The Gunmakers, Clerkenwell, London

great cheap drinks and helpful staff

Friendly staff. Range of good beers you might not find elsewhere. Quiet Monday. Nice.

Update
Keen to pay the Gunmakers a further visit, I dragged a friend there (as indicated in my original review).

Jeff was apparently having a bad night; he was much less friendly and only grudgingly let me taste an ale before ordering. And when, shock and horror, I wanted to order two portions of chips he refused, saying that chips were only served as a side dish to a meal and held his ground even when I explained that my friend and I did not want a full meal.

Well, serving portions of chips was most certainly not a problem during the Qype ale-tasting event, where we were told how happy Jeff is to let his customers taste an ale before ordering. If both were tactics to get return visits it worked for me, if only once. Why the hell should I put up with unfriendly service just because the landlord happens to be in a foul mood and the excellent Coach and Horses is a hop skip and a jump away?

The service makes or breaks a pub, innit, and I was really disappointed; my original review reveals how favourable my initial impression of this pub was. Needless to say, my friend and I beelined to the Coach and Horses for some more ale and the chips we were craving.

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Up to now, I've failed to really appreciate pubs. I usually find them to be too noisy, too full of drunk people spluttering nonsense at you, and just generally lacking atmosphere.

Well, I'm pleased to announce that I'm now a pub fan. To clarify, I have not become a fan of pubs, I am a fan of a pub – The Gunmakers in Farringdon.

Tucked away in a side street off Clerkenwell Road, The Gunmakers is a small pub nicely divided into two front rooms and a back room. There is enough seating to probably find a table, which is a very good thing since The Gunmakers' food is several notches above your regular pub grub without trying (or wanting) to be a gastropub.

Having said that, this lovely pub is of course not just about food. Jeff, The Gunmakers' landlord, is committed to the art of proper keg storage and offers a carefully selected range of real ales. He always has two guest ales on tap, thus allowing his discerning customers to sample ales from small native breweries, such as the London-based Redemption Brewery.

But what really sets this place apart from the rest is the genuinely friendly staff and a landlord who loves his job and really wants his customers to feel at home. Jeff will probably not only remember your name, he will be able to recommend ales based on which ales you liked during your last visit.

Given that we are talking about a pub in central London, this place is a rare find and a real gem that will appeal to not only to regular pubgoers, so even if you aren't a pub person you really should give this place a try. The Gunmakers is all about what a pub should be and the chances are high that you will be dragging your friends there on your next visit.

The Gunmakers represents almost everything I look for in a pub:

1. The real ales are great. Jeff (the landlord) looks after them with care and diligence.

2. The staff are friendly. Some of them are good looking.

3. It's not extortionately expensive. (Average London prices I guess.)

4. It's got a nice, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Although it can get rammed at times.

5. The food looks good. I have to confess that I've never eaten it, but friends have and they say it's decent.

6. It's about 3 minutes' walk from my flat.

The only detractor – not much in the way of outside space. But hey, you can't have it all.

EDIT: Several months on, I can say that I have now sampled the food, on several occasions. And I can confirm that it's as good as it looks. Be warned, it's not cheap pub grub, but then it doesn't pretend to be.

If I was into ale then I would have happily given The Gunmakers five stars. They are ale crazy and that's reflected in their huge selection. Unfortunately I can't stand the stuff, so they'll have to settle for four.

But even if, like me, you're not an ale drinker The Gunmakers is still a nice enough pub. Despite being hidden away from the main road it's always busy. The staff are friendly, you can get served quickly enough and the prices of non-ale drinks aren't bad. I can think of worse places to spend an evening in the area.

Nice Pub, good atmosphere

I went along to the Qype ale event featuring Tottenham's 'Redemption' brewer.

