Bars & Pubs

By Ben McFarland

Situated on the corner of the All Saints Road which, back before Hugh Grant ummed and aah’d this area upwards, was anything but saintly, the Pelican has been given a gentle Gothic going-over by the folks who own the bars Dust, Home and Industry. Brooding burgundy walls topped with a flurry of funky fabrics are illuminated by ornate, gilded candelabras, a marble fireplace and just a little junk and jumble, while tight-of-trouser whippersnappers, and some Sunday sloths, slump on sofas. A bodega-style area lives below, while upstairs, available for hire, cranks up the cosiness with a front room chock-a-block with Chesterfields, gun chairs, a telly and fireplace.

The pumps keep it real ale with London Pride and Deuchars, while Sagres, Michelob and Estrella Damm fly the lager flag. There’s a strong wine list should you fancy grape over grain. If you're eating, unlike the old Pelican, there’s no huge bill (ho ho) – with broad bean risotto, roasts with honey-glazed vegetables and grilled spatchcock chicken with apricots and bacon each under a tenner.

Other sundries include a quiz on Tuesdays, open mic night on Wednesdays and the dice-rolling game ‘No Bill’, where punters challenge bar staff to win free drinks, is on Thursdays. There are also board games.

Time Out Issue 1978: July 17-23 2008