A local bohemian bar and restaurant that comes close to perfection, Monkey Chews has the personality, events and character to make it feel like a home away from home. It’s warm, inviting and wonderful.

The Venue
Monkey Chews is the local pub that was born an institution. A few minutes walk from Chalk Farm tube station, it pokes out invitingly just off the beaten track, where the high street becomes houses. Inside, there’s a sizable main bar, a 20-seat restaurant in the back and a venue upstairs for live events and the new ‘Sunday Club’. Monkey Chews is definitely a place to come for live acts and does a lot to encourage an almost family atmosphere of participation and entertainment. It has a character of its own like an open lounging pad with bar at its heart. You get the feeling people could spend whole days in here and form entire artistic movements. Like a bohemian outpost Monkey Chews is as much a club for new friends and old, as it is a pub.

The Atmosphere
This place is all about lounging. It does everything a local pub should. The staff are friendly and the decor spot on. Roughed up red leather armchairs, comfortable nooks and crannies for chattering and posters of jazz legends and old movies on the walls avoid the pretension of other places. It feels ‘real’, which is important for a place like this. The dark shades, kooky staff and antique building attract an interesting and dynamic crowd – the young, arty types who spend their evenings at jazz and comedy clubs and write poetry and songs for each other, trying to make it big. Monkey Chews is like a relaxed, friendlier and more individual Barfly and it’s just lovely - whether for a few drinks or a long night. You’ll want to tell everyone and keep it a secret all at the same time.

The Drink
There’s a good range of beers, from Amstel to ale and a long list of reasonably made cocktails. But this is the drawback; all of them are expensive – too expensive for the atmosphere and ethos of the place. Don’t let it put you off, but don’t go expecting a cheap pint. The wine and beer are good, but cocktails have been known to be quite poor as well.

The Food
Really good, solid food, served wherever you want. But once again, for well made pub grub and farmers meals, they are a little pricey and service is unpredictable. But if you’re peckish and can afford it, you won’t be disappointed.

The Last Word
A bohemian, wonderful atmosphere, brilliant staff and interesting crowd. Come on a weekly performance night and it’ll be an experience you won’t forget. The only problem are the prices, which are a bit ‘city bar’ for such a local gem.

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