please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Large Fullers pub that used to be a branch of National Westminster Bank.
Very good decor, marble columns, high ceilings, ornate lighting etc.
There is also a stunning large picture hanging on the wall opposite the bar.
Food is served and looked pretty good, prices seemed reasonable as well.
5 hand pumps offering 3 Fullers & 2 guests…which were from Brewster’s and Truman. I opted for a bottle of Golden Pride while the wife had a whiskey.
Busy Saturday afternoon crowd, a couple of large groups of touring School Kids where hosted in the upstairs seating area…must bring good revenue into the pub, especially at weekends.
Good location with bus stops right outside and a short stroll from both Victoria and Pimlico.
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Friendly enough place on my recent visit. Had a Fullers Brewers Bragg at £1.83 a half and an ESB at £1..98. Glorious sunny day on my visit and a nice sun-trap of a beer garden.
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Nice enough pub for another converted bank-type place, typical for a Fullers' ale and pie shop. (Fullers) beer range good, beer well-kept, reasonably priced and pleasantly served. Did not eat here, but it's nice to know that the hare for the jugged hare pie is sustainably sourced. I do wonder how many pies each of these ethically-reared hares provides. Middle-class liberal elitist London never fails to amuse.
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One of those ex-bank type establishments that Fullers like. Nothing to fault it as such but it just lacks something that you cant put your finger on.
Beer was good. Service was good. But something was just missing.
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Well-kept ales served in a relaxing, friendly pub. Spacious and airy layout. Interesting Fullers version of Hoggarth's 'Beer Street' dominates the wall facing the bar. Very pleasant and well worth a visit.
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Really nice pub in a good location. I didn't find any problems with the beer, and I had about six. They all tasted fresh and tasty.
I had a bit of food as well - the Welsh Rarebit. Not the most the difficult dish to make, to it's important to do the simple things properly.
The service was prompt and polite.
The location of the pub is great if you have to get to Victoria Station. When I went in, most of the other patrons were locals, who seemed pleasant.
I couldn't find fault with it. The beer is a tad expensive, but that's 2011 London for you.
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Used to live in the area, and visited here regularly. Its not the most exciting pub, but the beer was excellently kept and served.
I visited yesterday after moving away 18 months ago and was pretty disappointed. The pub was the same, but the beer was ropey at best.
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A decent fullers pub. Got a smile from the girl serving as soon as I approached the bar which makes you feel at home. It does a jugged hare pie which I did not have the pleasure of tasting, bu from wht I hear is a popular choice. Has a splendid interior dominated by wood pannelling, pillars and the ceiling boasts a large chandelier. 7/10.
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Another decent Fullers pub, converted from an old bank - inside it's all high ceilings and neo-classical pillars. The usual range of Fullers beers.
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I wonder if one-time-reviewer seabass35 was in fact witnessing one of the many street drinkers round here being refused service? I drink here on and off too and have never found the staff to be other than polite and helpful.
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Lancer was in fine form, tasting very fresh and clean. The namesake pie was delicious. Interesting space, being an old bank, its a bit cold and high ceilinged in the main room.
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I have drunk in this pub now for atleast 10 years on and off, I have now made the decision never to go back!, why? Simple reason. Is that The staff including management are the rudest, obnoxious and down right awful. Not mentioning names but one in particular seems to think its ok not to serve a certain old man who goes in there, she ignores him or tells him to go away. This is not good enough I'm afraid, they are rude and advise all to give this place a wide birth.
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A couple of years ago I wrote that the ESB was exceptional. I popped in last week and the ESB was at lager temperature. Not a good sign!
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In the pub desert that is anywhere near Victoria Station this is an oasis. Nice range of seating, some nooks and crannies, decent toilets. The staff are efficient and courteous. But, more importantly, there are five well-kept beers with the emphasis on Fuller's, which can't be bad. Food is a cut above most pubs -- not cheap but good value for what it is.
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Visited again the other night and it's still as good as ever. Really friendly service, great beer and a nice atmosphere. A winning combination! I hope to return again soon.
