- Alexa

If anyone is looking for ‘rated’ pubs in London, today’s The London Paper had an article listing the “Top 10″ pubs* in London, according to newly published The Rough Pub Guide: A Celebration of the Great British Boozer.

They are:
The Montague Arms (New Cross)
The Foundry (Shoreditch)
The Green Man (Harrods)
The Palm Tree (Bow)
Flying Scotsman (Kings Cross)
Windsor Castle (Marble Arch)
The Coach & Horses (Soho)
The Intrepid Fox (Centrepoint)
Charlie Chaplin (Elephant & Castle)
The Boot (Kings Cross)

*NB, I don’t pass judgement on these as haven’t been to most of these, but some of the ones on the list, I wouldn’t agree with and could name better ones. ; )

London’s new Buddha Bar looks fab!
They also had a full-page feature on London’s new ‘Buddha Bar’, which is located under the Northern end of Waterloo Bridge at Victoria Embankment.
Comment: The place looks gorgeous and I hope to check it out at some point. An excellent use of a vast space. Buddha Bar’s new official website has more info on the place.

A great tea room just off of Carnaby Street
And finally, if anyone is looking for a great tea room, then look no further than the Camellia Tea Rooms on the 2nd floor of the Kingly Court ‘shopping mall’ on Kingly Street. They do hundreds of teas for purchase including black and herbal teas and also serve many in their tea room. This is alongside delicious homemade cakes and pastries as well as the sale of various ‘tea equipment’ including kettles and other sets. I had to recommend this after going in this afternoon and having a lovely Indian orange pekoe tea that I thought was excellent. Will definitely go back to sample more of their teas – and review the place.

Well-placed a few minutes walk from Bank tube, this is an elegant pub worth visiting for a quick drink or a light meal if you’re in the area. Built in 1893, the site was originally a bank that still shares a wall with a Roman Basilica and has a glass dome atop it.

The character of the pub comes from its striking interior features and furniture. With high, moulded ceilings, marble walls, chandeliers, dark heavy wood furniture and over-stuffed leather chairs, it’s the picture of the grandeur of an era passed and will appeal to those who love historic places. And, the internal balcony, where you can sit and gaze down at the large, wooden centre piece of a bar, enhances the venue’s charm.

The good points of the pub are its lavish feel, ability to get served and seated easily at peak times and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The drawback is that the Fullers branding throughout the pub is very obvious and takes away from the old-world feel of the place (hence the lower stars rating).

Main courses are priced approx £8-10 and include things like Smoked Haddock with wilted spinach and new potatoes (£9.50), Rump steak and chips (£10.75) or Wild mushroom and spinach risotto, plus vegetarian mains, soups, sandwiches, cheese platters.

The bar also has a solid selection of beers, ales, wines and spirits.
Avg drinks prices: £3.15 for a pint of Carling, £3.00 for a pint of London Pride, £3.65 for a shot of Jack Daniels, £4.00 for a small glass or £5.75 for a large glass of Pinot Grigio.

Beers and ales on tap include: Leffe, London Pride, Carlsberg, Honey Dew, Hoegaarden, Carling, San Miguel, Fuller’s ESB, Discovery, Kronenburg 1664.

Further information:
The Counting House – official site