please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Indeed it is now boarded up and the site destined to be part of platform 22 at the new enlarged Euston.
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Last chance to visit the Bree Louise – the Euston pub closes this weekend.
Perry - 25 Jan 2018 15:23 |
Feels like a genuine local although service can be a bit hit or miss depending on who serves you.
A massive range of beers many of which are of the less common variety. Experience has found the beers from the pump are fine whereas the ales from the barrels behind the bar are more hit and miss.
More down to earth than some of the other nearby pubs sadly its future is in doubt due to the creation of the HS2 route.
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Little point in writing a review of this, my last visit.
Come November 2017, it will be the first notable victim of HS2.
Used to be my regular stopping off point before travelling home until I found the Doric Arch.
A real beer house - with half a dozen on pump and another dozen on gravity fed behind the bar. Not a fan of the gravity fed system, so I always went for a pump.
It was the place I discovered Titantic Plum Porter.
Last visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2ti9afK
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Now that the Cider Tap has closed, this is the best place in the Euston area for cider. For beer, the Euston Tap is probably preferable with beer quality better. But the range of ales here is impressive. On a visit yesterday, they had Banks's Sunbeam, Art Brew Unfined Orange IPA, Milestone Magna Carta, Southwark Harvard American Pale Ale, Downton Roman Imperial Stout, Brains The Rev James Bitter & Gold, Dorset Brewing Company Tom Brown's Bitter & Chesil, XT Pi Mild & Xperimental CF 127, Nottingham Mild, Dorking Black Noise Porter, Dark Star Hophead, Bree Louise Session Pale Ale, Titanic Plum Porter, Windsor & Eton Kohinoor IPA & Knight Of The Garter, Stod Fold Blonde & Portobello Spring Ale & Westway Pale Ale. I was back today and a few different ales had appeared - Wimbledon Quartermaine IPA, Downton Four-Leaf Porter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Rebellion Zebedee. Ciders on both visits were Millwhites Apples & Pears, Rum Cask & Bree Louise House Cider, Harry's No. 8, Kentish Pip Craftsman, Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped, Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits, Blaengawney Hallet's Perry, Scoundrel Dry Scrumpy & Westons Old Rosie. I still find the pub itself pretty unwelcoming and staff are far from friendly. But it's still a great choice for a decent ale/cider selection in the Euston area.
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Visited the Bree Louise last Saturday, agree with some previous comments, a well worn Pub and a strange table layout but great selection of ales, excellent staff and a good outside seating area. Toilets were dire but nothing that a good clean and paint would not put right. It is a London thing to have great pubs with really bad toilets.
All in all, if in the area call in.
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I went here for a couple of beers after work based on the BITE score. Whilst the range of real ales was impressive the pub was an absolute dive. Whilst some people are happy to accept a scruffy lived in look as it deters the tourists I would rather go somewhere that is clean and comfortable
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As usual the beer choice and quality were excellent. My only problem with the pub is the table layout, which is great for large groups but leaves very few spaces for a lone drinker to visit and sit down without intruding on a group.
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Very good real ale pub just west of Euston station. Although it's normally busy this place isn't a touristy pub, probably because it's tucked away down a side street and not on the main road.
The staff are mainly young and friendly.
There's a scruffy lived in feel which gives the place more of a local feel than many others around. The toilets could do with an overhaul though!
There are always plenty of real ales on Animal Newt, a couple of Milestone beers, DBC Alter Ego and Bree Louise Pale Ale were amongst those available on my recent visit. If you're a CAMRA member you get a discount.
One word of caution. I've found the beers from the casks behind the bar can be of variable quality. The handpump ales have been fine in my experience.
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If you love real ales and want a good selection this is a great pub. The lived in no frills look works for me too,good beer and company should be sufficient entertainment. The client's consist of worker's, passing trade from London Euston and real ale buffs all of which add to the hustle and bustle atmosphere of this busy pub. Recommended
scarr - 16 Mar 2016 18:15 |
A great pub with an ale and cider selection as eclectic as the customers. The staff are friendly and they have always been asked if I was a CAMRA member when being served. Lots of other London pubs that offer this discount usually leave it to you to ask for.
Once in a blue moon I have had a bad pint but the staff are knowledgeable enough to know it has gotten to the end of the barrel and have given me a replacement free of charge.
The only down side is the tired state of the décor of the pub and toilets but there again its lived in look has a refreshing appeal.
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Saturday lunchtime was my first visit to the Bree Louise in a good while. With just over half an hour before my train, I calculated there was time for a swift half. My best plans were scuppered when the barman served me a pint instead. He gave it me for the price of a half. So I didn't have the nerve to ask for a CAMRA discount (25p per half). It was fairly busy with a mix of typical real ale buffs and a few football fans. Ales were Bree Louise Session Pale Ale, Brains Bitter, First Gold, Cambrian Pale, Rev Jame Gold, Rev James Rye & Rev James Original, Caledonian Double Dark, Tring Colley's Dog, Jennings Cockle Warmer, Plain Ales Best Bitter, Celt Experience Horse Cranium Chocolate Lime Milk Porter, Titanic Plum Porter, Banks's Sunbeam, Milestone 9 Gallons, Redemption Big Chief IPA, & Downton Elderquad. Ciders and perries were Millwhites Blackberry Blush, Apples & Pears, Bree Louise House Cider, Vintage, Somer Gold & Single Variety Grenadier, Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig, Wilkins Farmhouse Sweet & Abrahalls Thundering Molly. Still a good pub for drinks selection. But I still think it lacks atmosphere. The no frills description is fairly apt.
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Used to be a semi-regular here. I've not been since the landlord moved a group of us to serve food to a tourist family in a spectacularly rude and aggressive manner.
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Very shabby but truly authentic real ale and cider pub in the backstreets a stone's throw from Euston station. The tattooed barman was a bit surly but his blonde accomplice was most helpful in guiding me to my preferred type of real ale. The Zinzan bitter was in excellent condition. This will be my preferred venue next time I'm in the vicinity.
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This pub is not what it used to be ,I think it is under threat from the HS2 railway
so why would the owners risk spend any money on it.
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This pub's interior is about as appealing as a drop-in centre. The barman was very surly and my pint from the cask behind the bar cost a small fortune at £4.40. It was also off.
I won't be coming here again anytime soon.
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Not going to rate this pub again at the moment, but like outlamehead I'd thought it has been resting on it's laurels for a year or two with a declining range in terms of beers actually on at any given time and beer quality.
However I was in last week, meeting a couple of people as handy for the Station. The quality of both the Hop Head and Brains Revd James Gold was tip top, as was the half of a craft IPA (forget it's name now) I tried, so hopefully it's getting back to being as good as it was again.
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Bareboarded no-frills pub with a fine and ever-changing selection of cask ales, some of them served by gravity straight from the cask. CAMRA discount.
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Sorry to say this pub isn't as good as it used to be although it's still better than many.
There are always lots of real ales and ciders from a wide range of breweries to pick from . Many of the beers I hadn't seen anywhere outside a beer festival. There is a discount for CAMRA members too!
However I find the beers from the barrels behind the bar can be of variable quality. The ales from the pumps are fine.
The staff are young and friendly and the place has a lived-in feel to it. The clientèle tends to cover a wider age range!
There are a wide range of beer mats decorating the walls and ceiling. As with many London pubs the toilets are cramped and leave something to desired.
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This used to be an absolute favourite of mine. Plethora of real ale, an older and more interesting clientèle than the crowd usually found at gastro-craft beer refits, relatively low prices and nostalgic 1970s décor. I returned a few weeks ago and was shocked. £4.10 for an ale in an ale pub. An off ale at that, and the staff tried to persuade my friend to keep it by saying 'they're all like that'.
People have been telling me that this place isn't what it once was and now I reluctantly say I have to believe them. Go to the Tap up the road, the prices are much better and the beer far better kept.
R3NW5 - 12 May 2014 14:56 |
The 50p 'discount' seems to be added to the price of the beer, e.g. £4.70p for a pint of Guinness. The bar staff ask for your CAMRA number, but also, according to their website, this discount applies to NHS staff and members of the forces.
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This is the sort of pub that I'd love to like, but sadly I never find the beers particularly interesting. If you're into pale hoppy beers, you'd be better off walking round the corner to the Euston Tap.
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Stone's throw from the station and a real ale mecca - six on draught and 10 on gravity on my visit. Walls covered in previous pump clips. Nice basic pub food menu as well as appetising cheese plates. £4 a pint isn't the cheapest, but they offer 50p off a pint to Camra car-carriers if you're of that inclination. No TV*, fruit or games machines or piped music and all the better for it in my opinion. Under threat of demolition if HS2 is pushed through parliament, which would be a shame.
*As I was leaving, the TV went on for a Six Nations game.
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Another pub in the Euston area that was a first visit for me a few Saturday nights ago.
Old style pub with no television or juke box but it was still busy with a fair few camra / beer geeks in (including me!)
Great range of beers dispensed directly from the barrels behind the bar, the pint I had was excellent.
Friendly bar maid, good atmosphere and now I’ve been I will be going back
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fantastic ale pub. 10 beers on gravity and 8 on handpump. briiliant selection of beers from all over the country. was an old fashion corner local but now a specialist ale house. very busy at weekends. handy for main line and underground trains. must visit if you like your ale
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Visited for the first time recently, really impressed with the huge range of beers (16?) and ciders 11.
The Old Rosie was on top form. All in all a proper old boozer, will certainly be back.
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The Bree Louise used to be my favourite London pub. The selection of beers was extensive, all exceptionally well kept and served by a wide number of cheery and enthusiastic staff. It wasn't the most glamorous of pubs but it was warm and cosy, plus you could always reserve a table if you were bringing a few people with you.
I was in there last night (15th August) and for the third time in a row over about 6 months I have the same complaints: beer quality and staff interaction.
The pub appears to have had a bit of a refurb as it isn't as dingy as it has been, and it didn't smell as horrible as it has done in the past 12 months. The beer selection is still exceptional and one continuing and welcome problem is how to choose which beer to drink.
But the staff are mostly surly and I often feel I'm intruding when I approach the bar. There were two clear exceptions last night but that still left three visits to the bar when I felt I should apologise for interrupting their chat.
The quality of the beer is falling rather too steadily. The cask beer is always flat and that shouldn't be the case unless its been poorly kept (eg over-venting or warm temperature). On the contrary, the handpumps are often over-gassy causing countless top-ups before getting anywhere near the full glass (possibly insufficient venting?).
Last night, one beer was most definitely off with a cloudy appearance, vinegary smell and sour taste, yet I was told by two members of staff that it was perfectly drinkable. It wasn't.
I like the 50p off for CAMRA members but I would happily pay 50p MORE for a pint that was in tip-top condition as I prefer value for money to cheap prices.
I've given the Bree Louise two more chances when I didn't want to go back there but I'm not going to return again. It simply isn't worth risking an unenjoyable drinking experience anymore.
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Appalling service, horrid environment, occasional nice beer. The staff will often ignore you at the bar, then charge you randomly varying amounts for the same round. The toilets are dark, dirty and unhygienic. And avoid the landlord at all costs. There are some nice beers sometimes, and the pies are good, but they are not worth braving the horrible setting for. Avoid.
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This only came on to my radar recently but is a great option around the corner from Euston - the ale casks behind the bar rotate regularly and for special events - we were informed of US Independence and British Lions-themed selections on our July 2013 visit. A few complaints as to the quality of the ale here but ours was excellent and we did not opt for the pies - a) it was 11.45am and b) we opted for the buffet at the Diwani Bhel Poori house around the corner.
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As far as we are aware, sadly not.
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does anyone know if todays news on change of plans for HS2 platforms/track in euston station mean the bree louise will be saved?
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Superb pies. That shouldn't be the first thing to remark on with this renowned pub but after my virgin visit earlier this month, it is. The beer was just OK, nothing special. A chocolate orange beer was pretty vile (yes, I know, I know - why order it in the first place? Curiosity). The Powerhouse was better but a tad warm. The staff were a mix of the usual London sulky, curt and scruffy types employed by an owner who believes 'aloof' bar-staff to be the new cool. It isn't - it really isn't. But those pies - very nice.
This is the sort of pub that the Craft-type artisan places are putting out of business because they do it so much better.
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You get the impression that a pub which once enjoyed a great reputation has been resting on its laurels resulting in it becoming somewhat shabby.
As has already been noted, the beer quality varies greatly and what really annoys me is that it is simply too warm.
The casks are subject to far too much ambient heat and the beer quality suffers as a result.
I have been there on a number of occasions and it is starting to look and feel a bit run down.
There is an unpleasant smell of stale ale and dirty feet that could be cleared away with the carpet and a damn good clean.
It is always stuffy and can get noisy so is not a place to relax.
If you took away the ale selection you wouldn’t give it any more than 2/10.
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Unfortunately, the beer quality is very hit and miss. Around a dozen or so beers on and on a good day, the beer can be very good, but on a bad day, it's pretty dreadful. Worse than that, the barmaid advised me the beer was flat 'because it's served from the cask' - with that level of knowledge and expertise, it's a wonder they have any 'good days' at all. Really needs to get it's act together and sort the beer out.
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Came here last night when the Cider Tap had decided to stop serving at 10:30pm. I found that very strange to comprehend on a Saturday evening when the bar itself was still busy. Nevertheless, I retreated to the Bree Louise. It was the first time I had been here for a number of months. Many of my friends question the beer quality here. But I still find the cider is generally well kept. You can get the odd one that is well past its best. But generally they are ok. Last night, the ale selection was Scottish and Welsh dominated. I guess they had recently held a festival. Beere were Highland Scapa Special, Brains RO Dark, SA & SA Gold, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Marlow Sticky Wicket, Titanic Stout, Scottish Borders Game Bird, Dark Horse & Holy Cow, Windsor & Eton Guardsman, Canberra & Conqueror & Sambrooks Powerhouse Porter, Junction & Pale Ale. Ciders and perries were Westons Old Rosie, Millwhites Apples & Pears, Hedgelayer, Dabinett, Oak Aged Scrumpy, Fattys Farmhouse Scrumpy, Richs Legbender, Burrow Hill Half & Half, Farmhouse Dry & Bridge House Medium. The jury's still out for the beer quality and the pub itself. I don't find the mainly Eastern European bar staff that friendly either. But it's always a good choice if you want to sample a different pint.
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Excellent pub, varied selection of ales, also does decent lagers for those who like that sort of thing. Further to the below, it is quite basic (maybe because of their success they feel they don't have to try) but I found the bar staff to be good. My only gripe is that it does get rather busy and seems to attract more than its fair share of middle aged punters who aren't very nimble on their feet.
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I agree with a previous comment that the beer straight from the cask is, at best, unreliable. They have an impressive selection but I'd still stick to the ones on handpump unless you want to risk disappointment.
Bar staff are efficient tho some not as friendly as they could be.
Overall a pub that seems something special on the first couple of visits but the gloss soon wears off. Always worth a visit if you're using Euston Station tho.
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My third visit to this pub. I normally sit outside but the weather was wet and cold so we sat inside next to the side door opposite the Gents. The outside door was opened every minute or two by the 'gasping' fraternity and the closing strap didn't function well so jackets were a must. Ales were OK, not as good condition as last time but nothing to complain about.