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Nice manageress, nice staff, pretty decent ales if sadly only fullers, elegant pub, i dont love it, but it is deffinately better than all with exception of CASK around the corner. |Dont think anyone would ever be disappointed they came here, it ticks many boxes.
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Ok strong real ales, clean & tidy nothing speacial.
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I�ve not much to add to the comprehensive review from RogerB on Sep 19 except that I found the barmaid to be very friendly, especially for a London pub.
I had a nice pint of Pride whilst reading the subtitles on the plasma from BBC News 24 and being a fan of Fullers pubs I will return when next passing.
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Draught Golden Pride is on again but blink and you'll miss it. Better phone first if coming far.
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Being a former Bank worker, there is nothing more enjoyable than seeing one my previous potential workhouses turning itself into a pub. Fullers have done a pretty good job this former (I think it was a) NatWest in that they have retained much of the building�s character despite the obvious internal alterations. The main bar has tiled flooring, a grand brass chandelier and a large (if rather fading) portrait dominating the far wall. The rear (where the the old Manager�s offices would have been situated), has been opened out but still retains a separate identity to the main body of the pub. Stairs lead up to a balcony bar with additional seating. My recent visit was the first for some time but the range and quality of the ales was excellent (they were awarded Fullers Cellar of the Year in 2006, about the time of my only previous visit). 5 hand pumps with ESB, HSB, Discovery, Pride and Chiswick. There is not a great deal of competition in the immediate area and it was comfortably busy for a Thursday evening with a civilised and mixed crowd of people. It isn�t an area that tends to attract people from afar but it is certainly one of the few pubs in the area I would be happy to make a venue for a decent session.
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Popped in here after the landlord of CASK told me to try it, i am new to the area and am trying to discover what Pimlico can offer. I quite liked it, well kept ales, friendly staff and handsome location.
I can see myself popping in here again, but am not the biggest Fullers fan and it wont be on my must list, at least not yet.
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Popped in here as part of my crawl around the area, and found it ok. Good range of fullers ales, all in pretty good condition, but something about the place i didnt like much, it looks lovely, but is a little austere and suffocating, there isnt much atmosphere.
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This pub underwent something of a revival when Magda was running it. I'm sorry I didn't write a review then - I suppose you take it a bit for granted when it's going all right. Now they seem to have let the local drunks take the place over. Just recently I was hassled by a rather manacing drunk at a nearby cash dispenser. I managed to shake him off, went and did a bit of shopping and dropped into the Jugged Hare for a pint. Lo and behold, the same drunk was rolling around the pub pestering the customers. The bar staff were clearly aware how drunk he was, but were cheerfully serving him more alcohol, even though he could barely stand or put a sentence together. When I pointed out the obvious, they just shrugged. I'm sure Magda would have given him the bum's rush without hesitation. The beer's still quite good though.
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Good ale selection but all fullers.. not in my mind a real quality ales establishment.... lack of choice beyond Fullers... Lacks heart and soul
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Full range of Fullers beers always seems to be on offer, which is more than can be said for some Fullers pubs. Outside the summer, it can be hard to get Discovery - but it always seems to be on here. They are always in good condition as well.
Although it's in a central-ish area, there always seems to be room to find a table and it never gets rowdy. Mostly populated by office-types and the occasional tourist.
Food is expensive for what it is (�5.95/�5.50 for a sandwich, plus �1.50 extra for a few chips), but it's fine, and you probably have to pay that kind of price in that area.
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A former bank whose vaults provide for deep cellars. Popular venue that keeps a pristine range of Fullers beers, plus a guest (Gales HSB was a recent absolute winner), served by a cheery guv'nor and pleasent efficient Euro staff.
Food looks like the brewery's standard fare which on the "take it or leave it" stakes, I can happily leave, although there's seemingly always plenty of takers for it. But it is the beer you come for here, and your first visit is unlikely to be your only visit.