As I got my first half (it's a tasting, right) the awesome Jeff greeted me, he's the kind of intelligent-passionate-about-stuff landlord you wish was the landlord of your local, he writes for beer mags too. Jeff recognised me, not as a local (i've never been here) but the fact I've been a on/off resident DJ of the bar Clerkenwell House for 5 years or so. The ex-bar of choice for Gunmaker staff post closing time (good job i'm returning to the decks there this week). Clerkenwell House is a 90 second walk away, that's how much of a hidden gem this place is.

The Gunmakers studio was built in 1850 that previously even randomly had the inventor of the mousetrap (that's the trapping device, not the show) there at this site back in the day (not sure which 'day' though).

This is a proper London-steeped-in-history pub with low ceilings, wooden beams and tons of character.

As we (35 of us) went to the function room at the back we has a chat form Andrew at Redemption breweries. He described how the publican was responsible for the final 'secondary' fermentation that happens in a pub cellar before being poured out to punters. This basically means, the cliche in your head of a proper ale drinkers pub is likely to serve you a decent ale and a 'lads drinking stella' pub that has a decent looking ale is probably going to taste awful. That's because of the short life of a proper ale means that it needs drinking quickly and a lager lads pub is more interested in serving the binge drinking booze lads.

Redemption does two types of ale. The Pale Ale containing two types of hops was blonde, zesty and bitter (reminds me of some girls I know).

The Urban Dusk uses chocolate malt and another malt giving it a choco fruity taste, but is a full bodied dark beer.

These two ale's would be best described as session beers and are only available in cask. Also available at nose-to-tail infamous St John restaurant, and nearer to my home at the revamped Southampton Arms on Highgate Rd and Camden's revamped Prince Albert (that's the pub, not the rude piercing).

This pub is a real gem, check it out.

The Gunmakers - Pics at The London Foodie

I was recently invited to a tasting of Redemption Brewery ales at The Gunmakers pub in Clerkenwell. The event was organised by Siany of Qype, and hosted by the very knowledgeable Jeff Bell, the pub’s landlord.

The evening started off with an expert low down by Andrew Moffat, the founder of newly opened Redemption Brewery, on the two ales we were to try – the light and refreshing Redemption Pale Ale 3.8% and the darker, stronger Redemption Urban Dusk 4.5%.

Both ales had very distinct flavours and character, and despite not being a huge ale drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Jeff, a former lawyer, spoke eloquently about the ups and downs of life as an independent publican and his passion and care for the carefully chosen beers. It was fascinating to learn how important the publican is in ensuring that the ale kegs are stored in the best possible conditions to avoid staleness.

Here was a man who loves and believes in what he does, his enthusiasm was contagious and inspirational.

The food was also excellent with main dishes priced between £4 and £15. I tried the “Beer battered Atlantic cod with hand cut chips, peas and tartare sauce” @ £12. The batter was crisp, encasing a succulent fillet of cod that was utterly delicious and fresh. The accompanying chips were perfectly cooked and chunky.

Other Qypers raved about the “rump steak in ciabatta with rocket, tomato and peppercorn mayo” @ £8.75.

This very attractive pub is tucked away in obscure side street off Clerkenwell Road, an unlikely place to stumble upon but well worth a visit in my opinion.

Cost: the ale tasting was complementary, but beer prices were around the London average, fish and chips @ £12 (not complementary).

Likes: excellent fish and chips and rump steak sandwiches, knowledgeable and friendly staff, good quality beers.

Dislikes: kitchen closes at 9:30pm.

Verdict: A real gem of a place, selling excellent beers and food in intimate surroundings. Jeff and his team are knowledgeable and friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening with them. Highly recommended.

good solid boozer

As an expat in London I am strongly committed to acquiring a pub culture.
Some may call it "heavy drinking", but it's actually an educational activity and it feels like I owe it to this country.
Last night, for example, I had the pleasure to attend a masterclass in real ale at the Gunmakers, probably the most traditional pub I've been so far. It's been functioning since 1850, I learnt, and it's clear that everyone, owner, staff and regulars, are true lovers of great beer.
The food is something special too, with an extensive menu full of interesting options like stuffed tomatos, and simple but perfect nibbles.

