please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Great selection of spirits, lagers and ales. Nice atmosphere and good service.
One thing that let it down was a poor meal with dry chicken
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A good allrounder - the sort of pub you can take your family. Service on the ball, food served until quite late (pretty average I have to agree with earlier post). Very good selection of ales albeit 'the majors' - Landlord, Tribute etc - get a micro brewery in!). But the best thing is the look of the pub - in an age of chain bars they've modernised this very sympathetically. 8/10
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Worth a trip just for the interior designed by sculptors Nathaniel Hitch, Frederick T. Callcott and Henry Poole in 1904. The well kept Adnams and London Pride are also worth a visit as are the pies - I love pies - which is just as well as every dish offered is a pie of one sort or another - great!!
BobOs - 17 Aug 2008 00:09 |
It is a strange interior, almost crypt-like with carvings of monks and brass plaques depicting scenes.Interest history. Large seating area to the front which can be a bit noisy with traffic. Good ales available with Summer ales being promoted. I tried Bateman's Thirsty Work which was excellent.
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Amazing interior designed during the arts and crafts movement. Lots of images of boisterous and slightly lurid monks! Gets very busy but deserves it. Back room is a delight!
Love it!
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I love the interior, love the pies, love the ales. I has a nice little outdoor area too, right in the middle of the city. Bravo!
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An amazing interior and well kept beer. Food is average and the pub can get a bit busy at times after working hours, but when you go inside it you know its one of those pubs that you had to visit at some point in your life.
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Just went in for the one pint but was impressed enough for another visit in the near future. It was pretty busy on Saturday afternoon but had no problem getting served. the lager was fine and decor impressive. Don't change it.
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Went in for a quick look at the inside more than anything. Beer was ok, but not great by any means.
Would be a much better pub I feel, if it wasn't part of the Nicholsons empire.
mrse1 - 10 Feb 2008 13:21 |
Worth a visit for the decor alone. Beer good.
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I visited on a Saturday afternoon at about 1500 - It was busy but quiet. Had a pint of Cornish something, which was very palatable, I should have taken a note of the name (D'oh!) Good to see that Weston's organic cider is available in bottles - it's lovely stuff. I had a pie. An Aberdeen Angus and veg. Very nice but at £7:45 possibly a tad pricey.
The Art Deco decor is unusual and well worth having a close look at.
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Went yesterday for a pre Christmas beer with some other old buggers like myself.... This is one of those pubs that has been improved immeasurably by the smoking ban as you used to have to cut your way in through the fog ! I never thought I would be saying this as I thought the ban would remove all the atmosphere from most pubs. In the case of the Blackfriar the atmosphere remains as do the friendly barstaff - who'll probably now live 5 years longer - and the excellent beer and food. Oh and it's a bit of a looker as well!!! Recommended.
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Nothing has changed since the last time I was here (12 years ago) - and thats a good thing!
Very busy pub after office hours. Serves food until 10pm. They have this 'Nicholsons Pie' thing - never heard of it before, but boy - they are excellent!! Game pie, Mash, veg and a pint or two - unbeatable.
Service is so so.
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Stopped in here for one last night on the way back to Blackfriars station. They normally have 3 or 4 on, usual stuff with the odd unusual one. Last night I tried the Bateman's Valiant which was OK. I noticed that they had Weston's Perry on too.
Nothing special for beer but you will always get some real ale.
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Really unique architecture, features and stuff with a Medieval/Victorian feel. Great location and range of ales. Staff were good, and the facilities above average. Thumbs up.
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Good range of real ales. Intrusive (IMHO) music inside, so we sat outside. Didn't notice any weird smells inside.
anonymous - 10 Sep 2007 15:00 |
You have to visit just for the interior, you will not see anything like this anywhere.
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Good well kept real ales, tried it out whilst on the Dick Whittington Ale trail
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I've enjoyed coming to this pub a few times before, principally because it offers a genuine old London pub atmosphere. However, last night the service was appalling - slow and rude. What's more, later on near closing time I saw a rat running down the stairs when coming up from the toilets only to see a mouse scurrying across the pub floor. When I told one of the members of staff they were indifferent. Not good for a pub that sells food. Perhaps too genuine a old London pub atmosphere.
