The Bowler Pub and Kitchen, Clerkenwell

Brakspears off, Fosters an extortionate �3.60.

Food is very reasonably priced, so recovers slightly there, but drink prices seem to keep it empty. They could lower prices and fill the place with the prospect of a relaxed meal as and when - it's charming enough even if a odd space.

13 May 2009 15:44

Dark Horse, Camberwell

Been twice recently - one time it was split into restaurant and small lounge bar area, most recently the whole pub seemed equally given over to drink or eating.

Prefer the second, more laid back approach, the rest of the pub is not big enough if a large portion is taken up by a dining area.

Shame it's out of the way - the Castle always seems busy when this place is dead. Good beer, and very much reflects the name of the pub. Should do better once the new development opens up.

Compared to the other decent pubs in Camberwell that I have visited, prefer this over the Castle and The Grove, but is pipped by Hermits Cave.

24 Feb 2009 11:03

The Phoenix, Denmark Hill

I've experienced the "customer is always wrong" mantra recently here too - criticism is not taken too well so think twice before complaining.

Used to be a nice stop-off on the way home, so much I so I would purposely walk slowly to the station to miss a train, but things have gone steadily downhill. It has the feel that it's being run by teenagers with appropriate egos.

If you make a mistake, own up and put it right. Don't make things up to put the blame on the customer and get personally offended when the customer challenges this so you feel you have to make a scene and ask customer to leave.

Shame as selection of beer is not bad with the odd surprise, like cider on draught as mentioned below. Sort the staff out (young chap worst, other staff gormless but passable at a push) and the Phoenix may rise again (sorry).

24 Feb 2009 10:57