The Hercules Pillars, Holborn

Reasonable beer, and staff not too unhelpful. The day I went there was little on the menu except Nachos, as the food delivery hadn't turned up.

I spent an amusing hour watching various punters trying to order food to no avail. Put me in mind of the Monty Python Cheeseshop sketch, if you know what I mean.

7 Jul 2009 19:29

The White Swan, Covent Garden

I like this place. I frequently use it fairly early in the day, at around 1100, as my days in London usually start very early indeed. Unusually, I think it actually opens at 0930 or some strange hour.

The 2 Irish barmen (one is the Landlord I think) are always friendly and welcoming, as are the other bar staff.

Beers are fine, a good selection, and I have always found the food very decent and good value. The latter is available early too.

Plenty of seating, and quiet corners, but can be a bit dimly lit if you're trying to read. Only drawback is a trudge out of the bar and up a large flight of stairs to the WCs.

Convenient for Covent Garden's attractions, if that's your bag, but just far enough away from CG's crowds.

15 Apr 2009 07:22

The Shepherds Tavern, Mayfair

A real shame, this one. As has been said, a good location but a very poor pub. Extremely grubby, with limited and shabby seating, poorly arranged.

My pint of London Pride was OK, and on my visit the barmaid who served me was at least polite, but I could bring myself to have another beer here and so drank up and left.

Badly needs a renovation.

31 Jan 2009 07:24