London Restaurant Tips by M0B1US

Restaurant Name: The Mug House (Davy's)

In no particular order I will be posting some of my favourite London pubs over the coming weeks and months - enjoy!

The Mug House is part of the olde worlde Dickensian themed Davy's Wine Bar Group which has been established since 1870 (the year Dickens died), and by the looks of each of the bars I've visited - has never been modernised since!

That is not to say they haven't been refurbished in the original style though... ;-)

The Mug House is a classic Davy's example, being situated in the last remaining arch of the original London Bridge in Southwark, it has the trademark flagstone floors complete with sawdust and the quaintly named ales are all served from pewter tankards, which such names as Davy's Old Wallop...

It's funny, but I can't think of a single Davy's that is not either underground or in a basement of some kind, I guess that and the cosy, congenial atmosphere of the low lighting is part of the Davy's marque.

So why not try one and find yourself transported back to the nineteenth century...!

A similar group of wine bars and restaurants is Ball's Brothers, of which there is one nearby at Hays Galleria for comparison...

Favorite Dish: 'Reliable English Fayre' such as Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding with lashings of gravy - that sort of stuff...

I have found the food at Davy's Wine Bars decidedly unpredictable... Some have been excellent, but on at least one occasion it was pretty average. I haven't actually eaten at the Mug House yet so cannot comment for here...

If you follow the website, you can have a gander at their wine list which contains excellent choices both from the old and new worlds.

You can also get Port and Sherry here, and can even order the Port by the jug... ;-)

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7403 8343
Address: 1 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2PF
Directions: Directly underneath London Bridge on the south side of the Thames - On the Southbank Riverwalk. MAP
Website: www.davy.co.uk
Other Contact: 11.00-9.00pm Mon-Fri

Restaurant Name: Horniman at Hay's Galleria

The Horniman is located in a prime spot on the outer edge of Hay's Galleria and facing out over the Thames just by the WWII Destroyer HMS Belfast.

Now this pub is fairly expensive even by London prices, but what you do get is a large pub spread out over two levels which offer great views of the Thames all the way down to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. It is also a great meeting place because of its visibility so close to two major London landmarks. At night time, you also get an excellent view of the Lloyd's '86 Building bathed in a brilliant electric blue...

Another plus is that it is also well appointed with dark wood interiors and reminds me a bit of the colonial style of Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore...

Crowded at lunchtimes with local office workers, outdoor seating is available, although many choose to take their drinks and wander a little further along Bankside. The pub offers a good selection of good draught beers and food, with a pleasant (and large) bar area. However, if you're after a table, get there before midday to beat the crowds.


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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7407 1991
Address: Hays Galleria, SE1 2BA
Directions: Hay's Galleria, facing the Thames and HMS Belfast. MAP

Restaurant Name: The Anchor Pub

The Anchor is/was one of the best and most atmospheric pubs along the southbank riverwalk with a long history...

It was here that Samuel Pepys witnessed the awesome destruction of the Great Fire of London in 1666 and wrote what he saw in his famous diary. He describes the dreadful heat and 'fire drops' falling on him whilst in a boat on the river and he managed to find refuge in 'a little alehouse on bankside - and there watched the fire grow'.

The Anchor itself succumbed to the devastating effects of fire and was rebuilt in 1676 - the pubs original structure has been added to over the centuries, creating a maze of small rooms over several haphazard levels. These featur old brick fire places, old oak beams and worn, creaking floorboards.

There are several bars of interest including one named after Dr. Johnson, lexicographer and writer, who drank here regularly. A copy of his dictionary is on display here.

The main dining room has wonderful views across the Thames to the City. Another, the Shakespeare Room (used for functions), has beautiful 18th century pine panelling. A first floor terrace and an riverside terrace offer outdoor seating. The latter if you look closely at the end of 'Mission Impossible' is featured as Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames have a beer in the last scene of the movie.

Now comes the troubling part...

The Anchor has re-opened after extensive modernisation and enlargement, which took me by surprise when I took a fellow VTer (Sabsi) here for a drink on my guided tour.

The perfectly good walled courtyard has been built upon, providing another large open plan bar. Also, at the rear a Hotel has been built on what was the car park. In my picture, the courtyard used to be to the right of the lamp post in the foreground.

Although most of the original pub has survived, it has been dwarfed by the sheer scale of the additions which are totally against the original cosy feel of the pub. I was dismayed by this and hope that my feelings are from my initial shock at what has happened to a favourite.

Favorite Dish: Traditional English Fayre, though I suspect that as the management has changed and the pub appears to have sold itself out by expanding to take advantage to all the tourists, so the prices may have increased...

