The Princess of Wales, Clapton

All change in the PoW. Total refurb, new food, new beers, new staff(!) etc. The surliness of the old place never really bothered me, but its got to be an improvement, even though I expect there will be some local criticism of gentrification/price increases etc. I would agree if the old place had been a proper community local (like the Anchor) but it wasn't, it was just a wasted opportunity which thankfully Youngs have sought to put right. Location hopefully now will come into its own a bit more. Pub feels about twice the size of the old place which reflects more on the slightly gloomy atmosphere which always used to pervade in its former life. Nice Cornish beer. A decent roast. Service which doesn't make you fearful of approaching the bar.

16 Jul 2012 13:12

The Victoria Park, London

having first reviewed this in early 2009, when it was in early days of its revamp, time for an update.

firstly, staff need to lighten up a bit. we know you're a little busier, but try not to take yourselves too seriously. Those Time out nominations seem to have gone to the head a little.

food is a bit of a mixed-bag. Quality when its arrived has overall been very sound, but it has been subject to some bewildering delays (did we actually forget to order?). I've also been confronted with some pretty abrupt 'no, unless you've reserved a table' comments when asking to eat - I know there's the fancy restaurant bit at the back, and the average age of customer is probably about 12 given the number of toddlers raoming around, but the place is essentially still, well, a pub, and one that claims to 'serve food'.

on the positive though beer has always been excellent, and some great guest ales. Still a good garden space. Still better than the Inn on the Park. Not as good as the Kenton.

a 6 from an 8.

6 Sep 2010 14:24

The Victoria Park, London

yes now called the Britannia, and trying to shed its varied and slightly rough past by the looks of things.

have been in here a few times since it was re-launched and overall have been quite impressed. half-decent range of beer including some guest ales, the food looks good (although have not got round to trying anything yet but will do so soon), and much nicer general vibe than before. The garden of this pub always used to look like a car-park so now it has a proper lawn backing onto Victoria park it should work a lot better in the summer.

the big drawback though just seems to be the lack of custom at present. I know its early days but I'm a bit worried about where this is going. I imagine the management have put in a lot of time and money and it would be a great shame if it didn't pay off, but that is my fear based on the few times i've been there. its a bit like the Inn on the Park in terms of decor/food etc, but potentially much better as its bigger, and has a nicer garden and seems a bit friendlier. Yet nobody seems to be prepared to give the place a chance (although I havent been in on a Friday/Saturday night so maybe things are busier then).

I remember writing something similar about the vietnamese restaurant up the road a few years ago when it first opened, and that place is now always busy, so I'm hoping that things pick up here too, as it could be a really good local on that side of Victoria Park (an area not blessed with many decent pubs).

so well worth a visit, and hope that it sticks around for a while.

22 Jan 2009 13:39