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Exceptional Tavern, my first experience tasting fish and chips , with a side a mint pea mashup. The fish was fried to perfection it was fresh and a really nice size portion .of course I tried a traditional London beer , it was great . I also tried the passion fruit martini , it's a cute drink and it's refreshing .
A bit pricey and too close to touristy spots by trafalgar, Piccadilly, etc for my liking and a bit pricey but overall a cool spot Food: Meat pie 3/5: great to try and was a great main course but the vegetable sides weren't my favorite. The potatoes and gravy where pretty good Atmosphere: Very busy in a good way, cool surroundings Went with my friend and ended up paying almost $90 US for 2 pints and 2 of these meat pie plates, a bit too much
Well, this is one of those random pubs that I wandered into in Soho, but then again I guess that is something that you like end up doing when there are just so many pubs in Soho to randomly wander into. It was pretty quaint mind you, and rather small, but this is literally central London, so small pubs tend to be a thing. Mind you, the beers were fairly typical of what you would expect from a pub around here, but yeah, it still had a bit of charm.
We stopped in for a late lunch and it was perfect, the food was delicious and the steak pie was super tasty. The gravy was perfect and the chive mash were great. The place was super busy and a bit tight, but the wait staff was friendly and service was good.
Nice little place for an afternoon meal & pints. Food was quite yummy. Got surprisingly busy for noon time.
Our first stop in London. One of the few places we were able to squeeze in six on a Sunday night and have fish and chips. We actually visited another place just before this and they had run out of fish! Service was probably the highlight. If it wasn't for the friendly speedy service, I'd rate the place a little lower based on the food alone. The fish and chips were bland. All three orders had very little flavor and on the verge of bNot what I expected. The nachos were the worst. The chips might have been stale but the hardened cheese didn't help it much. If it wasn't for the generic picante salsa and sour cream, it would've been a total loss. My favorite things here were the onion rings and garlic focaccia bread. I'd probably come for brewskis and appetizers like this. Good crowd of drinkers. Skip this place if you're thinking about having a full meal here.
So we came to try the fish & chips here. It seems like any other pub in London. The servers are nice but you need to go to the bar to make your order. The dish was relatively simple and straightforward. Seating can be a bit limited but people leave pretty fast so you don't need to wait too long for a table. Food comes out pretty fast as well. Overall though it just feels like any other average pub.
This place, while extremely packed for some reason, leaves a lot to be desired. It was extremely busy and we ended up being put at a table where all the chairs had been taken away for other parties. The food was pretty bland and they didn't have many options. The croutons in my salad were kind of soggy and my stepdad's fish and chips were fried to be very oily. You can get greasy, bland, standard pub fare at any number of places in London so maybe go somewhere you can at least sit down and have a conversation.
We were in London for a day trip and wanted fish and chips and happened to find this place while walking around. The food was awesome and the staff was very friendly. They have a vast variety of beers, both on tap and bottled. We orders the fish and chips, duck burger, calamari, lamb croquets and the loaded Mac and cheese and everything was what we envisioned and more.
Super busy place, the location was great and the wifi worked great. The food was bland and not much there. They advertise "The best fish and chips in town", but that's not true at all, plus they only give one little piece of fish. The servers were not very friendly and they never came around the tables. They have a basic section of draught beers and ciders including and couple they brew in house. Good enough for a pit stop and pint.
For those who want to hit a local spot in London that is close to the action but away from turistas and crowds, this is the spot! Of course I had to try the fish and chips and make it my first meal of the trip. Not disappointing at all!!! They also have local and international beers you could relish on. I am definitely in love with the batter of their fish & chips, crispy and crunchy . The sausage roll was something new to me. I have no reference to compare it with but I liked it. It comes wrapped in a sort of phyllo dough, it was yummy and comes with caramelizad onions to pair with. Heads up: You must order at the register and they'll bring the food for you. Also the please is very tiny and might me a bit challenging in the winter with all of the garments one wears to get by. We ordered a small draft beer, the sausage roll, fish & chips and paid £21. Not a bad deal! In London is not customary to tip servers in small places like this one but it's always good to do it if you were happy with your service. @francescaMusica
We placed our ordered for a fish sandwich, a chicken sandwich, two Mac n cheese plates and 4 waters. The total bill came to 58 pounds (quid). The fish looked like frozen fish sticks and the chicken sandwich was just okay. The Mac n Cheese was average according to my kids. For that price, those should have been the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. When you are hungry, sometimes you stomach makes the decision on where to eat.
