www.thebear-freehouse.co.uk/
296a Camberwell New Road
London
SE5 0RP
So myself, Rob and Ellie checked out this pub for a late lunch. Unlike the other gastro-pubs we had checked out, this was definitely more pub than restaurant. The pub is a decent walk away from Oval station and sits on the corner of Camberwell New Road and Camberwell Station Road. The bar dominates the place, which removes a little of the intimacy the place has. There is a lot of wood and nice touches that give the place some character, but it was very quiet save a few bar flies that flew in and out.
The menu was interesting, to say the least. We were starving but the lunch menu written on the black board was set on the light side, so Rob and I had starters as well as mains. The starter was interesting (potato, onions, lettuce and olive combo) and was well prepared. We moved on to the mains where Rob and I had the pork belly sandwich, which was good. Ellie went for the Welsh rarebit which was cold.
There was a decent selection of drinks and some good ales, and some good whiskeys. The two staff members were friendly but I do not think arriving fifteen minutes before the lunch time kitchen closed did us any favours.
I can imagine this place being a very nice local, and I would want to try the dinner menu to see how that is before coming to a firm conclusion about the place. You can see the effort/potential, perhaps we just caught them on a slow and/or bad day.
Rating: 4.5/10
Average Rating: 4.5/10 (1)
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Bacchus
http://www.bacchus-restaurant.co.uk/
177 Hoxton Street
London
N1 6PJ
Another gastro-pub Rob and I checked out and again we were not disappointed. The place was about a third full, and is a quick little walk from Hoxton Square. A very impressive array of wines and spirits, although one of the bitters was off and that restricted options.
The pub is not that large and there is little room for a standing crowd, which makes it a nice place to have a relaxed drink (one imagines) or to eat. The environment is very relaxed yet remains a touch of class.
The service was very friendly and informative. I had the soup and then the chicken, while Rob selected a very complimentary wine (I think he had duck as his main). We then enjoyed coffee and whiskey, and the bill was very respectable.
Rating: 8.5/10.
Average Rating: 8.5/10 (1)
177 Hoxton Street
London
N1 6PJ
Another gastro-pub Rob and I checked out and again we were not disappointed. The place was about a third full, and is a quick little walk from Hoxton Square. A very impressive array of wines and spirits, although one of the bitters was off and that restricted options.
The pub is not that large and there is little room for a standing crowd, which makes it a nice place to have a relaxed drink (one imagines) or to eat. The environment is very relaxed yet remains a touch of class.
The service was very friendly and informative. I had the soup and then the chicken, while Rob selected a very complimentary wine (I think he had duck as his main). We then enjoyed coffee and whiskey, and the bill was very respectable.
Rating: 8.5/10.
Average Rating: 8.5/10 (1)
The Princess Victoria
http://www.princessvictoria.co.uk/
217 Uxbridge Road
Shepherds Bush
London W12 9DH
Myself and Rob visited this delightful gastro-pub on a Friday afternoon. The place was pretty much empty, and certainly no one else was eating. We were obviously after any lunchtime rush but before people finished work, and maybe this contributed to the exceptionally personal service we enjoyed.
The pub is classically decorated and if you can find a good seat in the main bar area I imagine it is a very nice place to relax. The main dining area is vast, and there is a small courtyard area outside.
We ordered off a set menu, enjoyed the complimentary bread, and while I cannot remember the exact main meals we ordered the creme brulee for dessert was exceptional. (I hope to add more details about later pubs and places soon, when they are fresher in my mind). We enjoyed some interesting wine, then a pint with the jovial barman, and then went on our way.
I'll certainly visit this pub again - after all it is easier to produce good food and friendly service when no one else is there! - and while there would be little of intrigue for the drinkers out there the food was good.
A 10-15 walk from Shepherds Bush station the pub is a little away from the main scene, so much so you may wonder if you have walked past it, but it is certainly worth a little trek.
Rating: 8/10
Average Rating: 8/10 (1)
217 Uxbridge Road
Shepherds Bush
London W12 9DH
Myself and Rob visited this delightful gastro-pub on a Friday afternoon. The place was pretty much empty, and certainly no one else was eating. We were obviously after any lunchtime rush but before people finished work, and maybe this contributed to the exceptionally personal service we enjoyed.
The pub is classically decorated and if you can find a good seat in the main bar area I imagine it is a very nice place to relax. The main dining area is vast, and there is a small courtyard area outside.
We ordered off a set menu, enjoyed the complimentary bread, and while I cannot remember the exact main meals we ordered the creme brulee for dessert was exceptional. (I hope to add more details about later pubs and places soon, when they are fresher in my mind). We enjoyed some interesting wine, then a pint with the jovial barman, and then went on our way.
I'll certainly visit this pub again - after all it is easier to produce good food and friendly service when no one else is there! - and while there would be little of intrigue for the drinkers out there the food was good.
A 10-15 walk from Shepherds Bush station the pub is a little away from the main scene, so much so you may wonder if you have walked past it, but it is certainly worth a little trek.
Rating: 8/10
Average Rating: 8/10 (1)
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