The The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster - pub details
Address: Strutton Ground, London, SW1H 0HW [map] [gmap]
Tel: 0871 917 0007 (ref 20728)
St James's Park (0.2 miles), Westminster (0.5 miles), Victoria (0.5 miles)
London Victoria (0.5 miles), London Charing Cross (0.9 miles), Vauxhall (1 mile)
Pub suggested by Nick Laurence on 23 Feb 2005
NB: Information about this pub is incomplete as it has not been visited by a member of the beerintheevening.com team and is not currently registered.
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> Current user rating: 6.4/10 (rated by 17 users)
> Local guides: London pub guide, Central London pub guide
other pubs nearby:
Strutton Arms, Westminster (0.0 miles), Speaker, Westminster (0.1 miles), Albert, St James's (0.1 miles), Greencoat Boy, Victoria (0.1 miles), Abbey, Westminster (0.1 miles) - see more nearby pubs
user reviews of the The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster
please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
5 most recent reviews of 18 shown - see all reviews
| In similar fashion to the previous visitor, I had hitherto ignored this unobtrusive basement bar just off Strutton Ground, and I must confess almost did the same on Saturday when last in the area. Nothing rendered it particularly alluring at ground level (not least the pigeon that was standing at the top of the steps that took some shooing before we could pass!), and frankly we were expecting to exit almost immediately on entering. However, one thing gave cause for hope - the large board exhibiting numerous pump clips which if nothing else suggested a potential hidden gem for the keen ale drinker (the Old Monk is not in the current Beer Guide but sometimes decent pubs are overlooked in such publications). The interior was not as cavernous or dingy as one might expect, though it was routine wood panelling, and boasted few cosy alcoves inviting intimacy. Still, I was with a mate so that wasn't an issue for me. The majority of the clientele were transfixed by the latest rugby match showing on the big screen. That said, what it lacked in character I believe it made up for in beer selection. 4 reasonably priced ales featured (inc 2 from Twickenham on my visit), which were all well-kept. Clearly from chatting to him the landlord is keen to continue supplying a good range and has sufficient knowledge to facilitate this, and this place is a possible for next year's GBG - the licensee only returned in the last year and so I assume it was barred for the '09 issue. Whilst not perhaps a venue for an all-night session, it's well worth popping in to see what's what. An important tip for those who eat here: don't shake the tomato sauce bottles to try and loosen the sauce before attempting to serve it: the screwtops are loose and you'll end up with ketchup EVERYWHERE like I did! The host was remarkably good about cleaning the mess and it seemed no-one else noticed as they were so glued to the TV, but all the same, an embarrassment I would hate others to repeat. TWG - 8 Jun 2009 17:03 |
| Situated along Strutton Ground and just off Victoria Street, is a tucked away and rather elusive bar called The Old Monk Exchange. Having walked past a couple of times of late, I decided to finally pay a visit on a recent weekday afternoon. Down the stairs and beyond the unassuming foyer and one will find themselves in bar with about as much feel as a nuclear bunker: quite large and sprawling - and yet, one almost senses instant claustrophobia. There is seating aplenty, though the layout is more suited to larger groups and although there are a few secluded spots, even they are not the most private of areas to sup your given beverage in. There is a well-positioned plasma television for those all important sporting occasions - showing Sky News on silent during my stay - and although background music can be a plus, it was a little overly loud and echoed awkwardly where I was sat. Fellow clientele consisted of groups of nearby office workers: there were seemingly few tourists or indeed, solitary drinkers such as I. At the bar, it was pleasing to see a number of working hand pumps displaying a variety of different ales. I opted for a pint of Green King’s ‘Fresh Golden Beer’, which although drinkable, was a little too chilled for my liking. Also worth noting, is the almost epic variety of bottled wines on display behind the bar - wino’s paradise! Prices were average and fair for the area. Service was prompt and staff friendly. To conclude: although I would pay another visit here, I would certainly choose to accompany someone in future as this bar is not geared towards those going solo – unless perhaps, if you time visit accordingly. HTM69 - 1 Jun 2009 23:37 |
| The ales on here during my visit last week hadn’t changed since the previous review except the ‘Dark and Strong’ had changed to ‘Grandstand’ also from Twickenhem ales. There is also a selection of premium and standard lagers available from staff that I found to be pleasant enough. I spotted a plasma screen and the six nations rugby was being heavily advertised, although I spotted no sign of any Sky Sports advertisement. I got the feeling that most of the other customers were local office workers that had crossed the road to drink/eat here as I’m not sure anyone would go out of their way to go here and I doubt that I’ll return. Strongers - 24 Mar 2009 14:34 |
| Sorry, forgot to add there were two handpulled ciders too, Thatchers Heritage and Cheddar Valley. Maldenman - 14 Feb 2009 07:34 |
| A surprisingly large subterranean pub,and fairly busy in the afternoon. Nice cheery welcome from the young girl behind the bar who also knew how to pour beer properly and to the top of the glass,top marks for that. Lots of exposed brickwork and wooden floors, large floor area with a choice of seating, but I reckon can be cleared if needed for functions, but there is a raised area similar to a terrace with a number of arches over, wine types announced over. A laid back bluesy jazz type soundtrack and SSN on muted, but a bit echoeing due to hard furnishing. Beers on, were Bath Ales Barnstormer, Twickenham Strong and Dark, plus GK IPA and Abbot. Ticked a few boxes for me and a new discovery too, Maldenman - 13 Feb 2009 20:48 |
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