It's shameful that it took me so long to make it to Crispins, despite living in the neighbourhood…read morefor years. It's just my sort of place. Taht is, friendly, independent, slightly seedy, different, interesting, and a place for sitting and talking.
It's showing its years, but in a way that adds character. Not fancy in any way, it reminds me of bars in France. It'slived in.
It's pricipally a wine bar, and there are several type of white and red wine available by the bottle and the glass. Champagne, kir, bottled beer, and soft drinks are also available.
There are a few tables for four, a couple for two, stools at the bar, a round window seat for four, and some booths in the back. There are, oddly, two pianos - not sure if they're just for show.
There's unlikely to be anyone in here under the age of 25. It's a place for chatting, for speculating, for catching up with old friends. The music is from a stack of CDs behind the bar and was an excellent mix of pop and soul last night.
I'm going to spend a lot of time in this bar to make up for the years I've been missing it.