A great little pub with awesome beer, good food and even have blackboards dedicated to their current favourite wines.

I never knew this little treasure existed before Qype invited me along, and I am so glad I came to a tasting of the newly launched Redemption:"http://urbanbrewer.blogspot.com/" beer here with brewer Andy and landlord Jeff. The hoppy pale ale (smooth, with lemony finish) and incredibly tasty Urban Dusk (think chocolate and other good things) were a delight to drink. These were all washed down with a 'real' croque monsieur. Yummy.

When I am back in this part of town will definitely grab a brew here, may even stay for a meal.

This is a great little pub that one could easily spend a comfortable evening in. A true local pub with a landlord that greats the regulars by name and makes sure everyone is happy. He knows his beers and rotates what he has on tap.

I am not a true connoisseur of beer, I enjoy it and know what I like and what I don't. I really enjoyed the new ale Redemption Pale Ale, it had a lovely taste to it which lingered just long enough after each sip to really appreciate the flavor. It is brewed locally in London which is good news for the environment.

If I ever find my self in The Gunmakers part of town I'll be sure to stop by!

It's certainly tricky to find a pub in London that’s still gotta bit of soul in this day’n age, but the Gunmakers is firmly in position. Having been here for a Qype Event hosted by the Redemption Brewing Company after the background we were left to sample the produce with an absence of background music meaning the bar had that nice reverberation of chatting, something I haven’t heard in a long time but it reminds me of good times elsewhere…

Jeff the landlord is bang on; I sloped up to the bar 5 mins after the kitchen closed to see could I get a bite, to no joy, and yet he then appeared with a bowl of soupy goodness gratis…legend. Such acts of charity serve only to reaffirm my belief in humanity. Proper croutons, inspired by French fellow toiling in the kitchen to ease the hunger…aaaaand…we’re back in the game.

I’ll be back soon…

A far more benevolent place than its militaristic name might suggest, The Gunmakers is one of those pubs that benefit from being “off the beaten track”, assuming anywhere within shooting distance of the Clerkenwell Road can still be considered as such. The pub is long and narrow, with plenty of wood and a friendly crowd who clearly love their beer. With only one lager on tap, trouble knows it is not welcome here. On the night I visited, for a Qype-organised ale sampling, we were granted free access to a couple of exciting new beers from London newcomer the Redemption Brewing Company. The Gunmaker himself, generally called Jeff the Landlord, has curated an impressive trove of ever-changing cask ales that simply demands repeated pilgrimages. I am coming back here.

This cosy shrine to well kept beer is fast becoming the worst kept secret in Farringdon. And deservedly so. I'm one of the lucky ones. I work about five minutes walk from The Gunmakers, and thanks to the much noted use of Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/thegunmakers) to announce the daily beers on tap, I can be sure to get a pint of whatever's being served up on short notice.

What The Gunmakers does very well indeed is the attention paid to the little details. Other pubs have guest ales from all over the country, but they're rarely as well kept. Other pubs serve decent food, but here the grub is unpretentious and top-notch. Other pubs have good service... well actually, not compared to here. Jeff, Julie and Beccy are genuinely welcoming and friendly - none of that distracted false friendliness here. And they remember a face, something I thought just didn't happen any more.

What's more it's a real education - in a inspiring-beer-mentor kind of way - i've learnt a lot just by chatting with people about the beer. If the staff dont know (like that ever happens) a punter at the bar will. Or, like my last visit, you actually get to chat to the brewers and sample their latest beers.

That's right, not only did I get invited up to Tottenham to nose around Redemption, London's newest brewery, by the Andy the friendly founder. A group of us Qypers also got to polish a couple of kegs of his first new beers. For free. A delightlfully zesty and light pale ale and the smoother, deeper and properly morish Urban Dark.

Oh yes, Jeff's carefully chosen beers. Lordy lordy, they are something else. Where else can you find an 8.5% stout that's like drinking sweet black silk - on another planet to the Guinnesses of this world. Or a pale ale called Proper Job that's...well...properly tasty. Fantastic.

