Vic Naylor is a Smithfield venue with great food, atmosphere and Bloody Marys. The Venue There’s a great contrast from the initial dark wood floors and exposed brickwork of the bar and dining area to the light, airy restaurant with its glass ceiling towards the back, which means that diners can choose from two totally different atmospheres in which to dine in. The stairs down to the toilets are to be taken with great caution. After a hearty meal you may feel that it is a bit of an expedition to get up and down them, but take comfort in the that a few trips make up for all the calories you’ve eaten. The Atmosphere If you are sensitive to it, there is a distinct divide between the regulars and new diners. You’ll see lunchtime punters at the bar, they’ve been coming here for years and you can catch them looking apprehensively at ad hoc diners, especially around Christmas. Don’t be put off by this, just see it as an excuse to come back. The Food The menu changes regularly and lists starters that range from the simple to the sublime, generous main courses from about £10.00 for lunch and £13.00 for dinner that will leave you feeling more than satisfied. Watch that you ask in advance should you fancy a pie. They run out quickly at lunch times and you may need to select a plan B for this eventuality. Thankfully there must be a bit of a cycle, usually determined by seasons and supply. The kedgeree, when listed, is such a treat. Served usually with a poached egg, you will want to savour every mouthful. The risotto, regardless of content, is always worth considering if you can resist something more substantial like the Scotch rib eye chop or Bratwurst sausage with sauerkraut. The Drink Vic Naylor serves what’s possibly the best Bloody Mary in the world. It’s worth waiting for the head barman to prepare it for you, using the usual suspect ingredients and a great chilli vodka. The drinks menu is as you would expect with a wide range of house cocktails with highly imaginative names, served in the evening at a reasonable cost to match the generous measures. Be assured also that if you are struggling to select a wine to dine with, the staff genuinely know what they are talking about and won’t hesitate to confer, leveraging their combined knowledge, should you require their assistance. The Last Word Vic Naylor is perfect for out of the City dining and a hearty lunch and recommended for evening cocktails.Vic Naylor is a Smithfield with great food, atmosphere and Bloody Marys.. ViewLondon.co.uk When a gang of Al Capone lookalikes swaggered out of the back room, we momentarily feared the worst. Then they took up strategic places behind the bar. In reality, of course, nothing sinister was afoot It was just a ruse to get the party started. Where others have often failed, Vic's successfully walks the line between club, bar and restaurant. Burnished ochre walls lit by towering mock torches create a hedonistic ambience, but rather than being ridiculously OTT, it's offset by starched table linen and unaffected service. The menu is fresh and simple, but changes regularly. Crispy shredded duck with watercress, blood orange and walnut pieces had pleasing textures, but was slightly sour. Creamy egg taglierini with peas broad beans and asparagus used seasonal ingredients to strong effect; while the meatiness of pan-fried swordfish withstood punchy sweet-and-sour mixed vegetables. An exception to the usual rule, Vic Naylor's plays up the goodtime vibe and produces lush food. Film buffs might knbow it as the loscation for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Time Out Eating and Drinking Guide 2007 Clerkenwell eating places come & go, but Vic Naylor (established 1986) remains a sought after venue. In a moody setting of dark painted brickwork & clattering wood floors, brasserie old-timers such as pork and Guiness sausages with mash and onion gravy & rib-eye chops with chips and bearnaise sauce share the lunchtime stage with a mixed bag of dishes ranging from smoked haddock kedgeree with poached egg to salt beef, fried eggs, chips and pickle. Dinner delivers cod with a parmesan parsley crust, char-grilled pousiin, & a very good version of chocolate fondant, while the bar is lively after-work watering hole. Squaremeal.co.uk Vic Naylor's manages to perfectly combine a highly succcessful bar that seems to be a magnet for the local young and trendy crowd in the area as well as being an excellent restaurant. The menu changes on a daily basis but you can expect to enjoy a three course meal such as Rossmore Rock Oysters, followed by chargrilled sirloin steak and rosemary roast potatoes and if you have room for dessert some indulgent like honey cheesecake with fresh figs to finish Restaurant-Guide.com, reviewed by Linda Buttle