My go-to when I can't think of anywhere else to grab a drink near/on the Strand. Spacious and simple, Daly's always seems to do the trick. The wine list is extensive and impressive, with over 40 varieties ranging in quality and price -- I'd challenge anyone to find me another place on Fleet Street that serves Vueve Clicquot and Dom Perignon, yet also has a pretty hefty-sized glass of Chenin Blanc for as little as £4.20, Cab Sav for £4.50, and Prosecco for a fiver. And, Rekorderlig on tap as well. It simply doesn't exist!
While I've never had any of the 'proper' meals here, which are available between 3 and 10pm (and which include confit duck leg, a bleu cheese, honey, and fig tartlet, and an 8oz Sirloin -- quite gourmet, if you ask me!), I have to disagree with the below reviewer and say that the food could be a LOT less imaginative. Sure, the smaller dishes and bar snacks aren't earth-shattering in their originality and quality, but when you're looking for a little something to wind you down at the end of the day, and a greasy bite to go with it, Daly's indeed delivers.
In my experiences, the bar staff have always been polite and helpful, and are happy to let you sample wines before purchasing them. The bar itself, as mentioned above, has a lot of room in its two main areas (one in the front of the shop, and a more spacious salon area in the back), and has large tables that are good for groups. I think there are also tables outside for people to sit when the weather's better. Would be nice to enjoy the bustling crowds of Fleet Street, while chilling out and sipping on a flute of bubbly.
Quick notes:
-£5 card minimum, pretty standard.
-They're pretty militant (but still nice!) about collecting glasses and kicking you out right at 11pm. No drunken stragglers, please.
-Nice lawyery types if you go around 5:30/6pm on a weekday (if you're into that sort of thing, ahem).
Wish I could give half or quarter stars, because Daly's deserves around 3.75 -- doesn't blow my mind, but does the job, and does it well. read more