The Bell and Compass is a bright bar located close to Charing Cross, serving tapas and real ale.

The Venue
A favourite with many office workers around the area, The Bell and Compass offers a bright eating and drinking environment located next door to Charing Cross station. As you enter, the light tan wooden flooring and bright atmosphere is a nice change to some of the more traditional British pubs, which can become a bit dull. Various seating is available throughout the bar; however, on busy Thursday and Friday nights it’s never enough as the venue can become very crowded. Additional seating is available to the rear of the bar including a very comfortable leather sofa, which is a great cubby hole for a group of friends to govern.

Decorations are a bit boring and only consist of a few prints on the walls from anonymous artists with not much else. The bar is located in the middle of the venue and is made up of a wooden back display and shiny chrome lager taps.

The Atmosphere
Filled with the many suits of the area - especially after 5pm - the atmosphere at The Bell and Compass can get a bit charged with testosterone. The sound of middle aged men laughing loudly at their own jokes is the background chatter accompanied with some light pop music. The bar staff are efficient, and the managers are also often seen behind the bar serving rather than sitting in the office. All of the staff do their job correctly and a basic table service brings your food to you.

The Food
Specialising in tapas, The Bell and Compass offers little or no Spanish decoration to celebrate the Mediterranean heritage, which is a little strange. The food is average at best. The portions are big, but not very tasty - the chicken burger can be dry and rubbery and the bun tough and chewy. Only eat here is you don’t mind tasteless food and need to line the stomach.

The Drink
Serving a selection of four rolling guest ales, including Spitfire and three others, there are light and dark ales for every taste. The usual selection of sprits is available, however, there are sadly no deals for doubles and mixers. A wide selection of bottled beer is on sale with the usual lagers on tap.

The Last Word
A well lit, spacious bar next to Charing Cross station, The Bell and Compass is a favourite of many of the suits in the area and offers a decent drinking hole for thirsty punters.

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