The Island Queen, Islington

I visited the Island Queen for the first time in a while last night. Returning to this old favourite brought out mixed feelings in me - excitement mixed with trepidation. What if they've decided to stop bothering with ales? What if there's a new hipster-based dress code and my trousers aren't tight enough? Ooo er.

Upon arriving I was reassured to see that everything seemed pretty much the same. After having a few drams of Glenfiddich's finest at an art'n'whisky event taking place upstairs, I thought it would be advisable to have some dinner.

Imagine my horror when I saw that my favourite vegetarian option - the lentil burger (see previous reviews) - was no longer featured on the revamped menu. Most irritating. However, rather than leaving in protest I decided to take a risk and go for something else: the asparagus, mushroom, pea & creme fraiche tart with beetroot and new potato salad.

The gamble paid off, for the meal was superb. Stupendous, in fact. I was very pleased with my choice. Reflecting upon it now makes me mouth water. 'If food be the music of love then turn up the volume and get me another aspragus, mushroom, pea and creme fraiche tart', as the bard might have said.

Good selection of ales. Toilets in reasonable condition.

26 May 2012 18:14

The New Cross Inn / Bar Alchemy, New Cross

As someone who walks past the New Cross Inn fairly frequently I've always been a bit wary of it. However, I plucked up the courage to visit to see a puerile musical comedy act of which I am a great fan. The experience was fine: both the staff and fellow punters were friendly and the pub rock band opening the night were most enjoyable. Not sure I'll ever be a regular here but will definitely pop in to see what's happening in future.

26 May 2012 17:54

The Hootananny, Brixton

Went again recently and had another good time! Fun music. Good use of outside space. My G&T tasted a bit funny though.

26 May 2012 17:48