Pies were stews with a top crust therefore technically 'cobblers'. Tasty though unfulfilling. East European (?) barmaid was a tad aggressive when informed that the pint she just poured should have been a half, I felt obliged to accept it even though it was her error. It's the first time I'd felt taken for granted with a 'like it or lump it' attitude. However, I'll go again.
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Like many contributors, I am in two minds about this pub. The beer range is brilliant, with some real gems, which I assume the landlord has specially sought out, and the range of ciders is impressive. But..., the general standard of the fixtures and fittings is less than pleasant, the smell from the gents is the worst outside of Luton (See Black Horse, Luton) and the cider was body temperature - I dont expect it chilled (!), but this was unpleasantly warm. And my group all had meat and ale pies, and they were all-gravy pies with the obligatory 2" puff pasty top. Sigh, could be so much better...
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For its reputation, this pubs' real ale is not all that fantastic, probably no better than Wetherspoons' to be honest. The landlord was also very rude to part of the group I was in as well - he asked someone to move out of an aisle (why so many tables if people flows are such a problem to him) and while she was doing so, stopped her just to have another go at her.
Really bad attitude, and bar staff not much better, so will not be returning - even the pub on Euston station, or perhaps the Doric Arch (if you're into a bit of spit & sawdust) are better options.
Not to be recommended anyway...
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Really can't make my mind up as to if i am just very unlucky on my occasional visits on way back to brum by train....or this really is not as good as many would have you believe. Scruffy looking place, and despite the selection of beers I have rarely, if ever had a top class pint. A fair few have been average and many below average. Maybe it is bad luck but I ain't convinced.
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Went last night for a birthday do. A bit busy during rush hour but the suits soon head home to the suburbs via Euston station across the street. Marvelous selection of ales and ciders and traditional no frills boozer decor. Bring your CAMRA membership card for 50p off your pint. I mainly drank the Marstons Old Empire and Brains SA which, served directly from the cask was top knotch. Friendly staff. A must visit pub.
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Sadly I have to agree with earlier comments about the standard of the real ale from the cask. I had a Gadd's #5 the other day which was as flat as a pancake. The Sambrook Junction from the tap however was excellent. Back to the cask again and the Rebellion Mutiny was just about ok.
The staff were friendly and the place was as busy as ever.
I was pleased to see CAMRA members still get a discount.
Less good news, the place could be demolished if Euston station gets enlarged!
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As a reasonably frequent visitor to this pub when around Euston I am always impressed with the selection and quality of beer. Was busy last night with no seating available outside in early evening but still enjoy a pint inside. Discount on ales for CAMRA card holders.
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Sadly we have stopped going here anymore as we had some pretty average beer on our last visit (especially if you get it straight from the cask - stick to the handpumps). Also, as has been said the pies had more puff pastry than filling and were not really worth the money. We have since moved to The Euston Tap for beer or sometimes Mabels down the road.
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Wonderful pub. Great selection of ales, plus a little discount if you are a CAMRA member. Didn't try the food but other peoples' looked good.
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Sorry, CAN
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Beer heaven. Visit while you cab
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Good range of beers including Dark Star Imperial Stout & Adnams Tally Ho.Reasonably priced for the area. Food is good value, but the( apparently award - winning??) pies pies are not very spectacular and have those pointless puff pastry hats. Very convenient for Euston Station. Shame it's going to be demolished when they build the HS Rail Link.
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I absolutely loved it and will definitely be back....sensational range of beer. I agree that the decor isn't exactly state of the art but that didn't bother me...maybe a little bright. My wife is more of a pub rather than beer enthusiast so she wasn't too fussed, not cosy enough for her so we moved on after one just I was planning an extended session....
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amazing pub. only been in after work hours, so its been very busy. its a plain, and no frills room of a pub, but the beer selection form the barrels piled up behind the bar is superb. around 10 or so options. a discount for camra members, but the normal price was not too offensive considering its london. a real beer lovers pub.
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Really this is my local, good for a quiet pint in the day and a buzy pint in evening especially after work. must agree the toilet freshners do become a bit overpowering if you are sitting near! but always a good pint and much more of a pub than the sterile setting of the euston tap, and better priced. just read that the bree will have to go to make way for HS2 railway in a couple of years, cant believe another good pub will be gone. time for a protest??
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5/10 for the environment, Johnny B? Personally I think it's quite comfy, especially when compared with the Euston Tap, which is more quirky than comfy. The Doric Arch (aka Head of Steam) is comfy and quaint, though I haven't been there for a while. So the Bree remains a favourite.
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I�m torn on what I think about the Bree Louise. It�s literally a stones throw from the hustle of Euston station but could be in another world. The website positions it as Euston�s best kept secrets and this could be true.
I�ve been here a few times and the beer I had on the most recent fleeting visit a couple of pints of Dark Star�s Espresso Coffee Beer, was absolutely fantastic. I can honestly say I�ve never had a poor pint in the Bree Louise.
I guess the thing that stops me coming here more often is the fact that the place just doesn�t feel conducive to spending more time in. It feels awkward: The kind of place that people may stereotypically think of when you mention real ale. It must be worth chucking a few quid into a renovation to bring up the standard of the d�cor? Perhaps that�s just me�.I guess I just like to feel comfortable over a few pints in my not particularly old age!
8/10 for the beer, 5/10 for the environment. I�ll give it an honest 7 overall.
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This pub was a bit of a revelation. It had a really good selection of ales and for those who like that sort of thing, cider (even though one of the offerings did look like urine mixed with nuclear waste.). There was also a good selection of lager as well. Quite a gentle atmosphere but the seats and d�cor did look as though they had been left over from the 70�s so could do with a bit of sprucing up. However, these are only minor quibbles. Being a CAMRA member meant there was money off all of the ales as well as the food. We essentially bought three meals and got one free. The food was very nice as well which made this even more of a bargain. A very pleasant pub experience and well worth a visit. They have a sister pub near Hammersmith so I will be checking that our next.
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First visit to this pub near Euston Station. Wide selection of real ales, but the quality was only average. A good atmosphere and worth another visit.
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The positives first: excellent range of beers and ciders, no background music: just conversation interspersed with the hammering of opening a new cask! Negatives: very dirty, no atmosphere, unimaginative layout of interior, too bright, overpriced (unless you join CAMRA!), the toilets are dreadful but the customer does have their responsibility in this field! This pub could be so much better with a bit of effort.
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In here last night. Walked in the door and the smell from the toilets was foul. They had a problem and were fixing it. Yes it did get fixed but the smell remained. Sat at a table full of chairs that could do with replacing. One chair that everybody avoided looked like it was Farther Jacks, disgusting. I had only ever been here a lunctimes before and it seemed ok, but in the evening it just so bright. The beer was good though.
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Bounded into the Bree with two friends at 1930 on 25/11/11. Convivial atmosphere and friendly customers engaged in lively conversation. Phenomenal half of Dark Star Festival. Keep it up guys!
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An over-rated pub. I agree with the other comments about its tatty, run down (and rather smelly) state. The beer is hit and miss - occasionally good, often mediocre, occasionally dire.
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Found this pub last year one lunchtime when I was hanging around Euston in need of a pint and was thoroughly impressed; took a friend there last night and was a little disappointed. The furnishings are in a bad way, a quick trip to the local second-hand furniture store for a few overdue replacements might be in order.
My Essex Beast was gorgeous, my friend tried the perry which was ok but not fantastic. When I asked for a sweet cider we got the perry again though my friend was gracious enough not to put good alcohol to waste rather than send it back.
My friend went for the haggis pie which was excellent but the much acclaimed steak and kidney pie (Le Bar Group Steak & Kidney Pie of the Year 2008/9/10 according to the website) was mostly gravy, very little kidney and even less steak with a slightly burnt crust. Not even remotely worth the �8, could have got better down the nearest chippy.
Easy to see why this was North London CAMRA pub of the year 2009/10 for the beer and cider but for attention to service, food and decor it's 50/50.
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Having ticked off the excellent Wenlock Arms at last after years of saying I would, I also managed a second coup on the same evening by making my maiden appearance at the Bree Louise, another of London's regularly-adulated pubs which always comes highly recommended by those in the know.
Ales on cask were numerous - don't think it's just the first few pumps you see on arrival - at the rear of the bar there are many more choices and some of those on last night were quite outlandish. I genuinely have never tasted anything quite like the Art Brew beer I sampled; sort of root ginger that wraps itself around your tonsils and gives you a warm glow, yet no heat on the palate?! Bizarre but worthwhile. Brodie's were also represented, which is a rare thing even in the capital.
I should note the decent range of cask ciders too; plenty of Mr Whitemans from Selborne which always delights, among others.
Atmosphere-wise, it wasn't quite what I expected; the interior decor and arrangement of furniture was more like a cafe somehow than a pub. For my tastes it lacked any good nooks and alcoves and it wasn't really the done thing to prop up the bar either, but despite these issues one couldn't dismiss the Bree as unpleasant or antiseptic. Maybe the chairs etc could've been a little more robust - I see what the previous contributor means. But happily we'd have enough beer between us to rise above the relatively minor downsides.
The place was busy for a Wednesday evening and observation suggested quite a broad spread of customers, which shows a similarly generous bandwidth of appreciation across the spectrum. Whether I'd rank this as one of the top pubs in London I'm not sure. But certainly it is in the upper echelons, if only for its striking beer and cider range.
I think I'll be back.
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I used to love this pub, but now I feel that it is resting on its laurels � not a good thing to do given the increasing local competition. The tatty, grubby decor, the stained, rickety chairs, and the awful loos just don�t make for a pleasant experience.
Personally (and I know people will think this isn�t the point of this pub) I would like it if they served better keg/bottled cider, such as Aspall or Inch�s � they do have the execrable Strongbow, so it�s not as if they are purists.
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A small but cosy and beer-loving pub near Euston. Had a beer festival on the other day which was the dogs'. As it were.
Apparently the pub is also well known for its pies (not tried, but do).
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Still a good watering hole, for the weary traveller
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I like it in here, good for a pre- train beer, and if you travel Virgin regularly, you'll need one. OK so its not plush and it is small, but that means those who worry about such things don't drink there, which is fine by me. Sometimes you just need great beer and pies-what else matters?
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The Bree is still one of the best pubs in London for its beer and cider selection and is well located near the mainline stations. Although it now has some fairly serious competition with the Euston Tap having opened, plus the Doric Arch. The soon to open Cider Tap will also create compeition for lovers of the apple. On our visit yesterday the pub was reasonably busy with a transitory croud, including football fans, drunks and people there for the beer (or cider). A range of around 15-16 beers is served with around 10 ciders. As a cider drinker, I can say that the quality of the ciders has improved. This may be because of the increased turnover. But you can still occasionally get a duff pint/half. My real gripes about this place centre around the atmosphere or lack of it and the general lack of cleanliness. The toilets are often in a very poor condition and the interior itself has nothing at all to recommend it and is offers no encouragement to linger, which ensures that the nature of the clientele is transitory. This is still a very good pub to know about when you are passing through Euston/St Pancras or Kings Cross and you fancy a quick drink of a lesser known brewer/producer. But with a better interior, it has the potential to be an excellent pub.
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A pub devoid of character or atmosphere.
Cant wait to get rid of you at closing time.
Virtually shoved out the door ar 2310 in a off hand rude manner.
Never heard of 20 minutes drinking up time in this establishment.
Will never return
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Was here last Saturday for one last one before heading home, there was a good selection of ales on but I was more distracted by the smell coming from the toilets which was very noticeable. The place looks like it could do with a good clean, not just the jacks, and also dim the lights....it was like being in a dentist's waiting room!
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An odd pub in many ways. Range of beers was overwhelming, and it's a bit lucky dip. I had one which was very nice and the next one was awful. All served well at right temp etc so no quibble with that. They do 50p off per pint for CAMRA members which is a bonus if you happen to have your card with you. I didn't, but if I'm planning a re-visit I certainly will, it's not a cheap pub by any stretch. The interior is frankly shagged and needs a revamp, but a kind one - nothing flashy, just a spruce up.
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Well it certainly has a very big range of beers! Sometimes, a pub can have too many.
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Great selection of beers, friendly staff.
Shame they don't clean the tables often/well.
Need to get some malt whisky in stock.
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If your sitting outside great, however if your inside the strong stink of toilet cleaner is over powering which is a shame as the beer and service is good. Note to the owner, thought about moving the toilets upstairs?
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I would agree that the beers which come directly form the cask can be a bit iffy at times so I usually stick to the pumps where Windsor & Eton Brewery featured recently. I have also had Redemption;Sambrookes and Camden ales which were fine. Service can be a bit "casual" at times but overall it is still well worth a visit (combine it with a beer at the nearby Euston Tap).
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Fantastic selection of ales but neither of the two I tried were in that great condition although taste wasn't bad. Well worth a visit for the selection alone. But really depends on the choice of ale re condition and taste.
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Visited on a Saturday late afternoon. Sampled three of the dozen or so different beers. Those on gravity were a little lacking condition, but OK taste wise. A haven of decent beer, though, within a spit of Euston.
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If you like a good selection of well kept beers - you will love this pub!
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It's the afternoon again and i'm out away from work for another beer.
Wandering the streets exploring the area i stumbled upon the Bree Louise. From the outside it is a fairly non assuming place with a mix of people sitting outise enjoying a drink.
As you open the door to enter you are greeted by a carpet that has had many years of service and probsbly enough beer spilt on it to rupture an elephant liver. However, the inside doesn't smell stale or musty. It is very much a rinkers pub with no fripperies or music playing to keep your mind occupied. Sit down with the paper or a friend and enjoy it for what it is, a traditional pub, warts and all.
There are around 10 ales on at the moment and the pint of Junction i have is kept well and tastes great. Plenty of ciders to for those that like them.
I was not refused a small taster of my chosen ale, though it was in a tiny thimble sized 'glass' so it was not posible to get a real taste of what was on offer. That said other places won't even allow a tiny taste.
You can reserve tables (sat next to one) and they are chatting about how busy the place gets so that would be helpful for those that plans things.
Avoid sitting near the toilets, the smell of 'perfume' is pretty strong lol
Will be back and hopefully with a friend so we can try out a good few beers.
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A regular drinker in here could save his CAMRA subs many times over with the 50p off every pint. The Vale Ale on gravity was hazy and flat. The Windsor Knot on handpull was much better. Worn carpets, unsavoury gents toilet. The jury's out on this one at the moment.
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Tucked away in a side street near Euston station, has a pretty good range of beers and helpful staff. Definitely worth a visit if arriving in or leaving the capital by train.
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Like a couple of other posters here, I've tried very hard to like this pub - I work very near, and the Bree is ostensibly a real-ale paradise, but.................
/inter alia/, it can get totally rammed early evenings, more so than some of the other pubs around, and with people asking the staff "what's the <insert name of beer> taste like?"
Maybe it's me, but there also seems to be a 'Supermarket queue' effect, where the staff are all in one bar and the customers are all in the other bit !
Last time I was there was a (hot) Saturday lunchtime and chose to sit outside. After half an hour of being panhandled by the scuzzers and alkies from Euston station I drank up and left.
I know it sounds snobby, but it's a shame the Bree can't be moved half-a-mile into Fitzrovia or Marylebone.
