The Elbow Room

The Elbow Rooms used to be a really great place to go for a game of pool in this area of London. Unfortunately the last two or three years has seen a fast decline in the attractiveness of this venue. Every pool table is in desperate need of re-laying, they really are dreadful. The toilets are an absolute mess, always leaking and frankly, look like a bomb has gone off in them. Also the heating was broken last time I went in there. It is a shame to see this establishment go to pot, as it used to be a brilliant place to visit. Not any more.

Went there to play pool one day. Pool tables are a bit worn but not too bad actually. Service on the other hand is unbelievable. The barlady had the worst attitude I’ve ever come across. She tutted because she had to get off her chair and interrupt watching a movie on her laptop with her friend to serve me. What an imposition! I asked for a cider and a beer. The draught selection was already cut by a quarter as signified by upturn glasses on the pump. Fine. Unfortunately, the beer I asked for was also not on (without the international symbol), which is fine – I understand how these things work – but no apology just a ‘you can either wait for 15 minutes or get a different drink’ isn’t particularly endearing. I then had the audacity to order some food (which was decent enough). Unfortunately, another sigh met the request. She then went back to watching her film and sighed again when somebody else had the unreasonable request of maybe buying a drink in a bar. The place was also freezing and the toilets were an absolute disgrace. No toilet seat, 2 urinals with bags over and one sink with a bag over. No soap or hand drying implements. Poorly managed in general. Good points: Beer was decent and food wasn’t bad for the price.

I've been to the elbow room on several occasions now and it doesn't dissapoint. The food was great, i reccomend the platters if there are a few of you... We had a short wait to play pool and then had the table for a good couple of hours before it started to fill out for the evening. Plenty of spirits/beers on offer and at great prices. We'll be back again!!!

Cool place.

I've been to the Elbow Rooms a few times. I always find the place just OK. It's on the list of: if passing and it's not too crowded then go in. Of course, if I were looking for a place to play pool, then this is the first place I would go.
I dont remember anything standing out about drinks or specials, like the other reviewers. I do remember ordering some food at some point... but probably just chips or something.
Since nothing jumps out at me, I guess I could only think of it to be an average place.

Lovely fancy bar with great seats, beautiful pool tables and a trendy young crowd, cool drinks and great location.

wow! my first time in elbow room shoreditch, wont be my last. music was everything i loved think thats why i decided to review it, so quickly. service was good,the beer range could do with some updating but not all expensive
good place

Pool Room and bar in the heart of Shoreditch. Great food, the Jack Daniels chicken wings are amazing!
Really nice bar with cool DJs playing at weekends. It can get really busy on Saturday nights but a buzzer system allows you to book pool tables and drink while you wait your turn on the table. Tables are from £6 - £10 per hour (busy times you can’t stay on the tables and the lights turn out above your table when time is up). Quieter times you can stay on the tables and just pay more when you finish.
You can book tables for events and have waitress service which is nice for a birthday party. Bouncers ensure there are is no trouble and the atmosphere is pleasant.

On Friday afternoons the email inevitably circulates around Clerkenwell offices - "two for one drinks at the Elbow Room! 5-7pm". I love chilling at this bar. Their cocktails - which go by obscenely promising names like 'orgasm' (bailey's) or 'lick a cock' (cinammon and gin shot) are to die for. And they're 5 pounds a pop, (or 5 pounds for two) at happy hour. The music is good, the bartenders do tricks, the crowd is young and hip, and even their chips are crispier than most London bars.