BITE user comments - derry
Comments by derry
The Swan is definitely improving. Visited early on a cold wintery Saturday evening a few weeks before Christmas and was surprised by how quiet it was. The real fire made it feel cosy and like being in a proper country pub. Beer was good and the barmaid was friendly and efficient (although she didnt have much else to do). Didn't try the food. Lack of customers is a bit of a worry. If it is going to survive and capture the gastopub market from the Foresters will need to copy them by getting rid of the carpet and the fruitie. Candles on the tables, and a couple of poncy lagers on tap will also probably be needed (although please dont start charging �3 for "jus"). IMHO the Swan has taken the Lion's crown as the best pub in hampton wick, although it is still not as good as the Lion was at its best.
30 Dec 2009 10:02
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
Dodgy live music creates an atmosphere of sorts in this modern barn. It is packed with braying antipodeans and pissed up workers in various types of sales jobs. There are some good international bottled beers at silly prices. However, unimpressive but expensive draught beers make this a place to avoid for a satisfactory drinking session.
6 Jan 2006 17:05
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
ssshhhh dont tell anyone about this place.
if you havent been there it's rubbbish, honest.
27 Jul 2005 13:28
The Northcote, Clapham Junction
inexplicably popular.
a night here conclusively demonstrates why clapham/balham is the new surrey.
27 Jul 2005 12:34
great pub (although the redecoration/mural is off-putting), very cute friendly cat (how many city pubs can boast that), a genuine east end atmosphere and fantastic prices.
11 Jul 2005 17:31
The Railway Tavern, Hampton Wick
A year ago I saw a sign advertising this place for sale, the estate agent was called New Ballerinos or something that i had never heard of. Rang up out of nosiness rather than a serious desire to run a pub and I think the price was �350k + VAT. I thought for a bit under asking price you would probably be able to be get a decent return on if you did some good food and got maybe 20 covers on a saturday.
Anyway agent said that the vendors would probably stick to the asking price as it would be an attractive punt for a property developer, if they got change of use they could easily treble their money if you reclaimed the VAT. Shame really as a good pub near the station would have been very handy.
17 Nov 2010 14:39