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I have been drinking here on and off for the last 5 years or so. The Fullers beers are always served in top condition. I went in a few weeks back and had a couple of utterly sublime pints of London Porter, fabulous beer, only downside was the �3.40 per pint price tag that went with that beer. I guess if the beer is that good I shouldn't grumble. Very civilised place that doesnt attract the yobs.
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I've only been in here twice and the ESB has been exceptional both times. This is a lovely pub in an area full of hellholes.
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There are precious few traditional pubs left in the Victoria / Vauxhall Bridge Rd area - nearly all have been gutted and turned into restaurant-style bars. So this Fuller's pub, which opened in 1997 and occupies a grand old bank building, is a welcome relief. It has proper pub fittings, furniture and decor. OK, it's not the real thing, but it's about as close as you can find round here. A full range of five Fuller's beers are served.
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Not the most atmospheric pub but every time I've been the draught ales have been absolutely perfect. Nowhere else have I had such a clear, fresh pint of Fuller's ESB. The barman with the glasses is very into his ales and always up for a chat about them. Even the Polish bar staff know their beers. Also the toilets are always spotless.
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Nice surroundings and the fullers' ales are on good form as expected. A convenient stop en route to the train station.
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Often go in the pub when I'm in Pimlico as the ESB is the best-kept in London! Delicious. And the bar staff are friendly and efficient too. Sunday roasts are nice and they always have a selection of dailies to read. Gents loos are in the basement and don't smell too bad for Pimlico...
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Great pub for sundays with a newspaper. Good selection of Fullers beers and friendly staff.
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Ok, well first things first. If you're going for the draft Golden Pride, its gone. On the other hand, they have London Porter on draft though.
Visited on a Tues evening. Nice old building and, as the menu tells us, this was a NatWest Bank until 1996 when it became the Jugged Hare. There is even jugged hare pie on offer, although quite why the pub was given that name was not clear.
The pub istelf has retained the impressive high ceilinged regency/georgian feel interior that you see with quite a few Fullers pubs in Central London. I'd had a few drinks at lunchtime prior to my visit, so didn't want to go too mad. Sadly, I chose to forgo the Porter for a couple of pints of Discovery interspersed with a Honey Dew. I know there's something of a debate whether beer should be served that cold because of what it does to the taste, but, other than a slight vinegary scent, it was OK. The Honey Dew was fine. For anyone's who is interested in wineintheevening, my companion had a couple of glasses of pinot grigio which was 'acceptable' apparently. Services was quick and freindly.
As for the food, well I had a steak and ale pie which was fine, perhaps not as good as some, although the veg and mash were a little disappointing. My friend had the steak burger, which looked huge.
My overall impression is of a decent Fullers joint. The building itself adds something of a gloss to the pub, but as far as beer and atmosphere are concerned, its a decent Fullers joint. Not the best in town, but certainly worth visiting. I'd probably give it a 7 or 7.5 if I could.
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Popped in for a quick pint of excellently-kept draught IPA. All well here.
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Went there to try the Golden Pride and is much improved. Good atmosphere and friendly staff.
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It's quite a place! Popped in last night to enjoy a pint of draught Golden Pride - the only pub in the whole wide world to have it - and both the pub and the ale was in great form.
You can see it's a former bank but it does possess character, is clean, warm, bright, the beer's in fine form and the staff are efficient and welcoming. It's just a shame I'm not local otherwise it would be my regular port of call! Most recommended and a must if you're planning to crawl the area.
anonymous - 6 Mar 2008 18:47 |
Thank the Lord for Fullers and their converted bank pubs. Havens of sanity and decent beer, and this is a prime example.
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Went there last night and what a great pub it is. Really good beer served by friendly, efficient bar staff. Very nice surroundings in building that was formerly a bank. Had a very nice meal there too.
All in all a really great traditional pub!
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Currently closed for refurbishment for 10 days. There's scaffolding up outside. Hope they don't ruin it.
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Quality London pub coverted very well many years ago from a former Nat West Bank. On a Sunday afternoon it was quiet enough to seat most of our large group.
A Fullers pub which had most of the range.
