please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Still a proper street corner local but the ale (Whitstable IPA) was a bit insipid.
anonymous - 4 Dec 2016 12:05 |
A bit of a hidden gem in the area: a friendly pub with well kept cask ales and a traditional interior. Well worth a visit.
alexw - 10 Nov 2016 18:17 |
Great pub, a hidden gem and much the best pub in the area. It is very very small though so you probably need to pick your time
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What others said. Really. Very small pub, but two new Shepherd Neame cask ticks for me. A hundred yards down the street from the Phoenix, convenient.
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Friendly staff and landlady. Just had a swift half of Master Brew at £1.80 which was faultless. Sat outside in the sun and quite popular with workers, locals and tourists alike. Will visit again next time I'm in the area.
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Small but cosy pub.
Shepherd Neame not my favourite beer (Little too hoppy) but a good pint nonetheless
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Lovely little back street pub owned by Shephard & Neame. Corner plot with hanging baskets and wooden table & chairs outside.
Good choics of ales on tap, 4 in total. I had a pint of late red.
Very well maintained interior, friendly bar stuff, nice atmosphere...another nice pub in the Victoria area that's worth a visit
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Busy pub with nice decor and 4 Shepherd Neame ales on tap - I tried the Kents Best. Despite the gloomy weather we sat outside as there were 9 of us. Worth a place on any pub crawl.
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A nice little pub with well kept Sheps and only four minutes walk from Victoria Railway Station. A little gem! For different Sheps beers on handpumps.
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Nice gem of a pub, Shepherd Neame beers pretty well kept, would return.
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Cool little pub, staff are friendly and the beer is good - nice to get away from the maddening crowd
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Finally got to visit after many aborted trips.
In a word Impressed. As mentioned previously it is a very boozer but for me that adds to it's charm.
My pint of Spitfire was spot on and they obviously take a lot of pride in their beer. Pub is chilled and laid back and frankly stands out head and shoulders above it's rivals in the good pub desert that is Victoria.
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It's a small pub but not tiny as some seem to suggest. It only seems small because it's in Central London and if something isn't "mega" size then it doesn't make enough money in these parts. It is a pleasant little place not far from Victoria - a Shepehrd Neame house but though I am not overkeen on thier ales this place serves Kent Best which is a very nice quaffable ale. A shame SN pubs don't sell it more widespread as it's the best ale they do.
anonymous - 28 Jun 2011 22:13 |
Great little pub serving well-kept ales. Well worth a visit.
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It's okay to say this pub is small, they know. Good for a cheeky one and beers are well kept. Pavement pint in the summer with a big crowd on the street. Very fussy about keeping it clean and that's okay. Deserves it's rating.
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As Oliver Hylton has commented, this is a decent little boozer with a friendly after work crowd. A Shepherd Neame pub so the beer is more than adequate if a little unspectacular.
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Lovely tiny, cosy place replete with Brylcreemed characters and hacks from the nearby Telegraph offices. A great hubbub of coversation and no music or fruit machines. Shepherd Neame ales on tap and well kept. A proper drinkers pub. All it needs is the little fire lit in the corner (or the return of cigar smoke).
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Good find, bar staff helpful & pleasant. Spitfire was spot on and my colleagues guinness was lovingly poured. It is small , but so what, everyone seems to cope with it. As the warmer weather approaches it will overflow nicely into the street.
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Superb Shepherd Neame pub tucked away near Victoria, but a world away from the identikit bars and chain pubs that dominate the area around the station. Despite its size it is rare to find it too busy in my experience, and I have been in a few times and been able to bag a table and settle in. Hard to find better in this part of town.
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Small but perfectly formed. Plenty of space on the footway outside for drinking if the weather is OK. Busiest early evening when offices are chucking out
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Have to agree with the other reviews - great little pub, slightly off the beaten track in Victoria. Having worked in and around Victoria for too many years, amazed to never have made to this place until now. It is small and cosy, but seemed to cope with the clientele on a Tuesday night, and we got a share of a table fairly quickly. Well kept Shepherd Neame beers. Will now hurry back.
