The Albert Arms, Norbiton

Went to this pub on what I presume was a fairly quiet night for a beer with the wife.
Beer was okay - nothing special, usual Young's fare, but some of the clientele were slightly disturbing.
One blonde girl was so drunk that an old man and a scruffy student literally had to carry her home and that was around 10pm! Not sure that the bar staff should have been serving her as she was obviously very drunk and flirty anyway so that doesn't bode well for their judgement.
I've been in again and there seemed to be a group of regulars who must have been in there all day as they were 'boisterous' to say the least. The drunk girl was back, much in the same state which was also disturbing.
Hopefully if this place does get renovated then it will have a change of management, the beers might be better kept and the less desirable element will move along the road to the Kingston Gate where they obviously belong...
A great shame as this could be a really good pub with a bit of effort and some attention to detail.

16 Feb 2007 00:05

The Retreat, Reading

I used to visit Reading quite often and whenever I could, I'd make a point of visiting The Retreat. The beers have never been short of excellent and if you bother to chat to the landlord and landlady, you find that they are very lovely people who are also incredibly knowledgeable when talking about their stock.
It's a very old fashioned pub in many ways, but that really adds to its charm. I really wish there were many more pubs like this - the sort that cater for drinkers who appreciate a decent pint and a peaceful, civilised atmosphere.

15 Feb 2007 23:57

The Royal Oak, New Malden

Such a shame that the last remaining good pub in New Malden (excepting Woodies) has gone so far down hill. Once Sean left, everything fell apart. Bar staff have never done pub work before, so the idiot who employed them is to blame. Standard of beers has gone down too.

All any pub needs is a good landlord or landlady - is that too much to ask???

11 Jul 2006 17:02