London Pub — Restaurant in Vancouver

This was the third time that I've been to the London Pub. Not a lot, considering it had it's 8th anniversary yesterday - but I don't live close, so maybe that shows that I've gone out of my way to get back there.

Let's start with the bad news. It's snuggling up to Hastings and Main. The parking can be difficult, the buses are often random or scattered, and some locals can change the attitude of the evening, through the window. I hate to say it, but the people are out there and there are always more people.

However, indoors is very good. I like the decor in the pub. It's loud, but in my opinion the brick layout and open space is nice. There is a pool table, some dart boards, sports on TV, and a DJ on busy nights.

The staff is friendly and attentive. I was at a table off to the side and was not ignored (although my friend thought it was a bit much attention - I thought it was good).

The menu looks good. I didn't eat on my most recent visit, but I know I was happy with the food on my previous visits.

The beer selection is nice. The prices are ok; around what is expected for a visit downtown and some good specials. There is a nice range of beers on tap, all across the beer spectrum. They are majorly based on the East Van Brewing Company selection but that range is wide. Lager, Pale Ale, IPA - and my faves, Porter and stout - and some others. I do like EVBC, I like how they make a lot of their stock, so that is a win for me. They do have many other beers, such as Bud, Carlsberg and Guinness, plus a pile of bottles and some good bartenders to make other drinks for you.

So I like the place. I don't like getting there (it isn't all that bad, really, it's just not close to me) but once I'm there I want to stay. If you're going to drink, do plan your way home before you go (and know your schedule), but a group of friends can have a lot of fun!

(It's not the best picture, but here's a side view of part of the games area at night. The light to the far right of the image is another...

I honestly hate this place, but it is the designated watering hole for my company. so every fri one group or another from work will head out there and inevitably drag the rest of us there. It's huge, it's loud, it's obnoxious. Expect to lose your voice as you shout over the music, which follows no rhyme or reason. You can hear Rihanna followed by U2, then Abba, then Kanye - as if the dj just hit shuffle on his entire music library. There's one pool table next to the tiny dance floor. Despite going there for the last 2 years, I have no idea what the food is like. I just have to push through the throng of people to reach my mates and nod my head on autopilot cuz I can't hear a thing anyone's saying even though my face is inches away.

So why 2 stars and not 1? It's a generic loud bar, but since it's always packed, this must appeal to the masses. I can't say the bartenders are friendly or the servers attentive. I can't say they're not. If can't say anything about them, which after 2 years kinda says a lot. I don't even know how much anything is there and whether it's cheap, it's expensive, or middle of the road. I do know that you have to keep an eye on your stuff as there are thieves who...

On a personal note, I think the bar seen in Vancouver is mad weird. Like most bars in Vancouver, people get a drink, keep to themselves or their group of friends. The bar scene in Vancouver is anti-mingle. However, I think London Pub is the secret go to spot in Vancouver where things are different. Everytime I go here, people are so friendly, you can strike a convo with anyone. It's a fun place that tries to bring UK bar vibes to a much needed anti social Vancouver. Last year, I was in this place every Friday night, and some of my best memories from Vancouver are at this place.

I went to one world cup viewing party , and two words: hella fun. I could only imagine UFC nights or other sports viewing parties.

Another thing I like is the bar crowd here is 20s/30s and not your typical 19yo getting plastered with mommy and daddys money on Granville.

Lastly, this is a pub that serves beer and great drinks. They don't serve food, they don't have a kitchen, but you can bring outside food from nearby restaurants in Chinatown. That being said they only make money off of serving drinks, so make sure you be an honest human...