change the cheese (pubs in london)

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hi everyone, hopefully someone on here will have a suggestion that will improve the lives of many...

most thursdays after work, i head down to the cheshire cheese on fleet street to meet a load of my friends. they've been going for ages, primarily based on the central location.

however. last winter, we noticed that the cheese was overrun by jerks in suits. (not insulting everyone that wears a suit, just these guys in suits.) there was nowhere to sit down, and it just wasn't as fun. over the summer, the suits apparently went somewhere else (playing rugby?) but they've returned.

so what we need is a new place to meet on thursdays. ideally, it would be central london, although it doesn't have to be right on fleet street. prefer it not to be a chain pub, and the boys would like good quality of beers and such. should be able to seat 8-15 people as and when they arrive. and not be entirely full of wankers.

is this an impossible dream?

― colette (a2lette), Monday, 20 October 2003 09:29 (twenty-two years ago)

May I suggest...

http://www.fancyapint.com/

― kate (kate), Monday, 20 October 2003 09:42 (twenty-two years ago)

thanks kate-- we tried to use that last winter, but never found just the right spot. so i thought i'd see if anyone had a personal suggestion.

example of how it can be hard to tell what a pub is like online: when the weather was starting to get nice we tried to find a place with a beer garden. i'd noticed a place on the 38 bus route that had a big sign advertising its beer garden. i looked it up online (i don't think it was on fancyapint, though), got the address, all that, and suggested it to the list. turns out it's a strip club. doesn't look like one, doesn't say it outside, didn't say it on the website. i was just glad someone knew and warned me, before i was waiting for my friends while studiously avoiding eye contact with the rest of the clientele!

(but the fancyapint website has been very useful for other nights out)

― colette (a2lette), Monday, 20 October 2003 11:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Most of the pubs which have been used for London FAPs fit your criteria re: size and location and none of them have been strip pubs (much to the chagrin of Stevem). These include:

The Glasshouse Stores
Horse & Groom (Gt Portland St)
John Snow
The Champion
Blue Posts (Newman St)
Lyceum Tavern (Strand)
The Windmill (just off Regent St)
plus plenty of others which slip my mind right now. The first six of these share with the Cheese the distinction of being lovely Sam Smiths pubs which mean they (a) exclusively serve S. Smiths range of fine produce and (b) are cheap as anything.

Good to see someone prepared to recognidse the tru Centre of London btw. There are plenty of pubs round (t)here which will comfortably accommodate a group of 8 (Old Bell, Punch, Bridewell Tavern, Old Bank of England, Edgar Wallace ect ect) but for many of those a larger group will start to be a bit of a stretch (or at least some of you will stand).

― Tim (Tim), Monday, 20 October 2003 11:33 (twenty-two years ago)

i'm keeping my favourite and best london pub a secret... it's in soho and it's and absolute winner... however, just thought i'd point out that people don't play rugby in the summer! would have to have been cricket...

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 11:38 (twenty-two years ago)

What's the betting we've never been to Stelfox's 'secret' pub?

― Tim (Tim), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Is he some sort of elitist?

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Dave - I am surprised at you!!

― Pinkpanther (Pinkpanther), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Right, lets all sit and guess Stelfox's favourite pub and overrun it purely to ruin all his fun. My guess is that its either the Star and Garter or the Coach and Horses.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:34 (twenty-two years ago)

the old coffee house, or downstairs in the Toucan

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:37 (twenty-two years ago)

the coach and horses would scarcely need overrunning. i don't think i know the star and garter though?

― toby (tsg20), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Right, lets all sit and guess Stelfox's favourite pub and overrun it purely to ruin all his fun

i like it precisely coz it isn't fun - is barely ever overrun and does great guinness which a ruddy faced landlord often brings to your table... and no, no one even close so far!

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:42 (twenty-two years ago)

oh crap, I know this one, it's very small yes?

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:44 (twenty-two years ago)

The Star and Garter is just up from the John Snow - old-skool Proper Pub with nice comfy seating right round the side and rolls and sandwiches wrapped up in clingfilm behind the bar. I like it.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:44 (twenty-two years ago)

I am guessing The Fox because of your name. Though I haven't been there in ages because the last time I went, it was OVERRUN and the barmaid who used to get on the table and dance has ceased these shennanigans.

― kate (kate), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh, wait, it's not just called the Fox, it's called The Intrepid Fox or the Shennaniganing Fox or something like that...

― kate (kate), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:45 (twenty-two years ago)

plus, no i am not an elitist - the place is very downscale, not at all posh and quite normal. i will however, confess that i am an inveterate inverted snob.

