38 Charterhouse Street,
Smithfield,
London,
EC1M 6JH
0872 148 2719
The ViewLondon Review
Smithfield and Charterhouse Street in particular is increasingly becoming a credible nightlife destination, and not just for people wanting to catch a glimpse of meat porters wandering around in blood soaked-overalls.
With club du jour Fabric and a number of fine bars, there’s something going on there nearly 24 hours a day. Last time I visited it was a sunny Thursday afternoon, and the area was mercifully calm. Time for a pint I thought.
Charterhouse is on the corner of Charterhouse Street and Chart Street and, because of its elongated triangular layout it enjoys plenty of light and fine views across the surrounding streets. The sort of place a foreign agent would choose to keep an eye out for MI5 I imagine…
Irrelevant comparisons aside, Charterhouse is a fine place to while away a few hours. Blessed with a good range of spirits, good beers and a few cocktail combinations it isn’t a cocktail bar in the absolute sense, but a good all-rounder.
The staff are friendly and helpful, and were lined up on the sofa watching Wimbledon on the flatscreen during my afternoon of lager research. The bar began to fill up as the day progressed, and the downstairs bar became the centre of attention after about 6pm.
In-house DJs play most evenings, which lends Charterhouse a credible cool cachet, and the whole experience is really very pleasant.
If you’re in the area by chance, queuing for Fabric, or a stray meat packer with some time on your hands then pay it a visit. Enjoyable, funky, and far from being too cool for school…