The Hen and Chickens, Islington

The Gents in the Hen has the most eye-wateringly powerful stench of pee in all London. Fortunately this seldom penetrates into the bar itself and when it does, the thick fug of cigarette smoke masks it perfectly. I fear for the future of this place when the smoking ban comes into force.

The service is rather erratic and the Hen seems to have got through an extrordinary number of barstaff over the years. I remember the surly, cannonball-shaped Eastern European lady - "Ludmila" - particularly fondly. Many's the time her mental image has saved me from premature ejaculation. The current crop seem to be jolly nice.

I've always been rather sorry that this place doesn't open at lunchtime. It's infinately better than the Cock, the Junction, the Swan and Alwyne Castle, but compares poorly with the excellent Compton.

4 Jun 2007 16:04

The Cos Bar, London

I would like to congratulate Sputnitski on his informative reviews. Stonch certainly is dick.

4 Jun 2007 15:49