All in all it knocks the rest of Farringdon's pubs - The Three Kings, The Crown, The Jerusalem Tavern et al - into a cocked hat. There's nowhere round here I'd rather be seen.

It turns out Farringdon and Clerkenwell boast some fine drinking establishments. The Gunmakers, tucked away and hidden (I ran into it whilst roaming the streets on the phone) is a real gem.

The bar staff are unfailingly friendly and knowledgeable. Jeff chose to get his soul of of hock and retired from law to become a courteous, interesting and expert landlord. He introduced himself to me, and has never forgotten my name since.

Jeff typically has four real ales on, and will gladly let you taste before buying, and make recommendations based on what he learns of your taste. The beer is immaculately kept, and often served in branded appropriate glasses. They also serve a cloudy cider, and, of course, the typical lagers. Still, I have observed relatively few people drinking lager in there! They have a good wine list, at reasonable prices.

They serve food both at lunchtime and in the evening. I've never had occasion to eat there in the evening, but the lunchtime food is very good - and there's tons of it. I had a burger there yesterday, and left feeling like I'd eaten a baby. The menu (on blackboards) changes regularly, and has a couple of starters, a bunch of mains, and a couple of deserts. The food is served fresh and promptly. Main courses range from around £8.00 - £13.00.

The interior is plainly and tastefully decorated. It hovers between the gastro-pub look (particularly in the back, though the floor is askew, so no table has a totally flat surface!) and more traditional (albeit bare floored - no pub patterned carpet here) pub. There are a couple of bar stools, and I have often found folk who are clearly regulars sitting at the bar, passing the time of day with Jeff. Uniquely, there are large windows that open totally in the front, allowing a welcome cooling breeze blow through. They are at bar height, and have a couple of shelves under the window, thus allowing smokers (and smokers' friends) to still feel they are part of the pub inside, rather than just pavement hoverers.

Having said that, the outside area, apart from that bit right up against the pub itself, is meagre - after all, it really is just the pavement. The road the pub sits on isn't particularly busy, but it's still central London, so I'd probably not choose to spend a whole session out there. The ladies' room was clean but unremarkable.

The pub is not big, and unless you want to sit in the back (which has a much more restaurant feel), you may find yourself hard pressed for a seat when it's busy (and it gets busy at times, though not necessarily at predicable times).

This has been a real find - definitely one to add to a hypothetical pub crawl in Farringdon, and one I will be drinking and dining in at many a lunchtime.

The Gunmakers has a bijou (just like the pub) website - you can check it out here - http://thegunmakers.co.uk/ - there's even a potted history of the building (which didn't start life as a pub, apparently).

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Last night (9 February 2010), I was fortunate enough to attend a Qype organised beer tasting. Athough I no longer work in the Farringdon area, and so haven't been to the Gunmakers in quite some time (sob), I was welcomed by name (indeed, Jeff knew both my actual name and my username, as I'd highlighted my review to him at the time of writing) and greeted like an old friend.

I was expecting a wee little taste of each of the beers on offer - instead, the group was plied with free, excellent microbrewed beer until the two barrels ran out. Sweet.

The clientel and staff are as friendly as ever, and although I did not eat last night, those that did clearly enjoyed their food.

Again, I cannot recommend this pub highly enough.

It was a tale of Redemption last night at a pub that really ticks all the boxes.

I joined a gaggle of Qypers given the opportunity to sample the first batch of Ales produced by Tottenham's newest brewery Redemption (http://urbanbrewer.blogspot.com/)

Andy, who gave up a job in banking to start this business (explaining the name..?) was on hand to talk a bit about the brewing process and generally wax lyrical on the subject of beer. It is very important for real ale that it is kept well in the cellar of the pub and is served in the right way.

This is where Jeff comes in as Landlord and connosieur of ale in its myriad forms. He has taken the Gunmakers and tapped into a market of drinkers who care about the condition of their pint, and who want to be able to sample guest ales regularly. I think it's been mentioned in other reviews that the drink available is announced via his twitter feed in what could be the best use of the app to date...

