Smiths Of Smithfield

great atmosphere...

17 Oct 07, 23:23 Above expectations

I went here with a friend after work, we only went to the bar but it was really good. The place is definetly buzzing and full of "suits". It is trendy but not so much that you feel out of place. It has a cool industrial feel to it with lots of metal, large wooden tables and a train station style board. It is quite loud with lots going on (great for a bit of people watching) but I think this adds to the feel of the place.

I thought the drinks were quite reasonably priced for the area and I didnt have to wait too long to be served. I thought it was a lovely place and has lots to offer throughout the day. I would very much like to go back to sample the other floors and food, and from the looks of the reviews on here I wont be dissapointed.

Tasty but LOUD

30 Jul 07, 13:13 Above expectations

I've been to this bar/restaurant a few times, usually for business engagements, and it's hard to find fault with the food - tasty, simple dishes with fresh ingredients and served in a quick and non-fussy way, accompanied by some excellent wines. Having said that, there's something about the architecture or the clientele which makes this restaurant VERY LOUD, to the point that I could hardly hear the other people at my table speak. Everyone around us seemed to be having to shout, too.

Maybe it's the wood floors or the gap in the middle of each floor which allows sound to travel, or maybe it's just what you get when you have a restaurant full of besuited business-lunchers braying self-importantly at each other. In any case, I'd recommend that you go for the food, but save the whisperings of sweet nothings (or contract negotiations) until you leave.

Great place

11 Jul 07, 21:33 Beyond expectations

I went to Smiths mainly due to most of the good reviews on here and other people's recommendations. You usually take things with a pinch of salt, thinking that places can't be as good as people say, that they're being slightly hyperbolical, but Smiths of Smithfield is one of those places that deserves the credit. It is the best meal that I've had in London so far.

Every course that I had was great, starting from the starter of bread and balsamic vinegar to the dessert of summer pudding. Even the wine was fantastic. The main course that I had was the chicken, leek and mushroom pie, with amazing pastry and even better filling. I can't think of anything bad about this place, even the price is pretty reasonable for what you get, which is high quality food, and a great night out.

Great food, buzzing bar

15 Jun 07, 15:53 Above expectations

I have been here for drinks and dinner on the 3rd floor. I agree with the majority of what people have said.

The bar gets extremely busy, so don't expect to go here and be able to have an easy conversation: it's more about beers with pals rather than wine with a date. During the day/lunch they serve great sarnies, burgers and pies.

The food served on the top floor is very good indeed: I had salt beef with mash and was brilliantly tender and hugely rich. The service was a little off though: not particularly friendly I found, but am hoping this was a one-off problem.

Great food, patchy service.

13 Jun 07, 15:38 Above expectations

I love this place! I've been here for breakfast on the ground floor. There is a huge choice from a full English to a bowl of porridge or just toast and jam. It was pretty busy so we had to wait for a table but once seated the service was quick. I've also been to the second floor restaurant for dinner. Again I found it difficult to choose between all the options. I chose fish cakes, a personal favourite, and I was not disappointed. Although if I could only have one dish it would have to be the vanilla cheesecake which was outstanding! The restaurant was quite noisy and the service was a little slow even for a busy Saturday night which is why I can't give five stars. Go for the top notch food and the fact that you can book a table online.

Hearty English Food

07 Jun 07, 11:16 Beyond expectations

Smith's is more that just a restaurant, it's four. Well, it's actually three and one cafe / bar. The bar is great, it's always lively after work and offers a great selection of beers, while in the morning it's a great place for breakfast, something Smith's does particularly well.

The three restaurants are located on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors and according to the management increase in quality (and price) the further your willing to climb. Being a second cheapest bottle of wine man, I have only ever dined on the second floor, which is a sort of brasserie. Great ingredients used to simple effect. I would particularly recommend the pork belly with mash.

On a side note, Smith's is owned by the guy who does Master Chef Goes Large. Not the fat one with glasses, the other one.

Trendy bar

20 May 07, 11:40 Above expectations

Smiths is an extremely popular bar in Clerkenwell. It attracts mostly City workers who come for a drink after work and seem to stay until the early hours, particularly on a Friday. Great for finding yourself a rich banker, if you're on the look out! The interior of Smiths is industrial, with big tables filling an enormous space. The food and drinks are pretty expensive, as you'd expect from any bar in the area.

Excellent!

02 May 07, 16:43 Beyond expectations

At first glance, Smiths is a cool and lively bar with loads of space and industrial style decor. However, there are also 3 different restaurants located on the 3 floors above the main bar area - serving a variety of food at different prices. Recently I went for diner with a client on the top floor restaurant (which is supposed to be the best). As it was a very warm evening we were seated at one of the outside tables and could enjoy an excellent view over the city. OK, the food and wine was not cheap, but if you are going to treat yourself I would recommend this over some of the "trendier" london restaurants. The food was delicious and the service was faultless. The restuarants on floors 1 and 2 seem very reasonibly priced, and downstairs they do a range of breakfasts for as little £2.