Despite all the above whingeing, I still can't bring myself to write it off.
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OMG - how many times have I come to Euston and I didn't know that a Camra pub of the year was here.
Really thirsty, so excuse the fact I took on board a lager. Loads and loads of choice of ales here but after a stressful day, it was just a little too busy with suits and suitcases waiting for the train home.
There is no doubt I will return. �5.50 for a lager and pack of crisps was made up for by the fact that I took a complimentry London Drinker - which as given me loads of new ideas.
anonymous - 21 Apr 2011 16:39 |
Popped in here again recently before getting my train @ St. Pancras. Over a dozen real ales all from different breweries and prompt service from the bar staff, despite it being very busy. 50p off ales for CAMRA members too!
I have to agree with the last reviewer about the gents toilets though. Very poor!
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Stopped by after a long while.......Biddenden Dry Cider 8% very nice. A common complaint here is not the beer is the state of the toilets (gents),,,,,,no improvement over the months they smell and require far more regular cleaning than they seem to get. Perhaps a little inadequate for the considerable number of users at peak times.....not always easy for the management, but a little more effort please.
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A cask ale heaven. Only drawback is it seems to be geeting too popular
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Visited the Bree Louise on Sunday for the first time. Very disappointed. The place was really quiet which is worrying for a real ale pub. Do they get busy during the week? The pub was dirty and my husband had the most expensive pint of lager he has ever drunk in London! Will not be visiting again>
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I've upped my rating for this place - due to the improved quality of the barmaids !!!
PS still same problems with range of beers decreasing markedly over the course of the evening
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NEXT WEEK WE WILL BE CELBRATING CAMRAS 40TH BIRTHDAY WITH FREE LOCAL BEER SAMPLING AND SEVERAL SPECIAL ALES ON SHOW INCLUDING TALLY HO 1,2 AND 3 YEAR OLD!
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THE BREE LOUISE HAS A PIE AND ALE FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE GREAT BRITISH PIE WEEK AND LONDON DRINKER BEER FESTIVAL AT CAMDEN TOWN HALL.
TUESDAY WE ARE LAUNCHING A NEW BEER FROM BATEMANS WITH MANY FROM THE BREWERY PRESENT, WILL HAVE ALL BATEMANS BEERS AVAILABLE INCLUDING THE SELDOM SEEN VICTORY
COME AND ENJOY
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I was really excited about visiting this pub and really wanted to like it. When I got there I thought I was in heaven, being a dark beer fan they had three to choose from on gravity dispense so I choose a Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose. I then watched the girl behind the bar lift up the cask to pour the dregs out and fill the glass. I assumed she was going to pour it away - she served it to me. Being a Friday night it had clearly been sat there since last weekend and it was awful. I returned it and swapped it for a Cambridge Black Dog. This was actually even worse, I gave it back again saying sorry but this is totally flat and bland tasting to which I was told "this is what it should taste like". She asked her 'manager' and in fairness to him he swapped it for me. This time I went for Skinners Betty Stoggs which was worse than the two beers I had perviously. I asked my friend to take it back as I was too embarrased. I then had a Rebellion Blonde which was lovely, but I live two miles from the brewery and can get it anytime when in season.
I am not fussy and I rarely return beers as I can appreciate that someone has to have the last pint in the cask etc, but I found the bar staff pretty rude and the beer was in poor, poor condition. A real shame because the choice is so good. I am no fan of the CAMRA pricing policy either. Why should I pay 30p over the odds so someone else can pay 20p under?
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Excellent range of beers, with 50p off each pint for card-carrying CAMRA members. Badly lacking in character though, the interior and decor is bland and forgettable.
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Sidestreet pub a stone's throw from Euston Station with no great charm, but redeemed by choice of well-kept ales and decent pies.
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Not a bad pub, but by no means perfect. Can get very crowded in the evenings. The gravity dispensed beers aren't always in the best of condition, and though there's an extensive beer list chalked on a blackboard, quite often three or four of them are off. That said, it's one of the best pubs in the area, the staff are efficient and friendly, and they do an excellent pint of Wandle. So a good thing on the whole.
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I have only just discovered this pub with its amazing selection of real ales and ciders, and what a find! Fabulous beer - I tried the Sambrooks Wandle and Junction and both were excellent. I shall be returning very soon.
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When a pub offers as many ales as this one does any shortfalls are easily ignored, May not have the character of other pubs in London but they served a good pint. Only complaint would be there's too much choice, never know what to start with, haven't enough time to try everything!!
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Always on the circuit when I visit London, massive selection of beer on tap and from the barrel, I have always found the quality of the beer to be good and the food is worth a try too.
It can get very busy in the evening with table space hard to find, popular with football fans in the know on matchdays and offers a discount on the real ale on production of a CAMRA membership card
Not perfect but which pub is?
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Merry Christmas everyone, we are currently running an Xmas Ale festival with over 60 different seasonal Ales available up until Xmas Eve, including Tally Ho, and the special limited edition There is No Santa from Brewdog.
Have a healthy New Year and please be aware that we ARE NOT putting any of our prices up with the VAT increase in January, nor i February when all brewers are increasing wholesale costs!
Thought of the day:-
If you tell us when a product isn't up to scratch we can remove it immediately and not another person will have to suffer it. Vague comments on this forum help us not after the event!
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Have to say I agree with a lot of the other comments on here that the place isn't as good as the (former) hype. I too have found the beers on gravity to be below par more than once, and I don't like the interior layout which lacks any intimacy whatever. The prices are pretty stratospheric- its not even in central London don't forget-the CAMRA discount if you can get it simply brings the costs down to 'pricey' rather than outrageous. In contrast i was pleasantly surprised at the competitive prices at the newly opened Euston tap nearby- will be interesting to see if the latter maintains them once it's established...
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Visited her last week to find very under-par beer (my Oakham JHB was mediocre to say the least) and some of our party sent their ales back. I was also disappointed with the food - I ordered one of their "famous" pies which came with a huge mound of puff pastry but not much in the way of filling. Looks like someting serious has happened at The Bree and it is certainly not the pub it was. We,like others, opted for the Euston Tap instead.
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unfortunately the overall experience here has been starting to slide downwards over my past few visits, mainly its just inconsistancy i have 3 pints - 2 of which will be superb and one more often than not totally flat and obviously tired and near the end of the barrel. The Camra discount is rather disengenious as the prices are on the high side so you could argue camra members dont get ripped off as much... With the excellent Euston Tap now open around the corner i fancy i shall be making rather more visits there than here though i'll still pop in for one of those excellents pies served once in a while.
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Had an excellent Biddendens cider when I last called.A fine Cramp's Double Vision on today - & a good egg & chips.
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Excellent drinkers pub,great ale ,good basic food,good service,real people with real conversations,real football fans(no premiership posers)and no lager swillers.Crowded early saturday evenings,but plenty of seats available by 7pm.Decor a bit 'tired'but does this matter?handy for the three main line stations nearby
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I called in recently and made the mistake of ordering food. I ordered the Tex Mex burger, which cost �7.50. The bun was tiny, the burger was acceptable, the bacon had been frazzled to within a millimetre of its life and there was a small dollop of salsa. I'd rather have had a BigMac and I don't say that very often. The other food that I saww being served looked equally poor value.
I agree with recent comments about not using the hand pumps, so why do they have a cider on hand pump? The beer varied from good to insipid. The good being from the hand pumps and the insipid being the gravity beers.
The place has gone down hill and will have real competition in a couple of weeks time.
ajsqs - 22 Oct 2010 19:18 |
Obviously Im missing something - aside from the pink decor, allowance of screaming babies and complete lack of atmosphere I dont quite get what is so great about this place - Id been meaning to go there for ages - but dont think I need to go again. Only good thing was pints of Leffe were only �4 as opposed to �5.60 in Spitalfields...
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I have to admit that every time I go to this pub, I revise my opinion of it downwards ! At first I was overawed by the vast range of beers available, and the discount for CAMRA members (and the large crowds !). However, I�ve now started to notice things like the preponderance of beers being served on gravity (even when there is a handpump displaying the relevant clip), quality of beer, most beers tending to sell out later on in the evening, the list of beers becoming illegible, and the place not being designed for anything other than group drinking (all tables the same size). Also, I�m not sure about the bar staff being knowledgeable / miserable � on my last visit I�m not sure they were English speakers !
Don�t get me wrong, this is still a good pub, and really handy for Euston station.
6/10 � looking for improvement
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Can't say I've been served by any miseries on my visits, but then I can't deny others' experiences. The point is well taken however that occasionally the beers sometime seem to have been around a little too long: curiously, when you consider how busy the place gets. But not necessarily a place to avoid on that score. They will change a pint without demur. Also the guvnor does show his face, and is open to comment. E-mail concerns to [email protected] (gleaned from their website).
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Bounded into the Bree midweek for a quick half. Tetleys Smoothflow on top form.
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Less should be more for the Bree Louise. 16 real ales seems about 6 too many from the condition of many of the gravity served beers I tasted. None was off but the lack of carbonation in some suggested they'd been hanging around in the cask too long -- a pint of Hop Back 'Odyssey' was like drinking cold tea or ribena. Beer from the barrel doesn't have to be like this -- as many beer festivals show -- but I'd guess that without the livening up of being pulled through a pump that declining condition shows up quicker with this method of dispense.
And in case anyone thinks I just got off the train at Euston from The North and was expecting a pint with an inch thick head pulled through a sparkler, you're wrong. Even southern, headless beers ought to have a lively condition.
This is a shame as the Bree Louise is a nice, busy pub with plenty of exemplary and helpful staff (unlike, say, many understaffed national pub chains) and they clearly evangelise real ale. I just feel that some of those ales would have been better turned over more quickly.
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Heaven for CAMRA and beer tickers with its 16 real ales and 10 perries and ciders.
Sadly 16 ales on means gravity, flat, low condition beer is the norm. I tried 10 different halves and was not impressed with any of them. Really this sums up all that is wrong with CAMRA pimped and fetishised pubs too many beers not enough quality.
A pint of dead life-less beer was the norm and I will not be rushing back.
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Heaven for CAMRA and beer tickers with it's 16 real ales and 10 perries and ciders.
Sadly 16 ales on means gravity, flat, low condition beer is the norm. I tried 10 different halves and was not impressed with any of them. Really this sums up all that is wrong with CAMRA pimped and fetishised pubs too many beers not enough quality.
A pint of dead life-less beer was the norm and I will not be rushing back.
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Excellent range of Beers and even better range of Ciders , quite lively and busy all day long - Well worth a visit and just around the corner from some fantastic Indian Restaurant's in Drummond street , especially if your into south Indian Veggie stuff - gh
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This pub looks to be packed out all of the time - but it's not surprising given the location and excellent choice of real ales. When we visited there were 16 beers on split between hand pump and gravity. The Slaters Original was excellent and all beers were top quality and well served. Plenty of staff behind the bar means that you get served quickly and CAMRA members get 50p off a pint.
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Homely pub with a great friendly and welcoming feeling. A genuine pub atmosphere - relaxed, informal and down to earth with plenty of bare wood. Real nice feeling just being in here. Incredible value beer and food - even more so if you're a CAMRA member. Came here after visiting CASK in Pimlico, and the contrast was astonishing. Both places sell a good range of beers, but this place has genuine soul and character, and keeps in touch with its social and historical context. You know you're in the UK when you're in this place, while CASK could be anywhere and nowhere. When in France I want to feel I'm in a French bar, when in the UK I want to feel I'm in a UK pub. The only downside (but unfortunately it's a big downside) is the smell of toilet cleaner from the toilets. Sit as far away from the toilets as you can, and preferably outside.
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A great pub off the side of Euston and smashing if you've got an hour or so to kill. The beers are good and the place does great trade but innevitably with the location of Euston then the dregs of mankind can occassionally swan in. The irish bird looking for anything she can get can be annoying and the man with the stooped bad back and begging bowl does become irritating but other than that then the cross polunation of people folk tell you it's a creditable boozer and the beers good. Boozers and real ale will always be here with pubs like this.
Mcloj - 17 Sep 2010 13:52 |
Forgot to mention 50p off a pint if you're a Camra member, Brilliant!!!!
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It is so nice to see a pub selling ale from a stillage! You just don't see that anymore. Not only that its always in top condition. Yes the pub could do with a bit of a hoover in places but when the beer is that good, quite frankly so what!!! If you are in the area, well worth a visit
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This really is an Ale drinkers paradise "IF" you can see beyond the sticky/dirty bar, far too many bar flies, the sticky fly paper hanging from several walls (to catch said bar flies) and the constant petting of a young couple working behind the bar then this really is the place for you.
I score it a 9 based on the beer and the welcome i received, and a 4 for the appearance of the place so will give it an overall 7.
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Don't like the look of the pub inside at all, but with a beer selection like this does anyone really care what anyone else thinks?!? Unique and deservely busy
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One of the best pubs in London, no doubt. The beer is the priority and is constantly changing, always a new treat in store. The staff could not be any more helpful or friendly than they already are. They're also informative about the beer and always willing to let you have a taster. On busy evenings, they'll even do table service (or path service if you're stood outside!). Don't forget to bring your Camra card and you'll get a discount at the bar. They also serve a great pie, and you can bring your dog in the pub. Simply wonderful.
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Was packed on a bank holiday Friday night with a mix of after work crowd, rail travelers, visitors for the Challenge cup final and real ale enthusiasts. The combined effect just seemed to overwhelm the place, it was uncomfortably hot and many of the beers had run out. Realise this may have been a one-off but the pub also had a strong reek of fried food throughout that was pretty unappealing
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A great pub round the back of Euston, loads of ale to choose from.
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I dropped in here at lunch time on Thursday on my way out to Heathrow. Had an excellent ale and a pie. It was so good I nearly missed my flight!
I'll be back when I have more time to enjoy the range of ales on offer. The one I had was good so I'll be keen to find out if they are all as good.
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I've been to the Bree Louise a number of times in the last year, the most recent of visits being last night. I think it has gradually improved since last night. The interior is still a bit dull and inspiring, but there's always a lively atmosphere with plenty of people from diverse backgrounds to talk to. The beer and cider range appears to have slimmed slightly, perhaps due to the feedback of beers being kept on for too long. Last night, there were 12 beers listed on the blackboard. Although at least two were no longer available when we tried to order. Sambrooks Wandle, Redemption Pale Ale, Batemans GHA, Harveys Sussex Best, Milestone Shine On & Cromwells, Skinners Helligan Honey, Toad Garden Angel, Hogsback Summer Ale, Rebellion Blonde, Weltons Mitchell's Magic and Brewdog Paradox were all available. The range of ciders has also been trimmed and are in a much better condition as a result. Last night I sampled Wilkins and Ciderniks Kintbury Dabhand which were both in reasonably good condition. Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox and a couple of Millwhites ciders (including the Rum Cask) were also advertised. For beer and cider range, there are few to match this in London, and for this reason I will increase my score I gave last time. However, I still find it difficult to get myself comfortable here. For me, it's still just an excellent stop after returning to Euston, as opposed to a session pub.
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crap bar staff... they all stand round talking all night! There was only one girl who seemed to know anything about ale, who recomended me two ales (they were the best beers i've ever had!) but she said she was leaving soon.
The toilets need renovation.
