www.viewlondon.co.uk
For anybody that has knowledge of His Dark Materials, the polar bear on the ice glaring up at the large sail boat on the sign outside the pub will take their minds straight to Northern Lights and, like the story, The Enterprise has a little fantasy about its grandiose interior.
The Venue
Located on the corner of Red Lion Street, The Enterprise is the pub world’s equivalent of a magic eye puzzle. Its simple tiled sign, with accompanying polar bear and ship, and its fairly narrow facade, give only a few clues to the lavish cave of emerald tiled walls and mirrored depths within.
Look closely inside and you’ll notice that the wall’s beauty comes flowing from the glossy green patent glow of the ceramic tiles. However, between the halls of mirrors that are mounted on these tiles, there is little to remark on. The dark wooden floorboards retain a buffed shine, the tables and chairs could belong to any old pub and the bar is a grand extension of the floor. From the black and white Tudor-style ceiling, however, hangs the faint orange glow of lamplights that look like orbs of burning embers and an old model aeroplane that once again stirs up memories of Dust and journeys to the North.
Read moreReviewed by - Toby Orton
www.beerintheevening.com
I went in this pub for the first time in about 6 months last Tuesday and I was stunned at the changes. It has been beautifully done up with the victorian features kept instead of being ripped out like they seem to be in old pubs these days.
It has a wonderful cosy atmosphere and makes a nice change from all the bland looking gastro pubs with their modern usually uncomfortable furniture, which all look the same and seem to be springing up everywhere. I found the Victorian features quite stunning especially the old tiles and ceiling lamps. It was a lovely hot day and sitting out in the garden was a real treat. I like the small fountain on the wall. I felt like I was on holiday sitting out there. The owner was extremely pleasant as were the staff. Also as a woman on my own I felt very comfortable going in there. The wine was tasty as well. I really think this pub deserves 10 out of 10. It has been very lovingly restored and it shows. I will most certainly be going back there again many times! In fact next time I will try the food.
www.fancyapint.com
A lick of paint (gastro green, naturally) and a bit of care and attention and the Enterprise is a revived pub. Cask Marque ales are on offer, there's plenty of choice for those who don't fancy something pumped by hand, there's a beer garden out the back and comfy settees for those who prefer not to perch on bar stools.
The grub is refreshingly unpretentious but only served lunchtimes and early evening. The new look certainly seems to have brought in the punters: the disco ball may not go with the old Victorian tiling but this one works all the same. It also now opens on Saturdays: the classical music on the CD player certainly creates a pleasant atmosphere for an afternoon pint or three (new picture to come).
Barblog.lastminuteliving.com
Naturally nothing whatsoever to do with Star Trek by any means this venue appeals to the sailor and the gentleman. A short trek from Holborn station one finds a clean hall-like pub with echotic spaciousness, bar with european staff and a strong atmosphere of up-market living and backless-stools.
There are a number of assorted tables ranging in height and an old style leather couch with coffee table at the front of the pub. On tap one can find various beers including Staropramen but the range of ciders is disappointing. What I liked about this place was the classical music which paired amazingly well with the decor to bring about a feeling of upper class drinking and in all a fine establishment. Little to speak of was wrong, perhaps there could have been more variety on tap and more seating but the place has character and esteem.
Overall a deserving 6/10. A little on the expensive side but an air of grace that suits the kind of person that enjoys Vivaldi on a thursday lunchtime!
