BITE user comments - tinyclanger
Comments by tinyclanger
Gordon's Wine Bar, Charing Cross
The bar staff rock. Drinking in here one Friday lunchtime I got free drinks on the condition that I stop serving the man, free myself and not return to work. Only too happy to oblige! Cheers!
In the winter, hunker down in the cobwebby cellars. In the summer, sit outside and glug away. Go when it's a little quieter and you can reach the food (tasty). It does get packed though and it can be hard to find a seat.
Last time I was there a slightly crazy guy was chatting to people sat outside and selling sparklers and party poppers. He seems to come round regularly and is pretty polite.
11 Jul 2008 16:51
This place is one of the most soul-less pubs I've ever been to. The main bar feels a bit like your office with low tables and chairs, especially as it's always full of be-suited office types. There are far better pubs nearby.
On the other hand, it's out of the way, cheaper than other nearby pubs and bars at the Wharf (not saying much, but true) and a little quieter. There's a little area where you can stand and overlook the river, plus some pool tables.
It's bad in a harmless way, and you could do far worse in the area. Just don't expect character...
11 Jul 2008 16:47
Seven staff behind the bar on a Friday night and drinkers were still five-deep at the bar trying to get served! People were making friends and bonding over the twenty-minute waits for drinks.
The wide-eyed elvish girl serving was sweet, but looked at everything as if she'd never seen alcohol or money before. One of the bar staff couldn't even remember where the ice was, some ran around shouting about spare receipts and they ran out of clean wine glasses before 9pm.
Oh, and the music seemed to be the same bit of junky dance played on a ten-second loop over and over.
This is a huge shame because the decor, garden, cute fairy lights, etc are awesome, the chips we ordered were yummy. I would have had a great evening if I hadn't had to queue 20 mins every time I wanted another drink.
Better off-peak, I think :)
11 Jul 2008 16:45
The Sun In Splendour, Notting Hill
This is just around the corner from Notting Hill Gate Tube. We went on a Thursday night and it was busy but not packed, so we could chat and all sit together. The seating is big leather sofas and posh red and gold chairs - comfortable and looks inviting. Chandeliers are a nice touch. Friendly bar staff, decent list of food and nibbles (snacks like onion rings are about �2.50, but this is is Portobello). Also has lots of copies of the wine list, which is pretty good. The Sauv Blanc at �5 a glass is decent, and even the cheapy house white is palatable. One last thing - the music played was right up my street, a mix of mild 90s (You're Still My Sunshine), Lilly Allen and the Scissor Sisters, etc. I also heard that there's a very attractive garden (it was cold when we went, so we stayed in). Totally recommended but don't expect a cheap night!
11 Jul 2008 16:59