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:46 (twenty-two years ago)

DO NOT MENTION THAT PUB!!!!!

that's to Kate btw

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Alright, the King's Head or the Captain's Cabin then... (I've walked past both many a time but never been in). I would suggest that little French pub but that always seems rammed.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

I was thinking it might be the Lyric but I'm also slightly agog that anyone's favourite pub in London could be in Soho because they're all pretty impersonal affairs.

If you think mentioning a pub in ILx -> pub getting overrun you are a Prince in the Land of Mentalism (stevem is the king obv).

― Tim (Tim), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

that place i disgusting kate - i've never been in it but it looks like it would smell

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:49 (twenty-two years ago)

... of male sweat and cider and black, clearly.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:50 (twenty-two years ago)

it doesn't (much) but it is loud, like war. They look at you funny if you wear a belle and sebastian t-short too, so I always drink G&T in there - pinkie akimbo.

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:51 (twenty-two years ago)

*puts finger on nose and points to tim in a lionel-blair-on-give-us-a-clue style* the lyric it is. i mainly just wanted to see if anyone would get it, or see how "secret" it really was as it's somewhere i kinda consider my little place - we all have 'em, come on... besides, i'd be happy to see any of you in there... just not too many of you at once, so as i can still get a seat!

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I was made to go there by an American friend who told stories of table-shennaniganning barmaids! It's not like I frequent the place regularly!

― kate (kate), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:52 (twenty-two years ago)

oh well, i might now...

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:53 (twenty-two years ago)

They've done up the bar on Swallow Street next to where I work and, although its not open yet, when I walked past there this afternoon there were barmaids practicing dancing on the bar itself. I'll be avoiding that one then.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 20 October 2003 12:56 (twenty-two years ago)

We were in the Lyric on Saturday (hence I remembered the ruddy-faced landlord). We had to be in an 'L' boozer. It is a decent little place but a bit of an egg-chasers' haunt. There wasn't anywhere to sit, you were probably taking up all the tables Dave.

― Tim (Tim), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:01 (twenty-two years ago)

I've just remembered that I've done the IF a disservice, last time I was in there it was decided that the loudness level was perfect, loud enough to be full of music, but quiet enough so that you could talk to your fellow-drinkers without shouting.

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Also I hear that they have Busted posters up in the Fox these days, which can only be a step forward.

― Tim (Tim), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:07 (twenty-two years ago)

one was in iceland on saturday... i take no responsibility - egg chasers, what does that mean?

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:09 (twenty-two years ago)

you know - Peanut huggers

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:11 (twenty-two years ago)

i have no idea - WHAT ARE YOU ALL TALKING ABOUT!?!?!?!?!?!?

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:25 (twenty-two years ago)

You know, testicle persuers.

― Pete (Pete), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:30 (twenty-two years ago)

my friend got her picture taken with Justin Darkness in the IF a few weeks back. chris i know you're jealous. tim will you please stop talking about me.

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Dave that pub is terrible. I am shocked. I thought you were a man of taste.

― Anna (Anna), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:48 (twenty-two years ago)

it's the best pub in central london, anna - and used to be conveniently located near atlas records when it was open. also few people cotton on to the fact that there's a pool room upstairs...

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:51 (twenty-two years ago)

shit, that's let the cat out of the bag...

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:51 (twenty-two years ago)

I wish I'd seen Justin from the Darkness in the IF.

― chris (chris), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:52 (twenty-two years ago)

everyonwe in the IF looks like him

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:57 (twenty-two years ago)

i liked the IF so much i am writing a book about it

― mark s (mark s), Monday, 20 October 2003 13:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Speaking of writing a book Mark....

― Pinkpanther (Pinkpanther), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:05 (twenty-two years ago)

i like this pub:

The Kings Arms, Northington St.

pretty generic name though. i didnt even know what it was called, but i used to wait for my girlfriend there after work. fancyapint.com doesnt rate it though. its v. v. quiet.

on another note, what about a listing of all pubs in london/uk that have a REAL fire as aopposed to gas monstrosities. i want logs dammit!

(this is prompted by the cheshire cheese in hope, derbyshire, which despite being famous and olde, has a bloody gas fire!)

― ambrose (ambrose), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:17 (twenty-two years ago)

hang on i'm confused, does dave stelfox hang out in the Intrepid (stel)Fox or not?

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:19 (twenty-two years ago)

i love real fires in pubs but so few have them now... i also like warm brown beer and old geezers in caps and places that serve pies...