Oktup - 11 Dec 2010 14:04 |
Brilliant little pub, full selection of Shepherds best. Sat outside under the heaters, not much to watch but in the general noise of London nice to find somewhere quiet. Definitely be back.
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A neat little pub, tucked away. A really nice couple of pints of Spitfire were enjoyed earlier this week. Visited mid afternoon so it was really quiet. I will no doubt return.
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Charming little pub,beer well kept,can get crowded due to its size but very pleasant if you catch a quieter moment.
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Good beer and well kept pub in Victoria. Even though I was barred from there back in the 1990's. Cliquey clientel though, but generally good pub. Better on a saturday than a weekday because the place is not that big.
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This really is agreat little pub, and only a short walk from Victoria Station. It was very busy Friday lunchtime and people drinking outside in the sunshine! Good choice of Shepherd Neame beers on. Friendly staff. 9/10 given.
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Called into pub on Sat 27th - nice little boozer, excellent pint of Early Bird, sheps seasonals are so much better than the NastyBrew & Spitfire!
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There is much debate over London�s smallest pub and this is one of the usual suspects although the Swan & Edgar in Marylebone I believe is current incumbent of the title. It is however worth noting that the Cask & Glass did used to be much smaller than it now is � a metal pillar by the bar was apparently once the extent of the bar. The single room, carpeted interior does have an element of charm and despite the lack of bar space they do a good range of Shepherd Neame beers (Spitfire, Master Brew, Bishop�s Finger & the seasonal ale) at quite reasonable prices. On the walls are an assorted collection of prints, cartoons, portraits, old letters, clay pipes, mirrors etc and there is still room for a small plasma screen at one end. There isn�t a great deal of room to sit with a row of built in setaing down one side and a ledge and a few stools down the other. You would need to get there early to bag either although there is some seating outside when the weather allows.
Whilst the pub appears to be well tucked away, it should be remembered that the modern buildings opposite stand on the site of the old Stag Brewery (closed 1959) and many of the surrounding buildings around here were either brewery buildings or workers cottages so its location doesn�t seem so odd when taking the area�s history into account. One little quirk that is sadly no longer relevant was that until just a few years ago they would only sell beer in half pint glasses. The reasons are open to conjecture � some say it was because they didn�t want to get the nearby Palace staff and guards getting drunk, others say there were no toilets on the premises so people had to keep going to the pub opposite to use their facilities. Whatever the reason, they now do pints and there is certainly somewhere to recycle them. Yes the place does get infuriatingly busy but it is nevertheless well worth a detour as it really is quite a neat little place.
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Nicest pub in the Victoria area by a long way! Decent bitters, but only Shepherd Neame. Worth the short walk from Victoria station.
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best pint of bitter in victoria by miles.
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Great little watering hole thats what it is, tiny but a little gem, real ale!
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Went in at a quiet time (mid-Saturday afternoon, when many other nearby pubs are closed), but I thought that this place had a wonderful relaxed atmosphere (although no doubt it is different at office-closing time). Excellent pint of Kent's Best, and it is hard to find fault with this cosy little Shepherd Neame pub.
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Although this pub is slightly wider than the photo suggests (it extends to the window on the right of the door it is still very small indeed. As it is wedged into a street corner there is no depth to the pub and it would be crowded with 20 people inside. Fortunately there is some outside drinking space as can be seen from the photo.
Its a Shepherd Neame pub (which I usually rather like) and has a nice atmosphere. Seating is upholstered bench along the front wall with a small number of tables. Again clientele seemed moostly local office workers and seemed a very pleasant place for an after work drink
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A very personable little pub in an area that appears relatively untouched by modern development on one side of the road, but with the vast unloveliness of the glassy Cardinal Walk development opposite. Views aside, it is a decent local which on my visits has exhibited a good range of clientele, and always well-kept Shepherd Neame ale (there aren't that many Sheps houses in the vicinity so it is something of a novelty). The Kent's Best was on spiffing form on my last appearance here.
Yes, space is at a premium, but outside facilities do at least offer some additional capacity for overspill (people, not beer!) in warmer weather.
