11 Telegraph Street,
City,
London,
EC2R 7LL
0871 971 5876
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Nestled in the heart of the City of London, The Telegraph is a good place for a relaxed post-work drink or two. If you are looking for a fuss-free evening out in a convenient location, then this could be the bar for you.
The Venue
Despite being a stone’s throw away from the busy Moorgate and Bank Tube stations, The Telegraph is distinctly hard to find. This expansive venue is tucked away down a narrow side street making it a drinking hole for those in the know and not somewhere you’re likely to stumble upon.
Strikingly larger than many of its competitors in the area, The Telegraph has plenty of space to recline and relax, with a combination of comfy leather sofas and wooden chairs on offer. A huge, ornate mirror hangs to the side of the long, central bar, creating an illusion of further space. This, coupled with stylish black and white photographs of old London town and exposed piping on the ceiling, gives the place a sophisticated feel. The dining area is separated from the busy main bar by large double doors and numerous plants which are a nice touch.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at The Telegraph is surprisingly energetic and animated chatter hits you as soon as you walk inside, giving the impression that this is a popular mid-week destination for people that work in the area. City workers sipping a pint or two or sharing a bottle of wine with a love interest make up the majority of the customers here, with Tuesdays and Thursdays drawing in a larger crowd. The romantic glow of the candles on every table accompanies a background compilation of popular music, which is played at just the right volume so you can still hold a conversation.
The bar staff, although in short supply, are particularly attentive and their desire to please is definitely what gives this otherwise run-of-the-mill venue an extra edge.
The Food
Making an effort to compete with other bars in the area, the menu is a mixture (albeit a small one) of English and pan-Asian cuisine. However, there are no surprises on what is a conservative list. If you are a vegetarian your options are limited to roasted peppers or Portobello mushroom and goat’s cheese soup. The soup, although it doesn’t look particularly appetising, is delicious with a rich, creamy texture, whereas starters such as the seafood puff pastry with crab bisque (£6.75) sound better than they taste.
Mains include sausage and mash and Shorthorn rib-eye steak, both of which are nicely presented, but at £16.75 for the steak, it's not a particularly cheap dinner.
Luckily, the desserts leave the sitting on a high note. The strawberry cheesecake is not only aesthetically pleasing but will tantalise your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
The Drink
The wine list features the usual suspects such as sauvignon blanc which costs around £5.25 for a small glass. Cocktails are few and far between, although they are beautifully presented. A Long Island iced tea will set you back £8 but is undoubtedly worth it if you like a strong hit of alcohol. If you’re feeling a little more flush then champagne is offered by the glass or bottle with a bottle of Dom Perignon setting you back £165 (perhaps best saved for bonus time!). As a Fuller’s pub you will also find a very respectable range of ales on offer.
The Last Word
The Telegraph is a decent place for a quiet lunchtime or after-work drink in the saturated Square Mile. And if you’re after a spot to unwind with a drink without having to fight your way to the bar, then this could be right up your blink-and-you’ll-miss-it street.
The Telegraph has been reviewed by 3 users