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Fantastic interior with a decent pint served by friendly bar staff
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Should be tried at least once. A gorgeous interior and a great selection of ales, tragically spoiled by the said ales being far too cold. I can't say I noticed the smell, but a friend of mine has commented on it too so perhaps that's just my faulty sinuses. Your mileage may vary, but do check it out for the decor if nothing else.
Ghoti - 14 May 2007 17:20 |
Me and my friend had regulary passed this pub, and longed to enter since we were not yet eighteen. After finally reaching that age we decided our first pub together would be The Black Friar, or as we like to call it, 'The Monk Pub'. All I can say is, it was well worth the wait. The interior is beautiful; despite being made in the 1800's, there is definate medieval characteristics to the place, creating an almost 'homely' vibe. Even though it seemed we were the only two people who weren't coming for a quiet drink after work, we didnt at all feel out of place. This was probably due to the various carvings of monks near the ceiling, which we found rather amusing. Therefore overall, pretty good. The staff were very friendly, the food was divine, for a pub anyway (you must try the beer-battered fish and chips), and really, a nice location next to the thames and adjacent to blackfriars station. So go and have a look!
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Paid my first visit for some time a few weeks ago and had a very good pint of "Timothy Laylor Tandord" as my somewhat inebriated mate confessed to having said to the bar staff when ordering. Must visit again.
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Fascinating interior. Elgoods Golden Newt on guest was in good condition. A bit of a squeeze but I didn't expect any different on a Friday evening. If people have noticed a funny smell, they may notice it in a few more pubs once it's not smothered by cigarette smoke! Would visit again if nearby.
kchef - 22 Apr 2007 20:14 |
On a preternaturally warm April Saturday, finding an open pub (emerging from the City) selling both Broadside and Landlord (and two other changing beers) with an affordable, if unspectacular, scampi and chips (£7) and a place to sit outside was a delight. The pub has a leaflet of pub walks relating to other Nicholsons pubs.
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To the 5th Earl of Wimborne - My Lord, I would not dispute your contention that trade across the industry as a whole will fall when the smoking ban is effected in July, but I still contend that it is likely that trade in the Blackfriar will pick up when it is not the only pub in the area with a smoking ban! We must "wait and see" as a great man once said.
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I went in on a Sunday. I don’t really get some of the previous comments about the smell (maybe they have noted the moans on this site) – it was precisely the absence of the smell of smoke that was instantly noticeable and warmly welcome; no other lavatorial odours were present either. That wasn’t all; the beer (I think it was Adnams Broadside) was very good but most impressive is the interior. It really is something different – wonderfully unique and original and I understand built in an Art Nouveau style at the very beginning of the 1900s. I didn’t eat but the food seemed to go down well – the enormous girl adjacent to my table was shovelling it in, washed down with her pint - but she hardly eats a thing, honest.....
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Tim Taylor's Landlord on draft, bliss.... But why does the pub always smell of wee?
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"but hopefully trade will pick up when all pubs are non-smoking" - I wouldn't put money on it. It was reported on the radio this norning ( B.B.C. Home Service ) that since the smoking ban was introduced into Scotland a year ago, trade has fallen by 11% and jobs have been lost to the industry as a result.
I still rate The Blackfriar at 8/10, for the interior if nothing else.
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In here for lunch today for the first time in about a year. Didn't notice the bad spells reported by previous reviewers and the pint of Landlord I had was just fine. But maybe I hit it on a good day. Anyway, this is a late Victorian pub with some of the most spectacular internal marble and brass decorations to be seen anywhere that were added around the beginning of the last century. Pretty empty for a weekday lunchtime - possibly a result of the no-smoking policy, but hopefully trade will pick up when all pubs are non-smoking.
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On our last night in Londan (12/3/07) we had a traditional "pie" and ale at this quaint pub.It was refreshingly smoke-free...........wonderful time!!
njnkp - 15 Mar 2007 22:48 |
This is a great pub. It is in my top three. Beautiful interior and seven cask ales to choose from. I had Everard's Pitch Black stout and Tiger. Food was good and service was fine. It will be my first stop of many next time I'm in London. Well done Blackfriar.
