please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The reason this pub is so small is because it was originally part of the Punch Tavern, next door to it. In fact the Crown and Sugarloaf was the original name for the joint pub – as you would expect in this part of world, the name of the Punch Tavern derives from the fact that it was a favourite watering hole of staff of the famous publication. It’s a nice enough little pub, the main attraction being the original Victorian features (or maybe Edwardian - not sure), especially the mosaic floor. But I tend to agree with Grecian regarding the beer – and I have given it many, many, chances to grow on me! This is just a matter of taste.
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Visited for lunch recently, and I didn't like it. The interior is interesting and retains a slightly raffish feel perhaps more redolent of pubs out east. I was on the softies, but drinks-wise it looked limited to Theakston's Best - not a bad pint but a bigger range would be nice in an area where real ale is fairly readily available. For lunch, it was a choice between a hot buffet (unusually for a pub - the table containing it rather dominates the front room of the pub) or choosing from a menu. My ploughmans was distinctly average. I wouldn't go here over nearby pubs like the vastly superior Old Bell, or even the Crown and Sugarloaf next door.
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Maybe you're right Anonymous. Whilst I can't see any chain buying this pub (it's so small) I guess it would probably have become some tedious wine bar otherwise, so perhaps we should be thankful it's still a pub. I disagree with you re. the beer though.
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Reply to grecian:
If this pub were owned by anyone else, it would not have the same well kept interior...it would be gasumped by the 'traditional pub look' so favoured by large chains...with their chunky wooden seats, chrome effect bar top, high tables and piped music.
You have to commend Sam Smiths Brewery for their dedication to traditional pubs.
And their beer is great, move away from brands and give it a chance, it will grow on you.
anonymous - 19 Nov 2007 12:59 |
Situated in a side alley off Fleet St, The Crown and Sugarloaf is one of those pubs all too rarely encountered these days. A real gem, with a beautiful Victorian interior, homely atmosphere and good service - a wonderful place to find yourself in near the end of a pub crawl. It has as much to offer the casual drinker as the dedicated beer hunter, who should know it stocks every Sam Smiths brew, much of it on draught. Use it now before the glass-and-chrome meeting places of the high street take over completely.
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On the plus side, this pub has a beautiful and well-kept interior. Both times I've visited, service has been friendly and good. The major negative, though, is that it's a Sam Smith pub, so expect pretty mediocre beer and horrible own-brand coke. The Sam Smith connection will put me off visiting regularly but if this were owned by someone else, it would be an absolute gem.
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well i stumbled across this pub by accident , as i waited next door for 20 mins and didnt get served so i walked off , i found this pub and thought why not , natalie the manager was a friendly person , had a good pint of sam smiths lager only the one as i was pissed anyway , very cheap pub for the area well impressed , will be visiting again
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A lovely liitle pub just off Fleet Street selling the usual Sam Smiths range. The real fire gave the pub a nice warm atmosphere on a cold night. Whatever you think of Sams beer, you have to commend them for the effort they've made with this place. Recommended.
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Great little back street boozer. Good, cheap lager, and a seemingly a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Fleet St.
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Indeed, not much of a jovial tone in the most recent posting by said landlord. ANyway, I'm pleased to see that this has touched a nerve - there's a reason why pubs like this are a dying breed....... You decide. Suffice to say, I shan't go back - no danger of that and I have made sure that my friends and colleagues in the area have been similarly deterred. What can I say except mwa ha ha. Serves you right you rude little man.
anonymous - 25 Oct 2006 13:53 |
As the landlord of the Sugarloaf. I refute the allegations made about myself locking someone in the toilets, as the main toilet door does not have locks. If you are going to leave comments here, please dont do it when your annoyed and under the influence. Its unprofessional and a poor reflection on yourselves and my establishment. Slander must be addressed face to face. If you wish to pop in for a drink on me your more than welcome. all the best.
