please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I dont mind Smiths and do use this place on a regular basis but I do have to agree with the comments about the staff and smell!
The ground floor smells of stale beer/spilt alcoholic drinks which have not been cleaned up properley and the bar staff are some of the rudest I have ever come across, even in London!
It's a real hit and miss place - sometimes its a great atmopshere, other times its shocking!
See for yourself or go somewhere else.....entirely up to you :)
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My family and I were so excited to get a table on the 2nd floor at Smiths (the Wine Floor) and we have to admit that we had the best red shiraz there ever. We have since been back in touch with Smiths and got the info on the wine, and they have offered to get a case at cost for us.
However, the food and service that evening (Sunday after Notting Hill carnival) was really attrocious. Trying to get a smile from the waitress was like pulling teeth, although she was australian and I thought they were supposed to be friendly. Our starters were inedible; so much lemon on the potted shrimp that we had to leave it. The main courses were very salty. It was perhaps one of the worst meals that we have had ever, and we eat out alot.
When the bill came, it had the 12.5% service charge already on it, which we paid without a fuss (as the staff had glared at us while we paid) but we didn't leave a cash tip which we normally would.
Don't go - there are much better gastro pub places around Faringdon for at lot less money (and litterally about 10 mins walk away). The hostess and the wine staff are ace and should be snapped up.
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Dined on the ground floor on Sunday - NEVER AGAIN - rude staff, tiny portions, rubbery eggs, soggy chips and supposedly thick cut ham was actually thinly sliced bacon. Not what you'd expect from such an expensive restaurant after an hours wait.
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Possibly the worst bar I've ever been to. The customers are arrogant and aggressive whilst the staff are paranoid and confrontational.
There are a few interesting beers but they're very well hidden and the staff have no interest in finding them let alone serving them correctly.
The decor is cheap and worn. The whole establishment has a stagnant unpleasant smell.
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contrary to the previous reviewer, Smiths was not the first place I had a drink in London. But otherwise he has hit the nail on the head - a really awful place in so many ways. They do have a few interesting (but overpriced!) beers, and the bar does serve as a minimally passable holding pen if you're having dinner upstairs.
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There seem to be a lot of negative reviews about Smiths, but I love it. Yes, it's pretentious, overpriced, and the lounges sticky, but it was one of the first places I came for a drink when I arrived in London, so it just epitomises London for me. Great location opposite the markets, cool decor, open spaces, and although the noise can be deafening on a busy night, there is just so much atmosphere that it is worth it. Hygiene freaks may want to avoid though - the place recently only got one star out of five for cleanliness!! Pass the vodka!!!
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Just spent Friday evening in the ground floor bar of this place. Where to begin? The 'music' seems to be some kind of dance elevator music with no discernible tune, just an endless repetitive thudding which got steadily louder through the evening to the point where it was giving me a headache. Couldn't hear myself shout. Nothing apparent in the way of ale. Two lagers and a stout on tap so everyone appears to be drinking the same, leading to confusion and confrontation over pint ownership. Probably the least pleasant bar I've ever been to - and I've been to Margate! Oh, and they employ a 'bog troll'. I really don't want someone being paid to watch me urinate, thanks, and I can wash my hands on my own, I'm a big boy now. Nul points.
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My Boss Tim's Limerick
There once was a boss called Tim
Who one Christmas quite on a whim
Took us all to the oub
For some beer and some grub
To a bar full of sausages
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Was a very cool place when it first opened. Now getting a bit tiresome - stale beer smell, sticky furniture. Needs to freshen itself up if it is going to continue to compete with the lots of other bars and pubs in the area.
Downstairs pub gets a bit too busy on week nights but if you like that . .
That said, always had a good time in here. Especially in the summer in the cocktail bar when they open up the large windows.
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Busy, pricey and over-crowded.
However, this is the place I experience a new low in bar etiquette
The chap in front of me ordered three pints of Guinness, which he paid for up front and got the change. He was most irked with the oversized heads on the pints that the barman pulled, said it was a disgrace and walked out, leaving the pints on the bar.
After some puzzled looks (and waiting to make sure he had left) I said to the barman: �Waste not want not. I�ll have these pints; it saves me a round.�
He replied: �Okay � I�ll give them to you for half price.�
I obviously pointed out to the cheeky begger the beers had already been purchased, but it shows you there sort of levels that some people and places will stoop to rip you of even more.
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That what this site is all about.... expressing experience-based opinions. Perhaps I should preface all comments with 'In my experience....
Either way, have never had a good time in here.
anonymous - 8 Feb 2006 13:48 |
Boss_Hog, you are just plain wrong - "self consciously stylish people" wouldn't bother this place, its far too passe. In fact if you go here on a Friday night the people you will run into will be drunken suits and city workers generally who know no better and don't really care! Smithfield isn't really trendy, at least it hasn't been for some years. Its just a place with a high concentration of bars people from the city go to get drunk at. End of.
anonymous - 8 Feb 2006 13:25 |
Very very average. Beer is poor, staff are inattentive. Decor is disconcerting....feels like you are drinking in an under-furnished aircraft hangar.
Tends to attract the self-consciously 'stylish' crowd ie; sheep.
Despite going here under duress a number of times, I can safely say I never enjoyed it.
anonymous - 8 Feb 2006 13:06 |
I used to go here when I worked nearby. Now I live nearby and rarely darken its doors. Much to commend it - but not really as a pub. OK pulling place I think!
anonymous - 3 Jan 2006 13:31 |
Amazed only one person has commented on Smiths given how popular it always seems to be. One of the highlights of Charterhouse Street, I'd say; the ground floor is always a lively place to have a few drinks and the selection of lagers is quite good. The two restaurants on the upper floors serve quality food (Smiths is owned by John Torode); expect to pay a fair whack for top floor food though.
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If this is the bar next to Fabric..its really good. Loved the atmosphere and the warehouse/loft decor thing going on. Bit pricey. Bit trendy, but have had some seriously good times here.
amumd - 10 Feb 2005 15:38 |