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I called in again in the first week of February (07). Every handpump had handwriten tasting notes on Cask Marque clip add-ons. I had had a pint of Youngs oridary a few hours before in Diamond Jacks, and tried one here. It was vile! Almost crystal clear, but tasing like a drain sump. I left a near full pint. I have not had a good pint here for over a year. I will not be going again until I read on here that the beer has become drinkable.
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Okay, folks...you wanna know why people think this pub "smells bad"??? That's because it's a non-smoking pub. Coming from a city that's had the smoking ban in effect for a few years, I can tell you that
Non Smoking Pubs Smell A Little Funny.
That's the smell of spilled/dried beer, that the smoke usually covers up. So, get used to it London, because come July 1, every pub is going to "smell bad", sadly!! The Black Friar is a lovely place (just went there last night for the first time, expecting WRETCHED smells but we only smelled non-smoking-pub smell.)
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I have brought many friends here to show them the amazing carving, and I will again; but wish it was managed properly. It is not so much the dirty, which does not bother me, and the smells I could tolerate; but the quality of beer is bad, because it is not looked after properly. All of this, and the hit and miss attitude of the staff strongly suggests managers who just do not care
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Building has genuine character and, on the face of it, pub has a decent rotating real ale selection but, fatally, all beers are chilled to the bone. Also suffers from the usual bored, listless service of many pubs in the area. Always crowded...
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I didn't believe the reviews at first, but I was here Sunday and it's true - this place absolutely reeks, and of different things in different places, all of which are nasty. It's like a Museum of Bad Smells.
I'm surprised that Nicholson's has allowed this pub to deteriorate to what it is now. I don't particularly like the Nicholson's franchise, but I at least respected how they keep their pubs...until now.
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My colleages and I have been in here a fair amount over the last 8 months we are working locally untill March 07 but we no longer go here as we have finally become fed up with the bad smell, and the flies in the summer were very offputting. The girls behind the bar were fine and I liked sitting outside even though it is a busy road. It's a good place to start on a Friday night after work but it does need a damn good clean.
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Went in on a slow afternoon. Nice time to go and check out the furnishings. The beer was okay. The food less than impressive. The service surly at best.
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Nice drop of London Pride, reasonably priced for both food and drink and very interesting decor. We went on a Sunday and although it wasn't too busy we had to wait around for a decent table to eat at.
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beautiful building outside and in, beer ok and not too pricey.much of a muchness really.
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Oh woe is me. At one time a lovely pub and a great place for lunch. What the hell happened?? The same manager is there, most of the staff are the same. Why oh why has this wonderful pub been left to decay in a pool of stale urine, and vomit?
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I ate there and got amoebic-dysentery. Actually that's not true, but it might be: the place is slums-of-calcutta-squalid. Nice interior blah, blah, which is neither here nor there when it is fly-infested, and everything you touch you stick to.
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This is one of the most beautiful pubs in London.
Unfortunately they don't seem that interested in cleaning, I think that might be the source of those flies mentioned before. Nice beer and amazing scenery, just be warned of the smell coming from downstairs...
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Visited for 1st time last night to get a free T shirt in the Dick Whittington Ale Trail. Pub decorated for Halloween which added to the visual experience, which is very interesting. Was crowded inside so sat outside for a while, traffic a bit too much. Will be going again, but not on a Friday night.
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Amazing interior, as you can see from the pictures. Nice beer, and a reasonable selction of it too. But boy does this place need a good clean. As noted, little flies everywhere! Really quite minging, and this pub deserves better. Could be a fantastic pub but isn't because someone has hidden the bucket and mop.
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Went there tonight to escape the rain... and wasn't impressed. Little flies everywhere - landing on your pint, in front of your face... on the tables. Disgusting. And a nasty smell near the bar that makes it impossible to enjoy your drink, (a range of the usual Stells to some guest ales) assuming you can get past the flies. Very disappointing, I usually enjoy Nicholson's pubs.
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If you want to see what the future holds, visit this pub. The Black Friar has gone completely non-smoking in advance of next summer's ban. Having said that, this is a very pleasant pub conveniently opposite the BR station - good range of ales on tap and nice atmosphere. I've been there a few times both before and after they banned smoking, and can't say that the atmosphere has changed at all. One problem is that on my last visit there was a strong smell of cooking fish around the bar - which in the old days was probably masked by the smoke.
