The Old Eagle, Camden

Easily the best pub in Camden. Far enough away from the high street that only locals seem to know about it. Have had many a lovely Sunday afternoon either in the beer garden or on the sofas out the back. Great place to go if you have a large-ish group. Very cosy if a bit quirky atmosphere.
And the thai menu is delicious! Staff are all lovely and friendly, even when busy. They have gone out of their way to help us before. Can't rate this place high enough - only thing is, I wish I could keep it a secret!

24 Jul 2009 14:36

The Bricklayers Arms, Fitzrovia

This was one of my favourite West End pubs until recently. A friend worked nearby so we often went here and enjoyed the (usually over crowded) upstairs bar and cheap pints.
But the staff's behavious last night spoilt it for me to the point that I don't want to go back.
At about 9pm one staff member came upstairs and yelled at everyone that they had to move downstairs. 5 minutes later she returned and kept yelling in such an unpleasant way that everyone begrudgingly moved downstairs even though the upstairs bar was still open (surely you'd close the bar first if you were closing an area?).
Then at about 10.55pm they called 'last orders', so our group went up to buy one last round. Only to be told 5 minutes later, again by the offensive yelling woman, that we had to leave. We explained that we'd just bought drinks and weren't told the whole pub was closing. I asked if she'd give us a refund. To which she (again yelling from across the bar) replied that she'd pour our drinks into plastic cups if we left now. Some of our group took offence at her tone which didn't help matters, but the whole experience was just so unpleasant and unwelcoming I won't be returning. I haven't been yelled at since I was a child and certainly don't expect to be treated like that when in a pub or restaurant. The whole experience ruined a perfectly good evening.
It's a real shame the staff let this pub down (the barmen asked me if bourbon was a type of beer and didn't know what diet coke was) as otherwise it's a lovely little place.

24 Jul 2009 14:29