The Hope and Sirloin, Farringdon

I meet a friend for lunch here about once a month.

Yes it's scruffy and wastes it's potential, but you can always get a seat and the beer is fine.

Very nice pork sandwiches with a sausage on the side.

19 Apr 2011 16:09

The Royal Inn on the Park, Victoria Park

There was a time when Tuesday night was pub quiz night at the Royal Inn for me and my friends. However, it was only my local and all my friends starting getting fed up with a) losing to the regular team of teachers, b) long travel home.

I still go in from time to time and it's still a friendly pub with a nice selection of beers.

I will agree with the comments on service. Though always friendly, it always seemed to be changing and could often take an age.

19 Apr 2011 16:02

The George, Great Portland Street

I went into this pub last week with a friend. For two main reasons:

1) It was the only pub around that was not packed and had seating available.

2) When I worked in the west end (a couple of years ago) I used to come into the pub from time to time and the beer was alway good.

We both ordered the same (Batemans). I had just taken a sip, my friend a glug, but we both thought it was at best the bottom of the barrel, but more likely off.

My friend took the pints back to exchange them. He came back and said the barman refused to change the pints. I spoke to the bar man who admited he did not try it himself but people had been drinking it during the day and therefore it was ok.

He had also thrown the beer away and implied that we should not been drinking beer as it was an "aquired taste". I have to say in 25 years of drinking beer in pubs I have never had a more patronising barman and never have I had anyone just pour away my drinks without offering a fresh pint.

As for the pub. I liked the decor and the other patrons seemed pleasant. But as we were in there no more than 5 minutes it was hard to tell.

19 Apr 2011 14:51