Jerusalem Tavern (Bar)
55 Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5UQ (Map)
Cuisine: Gastro
Tel: 0871-223-4139 ?
Transport: Farringdon
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Jerusalem Tavern London Review
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When you’ve had a few, things look different. The first time I went in the Jerusalem Tavern, I’d had a great many. Returning this time, I was struck by the discrepancy between my sozzled memory and the sober reality. I could have sworn that the little balcony table at which my companion and I sat was much higher up. In my recollection we had been imperiously looking down over the whole pub like an inebriated, contented version of Statler and Waldorf, those disgruntled old men in the Muppet Show, but in fact the balcony resides at about shoulder height. However, that doesn’t alter the fact that it offers the best positioned table I’ve ever sat at in a pub.
Why did I think the balcony table was so lofty? Maybe as you get progressively trousered, you really do get ‘higher’. Not surprising, when you consider some of the liquid fare that Suffolk’s small, award-winning St Peter’s Brewery have conjured up for you in its only London pub. Fruit Beer? Though there really is a commendably innovative selection for your delectation, both on tap and in the uniquely fashioned bottles, I’d advise avoiding the more wildly flavoured brews. The Grapefruit Beer basically tastes like ale with grapefruit juice in it, i.e. not very nice, and as for the Honey Porter, it has the tang of cheap perfume and the smell of a fruity condom. These certainly ain’t session beers. Fun to have a little taster, though - unlike a fruity condom, I suspect – which is something you are happily encouraged to do before making your choice.
One thing which more than lived up to my memory was the Jerusalem’s sheer friendliness, both of staff and punters, the latter ranging from the young and trendy to the old and farty. We struck up conversations with several complete strangers, and even did a duet on a Nick Cave song for one woman (though she did leave shortly afterward). They do nice food here at lunchtimes, by all accounts. The pub isn’t huge (it could get reasonably full with two fat men and a dog) but it sure is big on atmosphere, yesiree, which would explain why it has apparently been an extra in so many movies. Though the building dates back to the 1720’s, the pub has only been around since the mid-nineteen nineties. Commendable, then, that the designers resisted the ‘Olde English’ cliches and managed to create a place of imbibing that just sort of feels somehow ‘right’ for this great old area of London.
Reviewed by Les Dunn
Description:
The Jerusalem Tavern is located in Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London and is named after the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem; founded in 1140. The Tavern has occupied several sites in the area since the 14th century and the current building dates from 1720. It is one of the finest pubs in London and is open every weekday for meals, coffee and, of course, the full range of St. Peter's beers and ales. Jerusalem Tavern - Town Pub of the Year. The 'JT' has been voted 2009 Town Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide which is published by Ebury Press.
Les Dunn (18 09 2003)
Jerusalem Tavern London Description
The Jerusalem Tavern is located in Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London and is named after the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem; founded in 1140. The Tavern has occupied several sites in the area since the 14th century and the current building dates from 1720. It is one of the finest pubs in London and is open every weekday for meals, coffee and, of course, the full range of St. Peter's beers and ales. Jerusalem Tavern - Town Pub of the Year. The 'JT' has been voted 2009 Town Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide which is published by Ebury Press.
Customer Reviews for Jerusalem Tavern
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Jerusalem Tavern.
“Very special place. You feel a bit like in a time hole, as the guests are somehow unique and a lot different to the usual pub audience, the place itself is SO unique that I actually started touching the green wooden wall (!) to explore its texture (yeah...akward), and last but not least, the beer: A simply unbelievably tasty IPA called St Peter's.”
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Henning, London (6 months 25 days ago)
“An uneasy mix of 'olde London' and hipster posing, with 'i'm doing you a favour by serving you'-style barstaff (at least on my visit). Avoid the ghastly Honey Porter...vile undrinkable stuff. ”
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richard, london (1 years 10 months 19 days ago)
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