But overall a good selection of ales and a good location (near Euston station), good for commuters like myself.
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Very good pub indeed.
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Very good all-round visit yesterday evening for a couple of pints: quick, efficient service, no short measures, excellent Rudgate Ruby Mild (one of several available ales either on draught or stillage), in a busy, friendly atmosphere.
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I've used this pub on an occasional basis for the past couple of years and the two recent visits have definately seen an improvement in both the quality of beer and service. A huge range of ales - too many in my mind - but the quality has been good. The barstaff were - unusually - English and had a concept of the beer and pub culture unlike the surly east Europeans of sometime back.
The toilets could do with a revamp and the pub is always too warm but all in all a decent pub and worth a visit. If you're a Camra member don't forget your membership card for the discount.
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The best beer pub in London. Honest conversations with the widest range of customers - bound together by a love of good ale. Food good value and home produced. If I've ever felt that a pint was not 100% it is exchanged without quibble. A winning formula in a generally overpriced and pubco/Greene King tied industry.
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I hadn't planned on a return visit to this pub having been let down too many times by the quality of the beer. However, when a friend noted that they had four BrewDog beers on stillage, it had to be investigated. The beers on offer were Trashy Blonde, 5AM Saint, Punk IPA and Paradox Isle of Arran. The beers we tried, Punk IPA and Paradox were superb (and at the right temperature!)
It's certainly made me think of paying the pub another visit sometime.
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Not such an enjoyable experience as previous visits - my pint of St. Peter's Organic was only just drinkable. We had to drink outside due to the heat, as did many other customers, and our conversation was rather spoilt by a bunch of locals who insisted on running races with children up and down the pavement with total disregard for others and the food bins which were sent flying - anti-social behaviour from those old enough to know better. I'm glad I am not a neighbour. Overall the Bree Louise can be a good experience, so my rating is not based on this one visit.
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Excellen 10% t brew dog paradox in here few days ago
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a two class pub if your camera member they treat you like royalty if your not they over charge you and would rather you left stay away from this place beer flat and warm and not very nice .
everything thats is wrong with camra
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Many thanks to the young man serving at The Bree Louise on 24/7/10. It was a hot muggy evening & I was gasping for a beer having just returned from staying with an old non beer drinking pal for 2 days, & was en route back to Manchester. As a lone female, it can sometimes be daunting , drinking alone, but I was made to feel welcome, had a good chat about the delicious beers & he sold my third pint pouring it into my water bottle for my reluctant journey home on my request! I got my Camra discount (don't forget to carry your card!) & was impressed with his knowledge passion & interest in real ale. (so often, bar staff elsewhere no nothing about what they are serving).
No wonder the Bree Louise have won the Camra Pub or the Year award.They have not slacked off since doing so & I can certainly say that the two staff that I met were a credit to the pub. A brief but enjoyable visit. Cheers.
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Can't believe that I had walked past this pub so many times before I realised the ales on offer inside. Coincidentally had joined Camra and now benefit from the discout, Fantastic selection of beers which seem to change pretty frequently and all sampled have tasted excellent. Bar staff always seem friendly enough to me and always ask if you are a Camra member.
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Went here a couple of times this week. 16 reals ales and 6 ciders! Not being a regular I don't know what the turnover of beer is like but the majority I saw were not "usual suspects". Plenty of Downton and Redemption beers. I had Redemption Urban Dusk, Sambrooks Junction and St. Peters Golden Ale. All were very good, the St. Peters probably shading it.
The people at a nearby table were eating and seemed to be enjoying themselves so I guess the food was fine!
A very lively pub with spare seats a rarity, (even with a lot of drinkers standing outside). I was impressed with the service, plenty of staff ensuring people didn't have to wait too long. Most of the delays were caused by choosing which ale to go for!
CAMRA members get 50p off on production of membership cards. This meant pints were around the �2.70/�2.80 mark.
I would definately come here again. It's very handy for Euston and Kings X and St. Pancras are not far away.
Two minuses. The tables were a bit sticky(!) and the toilets were cramped and could do with some DIY.
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I love this place, and one thing I miss about no longer working at UCL is that I don't get to it as often as I did. I agree that some of the beers are becoming 'the usual suspects', but there's enough variation around this for it not to matter. Also the cider selection is great: hopefully the price will go back to a more reasonable rate now that the duty hike has reversed (it has, hasn't it?). The Guv'nor is great value, as is of course the CAMRA discount.
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great pub, no question! but would like to see a wider rotation of ales if i'm to be honest. lots of ales but bree seems to favour a select few........ITCHIN VALEY, DOWNTON etc most of em kinda boring
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I have been in here a few times in the last few months and quite like it on the whole. Nice interior with a lively feel. Plentiful selection of ales, both gravity and hand pump (I think perhaps that in warmer weather - as recently - the gravity ales are not cold enough to satisfy basic thirst, so have gone the hand pump route instead).
One other thing I have noticed is that one or two of the bar staff are a little unfriendly. Most are absolutely fine but there is at least one who was noticeably frosty and didn't quite meet what I consider to be the minimum standard for basic customer service, acting almost as if they didn't want to be there.
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Not really changed interior wise since it was the Jolly Gardeners (wonder why the need to change the name?). The beer selection has improved with a lot more ales on than in the Jolly Gardener days. Had a nice pint of Wandle Junction (albeit a short measure by served by someone who's grasp of English didn't quite stretch to understanding the term short measure so I gave up on trying to get a full pint). Despite the wide and well kept ale selection there is something that has never really endeared me to this pub regardless of what they call it. Would drop in if heading to Euston from that side but wouldn't really make a special visit.
anonymous - 21 Jun 2010 20:18 |
I can only hope that my experience here yesterday was an unfortunate exception to the largely positive comments here. Several of the beers listed as being available on gravity were not (not a big problem) but those that were - the Cotleigh for example - were in fairly poor condition, not long for the sink. The only decent beer I had was the Redemption Urban Dusk on tap and I had to ask the chap to kindly give me the last centimetre at the top (and this was a half-pint). Though the Euston area is not one I frequent by any means, I may return at some point and hope the experience is a little better. Let's hope it was just down to the World Cup taking priority over all things!
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Nice little pub where I always stop off when at Euston. Great selection of ales and the bonus of a discount for Camra members. I've not eaten here, but portions look good.
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Been in a few times on my way to gigs recently. Beer is always excellent - I'd like to see Twickenham Ales represented alongside Sambrooks to continue the London theme - and often a mild or so which is good to see. However, I don't get the praise for the staff. My experience as been patchy and I get the feeling their level of interest and knowledge has tailed off. On 2-3 occasions I've stood by the barrels waiting for the staff round the corner to stop gossiping to eachother and they served me (eventually) only reluctantly. Some retraining or weeding out needed, methinks.
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Situated in a side street little more than a stone's throw from Euston Station, the Bree Louise can rightly be described as one of London's best known specialist real ale pubs.
Externally, it's a rather unremarkable back street pub and the interior is also distinctly uninspiring with tables and chairs packed closely together in a rather featureless single room. Leaded frosted windows and a carpet do help contribute towards a reasonably traditional and comfortable ambience, however.
The serving area is split into two separate sections either side of a pillar - on one side there's 5 handpumps and, on the other, a further 11 ales are served on gravity direct from the barrel.
There's flags on the ceiling - ostensibly of the Six Nations rugby teams, although I only actually recollect seeing five and I was unable to decide if it was France or Italy that was missing. Also notable is an old framed photo of The Euston Arch, now sadly no longer with us. There's a TV screen, but, otherwise it's a quiet pub.
Perhaps unusually for a pub with a distinct real ale emphasis and which appears to have a more mature customer base, there was an excess of signs telling me that I was on CCTV. Perhaps the proximity to a main line station counts against it.
The pub describes itself as "A Pie, Ale and Cider Emporium" in its leatherbound menu and the pies that I saw arriving on the next table looked appetising and substantial.
On the real ale front, on my recent lunchtime visit, beers on from the pump were Sambrooks Junction , Wandle, Redemption Urban Dusk and a beer from Batemans. Beers on gravity included Triple FFF Alton Pride, together with beers from Itchen, Dark Star and Nethergate. A blackboard lists the beers on at any particular time and, notably, there's a similar blackboard on the pub wall outside.
Both the beers that I had - Sambrooks Junction and Redemption Urban Dusk - were in good condition. The pub is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular and is currently CAMRA North London Pub of the Year for 2009/10.
I've had several visits in here previously where beer quality has been disappointing - particularly those on gravity - but, on balance, I think this pub is well worth seeking out. Finally, do remember to bring your CAMRA membership card with you if you've got one and claim your 50p per pint discount.
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Excellent pub. What a choice of beer! Friendly staff. 50 pence discount off a pint for CAMRA members. Excellent for the stations of Euston or St.Pancras.
This pub really is Euston's best kept secret as it states on the wall outside! Good prices for London.
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Nice pub, excellent ales and knowledgeable bar staff. Tried 5 or 6 of the beers, all good and well kept.
One minor grumble, website says its open till late, last orders was rung at 10.30 and there was only one bell, no warning of impending last orders, so ending up missing out on our last pint!
Only minor complaint though, and we'll certainly be back next season
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Went here for a second time recently. Love the beer selection, and the quality: great to see support of several, small, London-based breweries. but they need to do something about the smells of disinfectant creeping out from the toilets.
jrguk - 29 Apr 2010 17:13 |
I have been in this pub a few times on the weekend`s and they really got what i aspect from a pub good beer exelent food ,really tasty and well presented i`ve really enjoy it
i will be back and recomend it to family and friend`s
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We liked this one and it had a cheery atmosphere that enveloped us as soon as we got in. Lots of beers on gravity and we found 3 new to us, but could only manage 2 by now, so enjoyed Marstons Sweet Chariot only tried in bottles before, and Two Bridges O�Stout. Only paid �2.80 for them as they give a good discount for CAMRA members. Very busy as the evening was getting on, and the tables on the pavement outside popular under a canopy despite the rain, giving a continental feel.
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Dropped in Saturday night after an afternoon visiting the CASK & The Harp ( to see what all the fuss has been about) just in time to see the England France 6 nations match start.
Was impressed with lively atmosphere and friendly staff, big south african fella came over and asked us to ove our stuff so other people could get a seak, something which didn't occur to us at the time.. 3 or 4 pints in the afternoon does that to you!
The Bree Louise had a wonderful of selection of ales on, the 4 I had were all served promptly and drank nicely.
Tried a mid match the haggis pie - Piping hot and delicious! Cheese plate t followed nwith 3 cracking cheeses, the chilli red & stilton were amazing.
Having been in the other 2 pubs earlier in the day, I can say I enjoyed my time in this pub far more than the others. I wished i had arrived sooner as train times forced us to leave before the end of the rugby and there were still many more ales to try. . .
The other half was very taken with the tequila selection - this has fast become my favourite of london pubs and I will be looking for ANY excuse to return soon!
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Great pub, superb section of beer, quick service, interesting staff. Difficult to fault this pub.
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I was just in the Bree Louise and had a fantastic time!! Great service, food and lively atmosphere! We will definitely be going here again!!!
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I have been a regular at the Bree for 2 years and have always found the service friendly, food very tasty and the prices very reasonable.
Every time I go it is packed to the hilt, surely a sign of a popular pub and the place to go!
Can't fault it!
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This pub has a great selection of ales, a friendly atmosphere and FANTASTIC PIES!!!! This was our local where we have spent a lot (some might say too much...!) of time.
However, the female manager lets this place down. I have seen be extremely aggressive and rude to customers. Her behaviour is totally unacceptable and as a consequence we will unfortunately not be returning.
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I called in recently and sampled several of the beers, The beers from the hand pumps were consistently good. The ones from the racks were all too warm and getting to the end of their shelf life. Probably a case of too many beers on for the custom that was available.
I have always found the staff to be freindly and usualy knowledgeable about the beers on offer, so was surprised by some of the comments.
ajsqs - 21 Feb 2010 21:30 |
Craig, thanks for your more than fair response. It is decent of you to react in such a positive manner - a sign of your high standards both for beer and customer service. Looking forward to drinking in the Bree Louise for a long time to come - have already been back for some Wandle. Will say 'hello' next time I see you. Cheers.
mally - 20 Feb 2010 10:53 |
Well now, what a nice change! This used to be The Jolly Gardener and it wasn't Jolly and there was no gardening! However, since then... wow! A really, really tantalising gem of a pub, hidden off Euston Road when it should be being shouted about! CRACKING beer (I go for the Wandle, a deceptively mild ale which suddenly comes up and WHUPs you on the back of the head!). Haven't yet had time to explore the ales further but, as I have just relocated job to the area, I expect further excursions my be on the horizon... QUALITY!
P.S. Oh and didn't you like the comment below from "Craig"? How refreshing for a bar manager to respond positively to criticism like that. Yes, this is now my work local!
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Just spent a couple of very pleasant evenings in this pub; was most impressed by the (8-10ish) beers being sold from the wood plus a few on hand pump. Also a pleasant organic lager. The food looked good although I didn't sample it. The only critisism is the staff; apart from one very friendly and helpful young female, the others I encountered were largely disinterested and knew little about the beers they were serving.
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Hi all and especially Mally, Craig here,
thanks for your comments, both positive and negative!
Apologies about the bike incident, a lot of them drink here and we dont like losing them either, particularly you!
As with anything in life if mistakes are made, we acknowlege them, learn from them, and dont make them again! Or at least I hope so, and have taken this issue on board and have held a staff training session accordingly!
I dont see your bikes as any different to a suitcase or other oversize item which we have happily stored safely in the past for customers. So if all you folding bike lovers can carry a luggage style tag for your bikes, or if you have specific identifying items, in future we will ask you if we can store them for you at busy times, which is generally nearly all day!
Mally please come back to me, I dont want to lose your custom and have worked hard for years just to make people like you and I happy with an ale oasis!
FYI
Battersea beer festival from tomorrow, see you there Weds and Fri
Great British Pie Week 1-7th March, our favorite week!
Lodon Drinker (Camden Town Hall) Beer Festival 10-12 March, WE WILL HAVE 20 ALES and 10 CIDERS ON EVERY DAY!
6 Nations Rugby ALL LIVE HERE with Rugby themed beers on culminating in a General CAMRA MEETING all day 20th March, 3 games 2.30, 4.30 and France v England 7.30pm
NATIONAL CASK ALE WEEK, 29th March-5th April including Easter Weekend, 20 Ales and 10 Ciders.
Dont forget to carry your CAMRA CARD for 50p off all ales and ciders and �2 off pies(not fish or haggis)
Regards CRAIG
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I'm a big admirer of what owner Craig has done with this pub. The turnover of good quality ale is remarkable and the support to CAMRA members is generous and appreciated. I like the table reservation idea and the quick service behind the bar. I alway recommend the place to people.
What I do not like, and didn't expect, is to be verbally abused by a female member of staff for having a folded Brompton bike next to me as I sat by the door near the toilets. I fully appreciate that in a crowded pub (which it wasn't) every inch of space is at a premium. However nobody was inconvenienced by the presence of the bike, except this woman. She returned for a second time and agressively insisted that I should move. So I have done, permanently. Despite this, I still rate this place highly for almost everything and will miss drinking here several times a week. Do visit - but remember not to take your folding bike.
