The Hoop and Grapes, City Of London

Well it would appear that FARTINGGHOST and WILLIAMSTEW are the barmaid and landlord for a competing pubs (More directed at you WILLIAMSTEW, I don't know why you would accuse BeerInTheEvening users of who have taken the time to enter a review of working for the pub they are reviewing).

I used to work in the Farringdon at the old Cardinal Tower before it was taken for Crossrail, and while I can say that I enjoyed the Castle EC1, and Ye Olde Mitre both, the Hoop and Grapes is a very nice pub indeed. Due to a strange twist of fate, my company is going to be moving back to Farringdon, this time right across the street from the Hoop and Grapes.

I had a chance tonight to try the White Swan as well as the Hoop and Grapes. Admittedly, I was there a bit early at 1645, but it started to pick up after my second pint. The pub is small, but it has a few things going for it. First, the Shepherd Neame ales were all three exceptional. Second, the three staff members that I saw were all helpful and even took the time to show me around the pub as I had not been there before. I can't say anything about former employees, but these three were very helpful. They gave me the card of Mike, whose last name starts with an S, sorry to poke a hole in your theory WILLIAMSTEW (in addition, MD16 already said she was a girl). Third, the pub facilities are very nice for a pub on Farringdon. The ground floor would probably be cramped at certain times, but when you take into account the first and second floors with darts, TVs, and a good sized sitting room with a couple of sofas, it makes for a great place for afterwork drinks with your workmates. The smoking patio out back was heated and had quite a few seats, and they have a first floor patio as well which was not open when I was there, but I was told opens most nights. The pub backs onto a very pleasant little courtyard as well.

All in all, I'm very excited for my company to move so that I can call this pub my new local. If you want to believe the reviews, which I think are becoming a bit dated, stay away--more room and beer for me. If you want to see a charming pub in the heart of Farringdon, come to the Hoop and Grapes.

14 Mar 2011 21:32