The Halfway House, Earlsfield

Probably the best spot for a quick meetup drink after work or if you have friends heading down to Earlsfield before heading elsewhere.

The refurb has certainly worked some magic here - this place used to be dead & disgusting and is now probably the busiest in the area.

Food is the usual Youngs fare, although in fairness I have had 2 pretty good steaks here which I'm always a bit loath to order at a pub unless I know the kitchen actually knows how to properly cook them and that the steak isn't some tiny little thing.

23 Apr 2009 18:46

The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield

Well, the newly refurbed Leather Bottle.... bit of a mixed bag now really. The exit point to the garden is now via the door to the mens loo's and is utterly ridiculous - especially while trying to carry a tray of drinks and negotiate opening 2 doors without dropping anything,.

I have to agree about the food. It's always been very hit & miss here (I've lived locally a long time and believe it's due to high staff turn over and no consistency in the kitchen)
Prices have gone up and the quality / quantity just doen't reflect it. The "sharing boards" in particular are a complete joke and caused much hilarity watching two large South African lads trying to share barely enough for one person, probably the worst I've ever seen. Come on !! A few frozen mini spring rolls etc costs you bugger all and you expect to be able to actually want to share.

Pub staples such as Fish & Chips, burgers etc are fine.

It still seems fairly family friendly to me so I'm not sure about previous comments (yes, I frequently visit with friends and their children) but kids are expected to be behaved and not running around like the great unwashed screaming masses. There is a park behind the bottle for those who don't like this arrangement, but on any weekend day there are plenty of families enjoying the pub.

All up it's still a great place, it just needs to take a step back a bit.

23 Apr 2009 18:27