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Partly personal preference and partly practicality to keep the filling from spilling out all over you if you pick it up. Admittedly you won't be doing that in the pub and as they sell a lot of pies, they're not going to change things on my review. All of us in our party were a bit miffed not to see pastry on top and bottom though.
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"A pie should have shortcrust pastry on top and bottom, not be a casserole with a puff pastry lid. "
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Why should it?
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If drinking around King's Cross or Euston, this is a shining light amongst a sea of dross. The atmosphere is good (has to be as you often have to share tables) and there is always a decent selection of beers. The pie menu is also very promising but the goods on it aren't quite up to scratch. What you get is tasty but there's just not enough food. A pie should have shortcrust pastry on top and bottom, not be a casserole with a puff pastry lid. And there needs to be more veg and a second scoop of mash. That small gripe aside, I'll happily be back next time I'm in the area.
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Craig - thank you for putting your head above the parapet, so many pubs, landlords, owners etc don't seem to want recognise the customer and their comments when they are critical of something.
I'll be back - Euston is my gateway in/out of London, when I come into town and you are nicely situated for a pre-journey pint (along with the Doric Arch or Head Of Steam, as I and many others still know it as).
Ref Food and my not saying something on the day - yes you are right.......but hunger and shortage of time got the better of me.
You keep a good pint and selection, support Camra members (who of course in turn support you) plus the Students and Nurses - all very much appreciated (in my opinion).
I shall make myself known to you next time I'm in.
One comment - you need to resolve your staffs opinion of customers with Brompton Bikes (and I do not mean by kicking them out either). All will be made clear if/when we meet. For the record I am not a Brompton owner !!
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My first visit here last week and both me and my Dad were very impressed. Great range of 10 ales, all we tried were in great condition. The only problem was the pub was so busy we couldn't get a seat but that's hardly a criticism. We didn't try the food but next time we'll probably give it a go.
A well deserved 9/10 for the Bree Louise, I'd struggle to think of a way to improve it.
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Hi all, Craig at The Bree Louise here,
Happy New Year to you all.
From 1st Jan with the VAT increase we are forced to put 10p on a pint, but the Camra, Student and Nurse 50p discount still applies. Our pies are also being discounted at �2 not �3, due to the Vat increase on everything, cost of produce, heat, light and power etc.
As for pick_e_tippler's comments about the food, apologies. Our chef was on holiday and the agency one obviously rubbish, I personally was on holiday, but still would have preferred you told a Manger at the time, we could have changed the agency the next day!
Please come and see me for a complimentary meal, I'll buy you a beer and have one with you too!
Regards to all
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Met up earlier this week (Tuesday 29th) with several others, before having a "beer walk".
Got there early to eat......wish I hadn't
Mine - Burnt pie top, luke warm chips. (�5 special which seemed like a good idea to start with)
Other - solid fried eggs, dried out ham, luke warm chips
Third eater - �5 special - OK
No complaint made as we were hungry, we did eat it and did not have time to wait for anything else .......pity about this, has been ok in the past.
Bar service attentive, beer very good (one of us commented too warm, but OK for me.
Camra member discount on beer welcomed.
Will still go there for the beer, but maybe not the food.
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Hmm, nearly a very good pub. Excellent selection of ales, good food and generally friendly but the pub itself is nothing special. The layout doesn't sit very well and the decor dull and uninspiring. Can't fault the range of real ales however and good for its location.
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This is one of two pubs within staggering distance of Euston station that are very good with it's beer choice, the other being the Doric Arch. This one just about edges it though as it is far enough away from the station itself so doesn't get as crowded (though it is always well customed). 50p off ales for CAMRA members also helps!
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what a great place l had ipa of a company which was great if i waiting again for a train from euston will be going again
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Ive only been in half a dozen times but have to say the beer has always been disappointing. Only the odd pint is crystal clear, on beers which are clear in other places like the Harp. I think they would do better to keep a couple of easy to keep favourites like Dark Star or landlord, amongst all the others . maybe I have been unlucky or maybe some people think a good pub is somewhere with loads of Ale choice and a discount for CAMRA members.
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Ahscum has a point - the beers did seem a bit below-par on the 28th (a risk in a multi-ale pub that turnover won't always be fast enough) - but this is a fine place and worth encouraging - more trade, more certainty the beers will be on form. Probably THE pub to make for if you're visiting London and using Euston (or for that matter King's Cross/St Pancras) - basic interior and lack of extraneous noise.
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Where to start? Firstly, the commitment to Real Ale and Cider her is huge, with over 15 ales and about 8 ciders. As a result thr Pub was heaving with customers as you would hope. However, having visited last night with a friend we tried four different pints between us and all but one were on the way out, that is to say just drinkable which would seem to imply to me that there is too much beer available and that it is not turning over as quickly as it should, maybe. A shame as the Pub is friendly and if it was not for this I would be giving it a 9 out of 10. Will definitely return, in case this was just a one-off, as other comments would seem to suggest
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This place should be the business. Marketed at the real ale lover with a broad choice of ales obviously chosen with thought and care. But it is not the business and is actually a massive dissapointment I found. I've visited it on 3 separate occasions over the past year and on each visit the beer was NOT in good condition. Moreover the beers served here are not cellared well and come flat, cloudy and too warm. Conversely, the nearby Doric Arch seems to serve its beer in good condition so I will be overlooking the flawed Bree Louise in future. A pity.
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Made my first ever visit this week - but I'll be back! What a great place - about 15 different ales on offer, including about 8 (or even more) on gravity. CAMRA members get 50p off per pint, so most of them worked out at �2.40 or �2.50 per pint. I was only in for an hour, so just sampled Brodie's Amerilla and Sunshine. But my companions also went for Beartown Bear Ass and the new Sambrook beer (Junction, I think).
Several people were clearly there on a quick visit before catching a train from Euston. Most people seemed happy for a chat, so it was also a pleasant atmosphere.
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What an excellent pub!!! 9/10
Can't believe, like porcus_volans below, that it's taken me literally years to discover this pub - and only then thanks to an advert in the programme at Chappel Beer Festival.
Superb collection of real ales (and real ciders if you're that way inclined). A real "community pub" with great mix of people - I'll be back!!
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Had a few Friday lunchtime pints - very good "witches cauldron" from the gravity beer section
Great Chilli and Chips (starter portion) and pretty poor Texmex burger (more chilli and chips next time)
Camra 50p/pint discount much appreciated.
The place is still in need of a good clean, but that won't stop me (or many others) going back
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Yet another visit to the Bree on Thursday 29th October. Great selection of ales though they were wiped off the blackboard at an alarming rate! The Meantime was superb as were a couple of others and after nearly three weeks without a beer this was a real treat. The layout of the pub remains problematic and the lighting and atmosphere leave a bit to be desired but for a great range of beer and 50p off with a CAMRA card this pub is the best for miles; also had the steak and kidney pie with mash and veg, great value, great boozer. 9/10
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great pub, great selection of beer, attentive bar staff, plenty of tables, pleasant scruffyness, good atmosphere.
the only problem is that it's taken me 22 years living in london to find the bree louise.
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I was expecting more from this pub after reading some reviews, the beer was O.K. but the atmosphere was flat as a pancake.
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I've visited the Bree on numerous ocassions over the last few months and have been very impressed. The range of real ales is ever changing but always fresh. The landlord is clearly passionate about his ale, and is always on hand to offer suggestions or advice. Indeed on one such visit, rather than plumping for a solitary pint I was offered 1/3pint tasters with a varying degree of flavours.
As has been posted by previous reviewers, the clientele are an eclectic mix ranging from the "regulars" to the city boys wanting to escape the city in search of some real ale.
Food is well prepared and seems to be freshly made, at least it didn't taste like the usual cardboard crap you usually get at pubs in this area.
All in all a wonderful little pub that certainly earns its title of Eustons best kept secret
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I visited twice recently, Sunday afternoon, then Tueday evening. Almost completely different beer range both times which suggests a pretty good turnover! An enterprising choice of ales and high quality as well, by pump or gravity. Good, hard working bar staff and a lively atmosphere - definitely one to visit.
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Chick - The great thing about stillage is that it reveals the true character of the ale. Most ales are naturally lively, but some are best - whether by happy accident or smart design - when they lie there languidly and look at you lovingly. Personally I'm an end-of-the-barrel man, I like plenty of flavour and nose and a surface that looks like an oil leak. I suspect that you prefer a fresh young cask with some limpid sparkle and a bright clean taste. So be it - the Bree caters for both ends of the spectrum and quite possibly all colours in between. The fact that other customers were happily accepting the ale that you just didn't happen to like suggests that there was in fact nothing at all wrong with the barrel. So - taking a beer back because you made a choice that didn't suit your palate is something you can get away with once in a few decent pubs like the Bree. We've all made the odd mistake with a hitherto unknown brew. But more than once is frankly just taking the P. Incidentally - since your two unfortunate choices sound like my kind of ale, can you remember what they were and post them ?
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They were on stillage Maldenman. My complaint wasn't that there was no head on the beer - I know you don't get a head on most ales poured from the cask. It was that the beer was totally lifeless - no condition to it at all I'm afraid. It tasted dull - as if it had been sitting there too long.
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Chick, I imagine the flat beer you refer to was on stillage, ie straight from the barrel?
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Good pub offering 50p discount on ales for students, nurses and CAMRA members. I only found this out on my second pint, but I didn't begrudge them a few pennies as the Sambrooks I'd just drunk was tip-top. It's a fine pub, with a shabby-genteel ambience, and an eclectic mix of clients. No music while I was there.
The Sambrooks Wandle Ale is now on permanently, and there were about 5 others on offer including Tom Woods Harvest Ale which was in good nick.
I'm certainly returning whenever I have to travel from Euston which is about a hundred yards away.
Cheers,
AR
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Had 4 different beers here on Saturday - 2 were good and 2 were absolutely flat. The first one they changed with no quibble going back with the second the barman wasn't impressed. I watched the barstaff continuing to pour this flat beer and handing it over to uncomplaining punters. I gave the pub a second go after a similar situation earlier in the year thinking things may have improved. They haven't. Too many beers on and not enough turnover?
chick - 28 Sep 2009 09:30 |
Went here for the first time with some friends last week, and we've clearly been missing out. Not the most salubrious decor inside, but a great selection of beer that is well kept and presented. Would rival the Wenlock Arms in terms of quality real pubs in the area.
Oktup - 23 Sep 2009 22:54 |
Six weeks since my last visit so I wasn't going to post another review but its worth mentioning the sullen neutral service provided by a moppy haired herbert behind the bar. Not a please or thank you or a hint of a smile, he held his hand out for the money looking the other way, not a word. The beer was great, Nethergate Essex Border. Must of been the wrong time of the month for the barman, 1 point off for that.
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Visited for a quick couple before getting the train home. Two excellent ales West Berkshire Good Old Boy, a lovely bitter nut brown ale, and a light Downton Elderquad, refreshing and dry, neither of which I'd had before. Excellent pub and good prices with the 50p off per pint for CAMRA members (mine were �2.50 and �2.60), seeing as most London pubs charge about �3.20-3.60 a pint this is great value. Layout is not the best, nor the lighting, but for central London, close to a major railway station with a dozen or so ales, many straight from the barrel this pub is a real gem. 9/10
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This is in my top 10 pubs in London the beer selection is one of the best i have seen in the capital and the fact they do ales straight out the barrel is something ive never seen in London before. The food menu looked excellent and there was a good mixture of punters drinking here, will visit again when i get off the train at Euston
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A first time visit on Friday night with a friend. Too many beers to mention; the ones we had were all in good condition. Excellent service despite the amount of people inside and outside of the pub. Did not try any cider however overheard some good compliments and people going back for more. Great atmosphere, clean toilets and a fun time; I will return. The only issue I can see happening is that on a wet day the inside will be rammed..
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I want to like this place. But each time I go, I'm disappointed. The real ale range is second to none. Last Saturday afternoon they had Sambrook's Wandle, Nethergate Suffolk County Bitter & Umbel Ale, Green Jack Canary Pale Ale, Black Dog & Golden Newt, Thwaites Original & Lancaster Bomber, Wem All Seasons Ale, Red Squirrel White Mountain AIPA and Fat Cat Honey Ale. In addition they now have several draught ciders - Gwatkin Norman Cider & Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Draught, Thatchers, Westons Scrumpy, GWR, Vintage Organic and Old Rosie. The cider and perry I had were in extremely poor condition. I think they may have too many ciders on for the demand, meaning they're left out for far too long. I've never particularly enjoyed the atmosphere here and the toilets are never very inspiring. As a pub close to Euston station, of which I'm a regular user, it serves its purpose admirably. Although I prefer The Head of Steam (Doric Arch).
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Not my first review of the Bree but worth another mention as it has now gone up a notch in my ratings. Visited on a warm friday evening , post work crowd, busy outside and in with a good atmosphere. The consistently excellent range and quality of beer means a return visit for me just about everytime I go back to London.
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What an excellent pub. Great selection of beers, decent, if not outstanding food (it's a beer pub not a gastropub) and glory be, enough staff on that you can get served instantly even at 6 o'clock on a Friday night with the punters overflowing into the pavement
About the only thing I can think of to moan about is the price of the beer, but I suppose that's what you pay in town these days. Maybe I should rejoin CAMRA and get my 50p off.
Royed - 18 Jul 2009 23:05 |
We sought out this pub to enjoy the real ales and very glad we did. A large selection, only two out of 16 were not available. The beers did tend to be slightly lightly flavoured, perhaps a preference of the landlord or perhaps just chance.
A friendly atmosphere and the staff were happy to offer advice on the beers and bring out rounds to our outside pew. Not many places where that will happen. The pricing seemed to be �3 for every pint, making life simple.
The CAMRA discount is worth having and they said something about being able to get one from the pub if one bought a pie and a pint, or something like that.
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I found this a good place to while away a couple of hours last Monday before getting on the Caledonian sleepers. A great pub, with a great selection of beers, I tried a few and had no issues with the quality, yes the pub is basic but so what? Don't knock it there's few enough decent free houses in London these days. I certainly appreciated the CAMRA discount, and also the food, I has sausage mash and onion gravy and it was great. Nice and friendly too. I don't understand why anyone would want to knock it 'Shakespiers', they are doing a great job, if you don't like it go somewhere else, and what is wrong with 'stew with a puff pastry lid' provided its hot and tasty?
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Very diplomatic review Lee. I see you've made no mention of the quality of the ales so you were probably only in there for the stew with the puff pastry lid.
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Called in yesterday for the first time - definitely intend to return.
Fantastic range of ales available. Lightning-fast service from friendly bar staff. Had a �5 pie which was great value. Good atmosphere, other punters have clearly sought this place out.
The interior lacks character but apart from that (and the ropey state of the gents toilets), this pub is approaching perfection.
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Visited last night for the first time since the pub reopened.
Spacious freehouse close to Euston rail station. Since reopening the Bree Louise now boasts no fewer than sixteen real ales (maximum - comprising five handpulls and eleven stillages). In addition four draught lagers are available. Real ciders (around 5) served from boxes on the bar. All real ales are priced �3.00, but a 50p reduction is available to UK CAMRA members who must present their card at all times.