So you can go with confidence that the quality of your beer will be high and that the staff will be knowledgeable in recommending which of the tipples to try; they are an affable bunch as well and I'm sure have as much fun working there as we did visiting.

So, onto the food. In a sign that the menu options are freshly sourced there were several dishes disappearing over the course of the evening, and I was lucky enough to snaffle the last steak sandwich available, grasping it literally from under the noses of several other Qypers who were simply too slow on the uptake... I don't mean to rub it in but this was quite simply a superb, succulent slab of steaky perfection in a soft, warm ciabatta. I considered adding a Qype entry for the sandwich alone since it could easily have got 5 stars by itself. The fish and chips looked amazing as well.

You know, the more I write about this place the more I realise that it is an awesome pub; the signs were there I guess, in that I was texting my CAMRA card-holding ale-geek mate about the place while I was there hoping that for once I could introduce him to a special pub rather than the other way around. It really is that sort of place.

Oh and as for the beer, the Urban Dark was an absolute winner while the Redemption Pale Ale was very drinkable but without the same depth of flavour. Still, for a first batch it's a great sign that small independent brewers in London are having a revival.

Many elements must converge to make a great pub, and The Gunmakers is one of a handful of central London pubs which exemplifies this.

The main drawcard is the always-changing selection of immaculately kept real ales. Landlord Jeff takes great care of his beer, and won't serve a shoddy pint. He'll typically have 2 regular ales & 2 rotating guests based on the season - you'll often find a lineup like Harvey's Sussex Best, Purity Mad Goose, Theakston's Old Peculiar and St Austell's Tribute. If you're really keen you can sign up to the Twitter feed (@thegunmakers) and find out what beers are on that day!

You'll also find a lager on tap, Guinness, cider, a range of spirits, and a stellar winelist to choose from - whilst Jeff likes people to get interested in real ale, again, the primary goal is for the customer to enjoy themselves.

You can still have nice beer in an awful pub, so what sets The Gunmakers apart? It's a cosy, friendly place with chatty, above-capable staff and a great vibe. They'll even do table service if it's not too busy - when did you last get that in London?

You want more reasons to go there? The food's brilliant. Jeff's made a distinct effort not to go full-gastropub, nor turn it into a restaurant, but serve up well-thought-out pub grub made with high quality ingredients by their excellent chef, Sebastien. Last night I had the steak sandwich, which I immediately recommended to my friends as "the best steak sandwich I'd ever tasted" - they sceptically acquiesced to my advice, and upon tasting it there were lit-up eyes and nodding all-round.

It should be tattooed on landlords' foreheads backwards so they read it every time they look in a mirror: "Treat your customers well, and they'll come back, and they'll bring friends". The Gunmakers does this in every way, and now my friends have started taking their friends there.

It's a gem.

I think my exact words on the tube last night were "Knights of Columbus! That pub was awesome!" and i stick to my guns this morning - The Gunmakers is one of the best pubs i've visited in quite some time. Awesome staff (with great banter), great food, locally sourced ales, interesting history and getting a seat on a Friday night isn't a complete nightmare.

The real ale tasting event last night was fantastic. So much so that from now on i'm going to suggest all future events must include consumption of at least 4 pints of bitter :)

I'll be back and i'll be bringing all my mates. If i could give 6 stars, i would.

This pub has changed my life, no honestly. I've been a happy lager drinker for many-a-year, but last night that changed, and all thanks to The Gunmakers. It introduced me to truly great beer, and i'll not be looking back.

Enough of the personal revelations, aside from the beer, this is one of those pubs that just gets it right. Much of this is down to what goes on behind the bar - great booze and great staff: staff that love what they do, are great at doing it, and offer a welcome seldom seen in this City.

Clientele were an interesting and mixed bunch (probably partially due to the Qype event that I was attending), and seating/lighting/music/ambiance all conducive to good conversation and a generally top notch evening.