161-165 Borough High Street,
London Bridge,
London,
SE1 1HR
0872 148 4473
The ViewLondon Review
For cheap food and drink, few places in Central London offer prices to match Belushis. Although it’s true you get what you pay for, if you’re after a budget night out with an upbeat atmosphere and international clientele, this isn’t a bad option.The VenueSituated close to Borough Market is the Southwark offering of Belushis - the popular chain of ultra cheap bars, made popular with travellers thanks to its low prices and affiliation with St Christopher’s Inns.
The interior is similar to that of an all American bar, any moment you expect to see The Fonze popping around a corner. The seven plasma screens, posters from famous movies, an American traffic light, and an homage to the Blues Brothers gives you plenty to look at whilst you peruse the vast array of drinks and cocktails behind the bar.
The AtmosphereDespite the American theme, most of the regulars found to frequent this bar are Australian or South African. There are free local newspapers from Oz, New Zealand and South Africa so that they can catch up on the news back home. The atmosphere is fun with a young vibe. Belushis gets very busy at weekends, so much so that after 9pm the kitchen closes to make more floor space around the bar.
The FoodThe food is the kind you would expect from an American diner, with starters averaging at just £3.25. House sandwiches are around a fiver, with burgers from £6.25 for the house classic. Hawaiian chicken (with melted cheese, bacon, pineapple and mayo) is £7.95. Traditional fish and chips are also on the menu from £6.95 and there are also lots of veggie options available. Just don’t go expecting haute cuisine and accept the grub for what it is – cheap food to line the stomach.
The DrinkWith Fosters, Guinness, Kronenbourg on draft, and Peroni, Budweiser, Corona and Bulmers available bottled, there a decent choice of lager. Wine is available at £3.25 a glass or just £11.50 a bottle with a taste guide giving a helpful explanation of choices. There are a good choice of white, red, rose, sparkling and Champagnes. Prosecco is £14.95 where Piper Heidsieck Brut NV is £35 a bottle. Shorts and cocktails are also very popular here, although don’t be surprised to be offered white sugar in your mojito.
The Last WordThis is a fun, cheap and cheerful place to visit and is totally rocking at the weekend. Great for a budget night out with none of the trimmings.
Belushis has been reviewed by 3 users