Worth seeking out as a surprisingly quiet back-street alternative to the larger and altogether more brassy pubco-owned houses on the main street.
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Great little pub - perfect spitfire every time i've been there.
Just dont go in the rain if theres more than about five of you, as you'll probably be standing outside!!
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A bitterly cold day outside when we visited but a cosy,warm and friendly welcome inside.Good pint of Bishops Finger
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Have used this liitle pub for a few years now when meeting friends in the area, great little boozer, vicky the landlady keeps the beers in good order. Is also nicely hidden away from the tourist trade, shame it is so small, trying to get in the door, let alone to the bar once the office people arrive after five is a challenge, better in the warmer weather when everybody spills onto the street.
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Cosy and civil pub you might take a tourist in - didn't find the Spitfire that great and well over �3 a pint.
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Nice little pub and the Sheps beers are kept in superb condition, but it's very expensive and the landlord is bloody rude!
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Great little pub, excellent beer in good condition. Very small. The chap behind the bar wasn't particularly welcoming, but this place is well worth a visit.
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Situated in a road just off busy Victoria Street, is one of central London�s few Shepherd Neame houses, The Cask and Glass. A picturesque, traditional exterior � complete with hanging baskets, tables and chairs � leads to a single-roomed bar, with, in all truthfulness, probably just about enough room to swing a small cat. To your left, as you enter, is a small plasma television and a couple of small tables, to be found on you right, a few padded leather pews and some additional seating. Dotted around adorning the walls, are black and white photos depicting times gone by, caricatures of politicians and famous figures and various old artefacts. It all made for a very civil drinking environment and the pub really does feel a word away from the more corporate drinking barns close by. The clientele on my recent afternoon visit (23 Aug) were predominantly locals and a couple of tourists. For such a small pub, it was pleasing to see a decent array of ales. As well as the regular Spitfire (�3.15) and Masterbrew, were the rarer Kent�s Best and the organic seasonal offering, Whitstable Bay. To conclude, I found here to be a wonderful little drinking den. Charming, quaint, warm, I could go on. Choose your time of visit wisely (I suspect it can get unbearably claustrophobic when busy) and I am fairly confident you�ll leave feeling rather pleased you have discovered such a delightful little pub.
HTM69 - 25 Aug 2008 16:25 |
Tiny pub close to Westminster and Victoria Station. Only ever visited on a couple of occasions but both times the Shepherd Neame ales have been good and the people behind the bar pleasant as well. A good place to sit or stand outside when the weather is nice
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This pub certainly has its own style. Mixture of young lads straight out of work and crusty (but friendly locals). Visited late afternoon so was able to get a seat in the tiny bar. First time I'd been in this pub for over ten years and it's nice to see it's not really changed. Sadly the Hurlimanns seems to have gone but a nice pint of Oranjeboom and the usual fine standard of Shepherd Neame ales.
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Small pokey but enjoyable pub. Beer is excellent, especially the seasonal Shep's varieties. Can't be beaten on a sunny day, pint in hand outside the establishment. Just watch out for the wild taxis taking the corner at speed!
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Good Sheps pub with a small, but lovely interior. Despite the lack of space it�s very comfortable.
The Masterbrew was in good nick the other day, and my cheese and bacon toasted sarnie was very tasty...if a little pricey.
Well worth a visit.
mrse1 - 18 Apr 2008 14:08 |
Superb evening session 04/02/08. The Masterbrew and Kentish Best were on fine form, and being a Monday, pub was empty enough for my friend and I to get a seat almost straightaway.
Very relaxing.
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Enjoyable visit yesterday evening - Spitfire in good form.
As other people have correctly pointed out, its not the biggest pub in the world, but its cosy traditional atmosphere makes it worth popping in if in the St James area.
Readers may recall that, in days of old, this pub only used to serve beer in half-pints, but they have now seen the error of their ways !
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First visit last Friday (30th Nov) based upon these reviews and wasnt disappointed. Sampled all of the Sheps ales on display (except the Late Red which had run out) and all found to be in good form.
