Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Reviews Summary

Atmosphere & Decor

Pros:

• "It’s like stepping into the 17th century. Even the windows are original."
• "Fascinating to be able to go to a pub that old, felt like a time capsule."
• "Like going back in time! Amazing atmosphere!"
• "Probably one of the coolest pubs I've ever been to, with a vast downstairs seating area and awesome bar areas throughout."
• "A pub that looks and feels like it was built in the 1600s."
• "The oldest Pub in London City. Along with a dash of historic and monumental interiors, the vibe inside is truly young and happening."
• "One of the most historical and atmospheric pubs I've ever been in."

Cons:

• "The pub was very dark and noisy and we found it difficult to have a conversation."
• "This is not a wheelchair-accessible pub."
• "It seems a bit outdated now and is only as famous as its name."
• "Dark (not in a cosy way), cold, uncomfortable sitting if you are looking for a rest/chill."
• "The place seems dusty, not well lighted, and lacking maintenance; in case of an unlikely event of fire, emergency exits are not visible to all visitors."
• "The entrance looks dingy, but you then walk down into some nice old cellars where the actual pub is."
• "Spooky, slightly smelly, but undeniably medieval, this pub was absolutely incredible if you want authentically old London 1700’s style pub."

Service

Pros:

• "Friendly and informative staff."
• "Elle behind the bar really made our evening. She knew so much about the history of the pub and made it really welcoming."
• "The staff were friendly and efficient."
• "Staff were were very friendly."
• "The barmaid was very pleasant and cheerful."
• "Staff are very friendly and well versed in the history of the site."
• "The staff was super friendly. Very kind and thoughtful."

Cons:

• "The staff seem to be new and didn't really know what was going on."
• "Service was brusquean and abrupt."
• "Service not great, very short with answers re menu/drinks."
• "Service was extremely slow in the dining area."
• "The service was really poor - the waitress was very unfriendly and seemed offended when we ordered things."
• "The general attitude of the staff seemed to be 'we just don’t care'."
• "Service was slow and stretched, and had to request my pint topped up a couple of times because it wasn’t poured to the top, plenty of head."

Food & Drink

Pros:

• "They have a great selection of beer and we really enjoyed our meals as well."
• "The food and drinks were both tasty."
• "The Extra Stout was excellent as was the Old Brewery Bitter."
• "Had ginger beer and chocolate stouts. All very yummy."
• "The food was nice, more 4 star than 5."
• "I enjoyed the Steak Pie, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Delicious."
• "Fish and chips: A crunchy, light and yummy well fried batter wraps a thick and juicy cod."

Cons:

• "Never book a work function at this pub."
• "Food was just ok."
• "Unfortunately this time we ate and had a terrible dining experience."
• "But it’s obvious, I do not recommend you eat here."
• "The pastry around my steak and kidney pudding was tough, tasteless and unpleasant."
• "The steak was lousy."
• "The food tasted like it was reheated from days ago and it stunk so much you couldn't possibly eat it."

Value & Pricing

Pros:

• "The pint isn't expensive: £3.80 - great price for central London."
• "Drinks are reasonable as it’s a Sam Smiths pub."
• "The food was well priced with generous portions and very tasty."

Cons:

• "Save your money and avoid this tourist trap, you are paying for the 'atmosphere'."
• "Two burgers and extra fries at £43 was truly shocking."
• "I still wince when I remember I paid £16 for it."
• "Very disappointed with the service and food."
• "The food here was fine, but very expensive, and we found the drinks selection incredibly limited."
• "Prices were very high for what we did get."
• "Food stops at 4pm which was a bummer."

Cleanliness & Maintenance

Pros:

• "This beautiful warren of a pub is so fun to explore! One of the oldest pubs in London it's a gem!"
• "Cozy and warm with a fragrant fire going in the chop room and bar."
• "The downstairs is very cosy with lots of hidden seating areas and wood fires."

Cons:

• "The toilets were absolutely disgusting - the men's were closed and the ladies' two cubicles had one with a broken lock, the other with no toilet roll and both had overflowing sanitary bins."
• "Tables could do with some TLC, the one we sat at was virtually falling apart."
• "But smells a bit of pee."
• "The washrooms in particular were a disaster."
• "While it doesn't need updates it does need a good clean."
• "Pub was freezing cold."
• "But the beers are all a bit bland, and the toilets leak and smell."