This is our local in London, even as we don’t live there but frequently travel up on business. Flat out the best mixed drinks we’ve ever had — and one of us doesn’t «do» mixed drinks. They might take a couple of minutes to get out to you, but that’s because the bartenders are carefully mixing the whole lot together. After a while, you might even find yourself the target of one of their latest experiments, but I’d say that won’t happen until you’ve been there a few times. Try the Bloody Mary, even if you think tomato juice is naff. It’s an experience. We’ve only known this as the Two Chairmen, and we’ve only recently begun going. We’ve rarely heard it called Nancy’s, which leads us to believe the regulars are taking back the name. Music is also tending away from the speakeasy, but is carefully looked after by the staff.
Countr
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
Full of atmosphere from the moment I walked in.(Last time I visited it was full of smoke and stale air); Came in at lunch time and James was the perfect host making myself, my daughter and two friends feel very welcome. Lunch was excellent and well presented, the wine was good as was the coffee. As I love Jazz will have to make the effort to come up and stay in the sinful city for a night to enjoy the food and the music. Will certainly use this as my ‘local lunch pub’ when I am next ‘up from the country’. Would give 5 stars if the name was still The Two Chairman — but that is only a ‘family’ thing. Good luck to Nancy and James — I am sure Thomas is smiling down on you.
Verban
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
This tiny pub used to be known as the Two Chairmen, but is now called Nancy’s, after the owner, who, funnily enough, is also called Nancy. The new owner seems to be going for a 1920s jazz bar feel — and they have a live band several nights a week. Wood panelled walls, tables with candles and pithy quotes on blackboard panels on the wall add to the atmosphere. There is a restaurant upstairs. Not been to this, so not included in this review. They have Landlord and London Pride on tap, a good wine list and a selection of lagers & spirits. The place has a pleasant atmosphere, which was only slightly spoilt by the night being so cold that everyone shuddered when patrons went in and out, letting in a gust of arctic air. It’s a nice place in a quiet nook just off Trafalgar Square and well worth a look in if you’re in the area.