The Smithfield Tavern

A good pub tucked away in a corner of Smithfields, we come here a lot for parties as they have a good policy of opening up on Saturdays for private parties (think they are normally closed otherwise). Prices for drinks are decent and there’s plenty of space to sit and catch up, it’s a long pub so there is quite a big area in the back for sitting/​eating. We’ve done Eurovision parties there and they’ve got a projector for setting up a big screen at the back as well as hook-​ups for DJ equipment.

You know how the Smithfield Tavern’s website has a menu with loads and loads of vegetarian and vegan pub foods? Well, they’ve gone and changed their menu completely: 5 salads, 5 sandwiches, small amount of beers on tap. Never again.
DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE!

This is a nice place for drinks with colleagues or friends, and it does close very late (which is great and very rare in this city !).
However, besides that, there’s nothing that makes it stand out of the crowd of nearby pubs, in my opinion…

Amazing place with great atmosphere

I have to say, I quite liked it when it was open much later because then we could end here. As Thomas A. says, it truly does close at a different time each night of each week, depending on the bartender’s moods.
I’ve met some odd but nice people there as well. A homeless guy gave me a rose and was like ‘Honey, you be careful they don’t snatch your purse’ without HIM trying to snatch my purse. This was when we were sitting outside in the middle of the road on a make-​shift patio… it was scandalously delicious to have thwarted London laws.
The mash-​up alone, however, is worth four stars, and really is what inspired me to four stars from three. Kitty LaRoar and Nick of Time are super talented individuals and put together mash-​ups of songs everyone can sing to and enjoy while having a pint. I believe they paired Madonna with Radiohead last time. Fun for all!!!

I’m not exactly sure on the hours of the place, as we first started going here and they seemed to be open late, then we would go back and the workers would be shoo-​ing us out or offering up last call, but then someitmes a large group would come in after us and they’d mysteriously stay open later. It must have something to do with how busy they are, but regardless, there’s cozy seating, reasonable drinks and on Fridays they have cabaret mash-​ups Kitty Laroar & Nick of time (which I think also play at Cellar Door), that offer up a lot of fun for the area. Since it’s on a dead-​end alleyway, they can pull some chairs and tables outside so if it’s a nice night, you can grab a seat in the front and relax. We’ve certainly met some interesting people here, and keep coming back.

This spit and sawdust is overshadowed by the Fox and Anchor several doors down which is a shame. It is light and airy with plenty of places to sit down and a good selection of beers and wine including Leffe for those on a mission. It has just started doing live music and jazz in the evenings. You will note that I distinguish between music and jazz. That is deliberate,