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I remember the late great Londoner and Poet Laurate helping to campaign to save this beautiful Art Nouveau pub in the late 1960/early 1970s. Yes, believe it or not, they wanted to demolish this gem of a London pub. Fortunately it was saved for future generations to enjoy. Unfortunatly it is run by Nicholson's. The smell mentioned by previous commentators is easily answered; it's caused by poor cleaning practises! This is a dirty pub, sweeet and simple. Have you noticed the recent irony with pubs that have a no smoking policy? They usually are the ones that have a dirty, pub policy to. Sit in the corner Queen Victoria Street end of the bar and look at the dirty, sticky pub counter and the wee bar flies. A dirty pub points to poor pub practises of pipe cleaning. This should be one of the leading pubs in London thanks to it's unique positioning, history, archetecture. It isn't. Admire the building; but walk on by for a good drink; this place stinks!
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Just spent Sunday lunchtime here. We had a couple of pints of Adnam's Broadsides and Aspell's cider on tap - both very good. Food is typical Nicholson's bar menu, properly cooked and well served. No smoking bar, plenty of seats outside. Impressed by the design, of course. Previous comments about the clientele have to be read in conjunction with Nicolson's own web site which says the pubs are "primarily catering for city workers and tourists" so, er, don't be surprised to find suits and backpackers here.
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Had a few in here the other afternoon, beer was nice, as it usually is on my visits. I've never noticed the smell myself but I've never bothered going when it's busy so could be wrong. The building is fantastic. Saw the food but didn't eat it. The bloke who seemed to be in charge looked like he'd been on the sauce since 10am last wednesday, or is he just a friendly regular?
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Whilst it is hard to believe that some people want to stand outside and drink on a traffic island, inside (if you ignore the Wetherspoon's-style sticky tables) the food is a cut above standard pub-grub and the real ales (I tried 'em all) were quite adequately kept. Cocktail bar at the Savoy it aint.... but it is an interesting, real ale, railway station boozer.
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No it's the pub you alone want to love. Everyone else thinks it's dirty, smelly, neglected and sells bad beer and reheated food. If you think it's so good start drinking there.
anonymous - 28 Aug 2006 18:00 |
savagepink / simes69 - couldn't have put it better myself.
This is the pub we all want to love. I think it is an absolute treasure, but nonetheless somewhere I very rarely actually drink, despite the fact I live close to it and regularly pass by.
anonymous - 22 Aug 2006 11:07 |
Surprisingly good beer considering how grotty the building is. I visit the Black Friar now and again to see if they've managed to clean it up a bit. This is a grade II listed premises saved from demolition and is well worth a look. However, it is very badly in need of a sympathetic clean and restore. The stink inside is really awful, there are clear signs of rodent infestation (yes really!). They do serve real beer and if its not too crowded you'll get a nice pint. Note to the owners: you really need to raise your game a bit here, you are destroying a historic building by neglect.
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Left the Blackfrair feeling like Darrell Hair. All looked set fair- stunning interior non-smoking pub and great beer. Sadly the beer was served up very short- had to embarrassingly ask for a top-up. The unspoken truth here is that you are accusing the team of cheating.
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A nice pub to go to at lunchtimes when it's not too crowded. However, a recent evening when it was not particularly busy visit saw the gents ankle deep in piss and the bar manager practically throwing beer into a glass. Although there's plenty of space to drink outside, you are adjacent one of the busiest traffic junctions in London. Very very disappointing.
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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.
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Nice pint of deuchers ipa in here. Visited on a hot sunny friday lunchtime so outside was a mass with suit's.
No smoking pub, but as previously mentioned it does pong a bit.
My Rating 7/10
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Agree with Henners... this is a fine pub, although it seems to be filled with either tourists or suits. It's also the *only* pub I've found in London where the Taylor Landlord tastes pretty much how it's supposed to taste. There are just so many pubs in the city where they just don't have a clue how to keep it.
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Would disgree that the pub in a national treasure. The beer is atrocious and the place stinks. Damn fine decor granted- but more of a tourist attraction than a pub.
anonymous - 27 Apr 2006 15:56 |
This pub is a national treasure,the beer is served well,the Timothy Taylors Landlord is good,the Landlord is miserable ! It does pong a little these days but is still a must see pub.
