growler were both very good. (The keg fonts did not specify what was on, but from reading another BITE comment it appears that Meantime Helles is available). Well worth seeking out.
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Hungover and weary, my rather dashing friday night date led me to this wonderfully atmospheric "gastropub" (a term a generally despise!)for some recuperative ale and stodge. I couldn't have found a better place to play out my hangover (and to advance my burgeoning romance with an enchanting government lawyer!).
On walking into the establishment I was instantly filled with excitement and joy on seeing fat city bankers swigging from tankards of ale! Actual tankards! After procuring some of said ale we were led through to the backroom to begin our feasting. The attentive waiting staff allowed us to move tables into the "snug" (exactly as it says on the tin!) and get cosy (the dusky lighting being kind on my hungover and dehydrated face). The food was good. Not excellent, but good. Better than standard gastropub fayre and nicely presented. Even had my first ever oyster(which had an effort on said lawyer later I must say!). What really set this place aside however was the service. Great staff, who know their food and drink and seem genuinely interested in making your evening enjoyable. Pay them more I say. Especially the nice irish chap (my date caught me looking at his bottom!!!) Oh.....and the Aspalls blush cider is to die for. Go, relax and enjoy. I'll be back.
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I don't recall having visited here before the refurbishment, but they certainly seem to have made an effort. Knowledgable barman, with a genuine interest in the decent range of real ales on offer, but all of this a bit wasted on the punters who just wanted "something a bit like Magners, with ice" or the Stella or Kronenbourg brigade who looked totally flummoxed when offered a decent lager - the excellent Helles from Meantime Brewery. All in all, a very decent place, but one which suffers from the long, thin layout which makes moving about something of an effort, slightly ridiculous toilet facilities and pewter tankards (which I just can't stand).
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What a wonderful place! I suppose it could get too crowded in here at certain times but the lighting and overall ambience are just perfect. When I went in they were showing silent films on the telly. Candles on the tables down one side of the long, narrow room. The bar runs down the other side. A good selection of ales on tap with a wide selection of bottled beers in the fridges. Frosted glass on the doors and on the partitions inside between the tables. When a pub serves your pint in a pewter tankard you know you're onto a good thing! I'll definitely return.
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Absolutely superp- Excellent ales including a top notch pint of Old Growler from the Nethergate brewery. Also excellent food - try the ham hock or fish and chips. A great refurb and an excellent (re) addition to the area.
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I have been in couple of times. The refurb looks good but sadly was not thought through, main bar remains cramped. Service has veeered from cheerful to useless. Beer selection not bad - I may return for brekky.
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This establishment has now reopened info came from BITE user "Topdog Andy" - thanks for the update.
steve - 27 Nov 2007 09:11 |
still closed. maybe re-opening July. i see ye-old red cow re-opened as did barley mow but still not as nice as this old pub. Shakespere been tarted up and looking good. but paddys Wolfe still the best
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Sadly - recently ceased trading!
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Our Norwegian and German party had a very successful stay at this cosy pub early one Friday morning. We were very well welcomed and had a delicious full English break fast. My pint of T.T. Landlord was served at perfect room temperature and turned out to be my best Landlord ever. The pub had also some other flavoursome real ales on cask.
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Heres the truth Folks, I worked here for a while.
1st class boozer and was one of the busiest little pubs around in the 80's used by many from city to market for its huge portions, good beer and service but
Peter who owned it couldnt be bothered, got sold to the muti's rather than being privatly owned, they cut portions, and used undertrained and untalented staff. Place goes bust then some twit wants to turn it into a curry house. You folks must be mad, this little pub is a very special place, history, early licence, great patrons. It's easy- one person buy it, put back in place the big portions based on a good british menu, put in friendly happy trained staff and watch the re birth. Curry house - yeh right we really need one more of them
anonymous - 17 Dec 2006 21:56 |
The truth is that this pub was bought by some individuals and will be turning into a more modern restaurant/pub ( shame i know)the landlord has gone off to Bath a pub called the Lamb and lion and is bringing this pub up to standard(this is where i met him). Nice bloke and serves a decent pint of Timmy Taylor down here!!!
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I'll second that rant. This place is/was interesting inside and out. A unique drinking experience gone to pot and a curry house is a 'kin ridiculous idea.
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Has anyone actually bought his yet?
If not I am so annoyed I might do it myself.
anonymous - 1 Nov 2006 19:10 |
If this is refurbed as a curry house, whoever does so is an absolute cretin who will probably lose a lot of money. We should reintroduce debtors' prisons, solely for the kind of idiots who buy pubs with potential and turn them into "restaurants" in the mistaken belief that we are still in the 1980s and that is what people want.
This pub was nice before, always served a good pint certainly. Interior was a sight to behold. Bags of history. I just can't see how any purchaser would think they'd make more money running this as a pokey restaurant as they would as an intimate and characterful free house.
And surely the interior is listed up to the bollocks? Who are these dozy planning officers that let these cretins ruin historic buildings like this, just so they can hammer up a "to let" sign in six months having spunked all their life savings on a shit idea?
anonymous - 1 Nov 2006 19:09 |
This PUB is now closed and that can only be a sad thing. Lots of rumours going on for its future use including re-opening as a pub in the new year or converting to a Curry house restaurant. Such a shame as it was (and still has the potential) to be one of London's older and more genuine drinking establishments - a real miss, I loved the place.
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Now the 3rd empty pub in the area!! What's going on? Sign on the door said 'ceased trading'. What does that mean exactly?