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7407 1577
Address: 34 Bankside, Southwark
Directions: Next to Blackfriars Bridge and Vinopolis along the Southbank Walk. MAP

Restaurant Name: The Old Thameside Inn

Another Southbank favourite, the best thing about this deceptively large pub is its great location with a large outdoor deck area providing lots of seating directly on the riverside offering panoramic views of the river Thames...

On the North Bank can be seen the historic London landmarks of St Paul's and The Monument along with a striking new addition to the London skyline, the Swiss Re Building AKA 'The Gherkin'.

Inside this large pub there is a cellar with pool tables, though the upstairs is much nicer. It used to be an old tea storage warehouse until fairly recently and its decor has a nautical feel with an old brick and timber interior. There are also lots of photos of the river in former times lining the walls to further add to this atmosphere.

However like the Anchor, it too has become very touristy and the prices have climbed as a result. But in the evenings it takes on more of a London pub atmosphere with a good young crowd.

Still, if you're here and it's sunny why not kick back and enjoy a cold one! :-)


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Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7403 4243
Address: Pickfords Wharf, Clink St
Directions: Next to the Golden Hinde, on the waterfront off Clink St. MAP

Restaurant Name: Studio Six

Studio 6 is one of my favourite stomping grounds from when I worked for Shell over a decade ago...

It has a sort of trendy bar cum Mediterranean cantina feel and is a perfect place for a pint or a glass of wine after strolling along the Southbank.

The inside decor is simple but warm with a relaxed atmosphere, lots of bare unfinished wood and chalkboard menus. There is plenty of seating and a large open bar area. The outside has a large decking area with plenty of seating and large umbrellas for when London's sunshine gets a little too fierce... ;-)

This place is always busy in the evenings and you may have to wait for a table if dining, but it is worthwhile as the food is great and the service of the young and friendly staff is excellent with reasonable prices for London.

It's a great little place and I have many fond memories sitting back on a hot summers evening with work friends drinking yet another ice cold Hoegaarden... :-)

Favorite Dish: Main courses ranged from £7.50 to £13.95 last time I was there, with a ‘Home made beef burger & mustard relish and fries’ at £7.50.

The menu is the usual mix of slightly exotic food and more traditional dishes all served on big white plates that seems so popular these days.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7928 6243
Address: Gabriel's Wharf, 56 Upper Ground
Directions: At the road end of Gabriel's Wharf - handy for the RV1 bus... MAP

Restaurant Name: The Chandos

Part of the Samuel Smith's Group of Pubs, the Chandos is one of my favourite central London pubs for a multitude of reasons such as its brilliant location, excellent interior and atmosphere, and the fact that although you are in the middle of tourist trap land the beers are very reasonably priced!

You really can't fault the location being that it is right in the middle of Trafalgar and Leicester Squares and Covent Garden. Add to that the fact that both bars are very welcoming in their own ways...

The bottom bar has normal seating in the middle of the bar and alcoves with benches along the windows, which are great if you and your friends can get one on your own!

Upstairs however is where the action is, in the Opera Bar (cos it's close to the ENO). But mostly only locals know about this part... ;-)

What you have is a sort of comfortable haven away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside with most of the rooms populated with large leather sofas and a nice fire in the winter. The bar area is also more intimate up here as well, creating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere...

For the guys: One thing I have noticed here is that a lot of women seem to like coming here, probably because it does have such a laid back feel to it...

Nearby places to eat include: Browns, Wagamama, Dome, Pizza Express etc...

Favorite Dish: As a Young's pub, The Chandos serves a very narrow range of beers on tap - however they are nice beers! The Young's Special is a good ale, Prinz is their standard Carling Black Label type lager and my personal favourite is the interestingly named Ayingerbrau Pilsner style lager - try ordering that after an all night session without getting your tongue twisted!

Many a great session has been started, finished or just plain started and finished here by myself and my friends - I have great memories of this place, and would have a great deal more if it weren't for the amnesiac qualities of excessive imbibing... ;-)

So, if you make it here be sure to raise a toast to me as I'm sure you'll like what you find!

Cheers!

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 020 7836 1401
Address: 29 St. Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4ER
Directions: On the corner of St Martin's Lane and William IV Street, diagonally across from the National Gallery. MAP

Restaurant Name: The Ship and Shovell

Another of my favourites, this is truly a unique pub in London, if not all of the UK!

The reason for this uniqueness is the fact that the pub is actually in two halves, split in two by the passageway that cuts under the railway arches of Charing Cross Station...

This makes for a rather schizophrenic place where you have a choice of what kind of ambience you prefer - either the older crowd in the larger side of the pub on the left of the picture, or the younger crowd on the decided small and cosy right side of the picture. Failing that, you can stand in the 'beer garden' outside in the passageway itself... ;-)

This is a great pub because during the day it is very quiet because it is so tucked away off the beaten path. The evenings are pretty lively towards the weekend as civil servants come here for a few quick beers before taking the train home.

