The English Rose, Luton

Can�t comment on the homophobia allegations, other than I�ve seen no evidence of that personally. I�m pretty sure the vast majority of those who frequent this establishment are well meaning folk who wouldn�t tolerate that kind of thing.
This is a relatively new real ale pub, and still appears to be rather pleased with itself� not without cause, but I have a few small reservations. Lovely fellas though they undoubtedly are, do those CAMRA stalwarts who stand at the bar not appreciate they�re creating a barrier? The ale pump section is small but these men, whose allegiance to the brewer�s cause is grossly event is their paunch profile; seem to have wedge themselves into it. One has to squeeze betwixt bellies to see what�s on the pumps� knowing they�re just longing to offer their opinion on the qualities of the respective guest ales.
Beer Festivals, in big halls, with endless varieties of real ale, are the ideal environment for the CAMRA stereotype (the kind of festivals commemorated on XXXL sized polo shirts) � small pubs like the English Rose, especially wedged up at the bar, aren�t. Should more effort not be made to re-introduce these huge, but potentially majestic creatures, back to their natural environment?
Still, once you�ve gone through the bar ordeal, this is a nice enough pub � albeit with a slightly annoying 80�s heavy jukebox, but then the Brickies is only five minutes walk away.

17 Jan 2008 09:21

The Cock, Luton

Has reopened now as that restaurant - called Zaza's. Apparently their pizzas are very good, and they have a great lunch deal.
However, as possibly Luton's oldest pub, it's a shame it isn't a boozer anymore. I fondly recall the very early 90's when it was the pub of choice for the town's indie pop-kid hordes.
Not that the indie pop-kid girls had any time for me.

17 Jan 2008 08:46

Buckwilds, Luton

Closed and boarded up. Shame... no, who am I kidding, it was an awful place.

17 Jan 2008 08:41