Really enjoyable pub to stand and chat with friends, only to be let down by its limited size which can be a bit of a problem during busy hours. Would definately return
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I went here a few months ago after sitting a professional exam around the corner. After 8 hours of still in an exam I was more than ready for a beer (or 6) and this was a haven. The place was very busy with people out side o the street but the beer was a decent standard.
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A pub I always feel welcome in, small single dog leg shaped bar, always well kept Sheps ales (no Late Red sadly yesterday, my favourite ShN beer). Convenient for Victoria but enough off track to seem like a street corner local. Caricatures of varios politicians adorn the walls, previous customers perhaps?
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Lovely little pub, beer is spot on. Landlady is a right battleaxe. Don't touch the cats
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Slight change to interior colour scheme since last visit in March(black/sepia wall panelling and upholstery); wonderful Sheps ales in top condition once again. Agree with the earlier comment re bar staff being attentive and remembering favourite drinks.
A splendid session last night was topped at 2245 by the totally random appearance of Jools Holland and his two, friendly dogs! You cannot plan evenings like this!
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About the smallest pub I know, but still one of the best for service, beer and food. Only the Speaker is better (and only 'cos the bar staff are very good at remembering your fav, and also your rounds). If in the area, give it a whirl - you won't be disappointed !
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Nice little pub. I sat outside when i went, got a bit cold. The beer was good. Small characterfull pubs like this are hard to come by in a land full of non discript bars etc. If your in Victoria its worth a visit.
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A tiny tiny pub with around 7 tables and some standing room at the bar. Can get packed on a Friday night but now summer is coming the outside area will again provide a bit of breathing space. The bar staff seem efficient to me - no better or worse than anywhere else around Victoria in my opinion. The little goal-and-ball in the urinal makes going to the loo into a competition!
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Enjoyed a Friday night session with two friends on 02/03/07. Shepherd Neame Masterbrew on its best form for a long time, and their Best Bitter was excellent.
Be aware that this pub is very strict on its closing time - all drinkers MUST leave the premises by 2320 sharp. Unless you walk at a speed of less than 0.5mph, there is no chance of missing your last train to anywhere from Victoria.
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In here very early (11.15 AM)for a swift one. Only customer in - got served straight away with excellent pint of Master Brew. When you have the first pint of the day it is not always at its best. Probably the same taciturn lady at the bar that served jorrocks - probably just not in her nature to start conversations but was friendly enough when I asked her if everybody gets walked over by Tabitha the cat (as I was). Must be one of the smallest pubs in London. Dark wood panelling and interior generally looks original. Seemed like a good place for a quiet drink out of the pub rush hours. I shall definitely go in there again.
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Gave it a go on a slow afternoon. The woman behind the bar was much friendlier than she appears. Easily struck up conversation at the bar and was left alone at the tables (except by the house cat which is fair enough).
I like this one. A nice place for a pint no more no less. Nothing particularly special about the pub itself but was in a better mood when I left than when I entered. Masterbrew and Bishops Finger were both good (not a fan of Masterbrew generally).
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An extremely small pub. No hot food. A pub with definite character and characters (both sides of the bar) which you will either love or hate. Give it a try.
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Was warm and friendly, definitely recommend.
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Weeny, weeny pub but very cosy and relaxing. Shepherd Neame so the beer's good, how happy I was when the delicious Late Red passed my lips the other week for the first time in almost a year! Staff friendly, good for standing/sitting outside in nice weather but can't imagine it'll be easy to get a seat when (if!) it starts getting a bit nippy. Well worth the visit tho, unfortunately not quite big enough to coax the hoards into but great for a quiet drink and a natter.
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Small and relaxed. wood. Small bar. Pub Pub . This is a pleasant little place for a quiet one. 4 Neame beers on but I didn't like 3 of them. Not because they were bad though. I just have my favourites.
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super little (and i mean little) pub, great if you can find some space. dizzying climb to the loo!
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Pub still in fine nick since (and despite) the redecoration. Shepherd Neame Master Brew very good and Kentish Best was exquisite last night (Friday 8th September). Remains worth visiting, but it should be noted that although pub opens Sundays, it has not extended other licencing hours - strict eleven o'clock closing weekdays.
