Butcher's Hook & Cleaver, Smithfield

pub details:

let's meet here
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location:

Smithfield

address:

61-63 West Smithfield, EC1A 9DY

phone:

0871 984 2756*
* calls cost 10p/minute, click here for more about 0871 numbers.

nearest stations:

Barbican London Underground station Railway station
(250m) - zone 1

City Thameslink Railway station
(350m)

Farringdon London Underground station Railway station
(370m) - zone 1

St Paul's London Underground station
(510m) - zone 1

Chancery Lane London Underground station
(730m) - zone 1

how to find it:

From either station follow the signs to Bart's hospital. As you face the hospital with the meat market behind you it's on your left.

click for directions to Butcher's Hook & Cleaver from wherever you are

click here for a larger map

nearby attraction(s):

Museum of London (290m)

Barbican Centre (470m)

St. Paul's Cathedral (580m)

picture of Butchers Hook and Cleaver The name is an obvious cash-in on the Smithfield meat-market tradition but this spacious and quite ornate beer hall is actually part converted bank, part shop next door. It's all there on paper: a long, elegant bar, comfortable seating, high-ceilings and an almost majestic spiral staircase leading to the comfortable mezzanine. Fullers' beers speak for themselves with the entire range on offer and all well kept. And yes you know whose is whose as you get them - the Pride comes in the traditional pint glasses with London Pride written on them while it's ESB marked goblets for the other favourite. There's the usual lagers, a decent wine list and good food available until nine. But somehow it's slightly soulless and flat - The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy verdict on planet earth seems appropriate: mostly harmless.

reviewed:
02/10/2007

Eating at the Butcher's Hook & Cleaver ... we last ate here on 02/10/2007

The pies were excellent quality, ranging somewhere between £7 and (just under) £10. The Game pie comes recommended. Vegetables are lightly steamed or blanched and also very good. The 'creamy mash' was a bit dry and lumpy, however.

- quality