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:20 (twenty-two years ago)

and no i don't hang out in the IF - ever! i have never been ther i've just seen it from the outside...

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Best REAL FIRE (not gas) is at the Stags Head in Camden. Not on the high street, but off into dodgy down-by-the-railroad tracks near the estates territory. Its fire is great, plus it is full of old Irish men in odd headgear.

It's one of the few vestiges of Old Camden, rather than dodgy nu-goth post-britpop Camden.

― kate (kate), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:26 (twenty-two years ago)

i have a massive phobia of camden and cannot bear to go there unless i REALLY, REALLY have to.

― Dave Stelfox (Dave Stelfox), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:33 (twenty-two years ago)

Apart from having to walk through Camden to get there, it's really nothing at all like Camden. I mean, really, it's closer to the Chalk Farm tube anyway, which isn't technically Camden anyway!

― kate (kate), Monday, 20 October 2003 14:49 (twenty-two years ago)

i think the princess louise's fire is real, but i'd stand to be corrected.

the IF is a perfectly serviceable boozer, not great for 15 ppl though, and metallers are, 9 times out of 10, lovely people.

sorry collette we have derailed your thread somewhat :)

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 08:02 (twenty-two years ago)

The Cheese has a real fire too, in its tiny but delicious front bar.

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 08:06 (twenty-two years ago)

what is the dolphin tavern like? it is blue and small but i have not been in

― charltonlido (gareth), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 10:25 (twenty-two years ago)

The Lyric was great on Sat., but I liked the Intrepid Fox too. Despite the GoTHXorS

― alext (alext), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 12:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Mmmm goTHXorS

― Ricardo (RickyT), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 12:43 (twenty-two years ago)

The Intrepid Fox as hinted up thread was left much the better for our visit.

In fairness to Dave nobody except Tim could remember the existence of the Lyric on Saturday. I liked it a lot though.

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

Gareth I've never been into the Dolphin (when I'm on that street it's hard to ignore the Red Lion or the Lamb) but it's always looked uncontroversial and pleasant, if a bit full.

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 13:18 (twenty-two years ago)

I liked the Horse and Groom, it was smart and well-appointed. And we had the entire top floor to ourselves, like we were tycoons or something. It was very bright, though.

I like the John Snow, too, but it seems like the other end of the scale: dank, noisy, and maze-like.

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Tuesday, 21 October 2003 13:43 (twenty-two years ago)

seven years pass...

need a venue for my birthday celebration on sunday: nice pub that can accommodate 20-ish people and won't mind the inevitable rendition of 'toot it and boot it' at some point in the evening. bored of everywhere i know already...

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 12:40 (fifteen years ago)

Which part of town?

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 25 January 2011 12:43 (fifteen years ago)

open to any ideas really

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 12:44 (fifteen years ago)

need to give us more than that...

you just want someone to go that can hold 20 people on a sunday? you planning to party party it up or do you want some food and a few beers?

aforementioned horse & groom is alright but it might be full of 24 hour disco party people. the lexington in angel will reserve you tables and has a great selection of whiskey (10% off at the mo too). the victoria in mile end/bethnal green is lovely on a sunday, if it's a nice day pop across to the pub in the park and have a beer outside next to the canal.

this list could go on and on...

― Crackle Box, Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:20 (fifteen years ago)

thanks for all of those suggestions!

i'm not looking for party party but food + a few too many beers ideally.

i live central/east so that's always good but wouldn't mind venturing further afield for a really nice pub!

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:25 (fifteen years ago)

Good call on the Lexington, which also has the advantage of the Hangover Lounge and will feature erstwhile ILXers playing records.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:26 (fifteen years ago)

The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury is certainly big enough for your needs and does decent Thai. More of a summer pub really though, its main draw is its labyrinthine multi-story outside area.

― Rejoice that you weren't eaten (chap), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:32 (fifteen years ago)

i love the fullback but it's the local of a certain friends ex-boyfriend so is most def. off the list :(

― whitney from mtv's the city (tpp), Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:36 (fifteen years ago)

I can give a hearty thumbs up to the food in the Lexington (and to the Hangover Lounge crew).

― ailsa, Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:45 (fifteen years ago)

four months pass...

because i spend all my attention to drinking i don't know the answer to the following:

I need to find a pub with beer mats (coasters). have you recently been to a pub with beer mats? if so where? Ideally it's somewhere with lots of them around and they don't mind if you swipe a few of them.

― Gary Numan, or Gary Fletcher (ken c), Monday, 13 June 2011 10:17 (fourteen years ago)

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