This was a great find as we walked around the Piccadilly and SoHo districts near our hotel. We were pretty hungry after our flight and we and some great food but did not want a huge dinner - St James Tavern fit the bill perfectly! In a great location, it's pretty popular! The food is fantastic and we enjoyed chatting it up with some of the locals as well as the tourists who were there. The fish and chips was my selection. It came with a side dish made with peas which was not my favorite but the fish made up for it. My wife had the sausage plate was delicious as well. Great place! If it's busy it can get a bit noisy but that's to be expected. Recommend! read more
1 month ago
This is a fun pub right in the middle of the action at Piccadilly Circus. It's right across from Zedwell hotel- lots of people sitting with their bags/suitcases and having a drink. We were a loud group that was laughing a lot - the restaurant owners were very kind and didn't say anything. The guests were enjoying our infectious laughter. The fresh Guinness was incredible! The fish and chips were ok. The burrata was out of this world! The decor of this place and the flowers outside the tavern were very English and pretty. read more
1 year ago
Exceptional Tavern, my first experience tasting fish and chips , with a side a mint pea mashup. The fish was fried to perfection it was fresh and a really nice size portion .of course I tried a traditional London beer , it was great . I also tried the passion fruit martini , it's a cute drink and it's refreshing . read more
2 years ago
A bit pricey and too close to touristy spots by trafalgar, Piccadilly, etc for my liking and a bit pricey but overall a cool spot Food: Meat pie 3/5: great to try and was a great main course but the vegetable sides weren't my favorite. The potatoes and gravy where pretty good Atmosphere: Very busy in a good way, cool surroundings Went with my friend and ended up paying almost $90 US for 2 pints and 2 of these meat pie plates, a bit too much read more
11 months ago
Well, this is one of those random pubs that I wandered into in Soho, but then again I guess that is something that you like end up doing when there are just so many pubs in Soho to randomly wander into. It was pretty quaint mind you, and rather small, but this is literally central London, so small pubs tend to be a thing. Mind you, the beers were fairly typical of what you would expect from a pub around here, but yeah, it still had a bit of charm. read more
1 year ago
We stopped in for a late lunch and it was perfect, the food was delicious and the steak pie was super tasty. The gravy was perfect and the chive mash were great. The place was super busy and a bit tight, but the wait staff was friendly and service was good. read more
2 years ago
Nice little place for an afternoon meal & pints. Food was quite yummy. Got surprisingly busy for noon time. read more
2 years ago
Our first stop in London. One of the few places we were able to squeeze in six on a Sunday night and have fish and chips. We actually visited another place just before this and they had run out of fish! Service was probably the highlight. If it wasn't for the friendly speedy service, I'd rate the place a little lower based on the food alone. The fish and chips were bland. All three orders had very little flavor and on the verge of bNot what I expected. The nachos were the worst. The chips might have been stale but the hardened cheese didn't help it much. If it wasn't for the generic picante salsa and sour cream, it would've been a total loss. My favorite things here were the onion rings and garlic focaccia bread. I'd probably come for brewskis and appetizers like this. Good crowd of drinkers. Skip this place if you're thinking about having a full meal here. read more
7 years ago
So we came to try the fish & chips here. It seems like any other pub in London. The servers are nice but you need to go to the bar to make your order. The dish was relatively simple and straightforward. Seating can be a bit limited but people leave pretty fast so you don't need to wait too long for a table. Food comes out pretty fast as well. Overall though it just feels like any other average pub. read more
7 years ago
This place, while extremely packed for some reason, leaves a lot to be desired. It was extremely busy and we ended up being put at a table where all the chairs had been taken away for other parties. The food was pretty bland and they didn't have many options. The croutons in my salad were kind of soggy and my stepdad's fish and chips were fried to be very oily. You can get greasy, bland, standard pub fare at any number of places in London so maybe go somewhere you can at least sit down and have a conversation. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
