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Cool/Exotic Beers!
Bored of the usual stuff on tap at your local? Here are some places you can find beers that aren't the norm. I'm thinking boutique breweries and tipples from other continents - Asian, North American, African etc... go and try them all until you can't see.
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48 Places
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Craig’s 4-star review: I really liked it here. Someone told me to head to Off Broadway for some funky mexican - so I assumed I'd be heading to some neveau-hipster hangout which would serve burritos on vinyls and maybe their tortillas in bowler hats. Actually, it was a cutesy little bar, dimly lit, with not that many tables upstairs at all that served some pretty decent Brex-Mex food in a relaxed and unassuming atmosphere. It's a bar first, food second. I felt totally relaxed and really didn't want to leave when it came to moving to our next place. They even sell Lone Star beer. Sweet huh? -
Craig’s 5-star review: After all the hype, we went. We drank. We marvelled. We stumbled out. Pissed. Had the foresight to book ahead here for a Friday night (check me out!) and we ended up in a sweet booth in the bar back - through the much celebreated cupboard door - and whilst there is no bar out the back, the decor is exciting and you get a very attentive server to help you out with your drinks. The drinks - fantastic. I got right stuck into the cocktails, didn't I. They're not cheap, but there's a certain amount of pleasure in throwing some money at a drink and being blown away by it. Yum Yum Yum. We didn't stop drinking until we were told that the table we'd booked was reserved from 9pm. Fair enough, we knew that at the time of booking. The staff were courteous and friendly and even recommended another bar to move onto (Casita). It was a bit of a mission trying to get our of here though - the front bar was PACKED with a queue outside. Book ahead people, book ahead. You'll be glad you did. -
Craig’s 4-star review: Nothing about this pub from the outside tells you what you're going to find inside. It does look like a regular boring pub, one that you could be tempted to keep walking past in the hunt for something a bit cooler. But you'd be wrong. Inside is a split level drinking-come-eating hole with a great range of belgian and continental beers on tap, as well as the regular tipples. It's a big old place yet there were no tables available on a Thursday night at 8pm. Everyone was nattering away or eating or just unwinding. This is somewhere you can get over yourself and just have a beer. I'm going to get back here when it's warmer and fight for some the outside seating (which was also in heavy demand, in February). Nice spot.
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Craig’s 5-star review: New favourite bar alert! I've not stopped telling people about this place. Which, on reflection, is perhaps a little silly as I'm sure the maximum capacity is 25 people. It's so bloody small! I was a little tipsy* when I left, so I didn't check, but I'm convinced this bar is actually a converted car garage. No, not a repairs garage, a single garage for a single car. Teeny. We were recommended this place by our server at Callooh Callay. It's where their staff drink. It's not easy to find; blink and you'll miss it. Once you do, you might just love it. Bar staff were brilliant- happy to recommend drinks, cocktails and shots. I was given a free shot of tequila which they serve with their home made chaser - it's made from mint, lime, coriander and pineapple juice and frickin delicious. Much better than that tired salt, tequilal, lemon combo. Much better! Cocktails are impressive too. The Nuclear Daiquiri (* see 'tipsy' above) is belting - apparently the record is 6 in one night? Try at your peril. -
