Bedford & Strand

Restaurants

Bars

Covent Garden

Mid-range

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Time Out says

Thu Jul 14 2011

In an area otherwise dominated by tourist traps, Bedford & Strand is popular with local workers, who stream to the basement bar for after-hours drinks.

Named, American-style, after its two cross streets, the bar also has a New York feel to its wine list. The headline page of the list offers around 20-25 selections available by the glass, carafe or bottle, split into five price-defined sections: ‘Reliable’, ‘Honest’, ‘Decent’, ‘Good’ and ‘Staff Picks’. The rest of the list is available by bottle only, with the exception of a few sherries and champagnes.

There’s a balance of New and Old Worlds, along with some curiosities (Brazilian wine, for instance). Pricing isn’t aggressive, but it pays to trade up. A glazed partition separates the bar from the white-tableclothed dining area, where bistro staples are on offer. A separate deli counter serves finger foods and charcuterie.

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Address:
Bedford & Strand 1A Bedford Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9HH

Phone:
020 7836 3033
Website:
www.bedford-strand.com
Opening hours:
Open noon-midnight Mon-Sat, Food served noon-10.30pm Mon-Sat
Transport:
Tube: Covent Garden tube or Charing Cross tube/rail
Map
1. Bedford & Strand
  - 1A Bedford Street
    Covent Garden
    London
    WC2E 9HH
  - 020 7836 3033
  - www.bedford-strand.com
  - 51.509681,-0.123736

Facilities:
Restaurant and bar facilities. Reservations required. General facilities. Available for hire
Occasions:
Business. Drinks. Wine buffs. Going in a group
Type of event:
Parties

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Comments & ratings

(5 ratings)

Fab Fab Fab! I would never have found this place if I wasn't going with friends, but so glad I did. Relaxed, simple, and filled with character. Sod the suits and snoots, this place is a diamond.

Julia Ronaldson Fri Apr 26
Rated as: 5/5
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Great venue but truly lacking in experience in all ways. Bad service and knowledge with large amount of items out of stock. The decor is really let down by the overall experience. Will most likely never return.

Luke Rosie Mon May 21 2012
Rated as: 1/5
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Brimming with a cosy charm that is clearly lacking at the some of the west end’s big boys; a lot could be learned from this simple, classic little wine room.

Sally Willis Thu Jul 28 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Cosy and intimate, this is one of my favourite finds in all of London. Originally went for a friends leaving do, but came back for dinner last week. I arrived early and had a drink at the bar (a delightful little cab/shiraz). The barman was warm and seamed very knowledgeable. When my companion arrived we were seated without the fuss I have come to abhor from the more commercialised bistros in the area. What the menu lacked in design, it makes up for in flavour. And although I found the cottage pie somewhat plain, the tartare was sublime. I find the venue itself is summed up by its interior: classic, friendly, and intimate. I am certain that those who come expecting the ego-fanning pomp and elitism of high society will be happily disappointed by its simple layout and ethic. But the real highlight of my visit was the staff. They are real characters who know what they are talking about and are an absolute pleasure to engage with. I am so bored of lifeless, faceless waiting staff who would not dare crack smile, much less a joke. Here, thankfully, are real people who aren't afraid to stand up for their profession too. I watched one table of city-snoots who were being quite rude to our waitress, something about his cottage pie taking too long (this was a busy evening with almost every table full). Despite her apologies he seamed determined to lambast the poor girl on behalf of his appetite. She continued her attempts to placate the bear, now playing to his table as an audience, but he would not let her finish a sentence. I was about to lean across to liberate the young lady when she looked him square in eye and said "I appreciate what you are saying and have apologised, but do you know what is delaying it further? This conversation." She went on, "Now do you want me to go and get your main courses, or do you just want to sit there are shout at me some more?" As he fell silent, I damn near fell off my chair for laughing. A great evening of fantastic wine, some good food and some spectacular entertainment. Go to Bedford & Strand: If you like an eclectic selection of wine at decent prices administered by some of the sharpest bar-staff in all of London. Relax and let your hair down.

T. DeWaal Mon Jul 18 2011
Rated as: 4/5
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