Asking on behalf of a non foody pal from a different forum. There’s a group of them eating so preferably somewhere they can book or, at least, be able to be in and out fairly quickly, as the meal is prior to a show. Food to be decent pub grub rather than anything particularly gastro. Any thoughts?
TIA
At the Old/New Vic?
I guess my go-to for quick food in the area, masters superfish, doesn’t meet the pub criteria. My backup, Anchor & Hope, wouldn’t work for big groups without reservations.
Problem is, most of the pubs around there are really busy early evening with people having after-work drinks. There are probably options though if the group isn’t too demanding on the foodie scale!
Any idea if we are talking a seriously big group or just 4-6 people?
No, the gig is at the O2 but they reckon, probably correctly, that it’ll be madness round there so they’re going to eat before leaving the hotel area. I’ve already suggested Masters and, unless, someone comes up with an idea, may also suggest they just go down to the river for one of the chain places - I don’t get the impression that they are a massive group.
Thanks John.
I’m afraid I don’t really have any “foodie” tips for you, but it sounds like location/reservations are more important here. So a few suggestions of places they might be able to make a booking, but I don’t really vouch for the food:
Pubs: The Windmill and the White Hart are nearby, and appear to take bookings. The windmill used to serve mediocre Thai but I believe now serves various pies and pub classics.
Wahaca is also next to Waterloo and great for groups, if they fancy moderately competent Mexican food.
If touristy location/views is more of a draw for them, try the various places around Gabriel’s Wharf or, as you mentioned, Southbank riverside.
Finally Isabella Street is a beautiful, pedestrianised laneway absolutely teeming with plants and looking like a magical getaway. There is a very average Turkish, a Thai place and a bar or two. All should take bookings.
Dean
Many thanks, mate. That’s very helpful and I’ll pass on the pub suggestions.
John
Possibly an off-beat suggestion, but if they’d be willing to break their Tube journey at Bermondsey, they could go to the Gregorian — around 100 metres from the station and likely to be much less busy than anywhere around Waterloo or the O2. (No food on Mondays though.)
Oh, should also add that Bermondsey is an uncomplicated station. They’d be standing at the bar less than 5 minutes after getting off the train, particularly if they sit near the front.
I wouldn’t recommend the Waterloo Wahaca for a group. It’s hideously noisy — I was there with just one other person and we struggled to hear each other talk.
Thanks, Kake. I’ll pass on the Gregorian.
J
After visiting a few of the antic pubs in East London I was full of hope for The Gregorian. Unfortunately though it’s still tied to Heineken so doesn’t muster the same selection of drinks you see in other antic joints. Doesn’t affect the food though, which is what’s important in this instance (and something I haven’t really explored)