Craig’s 5-star review: 5 stars! I don't dish these out too often! Popped along here after a Yelp event round the corner for a spot of late dinner - maybe it was the free wine that left me with such a rose-tinted (pun always intended) view of Giant Robot? Who cares. I'll be back for more and here's why; 1. Great setting, cool lighting, impressive decor 2. Fantastic service (I know others haven't been so lucky) 3. Food was fresh, tasty and a real pleasure 4. The menu is so varied and lends itself to choosing lots of things - we ordered 6 different items between the two of us! 5. The atmostphere - half party, half chatty but all very exciting. DO yourself a favour and get the butternut squash tortellini. Wowzers it's good. Oh and some of the meatballs too. Their goats cheese shouldn't be missed either... oh sod it, the whole menu is delicious. -
Craig’s 3-star review: A good latin/mexican/brazillian food outpost in a great location on the Southbank. In my experience, the food was ok to good, but I felt like I wasn't getting great value. We took advantage of a cocktail pitcher to go with dinner for 3 of us. By the time we'd poured the whole jug out we'd barely filled each glass 2/3 full. Woah there, easy on that ice! As for the food, not bad at all, but the portions were stingy. We got some loaded nachos to share and a quesadilla before our mains thinking they'd tide us over. They really didn't and we'd seen them off within 2mins. No joke. My burger seemed like it'd had grown up in a White Castle yet my friend's risotto was about right. The other entree ordered was again on the small side. It's a shame we had to stock up on popcorn afterwards at the IMAX! I've also been here after work on a Friday just for drinks and it has a good atmosphere, especially in the warmer months when you can stand outside. I'm afraid that's all i'll be returning for; not the restaurant. -
Craig’s 4-star review: You can't really go wrong with this place in my eyes. Sure it's not the most authentic Cuban joint there is, but hey, it's central and convenient in Islington and I like the atmosphere. If you can grab a table outside then you're on to a winner, if not then saddle up out the back. Their cocktails are pretty damn good, but not cheap, and the sell Paradiso beer which gives me a nice tickle. Damn good happy hour offers though. I need to try the food sometime, it looks hearty and hugely unhealthy... and I don't mean that in a bad way. Mojito me up. -
Craig’s 5-star review: To whom it may concern, I bloody love Slim Jim's Yours, Craig. In all seriousness... when I start to miss the USA this is where i'll come. Give me a pint of blue moon with an orange in it, some gaudy neon lights and I'm yours forever. They were playing hillbilly rock! Fuck yeah. -
Craig’s 4-star review: Perfectly good boozer this. The recent change of hands and tidying up of the place has drawn in an updated crowd - typically young professionals who don't take themselves seriously. The beer selection is good - very much enjoyed my Meantime pale ale - and the music on offer had me tapping my foot and wishing to return sooner rather than later. The food looked decent and popular enough on a Wednesday night - it was flying out to very pleased patrons. Everyone was in great spirits - catching up with friends for a few midweek beers and some grub. Another feather in South London's cap.
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Craig’s 4-star review: Anywhere that serves Blue Moon gets an immediate high five from me. That's the way to my heart. They serve a solid range of tap beers here - no Fosters in sight - but their bottled selection is where it's at. BeerLao? Yes! Another high five. With some time to spare before a gig, we almost walked past this place to The Light, and i'm so glad we stopped in. Transported to somewhere other than London, this place has the feel of a secret opium den that just happens to serve dim sum and appeal to the suits. We didn't get to try the food, but it looked so damn good when it was whisked past our inquisitive noses that I'll be back to try for sure. I'm also very keen to try this place out on the weekend as I bet there is some fun to be had. -
Craig’s 3-star review: We stopped by for an afternoon pint on a Saturday. There weren't too many people in, but I liked what I saw. Traditional wooden décor, with big tables. I opted for a decent local Sussex ale and the Mrs tucked into a Red Stripe. Plenty of adverts about their rum club on the walls, and the menu I found backed this up - a big old list of well over 50 rums. They didn't serve my favourite Belizean rum but I had a good chat with the guy behind the bar about it. Knows his rums. Not sure he knows how to welcome people though - he did seem a bit feisty and managed to annoy the lady within 2 minutes of arriving! Liked the music he had on though. I suspect this is a decent spot for a night out! -