We were in London for a day trip and wanted fish and chips and happened to find this place while walking around. The food was awesome and the staff was very friendly. They have a vast variety of beers, both on tap and bottled. We orders the fish and chips, duck burger, calamari, lamb croquets and the loaded Mac and cheese and everything was what we envisioned and more. read more
Super busy place, the location was great and the wifi worked great. The food was bland and not much there. They advertise "The best fish and chips in town", but that's not true at all, plus they only give one little piece of fish. The servers were not very friendly and they never came around the tables. They have a basic section of draught beers and ciders including and couple they brew in house. Good enough for a pit stop and pint. read more
7 years ago
For those who want to hit a local spot in London that is close to the action but away from turistas and crowds, this is the spot! Of course I had to try the fish and chips and make it my first meal of the trip. Not disappointing at all!!! They also have local and international beers you could relish on. I am definitely in love with the batter of their fish & chips, crispy and crunchy . The sausage roll was something new to me. I have no reference to compare it with but I liked it. It comes wrapped in a sort of phyllo dough, it was yummy and comes with caramelizad onions to pair with. Heads up: You must order at the register and they'll bring the food for you. Also the please is very tiny and might me a bit challenging in the winter with all of the garments one wears to get by. We ordered a small draft beer, the sausage roll, fish & chips and paid £21. Not a bad deal! In London is not customary to tip servers in small places like this one but it's always good to do it if you were happy with your service. @francescaMusica read more
4 years ago
We placed our ordered for a fish sandwich, a chicken sandwich, two Mac n cheese plates and 4 waters. The total bill came to 58 pounds (quid). The fish looked like frozen fish sticks and the chicken sandwich was just okay. The Mac n Cheese was average according to my kids. For that price, those should have been the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. When you are hungry, sometimes you stomach makes the decision on where to eat. read more
11 years ago
I was drawn in by the sign out front http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/st-james-tavern-london?select=y_QSVSVS5Q-upRXlYiihVw#Pi8GqZY7V-IHqbVoj_JpYw these Brits ain't got nothing on Ensenada style Fish Tacos! While I have NO idea what awards this dish has won, it must have been a small entry of competitors, so far the food in this country has been pretty bland! Fish & Chips (£10.95) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/st-james-tavern-london?select=y_QSVSVS5Q-upRXlYiihVw#y_QSVSVS5Q-upRXlYiihVw Hand battered Cod (no seasoning to the batter) but it was a nice size piece of white fish cooked nicely (I'd give this fish a solid 4-Stars) but the French Fries were a little soft and no seasoning at all, it also came with Pea's, well they were pea's.... Tarter Sauce & Lemon slice to garnish. I liked the Fish the rest they could keep, someone find me some Tortillas PLEASE!...... read more
8 years ago
Okay pub if you're looking for something to eat after having passed through Piccadilly in London. Order and pay at the counter than have a seat and wait to be served. They serve traditional English pub grub here but the beers on tap are rather lousy. Had the ubiquitous fish and chips served over peas. Nothing special but the fish was fresh. Counter service was welcoming and friendly and prices aren't terrible either. Not a bad pub, a tad touristy but fine. read more
17 years ago
My brother and I were visiting London from the U.S., and were staying down the street from St. James Tavern. The location of this place was right in the middle of Picadilly Circus; it was great for people watching, the food was really good, and the service was great. Next time we come to London, I will be sure to make a stop back here... read more
7 years ago
Solid pub close to our hotel in the heart of the theatre district and near Piccadilly Square. The pub is loud. You get your own table and order at the bar. It's our last night and I wanted fish and chips before we left. Unfortunately I was spoiled last night at another restaurant. I tasted their fish and chips and was sorry I didn't order it. The taste here doesn't compare to last night but still a solid pub. Busy. Crowded. Loud. Chill. Affordable. read more
12 years ago
