64-66 West Smithfield,
Barbican,
London,
EC1A 9DY
(020) 7600 2705
The ViewLondon Review
Skirting Smithfield Market, this excellent pub serves up top-notch food and drink in friendly, comfortable surroundings.
The Venue
The Distillers can be found on Long Lane, not far from Farringdon and Barbican stations and across the road from the imposing, picturesque façade of Smithfield Market. The classic stone exterior gives way to an immense main room, with a vast expanse of wooden floor, cavernous ceilings and elaborate chandeliers (these are supplemented by disco balls for when the area transforms into a dance floor, complete with DJ booth). The main bar spanning the far wall is made of carved wood and seems designed to handle any surge in customers.
There is enough room within the venue for a discreet mezzanine level, which doubles as an intimate dining area with booths and carpeted floors – the overhang creates an equally cozy “alcove” section downstairs, underlining the venue’s versatility. A scaled-down function room just off the dining area upstairs is dubbed the “Velvet Room”, decorated with a distinctive yet appealing mix of red and gold wallpaper, a separate bar and what appears to be a vintage chaise longue.
The Atmosphere
Drawing on nearby businesses and residents, the atmosphere at the Distillers is friendly and civilised but rarely dull, with a throng of chatter and laughter emanating from the seating area downstairs, and a more subdued, appreciative hush ever-present upstairs. As well as quiz nights every other Tuesday and poker nights on Wednesdays, the Distillers often caters for private functions, not just in the Velvet Room with its flatscreen TVs and exclusive atmosphere, but in the main room in the case of weddings and the like.
The Food
Elegantly presented and freshly sourced from just across the road, the food at the Distillers is certainly worth sticking around for after post-work drinks. As well as tried-and-tested “pub classics” like fish ‘n chips or burgers (£10.50), the kitchen also excels with less obvious dishes such as seafood linguine in white wine sauce (£12), and its delicious salads (£6). Sandwiches (£5.50) and sides (£3.50-£4) are on hand for those on a tight schedule, while a fantastic dessert menu (£4.50 for chocolate orange fondant or frozen coconut tart among others) is quite literally the icing on the cake.
The Drink
Although draught beers (£3.50-£4.20 a pint) are limited to Fosters, 1664, Guinness and a selection of ales, the bar more than makes up for it with a wide range of bottled beers and ciders, including Tsing Tao, Cusquena, Erdinger and Rekordelig (£4-£5). The wine list is equally plentiful, and the cocktail menu, incorporating house twists on established classics, is staggering in both its scope and undeniable cost-efficiency (£4.95 and £3.50 on Thursdays). It’s little wonder that this place has become so popular among Smithfield locals.
The Last Word
Luxuriant, friendly and surprisingly inexpensive, the Distillers is a great venue for after-work drinks, or even a meal.
Distillers has been reviewed by 5 users