I like The Phoenix. It's a sort of classy British gastropub wine bar. However, I get a bit confused with what it really is. It's actually licensed as a members only club (free to join), so you should really fill in a membership form when you first visit. However, I've never done so.
What's great about this place, is that it is out of the hustle and bustle of Soho or Wan Chai, but still serves up a great meal and decent drinks. OK, the beverages are pretty stock standard beers, wines, spirits. However, the food is good. With no set menu, they just chalk up on the blackboard what's cooking that day, and 9 times out of 10, you'll be able to find 2 or 3 decent British meals that you'll enjoy. The idea is that the food is always fresh and seasonal.
There is a happy hour everyday, and it's a good one too! Bottled beers and house wines on a 2-4-1 deal. Other drinks are reduced.
The two gripes have with The Phoenix are; the staff are a bit surly, I always feel they are looking down on me for some reason, as though it is a real chore to serve me (perhaps they know I never filled in a membership form). The last time I felt like this, I was (other than service staff) the only non-caucasian person in the bar - oh, that was The Phoenix! The other issue is the smoking on the front terrace. There always seems to be a tag team of burly rugby player types fagging outside, who block up the entrance, and make a real palaver about moving their beer guts out of the way.
Look, don't let me stop you with my grumbles. I certainly haven't stopped going. The food is good, and the setting is nice. Relax, enjoy a feed, just ignore the stares and the smokers. read more