Craig’s 4-star review: I do love Favela Chic. I can't excuse why I haven't yelped about this place before. Last night I got to see the more relaxed post-work, pre-gig side of FC. We grabbed some beers, headed outside and took a seat under one of the heaters and were instantly relaxed. That's what I like about this place - everyone has the same idea about how to have a good time, or indeed, a relaxed time! Come here on a Fri or Sat night though and you find a very different beast. Bring your dancing shoes, your sexy hips and your latin pout. Usually always boasting a live band to get you off your feet, this is a place to party. As Caren H put it, this isn't a place to stand around chatting, it's a place to be seen and to be dancing! Get there early on the weekends, it's worth it. -
Craig’s 4-star review: Had my first experience of the BBC last night and we had a lot of fun! Having played a lot of rugby in my time, it felt like i was in some antiquated rugby clubhouse in the arse end of nowhere. It had a distinctly West-country vibe, but maybe I was getting too involved and carried away? We were surrounded by a relaxed and, at 11pm on a Saturday, very inebriated clientele all having fun. Yes the toilets could do with a makeover and perhaps the staff could be a little more interested in quicker service than having fun amongst themselves but that's just silly gripes. I was also very happy to find Tusker beer behind the bar, reminding of me some fun times gone by in Africa. I'll be back on a Sunday next as I suspect this would be a great place to chill out with the paper and some recovery beers. -
Craig’s 4-star review: A bit of a classic, this. Winner of numerous 'best pub' awards throughout the years, it's not overly hard to see why. The loctation is great, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed (if not a little too busy) and their ale selection is second to none. In the warmer months, I don't know of a better pub, save for those perhaps in Soho, for outside street drinking. It's a nice feeling to finish work and head here to unwind. If you're passing through Borough Market as a tourist, this is a good place to try some our fine British Ales. Just make sure you've moved on by 4pm though, as it'll be full of post-work drinkers. -
Craig’s 4-star review: Perfect spot for evening drinks! It's cool, quirky and has some decent food. I had assumed it was going to be hipster skinny-jeans central, but hey, it was chilled and relaxed. It gets much busier later in the evening and on the weekends, but it's a great place to hang out all night. Not sure where to meet your friends? Choose here. It's got a big f***-off bright light sign on the front. You can't miss it. -
Craig’s 4-star review: An incredible range of fruity and exotic beers can be found here. A rather random location to be honest, it doesn't get much passing trade and so I've known it to be dead in the week and only slightly busier on the weekend. Not sure how it survives to be honest! But I'm glad it does because when I'm on this side of Clapham I like to pop in and get my fill of Frulli, Brooklyn Lager etc. They used to have Wii Wednesdays in here to entertain 'the masses'. It's a fun little place and has free wif. -
Craig’s 5-star review: I'm a burrito fan. This place makes top burritos. It was a match made in heaven. When I stopped by it was still early enough in the evening for me to be the only customer in the place. It is the City after all. I had the attention of all the staff and they made sure I was looked after. The big old chicken burrito was fantastic - especially so with the addition of the mushroom and sweetcorn beans, oh and a healthy dollop of guacamole. Watered down with a beer, which to me seems a little naughty in a fast food place like this, I was a happy chappy. I can well appreciate that it must be a nightmare in here during lunch hour - the service must suffer. But hey, that's not when I came. This is just over the bridge from my office and the perfect spot for a pre drinks fill up. It's now my benchmark for London burritos. See you soon Chilango.
