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VERSION:2.1
N:The Cartoonist
FN:The Cartoonist
TEL;WORK;VOICE:020 7353 2828
ADR;WORK:;;76 Shoe Lane;EC4A 3JB
URL:
NOTE:The Cartoonist occupies the ground and basement floors of a hideous concrete monstrosity near the Shoe Lane library. As its name suggests there are cartoons and satirical sketches all over the walls which are presumably a tribute to the former newspaper industry in nearby Fleet Street. Seating was at a premium upstairs so I ventured down to the basement bar which was totally empty apart from a pool table. As I slowly drank my beer I could feel the will to live slowly ebbing away from me. By the time my lunch finally arrived a small group of lads were playing pool, so at least that provided some meagre entertainment. It also took my mind off the food. The phrase "Gandhi's flip flop" sprang to mind as I tried to chew my burger. My advice to anyone foolish enough to venture in here is to leave immediately, there are plenty of better drinking establishments in the vicinity. It wasn't just pants, it was Rik Waller's y-fronts.
NOTE:The Cartoonist, until recently, had been a poorly run pub with little to recommend it. A few weeks ago a landlord / tenant of 30 years experience took over and it has considerably improved. The beer is well cared for and excellent. A particular novelty is the availability of Banks Bitter on tap, a Midlands brewed beer I haven't seen before in London.
A good selection of food is on offer and priced to make it good value for the money. The bar area is spacious with an additional basement bar and seating areas outside. Graham, the publican, is friendly and welcoming.
A great pub, destined to get even better.
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