Food served 1200-2100 daily. Pies are a speciality, try the beef and ale or the chicken and mushoom. Prices are very reasonable for the portion size. There is one tv set in the pub which was off during my session last night, and background music was completely unobtrusive, allowing hearty conversations to flourish.
Landlord and landlady (Craig & Karen) afford a warm welcome to all. Children and dogs welcome. A superb pub for the ale enthusiast, recommended.
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Used this pub with half a dozen mates on the way to wembley satiurday and was very impressed the beers were good,plenty of real ales to choose from and some strong ones for sure!food wa adequate bit pricy but thats central london but cant fault the pub wont find many like this ain the general area.and some nice looking female bar staff which helps.
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Very good pub, run by CAMRA-enthusiasts. 11 real ales on plus 4 ciders. Yes, the beers don't match the website (or even the blackboards in the pub) but who cares, there are still enough on.
I bought a pie reduced from �7.99 to �5 and a pint from �3 to �2.50 thanks to my CAMRA-card, a very good pub in all respects.
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I hate myself for posting a less than glowing review when the Bree Louise does so much to promote interesting real ales. The CAMRA discount is great and it's always a pleasure to discover a new micro. HOWEVER. I've made journeys here to especially try beers listed on the (seemingly current) web site only to find a different selection of ales - maybe half advertised available. Even the blackboard in the bar was out of date and tonight I found the beers on the flat side. To top it all I was even short measured on a half pint! Maybe the landlord is on holiday this week? Please get back to previous high standards.
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As the last review - quit worrying about the interior, this is a cracking pub. 11 beers straight from the barrell including 4 Milds (for May) and only �2.50 per pint with your CAMRA card. Genial Landlord who takes his job of checking all the beers very seriously. Abslolutely marvellous!!
brouk - 12 May 2009 06:43 |
We went here for the first time over the May BH weekend. On a late saturday afternoon the pub was pleasantly full, but not crowded and we enjoyed a couple of good pints each from the selection of casks. It's a pity we forgot our CAMRA cards as we'd have got 40p/pint off - bugger! I can't understand some people - yes, the interior could do with a bit of an update, but if that's all youve got to worry about, then that surely makes this a good pub.
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I think the previous comments about the interior are a bit strong. I've rated this pub before and yes the inside does lack character and charm. Very happy with the beer selection last week, there were 9 straight from the barrel. Can't knock the selection and quality.
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I've given the pub a 7/10 purely because they have a fantastic selection of well kept ales, which is a rarity in central London. However the pub itself is a total dump and doesn't look like it's been updated since the early 80's. Now I'm all for olde world charm, but unfortunately the interior has none of this; it's just a shithole. We opted to sit outside. Can't fault the beers though; they were spot on.
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Was disappointed on my first visit by loud background music, but none today, just conversation...excellent. Bar staff very helpful re allowing punters to try ales...only �2.50 a pint with a Camra card. Lighting still a bit harsh - why not use bulbs with lower wattage to cure this, save money too? Will be back.
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Consistently good selection of beers. I was slightly dubious when the shift to gravity took place and had one visit where the condition was less than sparkling. Two recent visits have removed the doubts: the best waiting room for Euston!
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Very surprised to see the likes of pedigree, hobgoblin and banks bitter on offer here today. I have become acoustom to expecting more unusual brews from here. However the Adnams oyster stout made up for it.
I still feel it is not the place for a quiet relaxing pint.
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Was in here last Thursday with some good friends. Loads of ales on offer. My choices weren't that great (Essex Beast at 6.2% a little too strong for me - the name should've given it away) but the selection was superb. Pie of the day was very hot (prolly nuked) but tasty filling and good value. Chips very generous (chilli + chips nice and spicy).
Nice vibe for the ale drinker, chatting with the odd stranger about beer, will definitely return.
Dan65 - 20 Apr 2009 21:13 |
Went here twice over a period of three days during London Drinker beer festival - when it had it's own beer festival on. What a great section of beers - from the beer festival & on the handpumps. Whoever decided to get Downton Chocolate Orange & St Peters Mild in deserves a knighthood. Only found out about this pub on the back on the London Drinker festival guide. Can be busy so I'll come back when it's quieter. Very impressed.
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I had never heard of this pub until I went to the London Drinker beer fest the other week, what a gem (by London standards) a great selection of ales from micros in a comfortable, but basic pub. London needs more pubs like this and less poncy winebar/foodie/pompous pubs. Keep up the good work.
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Congratulations are in order now that it has been voted North London Camra pub of the year . Craig runs a good pub with a different beer selection than most .
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The Bree Louise is all about the ale. I went there last night and had about 8 different ales all of which were well kept and none were the usual. I had two exceptional ales - Adnams Oyster Stout and DarkstarM. The food looks great value for money. I will say the place is a bit grotty but nothing unpleasant. I will be amking this a regular haunt.
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Dreadful
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Recently discovered this wonderful pub, run by Craig (the friendly landlord) and his family. Craig is pleasant and enjoys the ales and is happy to offer his advice when selecting a new beer. A wonderful extensive constantly changing selection of fresh real ales, both on handpump and gravity pour is available, along with lagers and ciders.
I was particularly impressed with the level of customer service shown; whilst I was visiting a lady was unhappy with a drink, and whilst she clearly was not wishing to make a fuss the landlord immediately insisted on replacing the drink.
The food looks and smells delicious, but I have yet to try any.
only thing this pub needs is a pool table, 4.8/5
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Excellent selection of around 10 real ales,with most from micro breweries.The 50p discount per pint for CAMRA card carryers is also appreciated.We had a good turnout here on Friday evening and sampled a wide range of beers.There is a list of whats available on a blackboard above the fireplace listing the beers by ABV.It would be really useful if a brief description by beer style (ie mild,bitter,best bitter,pale ale,golden ale,IPA,stout,porter,barley wine) could be included on this blackboard because many drinkers will be unfamiliar with the micro brewery ales available .Didnt really want to spend a lot of time quizzing the bar staff on what beer style is available when buying a large round especially when the pub is busy.However the bar staff here are very friendly,helpul ,polite and will give you a taster if you are unsure about a particular beer.A very good evening was had by all and will most definately be using this pub again.
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I went on a Friday after I couldn't get into the London Drinker BF (due to sheer weight of numbers), this place was absolute mayhem too. Credit crunch? Real Ale dying out? No one seems to have told the patrons of this pub! They were running their own beer festival when I went, getting to the bar was quite a challenge and the beer was running out. I'll go again when it's quieter.
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Great for a beer after the game, especially if you like real ale, before the journey back to Manchester
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Really nice pub, great selection of well kept beers. A word of warning though don't order a pie - its not a pie its a pot of poor stew with a ridiculous bit of over puffed pastry on the top. Even on a special price of �5 this isn't good value.
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A real ale pub of immense quality. A wide selection on both pump and gravity all kept superbly. Went in last evening at 7pm and the place was buzzing. Best pub in Euston by far.
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The beer range is extensive, the quality superb - I can't think of many places to match it for this - perhaps the Wenlock or Magpie and Crown only. The place has been done up, but still feels a bit unloved, however some will think it gives it charm that the national pub chains can't emulate.
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If you are a real ale connosieur then I would heartily recommend a visit - if (like me) you aren't then really the pub is decidedly average - sorry. Hadn't been in since Jolly Gardeners incarnation and think I preferred it then. There is more to a Pub than it's choice of beers and there was nothing about the Bree Louise that would inspire my wife to suggest a return visit.
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Was in this pub last night and i have to say i was pleasently surprised the beer was excellent and had a very good choice will return in the near future
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A great selection. 5 pumps and 5 straight out of the barrel...out of the barrel, just the way I like it. The place seems to have tidied itself up a bit inside, I used to think it was a bit plain and cold.
Always the best option for me on the way back to the station or at the start of a London adventure.
Offering the choice you used to be able to get at the Doric Arch
( Head of Steam ).
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After an excellent afternoon at the Battersea Festival it was a pleasure to walk in to such a fantastic selection. Had a great beer and chat with Steve who owns the Wenlock, nice to see these guys that run great ale houses drinking together.
10 out of 10 for Dark Star Winter Solstice and Wolfs Granny wouldn't like it!
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After an excellent afternoon at the Battersea Festival it was a pleasure to walk in to such a fantastic selection. Had a great beer and chat with Steve who owns the Wenlock, nice to see these guys that run great ale houses drinking together.
10 out of 10 for Dark Star Winter Solstice and Wolfs Granny wouldn't like it!
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I gave it another chance and went along on 22/01/2009 during their beer festival. Alas, no Tally Ho as advertised so I had to make to with about my 4th choice as a couple of the other beers were also 'off'.
The beer I had was a stout but was flat, warm and tired. I keep getting excited about this place only to be kicked in the teeth when I get there.
Every cloud has a silver lining though. I left after struggling through half the pint and went to the Doric Arch where I had 5 pints of excellent Dark Star Hophead.
I see no reason to return to the Bree Louise. It's had enough chances.
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Bit quiet for a Saturday lunchtime. But beer & food were good & reasonably priced for central London.
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I got the place as recommended by a Camra member-as a non Camra member member the beer quality did nothing for me(though the service was very good)...must be the Camra price....
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Excellent choice of reasonably priced ale(especially for Camra members). Food good value, but the pies have those stupid tasteless puff pastry top hats.Not a real pie in my view.Very friendly staff and daft pies apart, well worth a visit.
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I was in there this week. Friendly staff and the tables kept clean. But all the beers seemed to be at the end of the barrel, causing them to be flat and losing their taste. Also all beers were 3.8% and below or 4.8% or above! I think there needs to be a bit more thought into the beers and remember quality is better than quantity. All the beers were what you can find in any other pub with real ales within a two or three mile radius.
Although it was busy, I also thought that the pub was lacking that last piece of the jigsaw, atmosphere.
I am also going to down rate this pub for its dual pricing policy. I am not going to join CAMRA to get cheaper beer in the Bree Louise, I will go to the Doric Arch where the beer is same price for everyone and the quality is better.
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Spent a thoroughly pleasent afternoon in the Bree Louise recently and I couldn't really find a jot wrong with it (but not that I was looking). Decided upon an excellent beef and ale pie before steadily working my way through half a dozen of the ales and finishing up with the double jack-pot on the fruity.....I don't think I was dreaming. I'll be back there for more.
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I had a couple of pints of �2.50 Doombar in here on Friday from this gravity bar mentioned in previous posts, very nice. There was more ale than I care to mention alongside plenty of standard and regular lagers. I�m not sure why this ale dominated pub has four Stella pumps though!
The ale appreciation crew were in abundance, but I still managed to find a nice seat without being bored to death.
This place has nice staff and a relaxed atmosphere so If you are an ale fan and in this area, without a doubt, this is the pub you should visit.
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I've only encountered one better pub within such a short distance of a major rail station, and that's Edinburgh's Halfway House. It has to be assumed that the refurb. stopped short of some of the chairs, and fair enough. Enjoyed it.
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Rather than offering all customers the CAMRA discount up to 25th January, why not get rid of it completely and reduce the prices across the board to reflect this.
The CAMRA discount treats all non-CAMRA members as 2nd class customers.
If you want to offer a discount, try a loyalty card which rewards people who actually use the pub. rather than those who just happen to be a member of what some people consider to be a disfunctional organisation.
I used to use this place on a regular basis, but stopped going because of the dual pricing policy. I was charged the full price when a total stranger was given a discounted price for the same product just because he was carrying his CAMRA membership card.
ajsqs - 13 Jan 2009 23:42 |
Went in for lunch on Christmas Eve just before the refurbishment. After a rail journey this was a really welcome experience: friendly and welcoming - and still a good range of beer and food available despite the forthcoming closure. Looking forward to my next visit!
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The Bree Louise is now re-open with a new festival gravity back bar with up to eleven gravity ales at one time. During our festival ( 5th - 24th jan) everyone can enjoy camra prices for beer and pies to celebrate our new gravity bar.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
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Visited on our latest London tour and I have to say we were impressed with this Pub. Now a Free House with a good range of beers, the increase to 11 in total will make it amazing. Very CAMRA friendly with money off both beer and food. A cracking pub which will become a regular visit if it keeps up this standard.
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loving the unique christmas decorations!!!!
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As good as the beer is here, I don't find it very relaxing. And I always forget to get my 50p off:-(
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Still like this pub, can't say the decor would put me off. Good beer, decent staff, 50p off a pint for CAMRA members the decor would have to be really bad to knock a dent in this!
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Looks like another neutral review is required.
No doubting the choice of beers, especially as 5 of them come straight from the barrel. So it is well worth a visit. The place just feels a bit spartan, white walls, not alot of decor. The staff could pay a bit more attention to clearing and cleaning the tables.
I'll still go back for the beer though (haven't tried the food) 7/10.
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It's not that great a pub! Beer quality is fine but the beer range tends to be playing it pretty safe. Comments by SuzanneB70, handy72 and gopher72 cannot be taken seriously as they appear to be connected with the pub. Otherwise they would have posted reviews of other pubs but this is the only one they felt strongly enough to write about. It doesn't fool me or any of the other genuine pub goers who read these pages. So please kazzcraz, just concentrate on giving the customers what they want. Thanks.
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I came across this pub when I was working away in London with work. Have to say one of the nicest pubs I've been to, great selection of beers, the staff gave you that nice 'local' feel thats missing from a lot of pubs these days, which gave to a really warm and friendly atmosphere.
Like a few have said, the homemade pies were gorgeous, worth going in for them alone!
At first glance it looks like the kind of place you go for the first drink of the night before moving on, but you'll soon realise you've been there all night and loved every minute! I'll definatly be going back next time I'm in London.
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Popped in for a pint, and it was so good I stayed for another two and a pie ! It wasn't until the last pint that I realised they offered a Camra discount - ah well.
Had a pleasant chat with the landlord who informed me that they're going to increase the number of gravity pours soon. Hopefully I'll get a pint of the Landlord before it runs out next time.
The minted lamb pie was great at the regular price, but for a fiver it would have been an absolute bargain. This could be my fave London pub now...
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A bit surprised to read some of the comments on here... have they really been to the same pub as me!
My friends & I all had an amazing time at the Bree Louise. We're all from out of town, so having been here last year, i suggested we meet there as it's so conveinient to Euston Station. Just love the atmosphere in there - it's like they're family the way they're so welcoming. The staff were very pleasant, spent time suggesting beers for the guys to try out (there were so many to try!) and the wines were as good as i remembered them.
The food is absolutley goergeous - all home made stuff (the pies are to die for) and i thought it was great value personally.
We were only going to stay there for a quick drink whilst we met up, but ended up staying there all afternoon and all evening as we felt so comfortable.
Would definitely go there again & have no problems recommeding it.
Sue
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Worst pint of Summer Lightning I have ever had. Girl behind bar pleasant enough but will not be returning!
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Was in the area so looked in the Good Beer Guide and found this pub, so glad I did. Was on a saturday morning and the Doric Arch wasn't open at 11.45 so walked here, best thing i ever did. Beer superb, barmaid gorgeous, what more could a man want
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Can't add much to the vast volumes already written. Superbly situated for the station and a wider range of beers than the Doric Arch. And it won't take long to make your Camra subscription back. I will echo some comments on beer quality though, both that I tried last night were I would say 3 points out of 5 - good, worth another pint - but not outstanding. I suspect they're going on too soon due to high turnover compromised by lack of storage space.
