please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Football at Wembley so I took the opportunity of ticking this GBG entry in an otherwise desert for real ale.
Right outside the station is this huge & imposing 1930's brick built pub, its similar externally and internally as the Eastbrook in Dagenham that I visited a while back.
As I entered into one of the bars I felt like I had stepped back 30 years , its well kept with a full checked carpet, clean wooden tables, chairs and red velvet banquette seating around the edges. There's a tiled art deco fireplace with an art deco Courage mirror above it, doesn't look like its been used for many years but is well preserved.
The walls are fully wood panelled and the wooden bar tops sport the pubs name which is back lit.
Only I ale available which was Courage Best, the pints I had were all good.
A pool table on one side and several TV’s dotted about give the pub a sport’s theme.
Well run and well managed, my afternoon visit was very good and it’s on the list of pubs to use while visiting Wembley.
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Large pub adjacent to South Kenton tube station in a predominantly residential area. The pub is a little dark inside and all the customers were men, who were either crowded around the bar or around 3 or 4 tables. Whilst the one bar area was full, a larger adjoining room was unoccupied. A couple of TVs were on. 3 ales were on - Courage Best, Banks's Mild & Hook Norton Old Hooky. The latter was quite nice and was £3.30 a pint. Service was good.
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Having goner passed on the train for several years I was intrigued to visit this pub. On arrival the exterior looked uninviting, perhaps even closed.
But once inside I was pleasantly surprised to find a warm and friendly venue with a handful of jovial locals.
There were 3 ales available, those being Tim Taylor, Courage, and Young�s Special. I had a pint of each and all were of good quality.
The pub is large with a pool table and several TV�s, two of which were showing GAA games on the RTE network.
There was no sign of any food available which was a shame.
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I can see this from the train as I enter london from Birmingham. A walk in the area had me arriving at South Kenton Tube a quick look on the other side of the tunnel revealed this huge pub. Once I worked out how to open the door, I entered a large saloon type area where an ethusastic drunk irish builder regailing the locals. Toilets smelt.
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London needs more pubs like this. Forget all your fancy gastro-food. This is a friendly, community pub where I was made to feel welcome as soon as I stepped through the door. Wide cross-section of visitors, from people talking politics at the bar, to builders playing pool to families in the beer garden. Two ales on - Youngs' Special and Courage. Had a pint of the latter at �2.90 and would've been tempted to stay for another if I hadn't had a train to catch. Definitely worth a return trip.
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I remember this place from a brief period when I was working in north-west London. At the risk of being confused as an extra from the Dave Allen Show, I offer a brief synopsis of the place:
Fantastic character: which can be seen as having incrementally built up over the years from the changes in the area - from its inception in the days of the exploding north London suburbs of the 20s and 30s (the area is adjecent to both the Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines) - right the way through to the current day. A pub that has evolved to service the needs of its patrons through many an age and intimation, yet still retained its character, heart, and quintessential meaning of its existence.
The regulars are an eclectic barometer of the driving forces and influences which have conspired to shape the area into what it is today. A complete cross-section of age, gender, origin and race all manage to spontaneously harmonise into a confab of dry-witted humour and good-natured banter, which is a testament to their opulence of character and confidence in self-depecation: afforded through an underlying culture of tolerance and mutual respect.
This is one of the very few pubs in London that you can walk into alone as a complete stranger, and the people in there will take the time to take an interest, and make you feel included.
That is a priceless commodity that no amount of business plans, re-decoration, furniture, food menus, outdoor facilities or themes can ever create: The place has soul.
The pub is also a useful venue for watching televised live football, and the ale's not bad either.
So my advice is give it a go, and in the words of Dave Allen: "If you have a god, may he go with you."
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Must say I agree with Quinno below, pub is underachieving. It is a nice space with two real ales and friendly locals but it really could do with a bit of T.L.C. - not to ruin the Art Deco interior, just to give it a bit of a clean-up.
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We received a warm welcome on a cold night both from the barman and the open fire.
The beer - London Pride - was perfectly acceptable but the decor does need a little bringing up to date. But having said that I'm sure the regular customers are happy - it is a clean and well kept local.
Would not avoid this if I was in the area again
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There was real ale when I was there - Fullers London Pride and Courage Best. Astonishing deco interior. Atmosphere ok.
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Nice pub with a couple of decent residents and the some poles. However beware that a couple of brothers spend all there evenings in there from Monday to Thursday and be prepared if you nick ther seats. Area Manager is a great guy who sometimes puts a couple of snacks on the bar if you treat him nice.
Great big TV screens from out of the Arc
BruvS - 28 Mar 2007 16:28 |
A waste of what could be a great pub. The art deco interior is wonderful and virtually unique in Britain to be seen in a public house.
No real ale (forced to have a bottle of Youngs light ale, which was rank), furniture from a village hall and music mixed in with live football commentary when I was there on Saturday. Also seemed to be populated with extras from the Dave Allen show.
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This is one of the only pubs that I know of where all the customers are genuine and trust worthy. If you can look beyond the decor you will find that nowhere can you find so many people of the same nature in one pub. All pubs have their good and bad mix, but this one has 99% good.
When I first walked in there I thought the same as many others would, but get to know them and it is home from home.....
Also a refirb is on the way....
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Dump. one of those regulars only type of pubs where people stare as you walk in because you're on their territory
Steph - 28 Sep 2004 18:09 |
Traditional 1930's estate pub which has not undergone any modernisation! But then that is what makes it a very traditional pub....but avoid Friday/Saturday nights unless you take your ear plugs....unless loud music is what you want with your beer.
Chris - 31 Mar 2004 19:12 |
Was the most popular pub for miles around. A succession of bad managers led to a general decline in its popularity, also, the GEC estate closing didn't help. The new owner promises to regenerate the days of yore. We'll see. Drink prices are a bit high for the area.
Mike - 30 Jul 2003 10:49 |
I stumbled across your site and noted that you had a list of pubs accessible from South Kenton Station. This one wasn't included. It's literally outside the station. Beautifully preserved 1930's building. Quiet pub with many regulars. Massive TV for the football. Big Garden. Regular quiz nights. Occasional music. Well kept Courage Beer. And, funnily enough no food, but don't let that put you off.
Clare Taylor - 19 Jun 2003 10:57 |