Apparently the pub is named after one Sir Clowdisley Shovell, who was the foolish Admiral whose fleet was lost in the foggy English Channel as he was mistakenly informed by his staff that they were safely off the coast of France. A sailor was hanged for mutiny after suggesting the calculations were incorrect and, as these stories go, several ships were later smashed to pieces on the rocks and Shovell was washed ashore where he was murdered. John Harrison solved the Longitude puzzle so ships no longer hit the rocks so ships were no longer so reliant on dead reckoning to navigate great distances - perhaps it was this event that prompted the British government to offer the prize to whomever could solve this problem?

Of course, after a few beers you might be having trouble with your longitude or latitude and might come a cropper against your own proverbial 'rocks'... ;-)


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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average

Phone: 020 7839 1311
Address: 1-3 Craven Passage, London, WC2N 5PH
Directions: Up the stairs from the Arches underneath Charing Cross Station. A short hop skip and a jump away from Trafalgar Square... MAP

Restaurant Name: The Moon Under Water

The JD Wetherspoon's Chain of pubs have taken the UK by storm in the last five years or so by offering cut price drinks and food in a noise free environment (apart from the surprisingly loud sound of the susurration of hundreds of voices in animated conversation!) - a truly winning combination in a city like London!

This particular pub is on the site of what was the legendary Marquee rock club where a little known band called 'The Rolling Stones' played one of their first gigs waaaay back in 1962!

It has a huge capacity with a number of different seating areas on a number of different levels including a balcony area, and two seperate bars.

It is a great place to meet people and have an inexpensive night, before heading somewhere more expensive...

Check out the website, they are justifiably proud of their loos - and you can even view a flash animation of some of their best... ;-)

Favorite Dish: These pubs do an excellent range of two meals for the price of one (about £6!), which are sizeable and filling and normally good quality - though sometimes this fluctuates a bit but still always been worth the price! Meals in this deal include: Minted Lamb Burger, Traditional Fish and Chips, Chilli Con Carne, Cottage Pie etc...

The price of drinks is truly amazing for a chain that has pubs in the most expensive areas of London. There are of course regional differences, but it is not unknown for west end pubs in this chain to offer bottles of Becks, Holsten Pils etc at £1.09 each!

They also have a good range of beers on tap, including ales such as Abbot, Spitfire and Directors Bitter to name a few...

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 020 7287 6039
Address: 105-7 Charing Cross Road, London WC2
Directions: Also entrance at rear on 20 Greek St. Near to Cambridge Circus and Soho. MAP
Website: www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/

Restaurant Name: Phoenix Bar

Proverbially risen from Alexandra Palace's ashes, this is one of the most spectacular settings for any pub in London with stunning panoramic views to be had across mile upon mile of London's skyline from its outdoor Beer Garden.

It is an attractive traditional freehouse pub (see website indoor pics) with a great atmosphere and a great range of real ales, lagers and wines.

As well as the outdoor Beer Garden (which has barbeques during summer), there is also an 'Indoor Garden' in the palace's impressive Palm Court.

There are a total of five free car parks offering over 2,000 spaces just a short walk away from the Phoenix, so parking will never be a problem. Otherwise if a lot of drinking is on the cards, the W3 bus route (from Wood Green tube: Piccadilly Line) stops just 40 yards from the front door!

Favorite Dish: Breakfast, Lunches and take-away snacks are available every day - not that I have eaten here yet, though the food does look good and is reasonably priced for London.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Alexandra Palace
Directions: South side of Alexandra Palace

MAP
Website: http://www.alexandrapalace.com/s/ap/page_298.htm

Restaurant Name: Gordon's Wine Bar

This old wine bar is one of London's institutions, although these days it is a bit jaded and often overcrowded due to its status.

It is a small and atmospheric vaulted cellar of a space with the dingy light of flickering candles illuminating ancient brick walls, which can easily become claustrophobic if visited during lunchtimes or on a 'going out' night or weekend.

So my first tip for visiting here would be to avoid those times and then you will find and eccentric little space to relax in and enjoy a nice wine or two...

The speciality is fortified wines such as ports or sherries, served from wooden casks behind the bar. Food is also served here as a variety of English dishes and cheeses to compliment.

Outside seating is provided on the terrace next to the Embankment park, but for me the real enjoyment is to be found inside where this place's true personality lies.

This used to be one of my work time haunts when I worked for Shell nearby - many fine memories here! :-)

Oh and for all you lager louts out there - No Beer!

Favorite Dish: A great and extensive wine list with accompanying cheeseboards.

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Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +44 (0)20 7930 1408
Address: 47 Villiers St, London, WC2N 6NE
Directions: Down a side street from The Strand along the length of Charing Cross Railway Station.

MAP

Nearest Tubes: Charing Cross & Embankment