55 Charterhouse Street,
Farringdon,
London,
EC1M 6HA
(020) 7251 5259
The ViewLondon Review
With great cocktails, huge burgers and stylish surroundings, the latest addition to the GU chain is guaranteed to be a hit in Farringdon.
The Venue
Grand Union, the independent chain of burger-serving bars, has been gradually expanding around London. This newest addition to the chain has just opened in the heart of the City, in Farringdon. On entering the venue, you’re immediately taken aback by the grand decor. With patterned wallpaper, antique-looking cupboards, dim lighting, cool lampshades, plenty of mirrors and bits of exposed brickwork, it has a vintage-chic feel that Grand Union are renowned for. Upstairs, there’s high and low bar seating, whereas if you wander down the wide – and brightly lit – staircase, you come to a more-formal looking dining area with large round tables and smaller booths with sofas framed by theatrical curtains. There’s even a couple of retro movie-inspired signs saying ‘Pleasure Room’ and ‘Cocktails and Dreams’ over the two floors.
The Atmosphere
Despite being in the City, this place doesn’t have too much of a corporate feel to it. In contrast to neighbouring venues, it’s actually really chilled out. It attracts both local workers and those popping into the area at the weekend for a drink before hitting nearby Fabric. It’s not pretentious at all and everyone fits into the relaxed surroundings. There are DJs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and a cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm. Expect to hear everything from the latest indie and electro tracks, alongside songs you forgot ever existed. The music isn’t quiet but, after a few cocktails, it’s likely you won’t care anyway.
The Food
The menu includes pizzas, salads and ribs, but there's a focus on their signature gourmet burgers. These include everything from classics such as cheese and bacon and mature cheddar, to interesting combinations, such as all-day breakfast, mozzarella and pesto, Greek lamb, and peri peri chicken. There’s a good selection of burgers for vegetarians, too. Priced from £6.95, they’re great value.
If you love a bit of spice, the fired earth burger (£8.95) is a delicious choice. It’s made with a juicy 7oz beef patty, spiced with chilli powder and topped with sliced jalapenos, fresh rocket, peppered cheese and a lathering of GU secret spicy sauce; it definitely has more than just a little kick to it and is not for those with a sensitive palate.
For those who want something a bit different, the veggie stack (£6.95) is a kind of bread-free burger. It’s beautifully presented – the stack is held together with a stick and dollops of pesto and cubes of feta cheese around it – and it’s surprisingly filling. The stack is made of chargrilled veggies, including sweet roasted peppers, rich and delicious aubergines and scrumptious sun-blushed tomatoes. The creamy taste of the feta cheese cubes works perfectly with the zesty pesto – and there’s plenty of rocket.
The burgers aren’t served with any chips or salads, but there’s a good selection of sides on offer, priced from £2.95. These include cheesy garlic GU balls (£3.95). While the portion is a good size to share and the centre is very satisfying if you get a really cheesy bit, they are a bit disappointing to those who really love garlic. The cheese flavouring on the outside is quite powdery, too. A better side dish is the chips (£2.95): light, fluffy and very moreish.
The Drink
The bar is well stocked. There’s a couple of beers on offer for £3.70 a pint – San Miguel and Tuborg – and the wine list includes six white wines, six red wines, plus champagne and sparkling wines. There’s also a lot of spirits on offer – and this is probably because the bar specialises in cocktails. The huge list includes classic cocktails, shots and alcohol-free varieties, as well as those for sharing in groups. They’re not cheap – at around £7.50 a cocktail – but they’re made with expertise and taste delicious. The Union Jack house cocktail, made with Jack Daniel’s, Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka and apple juice, is a smooth drink with a fruity twist. If you want something sweeter, the caipirinha, made with cachaca, lime and sugar, strikes the right balance between sweet and sour.
The Last Word
Whether it's a quick after-work drink or a catch up with friends before you hit a nearby club, you're guaranteed to have a great time at Grand Union.
The Grand Union has been reviewed by 1 users