A nice up stairs balcony area is available which I believe you can book.
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Good Fullers beers, including Discovery.
Never very busy, so pleasant for Sunday lunch or to start the evening, but a little quiet later on.
Rather beautiful conversion from a turn of the century bank.
With the destruction at the Morpeth Arms, I'll come here now.
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Coverted Fullers pub from a Bank, not had a bad pint in here, never crowded, but not beenat lunchtime
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I like this pub, it's nice. A great victory over pink hell, we�ve actually managed to get people to walk down here these days instead of stumbling into the execrable Ha Ha�s. Such a refreshing change, normal lighting, d�cor of a traditional boozer, has a lovely upstairs bit that you can reserve for parties/leaving dos etc. and the staff are always friendly and serve a full pint, excellent. Food was delicious, try a pie, it�s an ale and pie pub. Shame it�s Fullers which means the beer�s not to my taste but the wine�s nice. Am off there this evening, in fact!
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Just popped in for a quick refresher; place was cool and not packed; pleasant service and a splendid pint of Fullers (seasonal) IPA. All is well with the world.
anonymous - 24 Apr 2007 14:01 |
A great looking building , inside and out. A little too packed on our visit but staff were friendly and curtious and beer was palatable, so what more could You ask? Will use again, but maybe 'in office hours' to avoid the crush.
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Certainly a favourite with many people that I know and to be fair it does deserve it. Beer and wine is usually very good and the food excellant. Friendly bar staff. However it just lacks something. Perhaps I just prefer the smaller pubs around Victoria.
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This was my best pub experience to date after three years in the UK (and a lot of pubs visited). Signature dish "The Jugged Hare Pie" (�9.95) was good, but the "Poacher�s Pie" (�8.95) was better. What better to match a nice Chiswick than venison, wild boar, rabbit & pheasant all wrapped in a perfect home/hand made pastry. This level of quality English food is what all pubs should be serving. I have to give it a "10"!
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Upsides: very well-kept beer, a nice crowd and buzz, TV not too loud, excellent hare pie; free newspapers.
Downsides: nasty "chili" nuts; bad 'lumberjack' chips (fried when they should be oven-baked?) and I wish they wouldn't "reserve" tables; if you want to come in a group send a a couple of outriders to bag your table along with the rest of us.
You could do a lot lot worse in this area than to drink here.
anonymous - 23 Oct 2006 16:07 |
An excellent selection of Fuller's on tap.
anonymous - 17 Aug 2006 15:16 |
OK, it is a bit lacking in atmosphere. But it's about the only place in the area where you can go for a quiet drink on a Saturday night! Also, it being a Fullers pub, there's always a decent beer to be had.
It's got a lot going for it. It should be more popular than it is. I think it could be successful under the right management.
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Not sure we're talking about the same pub. It's my local, so I'd like to say it's great, but I've found the staff to be pretty unfriendly the few times I've been in there (though they do seem to light up when they get some American tourists in, even inviting them behind the bar for some photos!). The interior is quite impressive (yes, it is a former bank), but the atmosphere is nil, and it's definitely not a place for the locals.
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I'm a big fan of this pub. I could be biased, because it's just around the corner, but over the last couple of years I've really come to appreciate it. A big range of Fullers beers, and their normal pie-based fare.
Friendly staff too.
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I like this pub a lot but there never seems to be enough space when you want to meet up with a large group of friends (10+) but don't want to go the wetherspoons across the road.
The mezzanie is quite interesting in that it allows you to overlook almost � of the main floor - good for spotting lost mates!
A bit pricey but good quality beer and food.
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A comfortable and relaxing pub in the Victoria / Pimlico area. Can become crowded on Friday evenings when local office workers desert their desks, but at other times it�s a pleasant, quiet and civilised place for a drink. The service is always attentive and friendly, the Fuller�s bitters are well kept (Chiswick Ale being a popular choice), there�s a reasonable wine selection, a non-smoking room, and daily newspapers are provided for customers� use. Food is served throughout the day (they currently have 5 different types of vegetarian sausage on their menu but meat-eaters are equally well catered for). No big screen and no Sky Sports.
anonymous - 25 Jan 2006 14:07 |
Good spacious pub with good ale, attentive (and switched on!) staff and friendly atmosphere. Also generally clean and tidy. Typical Fuller's Ale & Pie (bank?) conversion, but miles better than most of the drecky pubs around here.
