Grand Union
55 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HA; 020 7251 5259 (There are several other locations)
Tube: Farringdon
gugroup.co.uk/bar-grill
The scene: ‘Polished vintage’ with lots of lamps, gilt-frames and retro wallpaper. It looks colourful and zany and feels cosy. The music is pretty loud so not good for an intimate date, but fun for a group.
This location has a late licence so you can booze until 5am.
The grub: Burgers, pizzas and salads. It’s basic pub food trying to be gourmet, but sauce drizzled around a plate does not a gastro-meal make! Great bar snack selection though.
Behind the bar: There’s an extensive cocktail list. My friend and I opted for a ‘Goldfinger’ rum concoction, but it tasted more like orange squash. Go for a beer.
Bill please: Cocktails £7.50, burgers from £6.95.
Verdict: The friendly staff and cool interior create a good ambience. We went on a Tuesday night and it was busy. Good sign.
3/5
– Frankie Mullin
