The Trader

If you're waiting for a show to start at the Barbican and want to eat and/or drink beforehand, this is a good place to settle in. They have decent beer on tap (Camden Town Pale Ale, always a winner), it's spacious, everything is very reasonably priced and they serve tasty pub food (admittedly only a handful of vegetarian options, but what we had was delicious and filling). Bonus, it's not crowded! And the staff are very nice too. I can see why some people might think it's not as lively/characterful as other pubs in the area, but I much prefer a place that's not packed, where you get served quickly and you can actually have a conversation! If you do too, you'll like The Trader.

So yes, it's on the pricey side but it is located in the Barbican area so it's to be expected. Inside is spacious and more modernly decorated, but very clean and we'll presented. The barstaff were incredibly polite and chatty, making me feel welcome. They have a superb selection of gin, both common and artisan which they rotate on a regular basis, they have a gin of the week which gives you opportunity to try something new. Would definitely recommend.

Is a good place to watch sports due to the big screen and the side monitors and beer is good but the food is quite bad. Burgers are bland and twice already they served me the wrong item missing extras I have paid for. If you are in the area I would walk a bit more and go somewhere else if you are planning to ear. Otherwise for a beer is just fine.

Decent pub in a quiet side street. The range of beers is passable but not amazing (Doom Bar being a staple and a couple of others). There is a nice pool table and a cosy little outside area that is pleasant on summer evenings. Prices are fairly typical for London (i.e. expensive)

Very busy but friendly service and reasonably priced meals that taste good. A good atmosphere with a small outdoor area which is right on Old St which is a bit too busy for me when I want to eat. But apart from that I would definitely recommend it. Its also child friendly.

Monday Lunch with an empty pub still took a long time to prepare our food. Once prepared, the Burger patty was colder than the pulled pork and sweet fries. £18 for Pulled Pork Burger and Sweet Potato Fries (w/ Jack Daniels & Coke) Didn't feel worth it and I've had better...

A fairly soulless place, despite the interesting architecture and windows. Drinks are over £4 per pint, and it doesn't open on Saturdays or Sundays. Still, it has a nice floor - kinda like the big hall at Primary School.

Well laid out on with plenty of TV screens. Indoor and outdoor seating as well as lots of place to stand. Good beer selection, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Perfect for people watching with the market nearby and minimal vehicle traffic

Caveat - This place is across the street from my apartment. This is mostly a drinking establishment, as most pubs are in London. There's always a crowd weeknights (they close on weekends). The brews on draft are decent, as one could expect of literally any pub in London (as I've found so far anyway). The food. They have a 10.45 deal for two meals, if you pick from one of 5 items. We both had the BBQ chicken with chips, which we figured would be sandwiches, but it's not. The flavor was good, but the chips could've been a little crispier and more flavorful. They could do well to have another dipping sauce other than catsup or vinegar. The staff are friendly and efficient at getting drinks and food together, so we'll be back again.

My friend and I are here from out of the country. Just stopping by because it's right around the corner from our hotel. So I ask the girl if they make bloody marys and she responds with a blank face at first, and then says we don't but we can. The next girl comes along and says instantly 'yes!' The first girl made my drink, I ordered a simple cranberry vodka. I place my drink on the table and friend realizes that theres a BUG in my drink. I bring it over and nicely tell her and she doesn't a thing to me. Im like do you not see it? And she responded yes as if I was bothering her. Maybe she's having a bad day but WOW. Would she drank a drink with a damn bug in it? Im only giving them a 1 star because the other girl actually apologized when she remade my drink and brought it to us. Not coming back again!