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Sandwiched between Mexican restaurant Café Pacifico (who serve the best salsa in the whole of London – fact) and the world-renowned Pineapple Dance Studios (where they do a different kind of salsa altogether) lives the ever popular restaurant-come-bar-come-nightclub, The Langley. Despite its uber central location a mere stone’s throw from Covent Garden tube, this place can be a little difficult to find and the modest exterior belies the labyrinth that sits below...
Having navigated our way down the retro concrete stairs, through the many doors, round the maze of concrete corridors and through the open-plan bar, we finally made our way to the restaurant. It came as no real surprise to learn that The Langley used to be in an old underground station...
The restaurant itself was pleasantly laid-out with an equal mix of spacious tables and booths with comfy sofa-like seats. Whilst on our journey towards the restaurant, we noted that despite it being a Thursday night, it wasn’t overly busy. My guess is that, given the Covent Garden location and late-night opening, this place fills up at the weekend.
From the off, the service in the restaurant was prompt, friendly and attentive and our server was exceptionally polite. Having perused the huge selection of food on offer, my guest opted for the Sticky Chilli Lamb Rump and I couldn’t resist the Sizzling Chicken Fajitas, having watched the table next to us have them delivered as we arrived. The house red was a tasty and well-chosen fruity Merlot that we gladly tucked into whilst waiting for our mains. Both of which arrived promptly and were perfectly proportioned.
Having polished off our sumptuous and hugely satisfying meal, we decided that the desserts on the menu were just too good to resist. Within a blink of an eye (which was probably bigger than my belly) an incredible and obscenely sized banana split arrived for me (complete with banana liqueur and Maltesers) along with profiteroles (with Baileys and white and dark chocolate sauce) for my guest. Dribble. And then it was on to cocktails… we plumped for margaritas and mojitos and were by no means disappointed. Both were exceptionally well prepared with fresh ingredients.
All in all, this is a great post-work or post-shopping venue for food, drinks and maybe even a spot of dancing. I’d go back for the mojitos alone… If I was forced to make one criticism, it would be this – on the menu they have Double Vodka Redbull listed as a cocktail. Gasp!
The music wasn’t exactly to my taste either – dancey/charty/poppy/housey music - but was by no means loud or offensive. The general atmosphere when we visited was chilled out and relaxed, despite the over-excitable Thursday night post-work groups of co-workers.
On this particular night, my guest and I didn’t feel like dancing (in fact, after all that food we only felt like sleeping) so it was time to a-shimmy and a-salsa our way back through the disused underground station and back outside. Now where did I put my compass?
Reviewed by Sophie Atkinson
DESCRIPTION: On the site of a former tube station and flower market, The Langley is a hidden classic. Featuring original brick walls, murals, a funky restaurant and spacious booths, The Langley is a hang out for those who value great music and great service.
The Langley features a basement lounge bar and restaurant with a cool, retro style. Funky house and disco tunes provide the backdrop to this groovy late night bar and restaurant, with contrasting bare brickwork and Philip Stark chairs.
Admission after 10pm
Thu: £3 after 10pm
Fri-Sat: £5 after 10pm
Half price wine before 7 (Updated 04/03/2010)
Read customer reviews | Leave your own review.
- Additional Info: No additional info for this venue.
The Langley Address & Contact Details
- Address: 5 Langley Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2H 9JA
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Covent Garden
The Langley Location Map & Nearby Venues
For nearby Fluid Style venues 'click and drag' on the map above. 'Zoom out' for more. For summary info 'click a pin'.
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Customer Reviews for The Langley
“I spent saturday night with a group of girlfriends for drinks and dinner at this bar. It was a superb night out, staff were very helpful, food was great and by the time 9pm came the place was buzzing... tracks played were awesome too (very old skool....) and couldn't keep off the dancefloor. The Langley bar definitely seems to have turned a corner in the last few weeks and i shall be going back for more!”
Rating:
— Londoner, London
(08 Jun 2009)
“Th Langley has long been a favourite of mine, I've been coming here for approximately 10 years and in that time it has changed, occasionally there have been bad bar staff etc but generally it's a good bar and very popular. Almost too popular. However I will say this for it, well priced food, well priced drinks, good staff, nice decor, and good music. However, NOTHING SPECIAL if you go there time after time or want something more unique. I will say this, when I went to see a band play there, I was told first that they would play at 9pm, ok fine, then asked door staff and they said midnight-1am. On a Thursday school night? You're having a laugh! But I do like the Langley. Good fun.”
Rating:
— Moushka, London
(01 May 2009)
“I went to The Langley recently with friends on a friday after work and I was so impressed after reading the reviews on here it must have clearly changed managemeant as the staff were very helpful and friendly, the food was great, quick and tasty and reall value for money considering being in Covent Garden. The cocktails were great at just £3.95 in happy hour and Mojotos were just out of this world. I would recommend it to all of my mates and will be returning next weekend for their Therese act....Cant wait”
Rating:
— [ Unknown ], London
(19 Mar 2009)
“Really disappointed with this place. I went with work mates on a Friday night. Some bar staff didn't know how to make drinks... I received a mojito that wasn't muddled or even shaken! Possibly the worst drinks we've ever had. Will not be returning, ever.”
Rating:
— Ginni , London
(03 May 2008)
“I love The Langley! Regardless of other comments I find the place just the the right mix of unpretentious Londoners who want to let there hair down after work. Drinks are a good price in happy hour and reasonable after, considering the location. There are plenty of beautiful people wandering about which makes the evening more enjoyable ;)”
Rating:
— katie ball, London
(25 Mar 2008)
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