One of Londons best kept secrets, The Hoop & Grapes has been my local away from my local, for the past 6 months or so. My love affair with the place, started by circumstance, blossomed through incredible service, a fantastic friendly atmosphere and some of the best memories of the past half a year.
Now, it would not be fair to write a review purely based upon my experiences at the pub, as they have beeen partly influenced by the people i tend to find myself in there with. So i am going to list the reasons why if you are ever in the St Pauls/Chancery lane area, you should go in for a visit.
1: The friendliest landlord in the world. Mike - what a chap. A member of the 'bloody good blokes club'. I believe a large reason for the appeal of the place is the hard working landlord. He makes the effort to say hello, provides a great service, is always at hand and is very lenient with his kicking out times!
2: It is the Financial districts most hidden pub. If you were walking to fast down Farringdon St, you'd miss the place. It is a tiny little place and although in the heart of Insurance Land (i think) typically does not play host to the drunken suit boys that Central London is ill famed for.
3: Party - It is a great venue for parties, having an outdoor courtyard, a 1st floor balcony and many function rooms.
4: Food - The food is great and very reasonably priced. Expect your traditional pub food menu, but done well. Also in the summer, there is a bbq most nights.
5: Paris the pubs cat. Hoops and Grapes is home to a rather fiesty feline by the name of Paris. He romes the floors of the public house and although sometimes a moody little critter, certainly adds to that Country pub feel, which is heightened by the decour of the place.
6: Booze - Beer is reasonably priced and there is always great guest ales from all over Britain on tap.
Conclusion:
Great pub. If you are in the Finance district/St Pauls at any time, get down there. Boom read more