With a plethora of bars in the area, it seems a bit farfetched that you would choose The Bar at TCR to spend your night in as it offers nothing that stands out.

The Venue
Located on the main stretch of Tottenham Court Road with bed shops either side of it, you’d be forgiven for strolling right past The Bar at TCR as it’s not particularly appealing or noticeable. However, looks can be deceiving as the inside actually appears rather pleasant. Before they did the refurbishment, it was a dark and sticky venue with degenerates with bad attitudes, but it seems they have smartened up their act. However, they've decided to keep the same sign, which seems peculiar if they are now trying to market themselves as a different pub.

At the back of the pub you’ll find more of a dining area than the sofa laden comfortable front. With two TVs for sport enthusiasts to enjoy, it seems that footie fans are the only people that make a point to visit The Bar at TCR.

The Atmosphere
Unfortunately, even though The Bar at TCR has been transformed into something drastically more acceptable than it was before, the ambience is stale, lifeless and a bit depressing. Not many people frequent here in the evenings, and when they do they sit clasping their beer, aimlessly watching the TV. The music ranges from James Blunt to slightly more upbeat tunes in the evening. Its lacklustre attitude and clientele are far from charming although, to their credit, the bar staff are ready and willing as they rarely see customers and jump at the chance to serve you.

The Food
The food is as uninspiring as the venue. Typical pub grub with vegetable spring rolls (£3.50) and homemade potato wedges topped with beef chilli (£4.75) in the light bites and sharers section. Sandwiches consist of posh hot dogs, which are Cumberland sausages in ciabatta with roast onions and chips (£5.45) or, for the more healthy, poached salmon, rocket and lime mango ciabatta (£4.75). Mains are just burgers or the familiar sausage and mash. Nothing special.

The Drink
The normal beers are present at The Bar at TCR: Fosters, John Smiths, Guinness, Staropramen, Kronenberg and Kronenberg Blanc. With the re-fit, they decided to get rid of the real ale, which is a shame as punters before seemed to enjoy it. Bottles of wine start at £12.50 for a white Chardonnay, Merlot and Shiraz Rose. A little steep considering all the other pubs in the area.

The Last Word
If The Bar at TCR made it more obvious that this is now a different pub from what is used to be - skanky and horrid - then maybe there would be more customers, which would definitely help to perk up the atmosphere and perhaps help this pub to realise its potential.

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