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Friday, 2 September 2022

Dancing Man (previously Smugglers), Bedford Place

 


A pub which appeared in Bedford Place around 2019, replacing the Benzo Bar & Kitchen which had been there since 2016. Lads Who Lunch visited in May 2021 when the street was closed off to allow tables to be set up outside because of Covid. This al fresco street eating, as of 2022, is now a regular feature, is very popular, and appears likely to stay. 

Booking was essential at the time because if I recall, people were not allowed indoors - all pub visits had to be in beer gardens. We ate in the beer garden at the back. It's a small paved courtyard, mostly covered with Perspex sheets against the rain, though we had the more open area where the tables had umbrellas. The courtyard is rather near the bins for a number of the night clubs in the Bedford Place area, so it wasn't the most pleasant of places to be. However, it kind of works in a rough and ready way. 


Keg beers only

The beers are all keg or bottle. I had Sharps Offshore Pilsner - an inoffensive lager. There was a simple lunch menu with some veggie options. 




All in all it was an acceptable albeit bland place. Pleasant enough, but lacking in the style and character of a number of other pubs and bars in the Bedford Place area. 


Date: May 2021   Score:  5

  
  


Smugglers has been taken over by Dancing Man who, as of May 2024, are transforming the place and recruiting staff. 


Date: May 2024   Score: N/A 


16 Carlton Place
Bedford Place
SO15 2DY


Open: Noon to 11pm
Meals: Noon to 9pm 


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