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You are not wrong, Stonch.
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The comment about people in this pub being too lazy to walk to "Fleet Street's gems" is pure comedy. Granted there are some quality boozers on Fleet Street, but the Blackfriars is a national treasure and holds its own in any company.
anonymous - 13 Apr 2006 09:14 |
Great arts and crafts interior that must be seen. Food is fine for pub food and the wine list is good.
Not sure what tombola had been sticking up his/her nose but the place smelt fine, for a pub.
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Visually a great pub, ok drinks, staff have always been good when I've been there. The problem? It stinks. You'd expect fresh air in a non-smoking pub, right? Wrong - you've got the smell of stale battered cod and chips, and it's not appealing (I don't smoke btw). For tourists, Blackfriars commuters, and people too idle to walk to Fleet St's gems only.
anonymous - 11 Mar 2006 15:26 |
Musta been there on good days. Ale was always good. Tremendous place but why would anyone wanna drink outside it. Moukalakaheeki!!
anonymous - 7 Mar 2006 17:17 |
This is one of the most amazing pubs I have ever been in. You have to see it to believe it! The inside is way over the top but it will keep you occupied whilst you drink ya pink. Only one member of staff on but he's was working very hard and we were only kept waiting a few moments. Good selection of ale on tap.
I cannot stress how much anyone in the area should visit this pub.
anonymous - 3 Mar 2006 21:55 |
Rightly known more for its decoration than its ales, this is a pub to show people rather than one to treasure for a quiet pint. That said, it IS a heck of a show, with a ludicrously overdone interior that gets a chuckle out of me every time I stop in. Definitely a hub for any pub crawl of the area.
The beer is average, and I've had more than one iffy pint there--the London Pride is usually in shape, though, so stick to that. The staff is changeable from one visit to the next, and I've met very friendly and borderline sociopathic barstaff there.
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We did the Black Friar as a part of our NI-crawl (Pubs of National Historic Interest) in central London. A large room split into a number of drinking areas. Mosaic interior all over with words of truth written at the walls. A heritage pub, but otherwise fairly average. We had a honey sweet and dry pint of Jennings Golden Host before we crawled further on to the Salisbury in Covent Garden.
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I have often wondered that - I think its due to this reason - when you are in a crowd of office workers most people generally REFUSE to go anywhere other than the nearest possible pub/bar to the office, and therefore you always end up in the most random places
anonymous - 16 Feb 2006 11:23 |
In response to Mr Boss Hog, I've never found the beer or the staff anything less than fine.
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Aside from the great decor, I hate everything about this pub. The beer is criminally bad, the place stinks and the staff are surly. For some unknown reason certain ex-colleagues decided to make this our 'local' so have had to endure this place on a few occasions.
Question: why do hordes of clowns insist on drinking 'al fresco' here in the summer when it is equivalent to drinking in a traffic island??? It surrounded on 2 of 3 side with pollution-belching taffic, for Gods sake"!$"
anonymous - 16 Feb 2006 10:42 |
The food is the strong point in this pub. When I worked in the area, this place provided some great meals, and the no-smoking policy made them more enjoyable.
The Tim Taylor beers are also great.
This pub should be done on a Fleet Street crawl, along with The Old Bell, Cheshire Cheese, Tipperary etc.
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This used to be one of my favourite places. Unfortunately it has gone downhill. What is that dreadful smell? It certainly isn't smoke. It's very off putting. The wine, though cheap, is dreadful, bordering on undrinkable. I'm so disappointed. I hope it picks up again! The staff, however, are very sweet and helpful.
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I can't add much to what people have already said. I particularly enjoy sitting in the side room before or after a visit to Tate Modern (which is ten minutes walk away).
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Beautiful little pub, great pint (Taylor's Landlord) and the added bonus of a smoke-free atmosphere
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TT Landlord was very good & the food was fine for a chain (Nichollson's) pub. The interior should make this a must for anyone visiting a pub in London.
As for the smoking policy, if you don't like it, then go outside. It makes the pub a far better place for the majority.
