18-20 St John Street,
Smithfield,
London,
EC1M 4AY
0845 604 9904
The ViewLondon Review
Pubs take note: The Gate may appear to be just another mediocre pub but it benefits from the local treatment and full-on friendliness of its staff.
The Venue
Once inside this narrow pub, no matter how much sanded wood there is laid across the floor or exposed industrial pipes sit overhead, it’s certainly a comfortable place for a drink.
The interior doesn’t see much natural light and they make the most of this with a large projector screen on the back wall that shows sport. The seating at the front comprises high stools but if you can you should plump for one of the cosier tables along the side, which are far more agreeable.
The Atmosphere
The lack of light gives the interior of The Gate a gloomy hesitance when the sun’s shining outside. It’s okay between 12pm and 3pm when food is being served and you’re not the only person keeping the barman company, but in the hours before and after there’s not a great deal of life. Lucky then that the staff happen to be friendly enough to talk to you. When you’re rudely interrupted by the after work rush you’ll mingle with an old crowd who come direct from nearby offices and other places of work that require a smart casual look.
The Food
Traditional pub food is served at intervals throughout the day. To get your fair share of fish and chips and similar hearty grub you have to order between 12pm-3pm and 5pm-9pm. There’s a great range of cheap deals to tempt you in, such as sandwiches from just £2.95, soup and a sandwich for £3.95, burger and a drink for £4.95 and two main meals for £5.95.
The Drink
The big bar stocks a general range of spirits and branches out into the exotic with a few different Champagnes at the bottom of the wine list. As for the wine itself, there is a good range of about eight of each colour and with the house priced at just £10.99 a bottle, it’s very reasonable for the area. The collection of beers on draught at The Gate includes Stella, Carling and Fosters and John Smiths.
The Last Word
The Gate mainly attracts after workers but with a balanced atmosphere there’s no reason not to stop in for a drink.
The Gate has been reviewed by 9 users