6 Little Britain,
City,
London,
EC1A 7BX
(020) 7726 4222
The ViewLondon Review
The Spectator is one of the less daunting watering holes of The City.
The Venue
Before stepping into The Spectator, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is a traditional pub but the interior hints at something entirely different. Everything is modern but the cosy feeling of tradition is maintained thanks to elements like the thick green carpet.
The many windows on the ground floor make it feel airy. Furnished with boxy, tall wooden tables and chairs in dark brown, the space is practical, clean and contemporary. Spotless white walls are the backdrop for a collection of paintings with a distinctive look, making the place look like a bar-cum-gallery.
The basement loses some of the polished edge. The area is much larger, there are more paintings but the furniture is of a cheaper nature. A green theme runs throughout – from the floor to the upholstery and tablecloths.
The Atmosphere
Most customers at The Spectator are suited office workers having a drink with colleagues or going out on a quiet first date. Everybody is composed but the atmosphere is pleasant rather than stifling. The pub is ideal if you need no privacy - there are no private corners here - and you just want a chat. On Thursday nights, however, things change. A popular comedy night is held in the basement and the collars loosen and guards are let down as laughter fills the building.
The Food
The menu at The Spectator is typical of The City, more geared towards lunch than dinner. They serve small plates (£4.20-£8) and salads (£6.50-£13) for those with small appetites - think beetroot salad with walnuts, seafood terrine or warm duck salad with orange.
For hungry mouths, they prepare large plates (£8-£14), a long list of traditional club sandwiches (£5-£7) and a selection of grilled dishes (£8.20-£13.25). Pick from dishes like the wild mushroom and camembert tart, spiced lamb burger or Suffolk sausage plate. Desserts and cheese are also available (£4.60-£6.15). It’s good to know that their meat is British and the eggs are strictly free range.
The Drink
This City bar specialises in wine. The list is exhaustive but manageable with around three dozen bottles available. These are listed by country and are knowledgeably described. Prices range between £16.50-£27.50 for the whites and £15.50-£26.50 for the reds. There’s also a satisfactory selection of wine available by the glass (£3.70-£7.85). They also have quality bottles priced up to £75.
Between 6pm-8pm, you can order a bottle of Devaux Grande Reserve for only £25, which must be one of the cheapest bottles of Champagne in The City. Even the Cristal ‘only’ costs £175 here. Beer drinker? Not much is available - they only stock Steinlager on draught.
The Last Word
Although its beer selection is lacking, The Spectator is a good place for a drink after work, especially if wine and well-prepared nibbles are what you need to relax.
The Spectator has been reviewed by 2 users