The Montague Arms, New Cross

So happy to see The Monty has re-opened. London's maddest pub has has come back from the ashes courtesy of a team who actually seem to give a damn. I've been in semi-regularly since it opened and am pleased to report that, for anyone who likes their music-pubs to have the requisite rough-edges, the Monty still has them in spades. So, the big stage is still there and hosting bands and the whole place still feels like it was found in a jumble sale and just parachuted there. Not the sort of place to bathe in sunlight pouring through the windows - it's definitely more of a "nighttime" feel but that makes a good change from the fishbowls that many modern refurbs resemble.

The beers range from some local ales from Brockley Brewery to American pales like Anchor Steam and the like. The latter are quite pricey at about a fiver a pint but that's on a par with plenty of other places selling low-volume craft imports.

Food is limited to Pieminster pies (with trimmings) and roasts, so limited but very tasty. Punters are a varied mix of old farts like myself, all the way down the years to arty types from Goldsmiths, down the road, all of whom seemed to be represented at the very daft, very fun Sunday quiz night I went to here.

19 May 2014 19:30

The Telegraph at The Earl of Derby, New Cross

Looking at the last review, which was made over a year ago, I feel compelled to write something a bit more positive. A bunch of us recently went to The Telegraph for a Sunday roast and had a fine old time. The staff, of whom there were more than enough for swift, attentive service, were cheerful and efficient, the beer was varied and well-kept and the Roast was absolutely cracking and, though not cheap at about £12, was really good value considering both the quality and quantity. We will definitely be back for more soon. They were very welcoming to the two muddy dogs we brought with us and a water bowl appeared without asking.

This seems like a great locals' pub which is still very hospitable to all comers. There seems to be something happening there pretty much every day - quiz, open-mike, etc so definitely worth popping in if you're in the area.

19 May 2014 19:17

The Swimmer at The Grafton Arms, Holloway

The Swimmer is a great pub - and I really wonder how anyone could think the staff were anything but lovely (overflowing ashtrays notwithsanding). I've never had anything but a great time here. The food is stonking fare - tasty, filling and reasonably-priced. The ales are better-kept than most Real Ale pubs and the jukebox is brilliant. Plus the quiz on Tuesdays is a cracker too. What's not to love?

10 Jan 2013 23:42

The Mayflower, Rotherhithe

Friendly, helpful staff and a pleasingly cosy atmosphere but a weird unpleasant aroma which my own experience working in pubs and bars leads me to think that the place could do with deeper, more regular cleaning somewhere. My companion visited the gents and came back wrinkling his nose so I don't think it was just me being fussy.

Apart from that, it's a cosy, friendly place with cheery staff and a buzz of conversation; the only bum note being that there was lousy dance music playing over tinny speakers when the place really would be better with none at all.

I'm looking forward to going back, despite my criticisms but will be keeping my fingers crossed that the cleaner is no longer a stranger to bleach and a hammer has been put to the stereo.

4 Jun 2012 12:00