William IV

I agree with all the good things that have been said about this place. The food punches well above it's weight. This place would hold it's own in Spain. The atmosphere is great and the wine list, though short, is well selected and reasonable. The bar used to get painfully smokey - much better now. The waiting staff were brisk and efficient, though I agree the bar staff seem to be pretty into themselves. I got the feeling they did a coolness assesment on each punter before deciding whether they were worthy of half decent service: sort it out you muppets! You're barstaff not extras in an arthouse movie for heaven's sake! The restaurant is pretty basically laid out and decorated. The place for lively meal with friends rather than an intimate romantic dinner. Could do with a right good deep clean and a lick of paint.

Overall: this place is brill and worth a trip.
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Kwev - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, August 01, 2008

I rarely write reviews but I was so impressed with this pub I felt it was my duty to shout it's praise. There were some detractions, such as the Australian bar girl being far more interested in her German holiday rather than serving us drinks and the decor isn't anything to write home about but in every other way it's superb. Our monkfish with samphire was simple and fresh, chicken liver with black pudding darkly seductive, sea bass and chickpeas well executed and the pork belly big and brutal (although slightly dry).

The garden is a bonus but I'm not sure about the seperate cordoned off area for table service. Why not do the whole garden?

The William IV is like a trusted, honest friend who is also a bloody good cook.
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Tom Sargent
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, August 12, 2007

Looking for something different? I was, and I found it at the William IV. When we got there (on a busy friday evening) I was expecting the usual gastro-fayre, but was surprised to see that the menu is Spanish tapas. Apparently the owners are the same guys that own El Parador in Camden, which i have been to once before and loved it.

Anyway, the William combined the great food with a brilliant atmosphere (lubricated by the friday happy hour drinks before 8 o'clock im sure) and after we had finished in the restaurant we moved through into the bar to have a dance (by now there was a dj playing).

A great night was had by all, and the food was especially impressive. It all appeared to be very fresh and was expertly prepared and cooked. The highlights for me were the calves liver, padron peppers and seafood with tumeric rice (all delicious), followed by a selection of spanish cheeses. All washed down with a great bottle of Ribera Del Duero ( the wine list is very impressive).

Can't speak highly enough of this place, and even though it is a little far for me to go, it has the benefit of a seperate bar & restaurant which makes it a great night out that lasts until after 1am! Highly recommended.
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JamesMac
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 07, 2007

Still the best gastro-pub in the area. Good food, very good drinks (cocktails are superb), and great music/atmosphere on the weekends.

I went to a brazilian themed night there last week and it was great fun. Samba & salsa and all that, with half price caipirinhas & mojitos! Love it!
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Gary
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

I love this place. The bar is lively with a great atmosphere, the tapas is great (especially good value during the day - 3 for 2), the wine list is the best in the area, and the service is top notch.

Can get a little bit smokey in there, especially when the kitchen is busy, but at least the cigarette smoke will disappear soon!

Saturday night is the best time to go - I was there recently and I will definately be back.
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Marco
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Good all round quality. Good food, good music (funky, 80's, 90's) and good atmosphere. More than just a pub, you can actually have a proper night out in there - no need to go on to a club after as it's open till 1pm. Everyone get's dressed up! Popular with some local celebs also.
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Helen Simmonds
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, December 30, 2006

Excellent food. The most interesting selection of tapas I've seen in London. Salt cod puree was creamy and pungent; pig cheeks with fennel rich and aromatic. And portions were generous, such that five tapas made a very satifying meal for two, and brought the bill to a very reasonable £57 including puddings (unctuous warm chocolate tart), a £19 bottle of wine and a couple of brandies.

I was only slightly disappointed that, with an all Spanish menu, there weren't more Spanish wines on the wine list, although the Rioja which we had was excellent. Nor was there any Spanish brandy on the list, but they managed to rustle up a bottle of Torres when asked.
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Glyn Jones
Thursday, October 13, 2005