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Good selection of ale topped by TT Landlord in good order. No smoking policy sadly confirmed. Hardly seems necessary given the draught that blows through the place. Good for a quick one before the train departs. However, when Thameslink is in serious "we-regret-to-announce" mode, the Old Bell in Fleet St is a better option.
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Just confirmed with the manager. Its been smoke free since Nov 2004. Give it another try.
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I've been loads of times, last time I went was just before the General Election last year and there was definitely smoking then.
anonymous - 10 Jan 2006 17:08 |
Stonch & anonymous (jan 3) may actually want to visit the pub before commenting on it. Its been smoke free with no ashtrays for over a year now.
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Beer seems good but they need to look after the place a bit more, empty the ashtrays and stuff. The art nouveau interior is fantastic and very unusual of course. In a rather undesirable location, though came in handy a couple of years ago when I got stuck here during a tube strike.
anonymous - 9 Jan 2006 11:53 |
Great. Just like having a pint inside the V&A. Service is a bit patchy... there always seem to be at least one leatherette bench covered in crisps. Beer can be a bit variable, too.
"dark and smoky inside"... you say that like it's a bad thing.
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Cant see the attraction - dark and smoky inside
anonymous - 3 Jan 2006 22:15 |
This was marvellous!! Some nice guest Ales, cool decor, odd looking building. Every pint I've had in here has been top notch! Loved it, will take foreign visitors!
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If you're drinking Fosters you really can't complain - you obviously have no taste buds.
This is a great pub with wonderful decor and a fine pint of Tim Taylors (that's beer, Mr Fosters!).
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Without doubt - the very worst Pint of fosters in the UK. I left it there!
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This is the exception to the rule. I typically avoid pubs near train stations and tube stops. This one is a must see. The marble, alabaster and reliefs of the Monks is pretty cool. The Timothy Taylors Landlord is worth going back alone. Standard Nicholson's menu items.
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Still a beautiful pub, frequented by tourists and suits alike depending on the day of the week and the time of day. Their food has gone downhill. No more little roast potatoes with rosemary - now it's potato wedges. Don't ask for gravy on your pie, their gravy was a gelatinous blob of black(!) goo over the vegetables as well as the pie and mash. At least they do decent drinks and real onion rings, breaded, rather than the chopped up stuff in some batter and fried.
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A must see pub that is just seconds from the tube stop. I liked it so much I went back the next day. Ales are in great form and well kept. Decor is one-of-a-kind. Make sure you stop here for at least one!
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Enjoyable pub with a great interior. Stank a little like someone puked in there when I went. I assume that's not the norm.
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One of my fave pubs in London, seriously spooky and great atmosphere! and the No Smoking rule is just an added bonus!!!
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A pubby pub but with no smoking which is really good. Helpful pleasant staff.This must rate as the first theme pub. Arts and crafts - compare the tapestry and fireplace at the Coal Hole. Nice beer. A good start or end to a visit to the Tate over the river. Or just don't bother with the Tate.
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A pub as a work of art.
Homage to the Arts & Crafts movement...completely unique. One to take the overseas guest to...The designers should have cut down on the opium tho...
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i like this one,...nice feel to it,..just far enough from the city to feel normal,..has a nice look and to it,..good/low marble bar,..dark ambience, similar to Crokers near lisson grove or the warro in maida vale....
Hang on,... i have just read the other reviews and apparently they have now made it non smoking,.........its political correctness gone mad,...shame
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I recently made my first visit since the pub went smoke free. I thought the new policy only enhanced what is already a great pub experience. It did not seem to detract from business as the place was packed as usual with the after work crowd and this was a Thursday nite. I hope other establishments consider a smoke-free alternative.
anonymous - 27 Mar 2005 23:34 |
Fantastic that one can enjoy a pint without smelling like a dirty ashtray afterwards. Good ale, good food. Getting really busy at lunch times now. An upside to the smoke free policy.
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Can't really add much to Foxski's comments on the interior design. Unique in its parodic homage to the arts and crafts movement, this place really has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. It was, during the 1960s earmarked for demolition, but was saved thanks to an outcry from famous voices who opposed the destructive consequences of unbridled post-war modernism (just look how hideous is the nearby Blackfriars station). The Blackfriar also had a very well kept range of beers on my last visit, with tasting notes to help you choose and friendly staff who were willing to provide you with a 'taster'. I believe it doesn't open at weekends, which is a pity
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Excellent pub as ever, as described by previous contributors, but seemed a bit quiet yesterday evening. Has the decision to go "no smoking" throughout driven the crowds away, I wonder ?
