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Chat about:
Disappointment of the week with Gann
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by peter ashworth
Submitted on Monday, 10th October 2016
With picture contributions to 26844 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (10 more images)
Detail Pages
The Spice of Life, W1
W1
W1D 5AN
Served areas
Reviews of The Spice of Life (Average Rating: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about The Spice of Life
With a pub history on this site going back to the late 17th century, this is a late 19th century pub, originally part of the George & Thirteen Cantons, the current name in place since 1986. This was a first into this McMullen’s house; I had worked in the area over 30 years ago and we never came here, probably because we thought that, due to the name, it was an Indian restaurant.
The interior is essentially a modern recreation of a bygone Victorian pub, with etched glass mirrors, leaded stained glass clerestory windows, some carved wood and a bit of tiling, with typical glass ‘n’ brass lighting; a nod to the modern is the suspended ceiling, presumably to cover the ductwork for the aircon. Customers were probably on a night out, but the acoustics in here really don’t do it for me; the sound of conversation and quite loud music was rather unrestful.
Hearteningly, all four pumps were in operation. I forgot to note the other three, but I had an excellent half of their Best, at a very attractive – especially given the area – £2.35.
This is a rare Soho outlet selling a selection of independent real ales, a world away from the Greene King/Sam Smith’s stranglehold in the area. However, it’s not the best pub experience, so I’d rather go to the Lyric.
On 27th October 2021
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1983 recommendations about 1949 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Spice of Life
I've been to the pub a few times over the years, and must admit I quite like the place despite not being a particular fan of McMullens beers (although they are always well kept here) and the interior having lost almost all original character. Despite being in one of the busiest parts of central London, the staff in the main bar are usually efficient. Five handpumps, offering a 'house' pale ale, AK, Country and IPA plus Rivertown Atlas (£4.55) as a guest on my latest visit. There is also a basement bar that hosts frequent (and mostly free) live music events.
On 7th July 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8092 recommendations about 8092 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john gray left this review about The Spice Of Life
Comfortable looking pub with nice wood clad columns inset with mirror.Does anyone like Mcmullens beer. My County bitter was dull.
On 24th January 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1023 recommendations about 1009 pubs]
View more reviews of The Spice of Life (9)
Pubs Galore is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
- Official site of the Spice of Life, contains menu and wine list - www.spiceoflifesoho.com
- Official page of the Spice of Life at the McMullens site - www.mcmullens.co.uk
- Facebook - The Spice of Life - Soho
- Twitter - The Spice
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Spice of Life - whatpub.com
London Waterloo, 1.35 miles, 26 min walk (show)
London Euston, 1.36 miles, 26 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Beer Garden : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Car Park : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Darts : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Function Room : Yes - Basement bar. - last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Dave McNally
- Jukebox : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Karaoke : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Live Music : Yes last updated 14 February 2007 by Old Blue
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Micropub : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Pinball : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Pool Table : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Quiz Night : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 14 February 2007 by Old Blue
- Real Cider : No last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
- WiFi : Yes last updated 27 October 2021 by Tris C
