The Cardinal, Victoria - pub details
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Address: 23 Francis St, London, SW1P 1DN [map] [gmap]
Tel: 0871 951 1000 (ref 359)
Victoria (0.3 miles), St James's Park (0.4 miles), Pimlico (0.5 miles)
London Victoria (0.3 miles), Vauxhall (1 mile), London Charing Cross (1.2 miles)
Brewery: Samuel Smith's
Pub facilities/features:
- Dartboard, Quiz machines (Millionaire)
NB: Information may be incomplete or out of date as this pub is not currently registered.
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> Current user rating: 6.7/10 (rated by 81 users)
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> Local guides: London pub guide, Central London pub guide
other pubs nearby:
Greencoat Boy, Victoria (0.1 miles), Brass Monkey, Victoria (0.1 miles), Jugged Hare, Pimlico (0.1 miles), Pimlico Wine Vaults, Pimlico (0.2 miles), Willow Walk, Victoria (0.2 miles) - see more nearby pubs
user reviews of the Cardinal, Victoria
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 101 shown - see all reviews
| I was also in here on Thursday afternoon, from 12.00 till 16.30. There were a few noisy groups in (mine was older and a bit more sedate). The OBB was pleasant and the food OK, but I wouldn't make a bee line for here for either the food or beer. Getting served was indeed a problem- there was only one person serving and another doing the food. jagsfan - 19 Dec 2011 12:34 |
| My limited epxerience of this pub in its Cardinal phase suggested it was indeed a fairly by-numbers Sam Smith's outlet; cheap and cheerful enough but somewhat dingy and certainly not making the most of its potential inside, presumably as the Smith's model demands little can be allocated to refurbishment budgets if beer is to be consistently sold at Wetherspoon-style prices. However, it would seem an exception was made for this place, as not only has it reverted to its former name, but Smith's have clearly undertaken a substantial redecoration of the entire premises, and for the better. The interior decor is classic Vitoriana but suited to the age of the building and its traditional exterior. The intricate wallpaper and other adornments make it a charming and comfortable place to drink in, and character has been restored, rather than removed, by the overhaul. As always, the only cask ale on offer is the OBB, but that was found in splendid nick last Thursday when I visited. And inevitably, the price tags remain very competitive, so the customer isn't seemingly paying for the refurb at the point of sale. Clearly this is doing something more than right, as the whole pub was absolutely awash with punters; the custom was more what one would expect of a Friday evening session, although I expect the pre-Christmas period was partly to blame for the squeeze. Unfortunately, the volumes did rather shine the spotlight on what seems to be the pub's weakness: slow and generally unfriendly bar staff. Whilst one does not want or expect an exchange of witty banter with staff, especially on a busy night, one can legitimately expect a smile and quicker, more responsive service. I and friends of mine were seemingly ignored on a relentless basis by the 3 girls serving in favour of others who had been waiting a fraction of the time, and were only eventually noticed at all thanks to the courtesy of a gentleman who recognised our plight and allowed us to go first. These girls seemed haughty, disinterested in their job and surly, and we weren't prepared to accept the busy nature of the pub as a valid excuse. A shame, but sadly not unheard of in the capital pub scene. All told, an excellent revitalisation of a tired pub, with good beer and a pleasant atmosphere. Just get some staff who care and can move with the pace of the custom and it'll be a really worthwhile option when in the Victoria area. TWG - 19 Dec 2011 11:34 |
| Typical Sam smiths pub. If you like the beer its great if you dont too bad. i do and as usual place was "cheap as chips" easily the cheapest on my travels in the local area TheHorsesMouth - 9 Nov 2011 13:55 |
| A bland pub with no atmosphere, particularly now that they've turned the back of the pub into an airport lounge. However, it is their senseless glass policy that I felt compelled to write about after a jaw-dropping experience that I had last night. After ordering two pints of the pure brewed lager, the bar woman went off in search of two pure brewed lager glasses. After about two minutes she returned with one glass and then resumed her search for another, stopping to talk to other customers on the way. After a few more minutes without luck, I said that I would be happy with a normal pint class. "Oh no" came the reply, "it's company policy that only the right glass can be used for the particular beer", even though there were plenty of normal glasses available to use. Another couple of minutes searching on the bar and in the dishwashers (talking to other customers on the way again), and no pure brewed lager glass to be found. A customer-unfriendly Aussie bar woman standing nearby said that I could have another type of lager, for which they could use a normal pint glass, but if I wanted pure brewed lager I would just have to wait. "Rules are rules, and I am not risking my job just to serve you a drink". Er, sorry, serving drinks is your job, and if you don't have enough glasses to implement your farcical policy, then do the obvious thing and use another glass. The other bar woman then miraculously found one of the prized glasses on the bar. She gave this dirty glass a quick rinse and was just about to pour the drink into it when I had to ask her to wash it out properly with washing up liquid. The company policy on hygeine was not explained. Ten minutes after the whole ordeal started, I had my two pints. Ten minutes later we left, never to return. Jimbob67 - 29 Oct 2011 10:18 |
| Fantastic venue, a round of 6 beers cost us less than £13.50! Friendly barstaff and a good atmosphere. And as if that wasn't enough to attract you to the venue, it's even Phil Collins' local - and we saw him in there with a half pint of Taddy lager! SenorRicardo - 30 Sep 2011 09:39 |
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