Barrel And Horn, BR1 1PW
- 020 8290 2039
- 204-206 High Street, BR1 1PW (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- barrelandhorn.com
It was previously known as the Tom Foolery and had more of a sports bar feel (see older version of this page), but was refurbished and renamed to the Barrel & Horn in 2011.
Today, it has quite an open feel, despite the low ceiling. Indeed, the low ceiling may have been the inspiration for taking a somewhat industrial approach to the interior decor. Mottled grey floor tiles mimic exposed concrete, chairs are sprayed to resemble steel, a strange sculpture made from pipes and light bulbs hangs on the wall photo, and beer kegs are stacked up to support a plank "mantelpiece" over a radiator.
There are several different areas of seating, including a sofa area, some high seating, a long banquette, and plank-topped tables. A small side space towards the back has been turned into a games room, with table football and pinball. There's also a small courtyard-style beer garden photo.
Kake and Ewan visited on a Monday afternoon in October 2018. There were a few other customers in when we arrived around 3pm. Music was playing, relatively interesting, not too loud.
They only have two handpumps, which were clipped for Dark Star Revelation and a cider, but they do have several keg taps for craft beers, including Beavertown Earl Phantom (£3/half). The staff member behind the bar was very helpful when we were choosing, offering several tasters without having to be asked.
According to the Barrel & Horn website as of October 2018, food is served noon-3pm and 5pm-10pm Mon-Fri, 11am-10pm Sat, and noon-9:30pm Sun.
Truffled mac and cheese croquettes (£5.50) photo had a nicely loose interior, with fairly soft-cooked macaroni and a decent flavour. The breadcrumb coating wasn't too thick or greasy. However, one of them had a large piece of cling film left inside. They apologised profusely for this, refunded us, and offered us free drinks on top of that.
Child-friendliness: There were a couple of children in during our visit, making good use of the games room.
Accessibility: No steps to get in, just a small ridge at the threshold. There's a RADAR-locked accessible toilet on the level. Three steps with handrail to the other toilets. Four steps to the beer garden.
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