anonymous - 24 Oct 2006 16:58 |
i must defend this nice little pub, the beer is fizzy, the glasses clean the clientele very friendly. Having read the comments of the people who visited on the 12 Oct. I actually know the landlord and hes a good man with a good sense of humour, one that may offend such crack whores as yourselves. i hope you never visit the pub again. next try try the local youth club. pubs like the sugarloaf are a dying breed. Support them
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Not a pub I'd recommend. A friend and I dropped in here on the way home to use the loo and have a quick drink. If I could set the scene..... Two smartly dressed twenty somethings pop in and head for the toilets (note we do not have the appearance of junkies or crack whores!) with the aim of buying a quick drink after we have used the loo. Not too much to ask?
The landlord thought so. He locked us in the toilets. Yes LOCKED US IN THE TOILETS before shouting at us for using his toilets and pushing us out of the pub whilst continuing to hurl abuse. Given that the pub was utterly dead at the time I'd have thought he'd be glad of the custom - he certainly lost ours and I'll be telling everyone I know to avoid this place. I can only recommend that you do the same.
anonymous - 12 Oct 2006 23:37 |
Best pub in the area by a longshot. beautiful little boozer. I recommend it to anyone.
anonymous - 17 May 2006 15:08 |
nice cheap drinks from this small sam smith's offering.
My Rating 7/10
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Nice enough pub. The interior is great with a real fire burning. Beer was about £1.70 a pint but the only down side was they only had one ale on tap and it tastes more like Tetleys/John Smiths smooth
anonymous - 3 Mar 2006 22:07 |
One of the better sam smiths pubs. staff are friendly. i prefer this one to the cheshire cheese further up the road.the beer tastes alot better.
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Lovely cosy unspoilt Victorian (?) pub, with a real open fire. A Sam Smiths pub so the beer is dirt cheap and my Old Brewery Bitter was in perfect condition. Probably full of City tossers normally, I went between Xmas and New Year when it was pretty empty. Recommended!
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Visited this pub for the first time after working in the area for years - and was pleasantly suprised. The decors really nice and includes a real fire which was nice. Could live without so many lights especially as the place is full of mirrors - it became blinding after a while. The staff were friendly and the clientele weren't the usual braying city plonkers.
As its a Samuel Smiths pub the beer was cheap and I have to say it was better kept than in several of the SS pubs I've been to however I do find their beer isn't something I can drink a lot of.
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It was sooooooo nice when it was non-smoking. Such a shame. Hope the manager visits this website.
anonymous - 14 Jan 2005 12:13 |
Nice, clean but small pub, selection a little limited, but staff are excellent and the atmosphere friendly.
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Has now gone all-smoking. Strangely only about 2 people out of 50 were smoking on my last visit, so seems odd that they changed policy on account of not making enough money. Personally I now have no reason to go there above and beyond any other pub, so I probably won't. One customer lost...
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Now back to being a smoking establishment because the anti-smoking brigade, whilst very vocal, are tightwads and don't buy enough ale to keep a pub going!
Still, a diamond little boozer!
Sloth - 10 Dec 2004 12:22 |
Non-smoking pub with friendly staff and decent beer. Means I can have a sneaky pint then head back to the office without smelling of smoke!
Adrian - 1 Nov 2004 14:23 |
Nice friendly non-smoking boozer.
Bar staff have been known to bring round pork pies in the evening. Feels almost like home.
Rich Keeble - 21 Oct 2004 14:03 |
congratulations!! that's brave to let non smokers enjoy their pint without gagging. thanks.
Peter - 24 Sep 2004 07:37 |
Patrons should note that this is the second only non-smoking pub in the City of London.
Trevor Edwards - 20 Jul 2004 20:55 |
Once part of the adjacent Punch Tavern this pub has been nicely refurbished and has retained the original marble topped bartop. Sam Smith's prices and a non-smoking policy are good for me. On a historical note I believe the name was that of the whole pub before it was named the Punch Tavern.
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