De Hems returning to its Dutchness
When this old Soho stalwart came under the ownership of Mitchells & Butlers (as part of their enlarging of the Nicholson's brand), we were quick to point out a dilution of the pub's unique Dutchness.
Despite an increased selection of continental beers, the Low Countries menu was replaced by generic tourist-friendly fish-and-chips fare and the signed Dennis Bergkamp shirt had disappeared from the wall.
When we last looked in though, we noticed the Dutch feel of the pub has definitely returned. There's still no sign of Bergkamp's shirt, but Bitterballen, Frikandel, Kroketten, and others are back on the menu and Dutch themed nights are being advertised for the upstairs room.
Nice to know things are getting back to normal then - though given an upcoming Dutch night features a DJ who styles himself as Bob the Builder, we have to say that it's a particularly Dutch form of normality.
CLIENTELE: Dutch ex-pats, tourists, local workers
NEAREST STATION: Leicester Square station
PHONE NUMBER: 020 7437 2494
FEATURES: function room available
De Hems
11 Macclesfield Street, W1D 5BW
