The Water Poet Review

Book a table at The Water Poet

The City has a reputation for everything from fast trading of shares to fast cars. And yet just off Bishopsgate is a pub with an atmosphere so relaxed and beguiling that you’d be forgiven for thinking you were at an inviting village local.

The Water Poet has plenty of capacity for those wanting a drink in pleasant surroundings, whether in the beer garden at the back or in the roomy main bar area. However, an additional feather in this establishment’s cap is its food offerings. Head chef Bernadette Ford presides over a barbeque throughout the summer months with treats ranging from whole sea bass and loin of tuna to vegetable kebabs.

The other flagship to look out for is Sunday lunch and it’s a delight to come across a roast that’s as good as your Mum used to make it. The beef was expertly cooked such that it was tender but still meaty and wholesome – an ideal accompaniment to roast potatoes with a tantalising combination of a crunchy outside and a fluffy inside. There are also variations on the roast theme with chicken (stuffed with an appetising apple and pancetta combination) and veggie sausage options available.

There is also admirable attention to detail when it comes to the starters. Light and crumbly feta accompanied by sunblushed tomatoes, meaty olives and crisp pitta was an eye-catching choice. Another option alongside it were anchovies with a wonderfully sea-fresh flavour which were perfectly filleted and served with spinach and an excellent soft boiled egg which was neither too hard nor too runny.

Service with a smile is a phrase too often trumpeted but The Water Poet offered a genuinely friendly welcome and attentive service throughout. It made the Baileys & white chocolate cheesecake for dessert even more difficult to turn down. The dish has already developed quite a reputation among locals and with its sweet, light texture and effortlessly crumbly base, it’s easy to see why.

So next time you’re in the City, remember that not everything need be done in a hurry there: a meal at the Water Poet is worth taking the time to savour....read more

Arthur Browne 01 Aug 2008

The Water Poet Description

Renowned for the best summer barbeque in London, The Water Poet in Spitalfields is a comfortable pub that offers something for everyone, including a large enclosed garden and a restaurant that becomes a bar in the evening. There is also a function room with a bar in the basement, as well as a pool room and a warm, sheltered smoking area. During the day, the restaurant offers a selection of great British dishes prepared by Head Chef Bernadette Forde, whose talents in the kitchen come from nearly three years of working alongside Richard Corrigan. From Fish and Chips and a Rib Eye Steak Sandwich, to the Turkey and Ham Pie and Wild Boar Sausages with Mash, you'll be spoilt for choice come lunchtime! Naturally there's also a wide range of beer, ales and cider on offer, not to mention a choice of spirits and a separate wine list too.

The Water Poet is a large pub with a large pool room with two pool tables, satellite and big screen, beer garden with room for about 150 seated and Comedy evenings on a Thursday.

Features:
Large Main Bar Area with Comfortable Slouchy Sofas
Separate Dining Room with Own Bar
Enormous Garden and BBQ Area
Private Hire Room with Bar
Award Wining Chefs
Four Wide Screen TV’s for Sports
Pool Room with Two Tables
Decadently Decorated Interior
Best Sunday Roast in the Area
Some of the Best Pub Food In Spitalfields

Food served: Mon–Fri from midday & Sunday midday until 6pm. Modern British & European plus Summer BBQ in Garden (voted top 5 by Evening Standard, London)....read more

Customer Reviews for The Water Poet

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 The Water Poet.

“I came here to watch the rugby world cup final. It was like a second home for Kiwis, the place was crawling with them. Which I absolutely loved. Long may they stay there! They made it such a great atmosphere. Love that it has so many different rooms and seating options. Especially the indoor-outdoor beer garden. More Shoreditch than The City.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
The Restaurant Hunter, London (1 years 7 months 24 days ago)

“Without a doubt the best Sunday lunch in the area. Plus the Water Poet has an enormous garden to lounge in too. Fabulous.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Carla Bonner, London (4 years 10 months 27 days ago)

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: British
• Dress Code: Not Specified
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)