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Now closed for a "while" to be turned into a gastro pub (yes another one)I guess its RIP Fox so will have to go down the cock tav now
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The Main manager is leaving this week and the misserable guy has finally gone away so it will be all change next week
anonymous - 20 Sep 2006 09:39 |
This is one of the best pubs in London, and I actually rate it above much-lauded The Sutton. The place is cosy and quiet, usually with a couple of decent or unique ales on. I’ve even found Smiles Blond in there before, which comes a close second to by London beer discoveries, behind finding Pitchfork in the Wetherspoons by Tower Bridge.
I've found the service is very good and chirpy, and the food is honest, traditional pub grub, which is also tasty.
If you want a lazy Friday afternoon blow-out lunch, with a few ales to help wash it down, you really can’t go wrong.
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Excellent pub - one of the best in town with good management, regular and honest locals and ale of high quality. Service is usually first rate. Well worth a visit.
Mcloj - 25 Aug 2006 13:34 |
A fantastic pub, destroyed by the most miserable bar manager I have ever had the misfortune to come across.
Glared sullenly at everyone who entered the place, would not talk to any customers and instead sent the barmaid to anything that needed doing.
He did not really want to watch the England vs Greece match. But once it started, did not move from the end of the bar. As soon as he heard a customer mention that his friend should watch the highlights, the television was promptly switched off.
And finally, refused to serve a girl on her leaving do at 10:40, when he rang for last orders as, (In his words), "If you fall over on the way home, I can be held liable."
Had to give the place a zero for last night, I have drank in the Fox before and would rate the experience at a 7 or 8.
Avoid the place at all costs if the grumpy manager/chef is working. If the owner of this place reads this, get rid of the guy, he obviously does not want to work in the pub game.
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Nice traditional pub with a fairly standard Nicholsons interior. I have to say I like the gleaming shiny mahogany. Try the Full Monty breakfast if you're really starving - and get a free pint of Guinness if you finish it.
In contrast to other posters here, I prefer this pub to The Sutton Arms - and not just because the London Pride is a stonking 45p per pint cheaper ( £ 2.50 compared to £ 2.95 in the Sutton )
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Wonderful exterior - pity that the interior is fake
circa 1990 (though snugs at back are orginal). Main bar was 1960's formica table until circa 1990.
don't get me wrong as modern refurbs go it looks the part - its just not as original as it might appear.
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Not been in here for a while, but not much has changed - as usual good beer but a fair few of post-work suits/office workers that were quite loud. Was good to good in again, but by choice I would go to the Sutton Arms.
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visited around 7.30am this week after a few snifters at the Cock & The Hope.......Absolutely top class full English brekky with a decent pint of Guinness to guide the food down...Appears to cater more for the office imbiber,than the Smithfield workers.The pub is waxed,polished and awaiting your appraisal-well worth a visit.
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Simply wonderful.
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Despite living close by for three years never been in here. Wandered in for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised. Interesting victorian interior - snugs at the back. Three real ales on - two regulars (Pride and Wadworth?, can't remember, very standard though) and what I assume was a guest - a stout from the Orkneys called Dragonhead. Decent pint. Not expensive for that and a double G&T, though docile barman did short change me and when trying to rectify his error short changed me again meaning I had to go back twice.
Dennis from Punt and Dennis popped in at one point.
I wouldn't make a beeline back as I have my own favourites in the area (prefer the Sutton Arms) but this is a proper pub, no mistake.
anonymous - 16 Mar 2006 10:35 |
Deuchars IPA on sale for a very competitive £2.35 a per pint, delicious and wanting more !. London Pride also decent. Nice relaxed atmosphere, unobtrusive background music and helpful and polite staff. Lovely old pubby feel, authentic pine finish throughout, smashing little seating areas hidden away. All out thumbs up for chilled out place to drink an evening away.
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we had our xmas pre piss up Breakfast here. Very nice as usual, with the short Irish waitress being very hospitable considering it was 7.30am. We have booked for burns day breakfast next week. Alba, Ecosse, Scotland the brave
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Pub opens from 7am to 9pm. Beer good; but food incredible!! Barmaids very pleasant & helpful.
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popped in here last night. It is so cosy with lots of little caves out the back where you can hide really private and wasn't very expensive £8 for a bottle of wine, bargin! will be back when im in london again.
anonymous - 14 Sep 2005 11:10 |
What's all the fuss about?? Nothing special has happened there, a bit of a clean up, but whats all the fuss...beerboy??
A Massive breakfast...I must have beenn robbed...a couple of bits and pieces..that's all I got!! Beer not bad, staff a bit stiff, need to relax more.
Never had a chance to meet the manager...but, where's Peter gone???
anonymous - 11 Sep 2005 20:55 |
Fri up is back. They have improved my favourite morning tipple site. Shame Pete left the place but i cant wait to try the ales.
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Went back there today wow!!!! the place looks clean and still has so much character. Manager was a friendly guy and they have improved the menu so much. I have reclaimed my oasis here.
anonymous - 7 Sep 2005 15:43 |
Went for my MASSIVE Fry up to find out it is closed to be cleaned up. Bloody needs it. Hope the breaksfast don't go i been going here every week for 6 years its has the daddy of breakfasts. Apparently re opens in september
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Had to go here for the legendary breakfasts and was not disappointed. Huge portions. Adnams bitter helped me work out the hangover.
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One of the finest pints of Adnams I have ever had. At 8am...
anonymous - 19 Apr 2004 16:26 |
Classic city pub beside Smithfield meat market. Famous for breakfast (supposedly the Best in London), licenced from 7am weekdays. Business Boys breakfast with Guiness and 3 Sausages is a real test...
Andy - 9 Sep 2003 16:44 |
