The White Rock, Underriver

Quick update - went there again on Bank Holiday Monday, arrived early and the absence of heavy patronage at that time proved what a good pub this is. I was served virtually immediately (sadly the Finchcocks wasn't on due to heavy demand the previous evening) and enjoyed another excellent prawn plaited roll, my wife having the smoked salmon & cream cheese version. I forgot to mention previously that the rolls come with salad, a lemon quarter, nachos and a pot of salsa, which is delicious!

3 May 2006 14:36

The Portrait, Sidcup

Started going in The Portrait on a Friday night a few weeks back having given it two or three chances when it first opened. I say two or three chances because the real ale was a lottery - on occasions it was either badly kept (for which there is no excuse these days) or not on at all! Nowadays the ale seems to be better kept although the choice has tended to be limited. The pub seems to go on forever out the back, so it swallows up punters easily. The majority of staff and a lot of the clientele are easy on the eye and its not hard to strike up a conversation. There was some trouble in there on our first visit but it was well handled by the landlord. Being non-smokers, we limit our visits there but that will change next summer - having experienced smoke-free pubs in Ireland, we can't wait! Oh and the soundproofing of the ceiling was well documented in the local press when The Portrait first opened, it was known by other than the staff past or present. I can't vouch for the food but prefer to eat where its not so smoky anyway - hopefully this will soon be the case!

3 May 2006 14:26

The Alma, Sidcup

The Alma is my local and is always a pleasurable experience, providing a nice pint - usually Youngs or Courage with guest appearances by Spitfire or London Pride and friendly service. The absence of music is a positive bonus and from next year the absence of smoke will eliminate one of its minus points - with a fairly low ceiling, it quickly turns into an atmosphere commonly suffered by herrings or mackerel in Arbroath. On occasions, this has forced myself and my streaming-eyed drinking partners to depart for pastures new. Legend has it that John, the long term landlord will not allow anyone to be served if they are wearing a hat. Well at least, as has been observed, this keeps the burberry brigade at bay.

3 May 2006 14:00