I guess I was lucky as the reviews do not seem very good of lately. It was busy and we were lucky as there ws one table ready just for us. We ordered at the bar but the girl was not very familiar with the menu. She seemed new. I had the Yorkshire pudding which was just fantastic and my son had the fish and chips which I tried and enjoyed very much as well. I wanted to go back and try the fish&chips but time seems to have run out. I guess next time. read more
7 years ago
10 years ago
Fish & Chips with an award to back it up! We wanted to try the classic fish & chips being in London for my first time. We chose this place because it was in a nice area and close to where we were staying. A lot of places advertise that their fish & chips have an award tied to it but this one proudly displays their-albeit 4 year old-best fish & chips for 2013. For ~£12.50, you get a fried fish bigger than the plate with the usual chips, a decent amount of tartare sauce, and your choice of round or mushy peas. I went with mushy to have the "English experience." Obviously you get the lemon on the side to top off your fish. Each bite into the freshly fried fish got better and better as I got towards the end. The tartare sauce paired with the lemon made it all the better. Fries were nicely done and peas were peas. It acted as a nice flavor balance to all the sour lemon and tangy tartare. It's no wonder why they got an award! In terms of service, you find a table and seat yourself all on your own which is something that's not common to any place I've been to and you order at the bar. Good news is they bring it out to you so you don't wonder if you have to go back there. Other than the not too confusing service, the food was great, the ambience was lively, and there's plenty of room to have a lot of people. Their restrooms are really clean too and they have a lot of drinks to choose from! read more
12 years ago
Worst choice I made in London. Other reviewers call this a "tourist pub." I call it awful. We went for lunch, not for drinks, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything. Walk in and seat yourself at a dirty table. Get back up and walk to the crowded bar if you want to order anything. The soda is flat or mostly seltzer unless you get it from a bottle. Don't expect the food to come out right. Don't expect it to b any good, either. The lettuce was brown, the tomatoes were beige, the bread was floppy supermarket white bread. The "waitresses" are glorified bussers that aren't quite qualified. I Nonexistent service, horrible food, dirty establishment. I wish zero stars was an option. read more
4 years ago
14 years ago
4 years ago
What caught my eye as I walked around Piccadilly Circus was a sign on the side of this pub that said it was famous for its award winning fish and chips so we decided to try it. Busy pub no doubt and I walked in confused and waited for someone to put us on a waiting list/bring us to a seat only to realize that you can actually sit anywhere you like as long as you can find a table that is free. Super crowded both at the bar and the tables so you may have to wait a while. Tip: Orders for mains and appetizers are taken at the bar as well so no need to wait for a server at your table What's for dinner? - I decided to try the fish and chips which comes with peas (mushy peas are an option as well). Although now I wish that I had tried that mysterious thick green lumpy green pea soupy goodness I did end up ordering just the regular round peas. Was it award winning? - The fish and chips were prepared fresh and served super hot as I remember being hungry but trying not to burn my tongue. The batter was light and crispy; and the fish was soft, delicate, and not dry. The fish could have been fluffier, so out of 5 I would say it is 4/5. An okay "award winning" contender I would say, but at that moment I knew that I was still in search of the best fish and chips. None the less it still tasted great and enjoyed it very much We also got a calamari to share, and I was quite impressed as they were thick calamari rings with not too much batter + oil and the right amount of softness 5/5 A fun atmosphere with beer everywhere so if you are hungry and just want to grab some grub I recommend stopping by! read more
12 years ago
The pub is in a great location and is generally packed with tourists since, apparently, Charles Dickens used to frequent the places, hence the one star. We ordered sandwiches for lunch and both were more than disappointed. Bread was at least a day old, turkey was like rubber and had to be sitting out. To eaten it would have been a mistake. Disgusting food, unfriendly and abrupt staff. Not a place I'll be returning to.... read more
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More info about St James Tavern
45 Great Windmill Street
London W1D 7NE
United Kingdom
Soho
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020 7437 5009
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17 years ago
