Citizen Smith Review

Emilio did all right for himself, in spite of Charlie’s popularity. Anton is still riding high in the Premiership, even though Rio is now England’s captain. Bobby was a prosperous politician, despite President John’s brotherly leg up. Where Hollywood has the Baldwins, and tennis has the Williams sisters, south London is home to the Lost family - a collection of sanctuaries where Londoners seek refuge from the capital’s hell-bent determination to wear us all down.

The Lost family seemingly plays a ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ game to decide the location for their next venture, blindly electing areas on the map such as Arse End of Battersea (Lost Society) and Other Arse End of Battersea (Lost Angel). Now, for sibling number three (Citizen Smith), they’ve chosen that bastion of the proletariat: Putney High Street. Well, at least they found somewhere outside of Battersea this time, albeit still in the mighty Borough of Wandsworth.

But hold up, let’s not pick holes in this idea just yet. Let’s face it, North of the river has more great bars than it knows what to do with. Why shouldn’t southerners have their day in the sun? Well played Lost family, I say. You’ve dreamt up yet another peculiarly inviting madhouse.

But this is no chimera, though. This is a very much a reality, where beautiful sirens with long straight hair dance in packs, imbibing elixirs and tonics in varieties such as Godminster Rhubarb and Gosling Black Seal Rum. The huge selection of oven baked miracles sustains the bonhomie in pizza form, too. The Marrakech is light and subtle and, at 12 inches, remains one for the optimistically ravenous.

Dressing up isn’t mandatory, but it certainly is common practice. The dolls choose pretty frocks, the guys go for collared shirts and jeans. Even the bouncer, in his trilby and trench coat, lurks and looms in a friendly way, furthering the faux antiquated perception of his surroundings (clinical white tiles, brass light fittings, classic mirrors to hide supporting pillars). It’s a shame the waiting staff don’t get in on the act (fascinator to hats for the ladies? Chaps for the chaps?).

Reverend & the Makers are present, singing their tune. That is until Kasabian have their turn, themselves capitulating to the Kaiser Chiefs and Kings of Leon. This independent rock wave creates a swaying reaction from the crowd, but it’s not quite dancing yet. A healthy does of hippity hoppity puts pay to that. With the volume control stuck on ‘INSANE’. This is not the place for muted conversations. This is one big shouting match. If only that hoarse could be ridden home at the end of the night. A bright neon sign lights up the dancefloor and reads ‘All Night Long’. Quite.

It’s creepy at the bar. An owl and a ghoul stare out from behind, whilst Grace Jones’ painted face lends the haphazard wall collage a flavour of LSD nightmares. Ordering a drink is frightening enough. The depth of choice is astonishing for a relatively small venue and begs the question, where do they keep it all?: beers - every country is covered (the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the definition of a ‘cleansing ale’); wines - at least 9 options of each colour by the glass (the Viognier is as peachy as it promises); cocktails - weigh in at a decent £6.50 a pop (Red Dragon for the sweet lovers, Peary Mason for the bitter babes).

At the time of writing, Citizen Smith was already burgeoning from its popularity. The proximity of the train station might be held accountable, or it could just be the simplicity of a happy place. A happy place that plays singalong favourites, flaunts a very adventurous drinks menu, and marries mint and chilli on a pizza (genius!).

The only complaints: (1) don’t play MC Hammer, and (2) tough pizza crusts need sharp knives, or no knives at all. It is pizza after all.

Besides that, it’s all brotherly love, not sibling rivalry....read more

Citizen Smith Description

Lost Society and The Lost Angel are proud to present the newest addition to the family....our little sister, Citizen Smith. Why the name? Well our other sites are more what you might call destination venues, you have to make an effort to get there. Whereas this one is right on the high street, there for all to see, for the everyday Joe Blog's to have a drink in, for all us Citizen Smith's to enjoy.

Located on the former Bar Room Bar site, opposite Putney High St train station, Citizen Smith is a bit smaller than our other venues, but equal emphasis has been placed upon what we do best. Great service, with a fun and friendly smile. Delicious food – this time we have based the menu around a pizza oven, quirky and tasty. (click here for food menu)

Booze, we are now somewhat known in the South West for our drinks selection, this time around we have it all under one roof. A beautiful assortment of classic and contemporary cocktails, wines with a left of centre feel, and beer. Lots of beer, draught and bottles, really interesting numbers from all over the globe, flavours, wheat's, bocks, seasonal, ales (English and American) and a few bizarre lagers. (click here for Drinks menu)

Top it off with DJ's Thursday, Friday and Saturday and hey ho, off we go!

The look of the place, can best be described as 'an industrial 50's house on the prairie'. Lee Broom, the guy who masterminded the design of Lost Society and The Lost Angel is behind the concept. As, in our other venues, we do not have TV screens, it's not that we don't like sport, it's just that there are plenty of places showing the big game, we rather like making drinks instead.
(click here for pictures)

We are open everyday all day, coffee, cocktails, ale, pizza, sauvignon and a smile.....lovely....read more

Customer Reviews for Citizen Smith

Average (based on 2 votes): 2 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Citizen Smith.

“If you're expecting this place to be nothing more than a carbon copy of its bigger sisters, Lost Angel & Lost Society, then you'll be sorely mistaken. It has a little bits of that notorious quirkiness but it's not as big as it's not as 'lost' It's right on the high street so has a purely high street vibe. Weekends are busy but not overcrowded and they love to play the music LOUD! And filled with lots of great eye candy (both boys and girls).”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Leigh, Tooting (2 years 3 months 12 days ago)

“I expected a lot from this bar having enjoyed visits to the owners other ventures Lost Society and The Lost Angel. Whilst the interior design is certainly more striking than your typical boozer it lacks the ambiance and funky gardens of it's sisters whilst keeping their cocktail prices! However it is a lot less "lost" than these bars being right opposite Putney station. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
MC22, London (2 years 4 months 2 days ago)

Citizen Smith Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Pizza
• Average Price: £15.00
• Dress Code: Simple: no sports wear !!!
• Website: Visit the Citizen Smith website
• Group: Lost Group