Peacock in City of London, Westminster

Good beers, darts galore, varied jukebox, nice regulars, and plenty of banter. Sadly closed down in the last few weeks to be replaced by what appears to be yet another coffee shop.

The Peacock is a quiet old man pub on the outskirts of the city. Darts and a juke box downstairs, pool and more darts upstairs. Not many of these places left to good to pop in every now and again.

This pub looks good from the outside and it should be packed all the time. But as soon as you go through the door you know why it isn't packed/overflowing. I recently went in at a lunchtime and as soon as I got through the door I was assaulted by loud, loud, loud music that was totally out of place for a city pub, I don't know why the other 3 customers were putting up with it, the music was basically for the enjoyment of the staff. The staff are so enamoured of the place that one of them went out and got a coffee from a chain coffee shop and some noodles from somewhere else and proceeded to eat them at the bar, very becoming and welcoming. The next problem is the price of the beer, I had a pint of guinness and it was 50p more than any other local pub. Just across the road is a pub that is more welcoming and decorated to much higher standards and the beer is much cheaper. After drinking my one pint, I stood up and was putting my scarf on, when I sensed/felt something behind me. I looked around and it was one of the barmaids who had come and snatched my glass away off the table. A tip for this girl, please give customers time to finish their drink and get ready to leave before ignorantly taking glasses. If it was a bloke who done that, I think I would have been tempted to have had a go at him. One last criticism, surely the daughter of the landlord shouldn't be giving the pub a review and I think that this should be taken down.

My dad runs this pub and I thought I would say a few things about it.the reson I haven't rated the food is because he only does proper food for the darts matches otherwise he would be too busy and it wouldn't be a 'proper city pub' as he likes to say. Since he got the place in 2006 he has put so much effort into it. He has redocorated and genrally changed the place round. The bar staff are absloutly amazing, friendly and always have a smile on their faces. There are a lot of people in there sometimes but that's because its a very good pub. Since my dad has had the pub it has been in the good beer guide. Also if you have just been sight seeing it is a nice friendly place to stop off for a pint.

Ok, heres the thing, the place aint pretty and trying to confirm bookings was a nightmare. The food was hot and actually edible if not very plain, but it did take hours to arrive and served one plate at a time. The staff however are amazing, and the music is top notch. It got very busy so glad we had somewhere to sit. Cocktail lessons were great fun and worth the money. If you are after elegance and top notch burlesque dont come here. If you dont mind slumming it a bit and want to really let your hair down, drink and dance then do come here. My party were very raucous and made a mess but they didnt mind, just kept serving us. Give it go and have a loon but dont set high standards, they wont be met!

I have not eaten at this establishment but I visit every time I go to London. I normally stay in the Aldgate East Travelodge around the corner. This pub is open late on Thursdays and Fridays and you can get a drink after you have been to the Theatre. Good beer as well.