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Not too keen on the recent revamp, which has swept away a lot of the decor & oddments which gave the place its character, but the beer's still good and it's now open Sundays.
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First pint of the day on our little trail was here and a nice pint of "Kent's Best" it was too from Shepherd Neame.
Very Very Small pub with friendly service. We chose 2 sit outside and watch the world go by.
My Rating 7/10
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small (gets crowded with more than 15 people in it), friendly pub that likes to serve the cusrtomer properly - you can take your time viewing the beers, spirits and wines without being shouted at!
Beer always of good quality, but a little pricey (where isn't around here ?).
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Brilliant boozer if you can get in in winter, comes into it's own in summer when you can stand outside. The Spitfire is always excellent, the service is very friendly and quick. A real family feel to this place. The only downside is the race track down Wilfred Street with tossers looking for a short cut. Westminster Council take note - pedestrianization or traffic calming would be a bonus to residents and customers.
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Nice traditional little pub (and I mean little) near Victoria Station. Good Shepherd Neame ales. Shut on Sundays however and closes at 8pm on Saturdays.
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Small but perfectly formed. Good ale.
One of the better non-garden outside areas in Viccy - which ain't saying much, I know.
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We loved this pub--good brew, interesting interior, friendly clientele, even to us Yanks. Outdoor seating on a sunny day was splendid. Loved watching the horse racing results on the telly.
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Tiny but great. Good beer, nice atmosphere. Only gripe is stinky bogs. But don't go here if you like to sit down.
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Good little pub, nice beer, seats outside too.
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A gem of a pub selling excellent, well looked after Shepherd Neame varieties. The Master Brew is delicious.
It is very cramped at lunch times and after work. Ideal for an afternoon visit - not many pubs about like this. Who'd have thought you'd get a pub like this in Victoria?!
sam - 16 Nov 2004 10:52 |
Charming little pub off Victoria Street.Its always good to see Shepherd Neame Best available as well as the usual Spitfire and Masterbrew.Too many Shepherd Neame pubs even in Kent itself just don't have it. All this and oranjeboom too!
It is small, and the best time to visit is about 2.00 to 4.00pm thereby avoiding the lunch time and afterwork drinkers when a seat is almost impossible to get.
It's still a cosy place with a lot of character. Definatley a better bet than most of the pubs around Victoria Station which are pretty poor.
Bob V - 5 Nov 2003 16:30 |
I quite liked this pub, despite it being very small. The real ale was perfectly acceptable and the draught oranjeboom was a real bonus (we don't get that out in 'sticks). Just don't go expecting a seat - you *will* be disappointed.
mdma - 28 Oct 2003 21:35 |
This is my local. Nice Atmos. Nice Real Ale on Tap. Nice to sit out the front on warm days. Over all a Nice Pub. Forget the crap score it has at the moment it is about a 7/10. Yes the pub is small and remember it closes at 8 on a Saturday and is closed on a Sunday.
MKD - 1 Oct 2003 10:21 |
Good news:
The beer has improved tremendously since my last visit. I drank with friends at the pub last Friday, and enjoyed one pint of Masterbrew and at least 3 of Best. The beer was clean, refreshing and more-ish, qualities you would normally expect in Faversham only! It's definitely "back on the map" for me and my friends. I have given it an "8". Cheers.
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Sad news Mary (re your comment on 02/08/2002) is that John has retired & gone to live in the Mediterranean. It however remains the same inside (an absolute gem) but the beer quality was on the slide last time I visited in Feb 2003. There was a distinct "sour apple" taste to the Shep's Best Bitter, and the Masterbrew was a mere shadow of how it used to be under John's cellarship. I hope that was just an aberration, or I'd be forced to drink Youngs in the Buckingham round the corner!!
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This is the greatest little pub in London. We were there two years ago...just a bunch of teachers from the US. If you go by, tell John that Mary, the English teacher, said hello....we are from Texas!!!!
Mary - 2 Aug 2002 01:13 |
A high quality Shepherd Neame establishment, best bitter in London, beer garden outside and a friendly landlord
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