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The beers the star,great to have a pub like this so close to euston station.
anonymous - 12 Nov 2008 10:02 |
There was a pie and ale festival here in early november in previous years, perhaps holbornboy saw an advert from a previous year and thought it was current? I've run into this sort of problem before - especially online adverts which do not include the year.
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holbornboy, where did you see an advertisment for the pie and ale festival?
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Paid this pub a visit last Friday as it was advertising a 'Pie and Ale Festival'. The advertisement had said there were 50 ales in the festival. When we were ordering the drinks, my companion asked for a list of forthcoming ales. The member of staff serving us had no idea that there was a festival on but offered to go down to the cellar and look at the barrels! We sampled three of the ales on offer - Piper's Gold, which was a bit bland, Hopback GFB and Harvey's which were both quite good. Odd mixture of clientele, office workers and teenage mothers with their babies. Pub interior needs to be rethought, the lighting is too bright, not helped by the whitewashed walls. I knew the pub when it was the Jolly Gardeners and remember it as being a small, dark, cosy pub.
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Been here a few times under it's previous guiese. Apparently changed name and tact about 10 months ago. Small single room pub with bar all along one wall. Looks like at one time there were several different rooms. Excellent selection of 10 real ales. Bit too stark, bright and characterless. Seems like a mini 'spoons. Worth popping in for a pint while waiting for a train but wouldn't stay for long. Has potential but not sure what I think would improve it. Any suggestions?
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A well-come addition to the real ale pubs in London! Four ales on gravity and four on handle when I visited the place on a Sunday afternoon. Polite and helpful staff. Seems to attract a wide mix of people; travellers, real ale enthusiasts and football supporters on their way to Wembley, eating and drinking in a relaxing atmosphere.
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This is an absolute gem of a pub.
There are currently five hand pumps and five gravity pubs although the owner has plans to change to ten gravity pubs. Ales are often changed daily or twice daily. There are fifteen or so different types of cider (bottled) and numerous bottled ales from lesser known breweries. There is a good food selection including a wide variety of pies. The owner is very knowledgeable about ale and, with enough notice, will aim to bring in a particular ale at a customer's request.
Well worth a visit if in the Euston area or whilst waiting for a train.
cs194 - 12 Oct 2008 15:27 |
Just had lunch and the Bree Louise for the first tme - i cannot recommend the food here highly enough. Home made pies - just as they should be. Helpful and friendly staff.
And if you like real ale i seriously don't think there is a better pub nearby that could complete with the range they have on offer - 10 real ales.
Highly Recommended
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Tried it again this lunchtime and it was full. Strange for a Tuesday! The Doombar was on top form, nice to see it gravity fed. Good value food as always. I had one of their massive burgers while my partner one of their wonderful pies. An all round good boozer if a bit spartan. The new seats outside are much welcome, if not so exciting.
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Excellent range of beers, friendly, effcient service., and a discount for CAMRA members! Though I do agree with Eddie that the TT Landlord was not at its best last night
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Had one bad pint last night, something that was definitely on the way off - my pint was changed without any issues but it was interesting that it was kept on salerather than being taken off.
Presumably some folk will buy it but won't complain - a bit of a short term tactic if they don't come back again.
Had some gravity Landlord - OK but not brilliant - a bit dull.
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Have never felt rushed to leave , staff have always been polite . The Whippet seires of Cottage beers are excellant .
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Sorry It Was Saturday 6th
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I Was Here On Saturday 7th The Ale's Where Awesome , 5 On The Pumps And 5 On Gravity Although I Stuck With Doombar Had A Great Night , Regarding The 10.45 Last Order's I Was Served At 11.05 , And I Remember Because The Very Respectful Young Barman Told Me It Was Last Order's Which I Understand As The Was Only 5 People In And Around The Pub , I finished My Last Pint At 11.25 And I Was Not The Last To Leave.
Jack
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What a pleasure last night, no football, fantastic ales and great food.
The Tring Jack o legs exceptional and Eden ALe on Gravity- I am a convert!
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My first poor experience of the pub was last Saturday night. The barman was clearly intent on an early finish and said he would be closing the pub at 11pm. This turned out to be the case as he emptied the pub just before 11pm, rather than serving to 11pm then allowing drinking up time. Admittedly the pub was quiet, but it would have been busier if he hadn't turned customers away at 10.45pm. Made the Doric Arch feel welcoming
ajsqs - 10 Sep 2008 20:08 |
There is a good range of beers in here but I agree with some previous comments about the place feeling a bit too bright and "cold". The pub was almost empty at 1745 yesterday but by 1900 it was heaving.
I think the �3 per pint for apparently all real ales irrespective of strength is a bit arbitrary (and even for London expensive, certainly for lower ABV bitters)but as I only discovered after buying my round, CAMRA members get a 50p per pint discount on production of a valid membership card.
One of the ales I tried had a distinct tang of line cleaner about it but the rest were in good nick.
I thought the food was pretty average and didn't warrant the price tag.
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Visited Saturday 6th September 08, Good pub,intersting selection of beers including black cat,camra members also receive 50p off their pint of beer,friendly bar staff.
The pub has alot of character & I agree lights could be dimmer but at least you can see what you are eating/drinking. Try it, plus it didn't seem to have a pub bore
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I have to agree with some of the reviewers below, an excellent range of beers but the place itself has a strange almost uncomfortable feel that I struggle to describe. It just doesn't feel very "pubby". White walls, bright lighting and a seemingly random mix of chairs and tables. Homemade pies are a speciality and seem popular but the food smell needs to be dealt with; a decent extractor would help.
10 ales on, Moorhouse Black Cat, Sharp's Cornish Coaster plus Doombar, Harveys Sussex and Adnams Broadside all on stillage behind the bar, supplemented by Marstons Pedigree, Cottage Champflower, Adnams Explorer GK Abbot and Deuchars IPA on handpump. Two real ciders on offer too.
Certainly a good venture especially so close to a mainline station and gives the Doric Arch a run for its money. The ambience could be so much better though.
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Popped in here last night on the way to a curry on Drummond Street. Good range of interesting ales on, well kept, but I'm afraid the quality of the beer can't make up for the fact that the ambience is awful. Lights far too bright, uncomfortable furniture - just feels really unwelcoming in that way most railway pubs seem to manage. If you go for the beer, you won't be disappointed, but bring your own atmosphere.
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Average pub with excellent beer. Not a great deal else to add really, except that it feels like more of a locals' pub than anywhere so close to a mainline station has a right to.
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Back in the area Saturday and popped in, delighted to see 10 ales, 5 on gravity in plain view, during the height of summer( some summer)
Just about everyone, ladies and younger men, all drinking ale, this place is the new mecca for real ale around here.
I have been reliably informed they are going to 15 ales, 10 gravity by November!
tried all 5 gravity ales including a dark mild,all on top form though sadly 3 of them ran out while I was there!
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Hadn't been in here for over a month. I had been getting a little bit disappointed with the beer as it wasn't changing much. Last night among the ten available they had three Cottage beers including Wheel Tappers, Wicked Hound and Reservoir Dogs and Moorhouse Black Cat on gravity. Barmaids have certainly improved, I can forgive them interpreting a request for "Pirates Gold" as "Stella" as you get to talk to them for longer. Up a mark for me.
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The beer selection here is wonderful, at the special price for CAMRA members it's even better. The polish barmaids are the most attractive and best dressed in the area. Do not miss out on this fantastic pub.
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Visited last night after reading reviews on BITE. What a superb pub! An unremarkable feel to the decor, but a lively pub full of people talking and having a great laugh. There are tables outside on the pavement too.
There was a bit of music but not at all loud and the lighting didn't seem harsh at all - maybe they have responded to comments.
Focus is definitely on the real ale with an extensive selection - some served straight out of the barrels. The Brains SA and Harveys Best I had couldn't be faulted. The landlord obviously knows his stuff and cares about what he's doing. The bar staff are efficient too. The discount for CAMRA members is nice as well.
I didn't try a pie, but many others seemed to be tucking in happily. Maybe next time...
After this I too will probably not be troubling the Doric Arch again.
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I visited last night and thoroughly enjoyed my evening. A good range of beer, staff who got my companion's drink right on all bar the first visit to the bar, music not overpowering as the earlier visit suggests. Perhaps they read the review? It's an area a visit regularly, and I'll go back. Sorry Doric.
kchef - 16 Jul 2008 22:53 |
Fantastic time in the Bree Louise Monday night, pub pleasantly busy with very mixed crowd and 10 ales available, from very diverse areas. The Wooden Hand and Itchen Valley ales were superb, but Theakstones OP on gravity was the star of the show. This Ale House is going from strength to strength
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Heard good reports of the beer here so gave it a try the other night.
Beer is good enough, but unimpressed by pub. Very loud music playing, and the lighting was extremely harsh.
I got the impression the music was largely for the benefit of the bar staff.
Kill the music, dim the lights...and this could be a good pub.
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Fantastic beer, great food, friendly bar staff. Top Notch.
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I started using this pub as an alternative to the Doric Arch and was very pleased to see the selection of real ales on offer. Now that the Doric Arch is little more than a Fullers pub, I will be here much more often.
Will not be taking advantage of the 50p discount for CAMRA members as I value my credibility higher than that.
Keep up the good work.
ajsqs - 29 Jun 2008 19:38 |
A further visit earlier today yielded good results - had the Doom Bar which was on top form. Oh, and er without going into too much detail the girl behind the bar was "aesthetically pleasing" as well! Top place which has now become a regular haunt. Keep up the good work!
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I have recently visited this pub on a recommendation from a friend and I was very suprised at the fantastic selection of ales on offer!
I know of very few pubs in London who have 10 ales and none that keep five ales on the back bar serving the ale straight from the barrel!
I'm a carmra member so I was offered a discount of 50p off a pint and a few quid off their pies as well.
It may not be the most traditional looking pub but dont let that put you off, Staff are Friendly and seemed like they would remeber you if you came back.
I was also lucky enough to chat to the landlord who was very well infomed on his ales and spoke of the importance of how the beer is stored and served(the temperature, how long to leave in the barrel before tapping etc..)
A very pleasent evening and I highly recommend you check this pub out.
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Paid my second visit here yeaterday afternoon - took the safe option and had a pint of Bombardier (despite the fact there were several other ales on) but I can honestly say it was the best pint of the stuff I've had in a long time. Judging by my limited experiences of the place and the positive reviews by other people I think it might well become a regular haunt.
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Welcome addition to an area short on decent pubs. Wide range of real ales, friendly service. Worth visiting if having to brave Euston or even Kings Cross.
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What a gem. Went there last night on these recommendations and it's an ale drinkers paradise. 4 beers in the barrel (all keep at a nice cool temperature somehow) including a dark mild (Black Pearl) and 4 or 5 on handpull. Excellent pie and mash (with a choice of 5 or 6 meat and one veggy) and, as I must look like a CAMRA man (I'm not, I have no beard nor do I wear sandles or argyll sweaters) I WAS offered the discount. I was honest and declined. But given that the pies & mash was �8 for plebs and �5 for CAMRA members I'm joining before I go back! Friendly bar staff, too (if a bit too young and East European to be especially knowledgeable about the beer)
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Four real ales on handpump and another four dispensed by gravity when I was there the other day. The Royal Albert and Fox�s Nob that I had were both superb. Not cheap at �3 a pint, but good value at �2.50 a pint for CAMRA members. Unlike dpv and rpadam I was not paid the ultimate compliment of being recognised instantly as a CAMRA member, but was given the discount when I asked. No CAMRA discount on the food though, but I suppose that is fair enough. The food was pretty average � as I recall the ploughmans I had cost about �7 and was OK without being anything special. As others have intimated, the pub is fairly plain with no real �character� - but in my view is definitely worth seeking out for the ales alone.
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this is a great pub allways amazing ales every time i go in there i find a new favorite ale and the landlord is totaly sound aswell unlike all other landlords who dont give a shit about the beer an its customers this guy is so passionate he really cares what drnikks he gets in and its nice to see .
highly recomen this pub even if you have to travel miles to get ther as i do it will be wrth it to get the best pint in london
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I've been going here on a regularly basis for nearly a year and it has improved a lot in that time.
Just the fact that they have 4 or 5 ales on gravity should be enough to convince you to visit.
Unlike many pubs the landlord here takes great pride in the way the beer is kept and served.
If you like real ale this pub is not to be missed!
Highly reccomended
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probably the best ale pub in this area, well worth dropping by .
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The plus points - 50p off for CAMRA members (voluntered by the bar staff without asking), and five decent ales including Oyster Stout on gravity in addition to the handpumps - clearly outweigh the minuses (slightly antiseptic feel to the decor, but this does not extend to the toilets...).
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Visited this for the first time last night. An unremarkable one-room interior, and the poster who said the tables could be laid out a bit better was, I think, right. I also thought the part of the pub near the gents' was a bit whiffy. Moving on to the important aspects, the pub impressed on the beer front - three ales on handpump and five on gravity: I had Doom Bar on gravity, which was excellent, and Atlantic IPA (also Sharps) on handpump, which was almost as good. A basic range of food was available: I had a fairly average burger, and my friend a pie which he thought was good. I'd definitely return: it's good to find serious ale pubs in slightly unexpected locales like this.
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A very tasty pint of Landlord on gravity yesterday, and the usual assortment of other interesting real ales. But sadly I didn't have the time to drink more of them this time around.
Apparently they offer a CAMRA discount on food as well. When we were ordering drinks, staff asked if perchance we were CAMRA members, in order to offer us a discount if so. I chose to take this as a compliment....
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Usually it's best to avoid pubs close to train stations but this place breaks that rule. good ales and a friendly landlord make this worth a visit, the pies were also excellent.
If I was being super-critical I'd say that the tables could be arranged better and i personally would get rid of the fruit machines.. and maybe paint the walls a little darker. but this is nit-picking, it's a very good pub.
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Watched the Grand National in here last Saturday. Sat right next to a deafeningly loud telly, resulting in some mild banter with some friendly locals.
I also enjoyed the Oyster Stout, as recommended by the landlord, who seemed friendly.
My co-drinker said it had had a paint job and had consequently lost some of its 'old man' charm, but overall a good place.
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Very nice pub. Good selection of ales - Adnams Oyster Stout on gravity was stand out for me last night. Seems to be well run, food looks interesting. 50p off a pint for CAMRA members is a nice touch. Will be back.
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Great to see several gravity ales to complement the handpumped beer, all serving up an impressive choice, including stouts. The pies looked very good on the menu, though I didn't try any. Hard to spot a healthier option amongst them as each, apparently, comes 'with double cream buttered mash potato', and that's just the accompaniment.
The ambiance and service are fine, though the interior suffers from that dazzling, recently painted post-smoking ban, curse. I know the insides certainly smelt worse pre-ban, but I think they often looked better with fag stained walls and ceilings.
Go here, rather than anywhere else nearby (with the possible exception of the little bar at the end of the new Eurostar platforms at St Pancras, which did a mean pint of gravity Doom Bar - there, that'll unsettle our French friends as they arrive in the UK), if you are traveling through Euston and fancy a very good pint.
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A very pleasant surprise.
