Garrick Arms — Restaurant in London

Well, we decided to head down to Garrick Arms, situated in the bustling hub of Covent Garden. Not your everyday boozer, it’s got a certain charm that immediately grabs you as you walk through the doors.

When it comes to the drinks, I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for a tequila and I was well chuffed to find they had Patron. Margaritas aren't exactly ten a penny in this city, so I settled for a tequila and lemonade that did the job just fine. My pal opted for the rosé wine - nice drop it was.

For a bit of grub, we both fancied the loaded fries. I went for the pulled pork and my mate opted for the pink garlic. They were pretty decent, but a minor hiccup when my chips came without the chives listed on the menu. Not the end of the world though, they still tasted okay. The pulled pork fries, though? Absolutely banging, can't knock them at all.

But let's talk about the staff – top drawer. They were well friendly, guiding us through the drinks menu and food options. When it looked like we were about to lose our table to a reservation, they were swift and efficient in sorting us out another spot. Absolutely sterling service.

Now onto the décor, and that's where Garrick Arms really shines. It’s got that classic British pub feel, replete with warm, inviting panelled walls that make you feel like you're in the cosy living room of a stately home rather than a bustling London boozer. The woodwork is just stunning, with intricate detailing that speaks of a time gone by. It's the sort of place that just oozes character, every nook and cranny telling a story. There's something really authentic about the place, a sense of history that just adds to the overall experience.

All in all, the Garrick Arms is more than just a pit-stop for a swift half. It's got the whole package - good drinks, decent food (even if they did forget my chives), top-notch service and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. I’d be well up for another visit next time I fancy a proper British pub experience in the heart...

We're disappointed to share that our much-anticipated visit to Garrick Arms in London left us with a bitter taste. Given that this was our once-in-a-lifetime trip to the vibrant city of London, we had high expectations for warm hospitality and stellar service, both of which unfortunately fell short.

What became a pressing issue was the understaffed bar, with just a single bartender left to manage the demanding crowd. The long wait times could have been overlooked if it weren't for the lack of regard shown towards us as new customers.

We found ourselves blatantly ignored, while the bartender preferred to serve those who appeared to be regulars. Despite being ahead in line, we were passed over multiple times. This disregard for fair customer service was not just surprising but downright disappointing.

A trip to London is a special occasion for many, like us, and every experience matters. The lack of customer service and adequate staffing at Garrick Arms certainly put a damper on our visit. It's an area they need to address for future patrons who, like us, are looking for unforgettable experiences in their journey...

The Garrick Arms is one of those pubs you stumble into on Charing Cross Road and immediately feel at home. It’s right in the middle of theatreland, so it’s always buzzing with people either gearing up for a show or winding down after one. The place has that classic London pub charm — lively without being overwhelming — and the staff are friendly enough to keep things moving even when it’s busy. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a pint, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the world go by outside.

Food-wise, it’s exactly what you’d want from a central London pub: hearty, comforting classics done well enough to hit the spot. Think fish and chips, pies, burgers — nothing too fancy, but tasty and good value for the area. Prices are reasonable considering the location, and the service holds up even when the place is packed. Sure, it can get noisy at peak times, but that’s part of the charm. All in all, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a laid-back pint and some classic pub grub right in the heart of the West End.

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