Restaurants

Pho
This second branch of the original Pho in Clerkenwell is already making waves with the Fitzrovian lunchtime crowd. They’re attracted to the clean-cut, modern surroundings that are a far cry from the canteens of east London. Here, striking photographs of Vietnam’s street culture flank the walls; the grey-red-white colour scheme epitomises minimalist chic. This simplicity extends to the cooking, with a menu offering a basic round-up of Vietnam’s best-known dishes. Unlike the original set-up, however, there are no banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes). The laudable aim is to make Vietnamese cooking more accessible, but we found the food a pale imitation of the cuisine. Pho’s eponymous dish of beef noodle soup was let down by the broth – it lacked depth, tasting more of carrots than meat and subtle spices. However, we couldn’t fault a dish of fresh summer rolls bursting with herbs and juicy prawns, nor did we dismiss a perfectly brewed ‘weasel’ coffee, rich with sweet condensed milk. Pho offers only a small sampling when it comes to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, but we can’t deny it presents a fair introduction – and it’s good to find such an option in the West End.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

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Posted by RT on 21 Nov 2008 18:16
We went to the Pho on Great Titchfield Street for a quick lunch. The food was average - my vegetarian maincourse was not the most flavoursome but the starters were pretty good.
What made this meal exceptional though was the appalling service! We had to wait nearly an hour for the main course after foolishly asking for it to arrive after the starters - hardly difficult considering we had ordered them together!
The manager couldnt care less that we had complained and simply informed us that there was a big group downstairs!
If you are looking for a quick vietnamese give Pho a miss!

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Posted by Regina on 16 Jul 2008 15:34
Living close by, this new addition to the area is much appreciated! I was drawn in last week, and it will most certainly be the first of many visits! Great food, great atmosphere, great location. Officially a new Pho fan!

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Posted by Matthew Scott (registered user) on 06 May 2008 14:00
Usually I eat in and have never failed to be impressed by the wonderful food. Just had a takeaway today and wow does it hit the spot. Nothing like a hot and spicy soup to wash away the hangover! The best restaurant and now the best takeaway north of Oxford Street.

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Posted by d berry (registered user) on 04 Apr 2008 20:08
Our office thinks this a fantastic place and already is a regular haunt even though it is has just been open a couple of weeks. Hooray for Pho - finally we can eat Vietnamese food that contains nice meat, is served with a fantastic mix of fresh herbs and even plays decent music. Try the pho chin (brisket) and the spicy chicken!

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Posted by Martin Muirhead (registered user) on 04 Apr 2008 19:27
Just had lunch at Pho and it was delicious. The beef soup (with meatballs, brisket and steak) was a massive meal in itself and a perfect meal on the go. Makes Wagamama look like old news! Highly recommend.

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