After reading all the reviews I gave this pub a try last night around 1930. I found staff to be attentive and friendly. The physical atmosphere contained rather a lot of moisture but I got used to that before the end of my session.
Harvey's Best Bitter, served on gravity, was on absolute top quality, so I am confident all the other ales would have been well-kept too. Be sure to show your CAMRA membership card for your 40p-a-pint discount.
I enjoyed the chicken penne pasta with broccoli and green pesto. A good-sized portion well balanced in flavour and texture. The food menu contains a fair range of down-to-earth pub grub including a choice of eight different pies served with creamed mash and veg, all at �7.99. Special food-and-beer offers apply at weekends and live sports events.
A fine alehouse, worthy of regular visits.
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Over the last 10 years I�ve usually called into this pub every three months or so and never been tempted to make it any more frequent. However my experiences over the past year have been getting better and better and I�m now preferring it to the Doric Arch. There are 5 hand pumps and 5 on gravity as others have mentioned and there always seems to be something interesting on. After a couple of chats with the landlord it�s clear how passionate he is about is trade, his beer and providing a great customer experience. The beer is pricey at �2.90 but show a CAMRA card and you�ll get 40p off. Although the last redesign made a bit more room, it�s increasing popularity means it can get packed, especially on a Thursday/Friday night, but there�s plenty of outdoor seating for those balmy summer evenings that we all hope will be arriving soon. I've heard they will be getting some dark beers and stouts in for St Paddy's Day.
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Top drawer pub, there were 9 or so on tap and gravity last time I went in (can't entirely remember as all were well kept and had rather too much!).
Much improved in the last year or two, and very good indeed for a pub so close to a station.
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sadly all 5 ales on gravity went within the 1st hour we were there.( Doom Bar, Timmy T's Landlord, Harveys,Thwaites and Adnams Explorer!) That only left Danish Dinamite from Stonehenge Ales, Deuchars IPA, Elgoods Thin Ice, Adnams Bitter and KIng Alfreds on the handle, shame!! I had never known 3 of these!! We were a party of 8, and tried the lot, all were fantastic, but the gravity were the best until all sold out in this busy rugby pub. 40 p off of all ales for us Camra members too, shame, hic!!
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OK - So the lighting is now firmly under control. Smaller bulbs and dimmers have worked their magic.
The ales on gravity are replaced rapidly but with consummate care. (I'm sure the same is true on the handles but I just haven't made it that far yet.)
If you can read the name then you can drink the ale. Take your camra card and save enough on the evening for an eighth round. Valhalla but with 25W bulbs.
Gotterdimmerung !!!
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There is now more light in the Bree Louise than is comfortably imaginable. It even has windows. Plenty of seating but far more importantly lots and lots of standing room. The Gravity Bar is a little piece of Valhalla come down to roost on Euston. Everything I tried was as expected in excellent shape, with the Doombar and Yuletide pouring pure pellucid perfection. Has the potential to replace the original Weatherspoon's in its Colney Hatch heyday as my all time number one. All it needs is an attentive Aussie with attitude and eyes like porter.
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The Bree looks fantastic and smells great! 10 ales available today 5 each of handle and gravity and some really differnt options, Adnams Old Ale and Yuletide, Cottage Goldrush, Sheps Tinsale, Batemans, Hydes and 4 I cant remember but they were great(I think hic!)
Apparently they have a mini scottish ale festival from friday for Burns night,
See you there
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This great pub has recently been given a makeover and is now larger with more seating and a new carpet. I am reliably informed that north london branch of campaign for real ale have voted it pub of the season. There are at least 8 ales on tap with more to come .
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The Bree Louise is a bit tucked away down a back street near Euston Station and from the amount of exterior foliage it is hard to believe there is actually a pub behind the forest of greenery. Once you have negotiated the office groups that tend to clog up the doorway, you will find a rather mundane and unremarkable interior. Plain walls with a few old black and white photos, plain ceilings, quite open with a couple of divides but there is a small cosy room at the front if you can bag a table there. The furnishings are a mix of pews and stools and it all feels a bit tatty and shabby. The bar is relatively small but they generally pack in 8 Ales which is the real magnet. Actually there were only 7 on my visit (Doom Bar / Harveys / Deuchars / Adnams Broadside / Adnams Regatta / White Star Dark Destroyer / White Star Crafty Shag) but that is plenty to keep me occupied over the course of an evening. It�s definitely worth a visit for the beers alone although the pub itself lacks any real character.
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I keep trying this place but find it's not somewhere I'd like to spend too long - I think it has something to do with an underlying odour to the place.
They make a big thing of the pies but they look a bit of a rip-off to me - basically a stew with a pastry lid on. Why can't pubs sell proper pies - pastry on bottom, top and the sides?
The beers have been OK - prefer the HoS despite the grumpy barman - although he's been a bit friendlier lately - must be love...
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Went here on Saturday 10th November. Would usually have gone to the Head of Steam in Euston station but had a look in GBG and came here instead. Great beer, friendly landlord and nice pies. All just a 2 minute walk from the station. Will certainly visit it again.
anonymous - 18 Nov 2007 12:16 |
Fantastic range of ales, several on gravity. It's very easy to pop in for a quick pint and forget to move on.
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Had a meal courtesy of the Independent �10 meal & Rioja offer
Great food(we both had pies) and the White and Red Rioja
were both fantastic. We will be back regularly now, thank you The Independent as we would not have found Euston's best kept secret otherwise!
anonymous - 1 Nov 2007 16:20 |
Had a beer at The Bree last night, Normans Conquest and Harveys absolutely fantastic. By the time I went for a 3rd refill both had gone, But Adnams Broadside had come on and was so good from the cask on the back bar I stayed to closing time! Very busy and ale flying out, I suggest you come early, particularly if you want a seat!
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Had a Camra evening at The Bree Louise on Tuesday, absolutely fantastic. 4 ales on gravity including Doom Bar, Adnams Old and Sharps Eden, and 5 belters on the handle, Cottage Normans Conquest, Old Mill Halloween, Wyre Piddle in the Cold, The Halloween special Hobgoblin and Adnams Explorer. Westons Old Rosie as well as a perry and 6 other ciders also available. Had a pie too, as part of an ongoing Pie & Ale Octoberfest, great food.
The Bree Louise truly desrves its new inclusion in the 2008 Good Beer Guide.
Bravo
ps Camra members get 30p off a pint always!
anonymous - 1 Nov 2007 16:10 |
Cracking pub with great beers looked after well and served to perfection, the food is good and the staff I have met have been really nice especially the landlord Craig, his wife Karen and his son Craig Jnr its nice to see friendly faces behind a bar in London for a change! And as for the cockroaches I have never seen any and I have visited this pub frequently over the past few years unless of course you are referring to some of the so called city slickers who drink their ocassionally.
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Cracking pub with great beers looked after well and served to perfection, the food is good and the staff I have met have been really nice especially the landlord Craig, his wife Karen and his son Craig Jnr its nice to see friendly faces behind a bar in London for a change! And as for the cockroaches I have never seen any and I have visited this pub frequently over the past few years unless of course you are referring to some of the so called city slickers who drink their ocassionally.
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Re Cockroach Friendly poster...
The suggestion that the name of the pub was changed from the Jollys to the current name is simply incorrect. The current owners changed the name when they bought it from the previous landlord - the new name in memorial to their daughter. Not exactly the same!
As a regular in this establishment since 1996 I have seen a lot change in the last 4 or so years since the ownership change:
(i) the real ale is looked after properly and the pub has received appropriate recognition by being included in the 2008 Good Beer Guide.
(ii) the food is significantly better.
(iii) the customers are listened to (hence extra televisions for sport screenings).
etc, etc but I have never seen a cockroach! A cat yes (and some random bar staff occassionally).
Long live the Jollys (Bree Louise if you must...)
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What???!!
Can someone enlighten me as to how or why changing the name of the establishment solves anything, what a very odd comment.
anonymous - 18 Oct 2007 11:33 |
COCKROACH FRIENDLY PUB
Just been for a swifty at lunch and saw a cockroach twice. Apparently this pub used to be called a different name and changed because of cockroach problems as environmental health were called in. Would not recommend going there as bar staff were completely indifferent to the suggestion of a cockroach in the pub. Other colleagues have previously reported the same problem. Have just reported the pub to environmental health.
Bon appetit
anonymous - 16 Oct 2007 14:41 |
Have been here a few times now, latest was 27 September. Usually at least five beers on the go, often Adnams and Sharp's. Normally find something I haven't had before. Food good too. Recommended.
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Didn't see the beers from the cask (pub was heaving) which was a shame as range was very much the usual, apart from the Bass which was OK but a bit warm. Plesant corner pub otherwise.
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Shocking service. I was served by a mute 'i need the cash but don't really want to work' muppet, more interested in his mobile phone. Now it doesn't take much to offer a hello and thank you etc does it.
Anyway the beer, decent pint of Doom bar. The usual suspects were also lined up , Deuchars, Abbott, nothing out of the ordinary, 5 on display plus 2 from the cask (couldn't see where they were).
The pies �7 inc mash and veg, didn't try em' but they looked good. Nice looking pub from the outside, o.k inside, bit scruffy around and behind one of the bar areas.
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Nice pub, friendly atmosphere, good beer (had a few pints of Doom Bar the other week, lovely stuff) and fantastic selection of pies.
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Popped in on the way home. Had a nice pint of Doom Bar or something from Cornwall Rock(?). The only downside was the food. Looks good, smells great and makes you REAL hungry ;-) Gonna have to go back and have a pie!
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This pub used to be run by a couple called Tony and Avrill. Nobody will ever come close to them. They were eventually thrown out as they would leave staff on all day and go down the road to the tip called the Exmouth Arms. We would drink until the very early hours with them and whatever anyone says about them they were very nice welcoming people. Hopefully, the mouse problem has now been resolved. Another regular who used to come in for meetings there was Jimmy Knapp the railway union man.
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now a NO SMOKING PUB, sinc 1st June, what a difference, cant wait until 1st July when they all are.
Great real ale, all 5 handles changed during monday night!! and only Timmy's Landlord was duplicated. Great pint of Dark Destroyer and landlady tells us they will have cooling probes in their gravity ales within 2 weeks- cant wait for that either.
Much improved from last visit, worth another look to anyone with reservations.
anonymous - 26 Jun 2007 17:08 |
Have been here a few times lately, after an absence of many years. Happy to find a really good beer selection. The quality can be variable ranging from perfect to badly out of condition. But generally it is a good pint - consistency is the key. The beers on gravity look like they could be a bit of a nightmare in warm weather. Overall however, if the beer quality can be consistently good, and it is evident that there is a lot of effort going in to this objective, this place is a realistic alternative to the Doric Arch and a contender for the GBG. Keep up the good work.
mally - 23 Jun 2007 13:03 |
adnams broadside was on yesterday, a great beer. next week the st georges beer festival begins on monday, on tuesday the mighty camra will be visiting in the evening.
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i'm sure this was a crappy courage place about 15 years ago ? 3 ales on draught, 3 more on gravity, little tatty but friendly & pleasant. Biltong on sale (if thats your thing) an alternative to the Doric Arch
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Went here tonight, great beer selection, adnams and harveys bitters,archers golden,caledonian great scot and the wonderful adnams tally ho. service was good, atmosphere was too, all in all a good night.
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Great selection of real beers. Also one of the few pubs that serves a selection of biltong
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Great little pub between Euston and Euston Square with a good range of beers for the festival and pies also.
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Was here last night with some friends.It's having a mini beer festival this week and has some good stuff on and all at �2.50 a pint.I had Landlord,Explorer,Hobgoblin,Harvey's Best-there were others and will be more on too.Well worth a visit,friendly barman too.
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Oops! It was the Adnam's Explorer. Thanks for flagging it.
I'll give this place another try if you say the ale's usually on. If it's a nice day I'd prefer an airy place like this to The Head of Steam (Doric Arch...whatever it's calling itself this week). Hopefully there's another nice day left in 2006 for a second chance!?
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Not sure about the last comment by topdog but I drink here fairly regularly and have never had a bad pint of ale yet despite the landlord keeping a great choice all year round... one other thing topdog, do you mean Adnams Explorer or Fullers Discovery?! By the way, the homemade pies are the dogs danglers.
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Went here for the first time in about 8 years last Friday. Disappointed to find my pint was slightly sour (Adnams Discovery), so the previous reviews appear to be more than isolated incidents.
Was impressed with the barman though. Ordered a bottle of Hoegaarden, which turned out to be a couple of weeks out of date. I mentioned it to him, and he looked like he was about to go into an Incredible Hulk like rage. "I go away on holiday, and this is what happens...." he growls. "Don't worry about it..." I start, to which he replies "No, I DO worry about it", and proceeds to check every bottle of beer in the fridge. Nice to see.
Anyway - the pub. Fairly stale refurbishment, whenever it was it happened. White walls, neutral/uncomfortable furniture, etc. Yes, it was a pit when it was the Jolly Gardners, but at least it had its own character. Now it's pretty faceless. Dub music was also off-puting. The only redeeming feature of the place would be the beer selection, but if it's off, what's the point?
I think it's back to The Head of Steam next time I'm around Euston.
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S'alright I suppose. Murky and dingy. Seemed happy enough. Most the lager was off last time I was there though - shame, as it does a nice Heineken...
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Just as a leopard cannot change its spots, and you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, the Jolly Gardeners (warning: it's not jolly and there are no gardeners) will always be the Jolly Gardeners, whatever new name they give it.
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Beer was served way too warm.
Nice enough place to sit outside but inside is dingy and stuffy.
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The outside flowers and seating are even better than last time!
Now 5 real ales and very cold lagers, great bar staff and table service outside! What a breath of fresh air
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An absolute delight. Georgous flowers outside, friendly staff and a buzzing atmospere. The highlight of my London visit :))
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Not a bad place to go between lectures - not particularly busy during the day and 3 or 4 real ales served. Priced arn't bad, service good, place looks fairly average. Nice.
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Dull, with no atmosphere.
Spencer - 11 Nov 2004 16:23 |
i think the pub is beautiful outside and very outstanding food from the cooker sean,
the staff are also really nice especially mei
alan and simon - 17 Oct 2004 18:42 |
great pub, great staff, great fun. Loads of seating outside and the flowers make it feel like you are in a beer garden! also handy to fall onto the tube!
mike - 12 Jun 2004 12:43 |
its now been 'done up' (painted) and is called the Bree Louise, apparently named after the landlords young daughter who sadly passed away. Great after work pub, ok beers, good atmosphere
chewy - 17 May 2004 13:56 |
visiting from Canada, I had a reunion with some old friends here, as I was staying nearby. The drinks were run of the mill, but the atmosphere was congenial and we had a great night.
jonathan - 5 May 2004 03:39 |
I was born in the Jolly Gardeners (upstairs) in 1933. I was told that soon afterwards, we all moved out until the pub was rebuilt as it is now. My father ran the pub for Watneys, but when war was imminent, my parents decided to leave the pub and move to the suburbs. I can remember it very well. I used to ride my tricycle round the huge kitchen, and sometimes "round the block". My parents have been deceased a long time, and I live in Herts.
D. C. Gravett - 6 Jan 2004 17:16 |
great ale
peter - 9 Nov 2003 19:03 |