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This is a fantastic pub, right in the centre of SW1 but feels friendly and comfortable. The staff are always friendly and clean tables, get drinks quickly.
Definitly the best location in this area for afterwork drinks or starting off on a night.
Sausages are great!
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I could be biased here as this is the closest pub to my office but I actually have really grown to like this pub. The interior is really spacious and has a fair balance between traditional pub and London Bar.
Lager is pretty good and although expensive for quantity is is good quality. Really nice staff who have a relaxed attitude but look after you well. Mixture of tourists, suits and locals.
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Decent beer most of the time, with a selection of real ales. As others have said, the ales are not cared for as well as they once were. Bar staff are friendly and efficient. The mezzanine floor can be hired free of charge.
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This pub is good to have a quiet drink. The staff are always friendly but had a couple of bad pints. Isabella.
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actually not bad....good looking pub..staff understands english (which is a welcoming change). err beer is sort of ok..but it used to be better, has there been a change of landlord?
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Reasonable pub, with two floors and a non-smoking area.
Good atomsphere and spacious. Could be improved by investing in some ventilation as mentioned before.
The food is standard
anonymous - 9 Dec 2003 18:37 |
Excellent range of Fullers beer. Interesting decor. No smoking area. Only downside was the food.
Adrian - 29 Oct 2003 13:01 |
Great food, fine pint, happy staff...Will be back!
Mike F. - 13 Oct 2003 14:41 |
Easily one of the best pubs in the immediate Victoria area - and perhaps the most interesting interiors. Beers kept very well, food wasn't bad either (though it's no Gastro-pub). My only moan is that the pub can get too smokey - more ventilation please.
I think the comment by "Disappointed" below is the exeption rather than the rule.
Ali - 27 Aug 2003 15:03 |
Brilliant Pub, I love it ... One must not mistake character of Bar Staff for rudeness I always find the staff there to be funny, energetic and compliment the wonderful quality of the Fullers Beers
Mark Robins - 3 Aug 2003 14:21 |
Don't bother, especially with the newly refurbed Prince of Wales even closer to the station, it has wonderful food, and the staff aren't quite so rude. Really unhappy with the Jugged Hare I have to say.
Disappointed - 16 Jul 2003 21:32 |
First time visitor to the pub, was quite impressed with the standard of pint. VERY VERY quiet despite it being a saturday night, but all in all a nice tidy comfortable boozer ! thumbs up !
breandain o cinneide - 6 May 2003 17:45 |
Hard to dispute any of the previous comments... All Pub "developers" should pay it a visit and would probably learn something!
Chris - 12 Mar 2003 20:05 |
Best boozer in the area (well, almost, the Cardinal is good as well) and the food is mostly good. Sandwiches have taken a turn for the stingy recently - you used to get a good wedge of fresh bread filled with tasty stuff - now it's supermarket bread with just enough watery stuff inside to make it look like it's a sandwich.
Excellent beers, seem to be well-kept - and there's bottled Budvar as well.
Dickie - 15 Jan 2003 14:55 |
My local Fullers ale and pie house. Nicely converted bank building with usual, Fullers attractive decor, great beer (London Pride, Chiswick, and ESB) rear no smoking area and more room in mezzanine. Alas, they took jugged hare off the menu; Busy with after work crowd in early evening but very quiet at weekends. Used to advertise as place to escape football during World Cup but, alas, now has TV tho' not alwayson. Worth the walk from Victoria (8 mins)
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Go get a Lamb Casserole at this Pub... go on! You will not regret it. Most excellent. I live in Germany now, and this meal is one of the top-ten things I miss about the UK! I will be back! Can't comment on the beer, I don't drink!!!
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