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Craig’s 4-star review: I'm going to give these guys an extra star because not only are the burritos tasty, they're good value and they're always consistent. I've never had a bad meal here! No, not quite as good as Chilangos or Benito's Hat, but very good for somewhere that's just round the corner from the office. Took a friend here for lunch and she was more than happy. Success. -
Craig’s 5-star review: A hidden bar with quirky art on the wall, absolutely fan-quitereasonablypriced-tastic cocktails, a gents toilet outside and a clientele that is just as smug about knowing where to find Freud Bar as you are. Laid back during the week but busy on the weekend (especially Fri night). Get here early enough to get a table and see how many cocktails you can get through. They're really rather good. Just don't Freudian slip on the narrow stairs. (Yes, I went there). -
Craig’s 3-star review: This place is an oasis of latin fun in a what can sometimes be a very stiff and unforgiving neighbourhood. The cocktail list is long and well priced and from what I spied of someone's food, it looked hearty and well put together! We had ourselves a great time. Funky music on a Friday night, with a really chilled out atmosphere. We managed to grab a perfect sized table and sat chatting for a couple of hours. My only gripe are the staff. The first problem was the spiced mojitio, which is normally one of my favourites. Menu says it's just like a regular mojito, only with Sailor Jerry's spiced rum... mmmm.... my favourite! Only my drink came riddled with pepper and tobasco sauce. WTF? NO! Returned it and asked it to made to the menu. The next round I went for another spiced mojito - and guess what? Yep, the peppery demon had returned. Back it went again. STOP IT! The final round of the night, we managed to acquire an extra drink, which we hadn't ordered. We notified the waitress who looked scared for her job and life! We couldn't bear to see her cry and so paid for it anyway. Not the best service here then. It wasn't enough to put me off completely, I liked it here, and I'll likely return given the chance. When made right, their cocktails were excellent. -
Craig’s 3-star review: Upgrading my review as I have received some excellent customer service since our less than impressive visit. The management have been forthright and keen to make amends. I'm hoping to post a review very soon of a positive experience.
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Craig’s 5-star review: Wait... how have I not reviewed this place yet?! It's an absolute must-do for the Londoner. The retro bowling might be a tad more expensive than its newer rivals (All-Star Lanes), but the experience is second to none. Yes, the carpet might be fraying in places. Yes, the shoes might have seen better days. But where The Lanes trump all other options is the sheer temptation to just get loose and let your hair down. If you're here on a weekend, you'll find live music (often bands and DJs) and a party atmosphere, especially if you bowl on one of the downstairs lanes. They have two floors worth of lanes, but you'll still need to book ahead, or be prepared to bowl about 11pm - and at that time after a fair few drinks you'll be dangerous with a bowling bowl! The diner food is decent enough, especially the pizza. And they have karaoke rooms too, so you can sing your heart out. Even a hidden cricket crease - which will hurl balls at you very quickly for your money. I recommend spending all night here. It's hard to dance and bowl at the same time, but I recommend you see how you get on... -
Craig’s 4-star review: A solid neighbourhood themed bar! This space seems to have had a new bar open and close here every year for as long as I can remember, and I hope this one stays. It's the best of the bunch. I'm a soft touch for funky band art and album covers on the wall - and I like the stacks of records behind the bar; it's a unique look. They've got an impressive looking cocktail list, but I didnt get to try any - I was more interested in the bottled beers - I was very happy to find Punk IPA here! I shall no longer ignore Venn St Records, it was fun in here. -
Craig’s 4-star review: I wish the Commercial Tavern was open longer at the weekends! It's quite a conundrum you're faced with. Either you ignore your instincts in wanting to stay in the Commercial for a little while longer (and why wouldn't you) to head off to your next location early to avoid the queues, or you stay until it closes and then stand outside in the cold at the next bar. And you know that as soon as a queue forms in Shoreditch/Hoxton that the door staff will immediately turn into egotistical twats. So it's a real dilemma for me. Because I really like the Commercial Tavern. I'm a fan of their beer on tap. I like the staff. I like the ridiculous décor. I like the location. All this means I usually end up staying way longer than I should and then have to deal with the aforementioned twatty door police elsewhere! Can't you just stay open all night?! Damn you Commercial Tavern! (Love you really). -
