The Escapologist

Having been persuaded to go out for drinks after work with some friends we came across this place on Friday evening. We were after some food and were pleasantly surprised to learn that they did pizza. Hands down one of the best pizza's I've had in London to date. They were well priced and we ended up ordering more! The staff who were seemingly very busy didn't let that stop them from making sure we were ok, and promptly taking drink orders when we were running a bit low. Top marks from me and a definite favourite for Pizza. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back.

Despite its pedigree and billing as a cool space with an edgy backstory, there is something distinctly lacking in The Escapologist. No argument, it's been beautifully done out, but it lacks atmosphere and apart from the booths in the room at the back, nothing is terribly comfortable to settle into for a night of drinking. The soundtrack is pretty terrible - oscillating from Justin Timberlake to some old hip hop, which I am reliably informed wasn't good then, back to 00s Beyonce. The clientele are the usual after work drinkers (including a gaggle of extremely noisy girls having a mini hen do) and people who have happened to stumble past the front door, so you end up with yet another noisy bar with little to distinguish from the hundred others in Covent Garden. Which at these prices it needs to deliver more. The staff are good, but still finding their feet with a few teething problems, however there is an element of class about them not complemented by the main manager who exudes an aura which would be much better suited in a Weatherspoons. We didn't eat, so I can't comment on the food, but first impressions are "Must do Better".