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A very beautiful pub, round the corner from St Paul's Cathedral - worth visiting for the architecture alone. As they say in the menu, it's an "art nouveau Grade II listed masterpiece". Incredible marble, alabaster, brass carvings, mirrors, murals, various objets d'art and a truly wonderful arched room. They do a delicious pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord (London Pride and other ales were off when I visited on a Sunday afternoon). Friendly, cosy atmosphere, inexpensive tasty meals and a friendly barman. It's also a non-smoking pub, which is a lovely change you're a non-smoker.
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Very original Pub. So lovely for me and my girl in a quiet evening of january...
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A classic pub with well cared for real ales. Always had good friendly service, good food, and too much really good ale. In the summer it can get arms and legs with the crowd spilling out onto the pavement. That just adds to the atmosphere. Quite possibly the most architecturally beautiful pub in London. The marble has to be seen to be believed.
Andrew - 9 Nov 2004 16:23 |
excellent place to have lunch, especially in the summer outside, good range of food beer was like the service very good, highly reccomend
David - 8 Oct 2004 10:07 |
I was impressed by the decoration, and there was a nice selection of real ales.
Edward - 10 Sep 2004 12:30 |
Nice interior
Peter - 6 Jul 2004 13:06 |
Interesting pub with good friendly vibe. Real ales available - the Timothy Taylor's Landlord was lovely. The only downside was that it got quite smokey - a non-smoking part would be nice.
Graham - 24 Jun 2004 17:06 |
Great little pub, lucky find when waiting for a friend.
Beer was good as was the variety, staff ok.
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Beautiful building, it does seem to lack something though - probably over-managed by some chain pub firm.
Darryl - 12 Apr 2004 17:37 |
Great looking building - looks like it got forgotten when the surrounding area got redeveloped, and they've just left it there in the middle of the road! (well that's how it looks from Blackfriars Bridge)
I'd always meant to pop in - unfortunately, I have to agree with Lawrence though - I went on a Saturday afternoon recently, and have not met such a rude barman in years! Sadly, I'll have to leave it a while before returning.
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Lovely building, good location. Nnever got to try the beers because the barman was amongst the most rude and arrogant of people I have met, decided to spend my money elsewhere. Could be ok if the barman was changed and the bar didn't fall apart on approach.
Lawrence - 29 Mar 2004 08:18 |
Great friendly place, and the architecture in the end room is a superb setting to drink a few ales. Once the chefs hours become more stable the place will have little faults bar the lack of sports action on a big screen.
Blair - 11 Mar 2004 14:25 |
Surely the best pub on the circle line
Captain - 2 Mar 2004 11:11 |
Can't fault the building or the service, but somehow it just lacks character.
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They don't make 'em like this anymore. Truly outstanding decor. You can't fault a place like this unless you take a disliking to the clientelle or some other unquantifiable factor. A must see.
Good for: True pub aficionados
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Best pub interior I can think of. Very cozy and Art Deco. I recommend going in the evening when things quiet down.
Katie - 9 Nov 2003 00:12 |
Not just my fave London pub, but my favorite drinking establishment on the planet. I can't get enough of the interior. Oh the hours (and brain cells)I have wasted here. Perfect.
Jeff - 8 Oct 2003 00:23 |
I must agree with Stef. The seats are wonky. The place gets extremely crowded around noon. The interior is something that should be seen at least once. The beer was only satisfactory but I was hit on which is sometimes a plus.
Charles - 30 Jul 2003 11:31 |
Wonky seats.
Stef - 4 Jul 2003 15:27 |
The barman seemed rather aggressive when we we selecting wines. He looked like he had been in the job too long Great for watching buses go by (plenty of routes) You can crawl to the tube if needs be
Gavin - 4 Jul 2003 15:22 |
Interior decorations are great. My wife reckons it's a better place than the usual dumps I've taken her in round London
Boothers - 11 Apr 2003 10:47 |
Weel worth popping in if only for the marble frieze interior
Mark - 18 Sep 2002 16:33 |