Craig’s 5-star review: Quite easily the best roast dinner I've ever had. And I've had a few. I'd been to the Seven Dials restaurant for a fantastic steak previously, so knew we were on to a winner from the beginning, but I didn't appreciate just how good it would be. And it was great value too. £17.50 for rump steak with all the trimmings. The meat had a beautiful charcoal taste and was pink and juicy. Not quite melt-in-your-mouth soft, like their other steaks, but very very good. The duck-fat roasties greeted with full-mouth murmurs of appreciation and the carrots considered to be 'fantastic' by someone who claimed to not actually like carrots. Started the day with a jug of Pimms to celebrate the long weekend and this was topped up by a really rather lovely, but yet their cheapest, Pinot Noir. A friend of ours bucked the trend and tackled the 650g ribeye steak by himself. I've never seen anyone quite so happy as he when it was put on the table. It was a beautiful piece of meat. Not cheap, mind. What is good value is that you can get all the roast-dinner trimmings for £5 (roasties, Yorkshire pud, carrots, shallots, cabbage, gravy etc) so a smaller steak with the trimmings is actually a great option on a Sunday. (sides are about £4 each normally). Will be back for their Brunch next - the HKmuffin and the breakfast for two are particularly appealing! -
Craig’s 4-star review: How cool is Café Kick huh? Mixing all sorts of vibes - sporty, European, South American, a touch of Barcelona about the place - it's a real melting spot and I suspect might just be a little bit different every time you come. Obviously the attraction is the foosball tables, which I suspect makes the place busy and fun come the evenings. I stopped by for a late afternoon drink and was happily reunited with a bottle of Super Bock. XL no less. They do some great bottled beers here. Nestled right in Exmouth Market, it's ideal for some post work drinks or starting a night out before heading to Islington. LIKE. -
Craig’s 4-star review: When it was suggested we head to a Spanish bar/tapas place in Kings Cross, I wasn't filled with much hope. I wash half expecting a dingy La Tasca rip-off. The Kings Cross area isn't famed for its bar and restaurant options. But how wrong was I. If I wasn't led here, I might have struggled to find it, but I'm glad I did. Stripped flooring, lots of seating and some innovative décor and artwork - and of course the Iberian tilt to their drinks selection. Colour me impressed. The food is, if you're after bar snacks and light meals, realty really good. We sampled the mixed platter with some extra chorizo. Highly recommended. Not sure I'd trek here especially, but next time I find myself in the area in need of a bar, this will be where I come.
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Craig’s 4-star review: I haven't been to see a performance yet, but I will. I was really impressed with the lovely bar upstairs. Especially the outdoor balcony bit which is ideal for summer. I cycle past here after work and on warm, sunny eves had often wished I could somehow launch off one The Cut's many speed bumps and land right in the balcony amongst all the fun. Just like Evel Knievel. Sadly, no death-defying stunts from me, I just used the stairs like everyone else. They serve MeanTime beer here, which gets it an extra star from me. If you're in the area, or going to the theatre or IMAX, then this is a good spot for a drink. -
Craig’s 4-star review: We wandered past this pub on the way down to the park. Our plans almost waivered somewhat, just on account of how inviting and lovely this pub looked on a gloriously sunny day. Beautiful people in the sunshine, sipping ice cold ciders and enjoying life. It's the dream. But on we went, to Dulwich Park, and had a thoroughly nice day. On the way back however, we couldn't not stop in. The seats out the front in the sun were still packed, so we ventured inside to find an old school pub, round bar and all, with a decent and varied selection of drink. We spotted a beer garden out back and investigated. It's HUGE. Perfect spot for a summer's day. Big old pub this, with lots of outdoor space and an extravagant quiz master on a Sunday night. Wouldn't this just be your perfect local pub eh? Well, if this is your local, you couldn't help but be happy with how your life has turned out. Dulwich is just lovely. -
Craig’s 4-star review: Big fan of this place. I like my beer and getting to try something new and unknown is all part of the fun. They've got lots of variety here and you can get yourself rather merry sampling them all. Go on, I dare you. As for the setting - standard wooden open pub decor. Perfectly acceptable. Everyone seems to enjoy drinking out on the street, which is always a nice touch. I will be back.
