The Phene Arms, Chelsea

The Worst Pint in London?
Time is precious, and I am busy, and yet I have to write this post. This pub is so awful I cannot even begin. I have know it for many years, as a "trainee drinker" and for many years since. It was left to languish for many years empty, shortly after George Best left for good.
It was re-invented about a year ago, and not the for the good. I went in last weekend and asked for a shandy - my drink of choice these days. They didn't have any cold lemonade, only in a schwepps plastic bottle - not even a squeezy tap.
One of the "barmen" tried to pour some lemonade into a glass with some ice in it - which was not going to work... so I was offered some lemonade from a "bottle form the fridge - but it is going to cost a lot more...." to which I said "nuts to it - I'll have a straight pint".
2 pints of Peroni arrived without so much as an apology, only they were DOA - not a bubble in sight - �9.
I said , "these are flat" - the "barman" said "...can't be - we just changed the barrel..." no apology, nothing...
I made a scene and the manager appeared, and said, "oh, the gas must have run out.. we'll change it.." again no apology, as if I was making the problem....
We proceeded into the garden to be over-watched by some security, apparently to stop punters form losing the licence as residents had complained about the place.
I was actually one of the people who lobbied for the pub to be saved from being turned into a house, but you know what, it no longer serves the local community, has the worst service I have come across for a very long time and am afraid that this incarnation of the Phene's wonderful history should be put to bed.
Do not visit this pub on any occasion unless you are trying to pick up a serious brass, or can't bothered to travel more than a few extra yard to another pub such as the Cross Keys. Terrible!!

9 Jun 2011 20:13