The Mawbey Arms, Lambeth

There were a couple of real ales on during my midweek lunchtime visit � Young�s Bitter and (Marston�s?) Resolution. The resolution was excellent, and at �2.80 a pint pretty reasonably priced (for London anyway). They don�t do food at lunchtimes. I�m not sure about other times, but I would suspect not. The Chelsea affiliation remains, as mentioned by previous posters, manifested by numerous team photos and suchlike on the walls and over the bar. There was a large flatscreen TV, but switched off when I was in, and presumably it�s only switched on when there is something worth watching � luckily Loose Women seems to be deemed to fall outside that criteria! There were a couple of dartboards, which looked as if they were well used, especially with the mass of trophies on display above one of them. There was a one-armed bandit flashing away by one of the walls, and some music being played not too loudly when I came in, but when the CD or whatever finished after a few minutes the ensuing silence was only interrupted by one of the handful of locals having a word with the landlady, or the workings of the cash register.

As you would expect in what is evidently a locals� backstreet pub, furnishings were normal tables, and normal chairs with a sort of red velvelette covering, plus a few high stools at the bar. Floor covering is a mainly red carpet. There�s also a small outside covered area for smokers. The light wood bar counter looks as if it was the result of an inter-war refit. These are the typical furnishings of the sort of pub that we saw on many street corners 30 or 40 years ago. I felt very comfortable in here. A previous poster mentions that this is a late Victorian pub from the 1890s, but unfortunately there are no original interior features remaining from its Victorian past.

This is one of the dying breed of unpretentious backstreet boozers that I like so very much. I would be very happy to pay a return visit to this clean, comfortable and welcoming pub.

31 Jan 2010 11:59

The Surprise, Stockwell

This is a Young�s house, so don�t expect anything unusual in the way of ales. That�s no problem for me as I quite like Young�s ales. I was in during a weekday lunchtime, when unfortunately they don�t serve food. But the lady behind the bar was very happy for me to pop round the corner to the local caff to buy a sarny to bring back to the pub to eat with my pint. I really appreciate that sort of helpful and accommodating approach. There is a front bar that is bare-boarded, but it leads on the left to a carpeted room at the back with some comfortable banquette seating. The wall of the back room is covered with some caricature prints. There were a few stools at the bar in the main front bar, plus some small armchairs around a table in front of a real wood fire, that was especially welcome on a cold day in January.

The usual flatscreen TV was on the wall in the main bar, but switched off; some pop music was playing softly in the background; and those other mechanical monstrosities, the one-armed bandit and the games machine, were also present. There was some fairly attractive etched glass panels in the doors bearing the pub�s name, but it didn�t look good enough to be an original feature, though I could be wrong.

From my description it doesn�t sound like an exceptional pub, but in fact I liked it a lot, and thought it a charming and friendly little watering hole. I would love to visit again.

31 Jan 2010 11:56

The Pensbury Arms, Clapham

This pub looks good from the outside with its faux Tudor beams, but I�m afraid that inside it�s very tatty without any of the character that can be retained in a pub that has had hardly any money spent on it. There are a few beaten up old prints on the walls depicting hunting scenes. They�re not particularly attractive but they�re not improved by having �jokes� stuck on them � e.g. on the deceased pheasant �I�m not dead, I just called in sick�. The landlord seemed a decent enough bloke, and commenting on the lack of real ale, he said that he had tried unsuccessfully to sell it. Rather poignantly, during my visit he was dismantling the Adnam�s pump. This looks as if it could be a good pub, but it was just a bit too grubby and tasteless for my liking. Coupled with the absence of any real ale, I doubt whether I shall be making a return visit.

31 Jan 2010 11:51

The Prince of Wales, Pimlico

Real ales on were London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord, and the more rarely seen O�Hanlon�s Yellowhammer. I went for the Yellowhammer as it as an ale that I�ve only had a couple of times before, and it was as good as I remembered from the previous occasions. Food menu consisted of Thai food � great if you like it, which I do and the chicken green curry was most enjoyable. However, a group of six American tourists wandered in (presumably having taken a wrong turn at Buckingham Palace) looking for some fish and chips, and were somewhat surprised to find that an English pub didn�t have this staple menu item on offer.

This is a smallish one-room pub down Wilton Rd, which looks as if it ought to be a backstreet pub, but is prevented from being one by virtue of being on a busy thoroughfare. There were some stools at the bar; one high table and high stools, as well as some normal tables and chairs and a scattering of small stools. There didn�t seem to be anything unusual in the way of decor, though I did spot some prints at the back featuring the Crown Jewels and other regal paraphernalia. There were some picnic benches outside, presumably for smokers, with a canopy over them which unfortunately made the inside even gloomier than it would otherwise have been on a very dull and overcast day. There was TV monitor on showing the cricket, but muted, some pop music being played, and I saw a one-armed bandit flashing away. It�s carpeted throughout, which gave it a warm feel, and the windows had some Victorian style drapes next to them.

But my abiding memory of this pub is the overpowering smell of disinfectant, or some other cleaning product, that lingered throughout my visit. Nonetheless, I quite liked this small and reasonably cosy pub. I am sure that without the all-pervading smell of disinfectant it would be much nicer.

1 Jan 2010 17:14

The Pavilion, Battersea

This pub looks good from the outside � but looks can deceive. It�s had a paint job since the photograph at Image 1 was taken � Image 2 (when it appears) is how it looks now. This is a plain, unremarkable one-room pub, with some pretty basic tables and chairs round the sides. The room seems to be dominated either by the large TV screen in the centre of the side wall, which was blaring out some loud rock music when I was in, or the stage at the back that is apparently used for music events. There's nothing else about the decor worth mentioning. There was a large group of people enjoying a party atmosphere. It seemed that I had stumbled into an end of work party for those who had been working at a shelter over the Christmas period. And a decent bunch they seemed as well � I had a friendly chat with a lady who undertakes this charitable work every year. But that was the best thing about my visit.

There were two pumps on the bar � one apparently not in use, and the other sporting a GKIPA clip. OK, GKIPA is a long way from being my favourite ale, but is a lot better than nothing � but �no, we don�t have it�. Why do pubs leave the clip on display when the ale being advertised is not on? Anyway, I know it�s on the CAMRA inventory of pubs with heritage interiors, but I�m afraid I saw nothing to endear this place to me; I would have to sum it up as being characterless and uninspiring.

1 Jan 2010 17:10

The Masons Arms, Battersea

This is essentially a restaurant, or perhaps more accurately a gastro-pub as I was able to purchase just a drink and sit at one of the tables � but a waitress did ask me if I wanted a lunch menu. There is an open plan kitchen, table service for diners, bare-boarded floor, and thick, solid, scrubbed tables. The smell of food pervades the place � how could it not do so with an open plan kitchen? It�s like any other gastro-pub you�ve been in.

There were two ales on; London Pride and Fuller�s Jack Frost. I had the latter, at the gastro-pub price of �3.50 a pint. The trouble with these high-ceilinged, bare-boarded places with solid wooden furniture is that they can get too noisy with all the sounds bouncing off everything. The food might be good � I don�t know, I didn�t try it � but it�s not really my type of place.

1 Jan 2010 17:06

The White Swan, Pimlico

The exterior of this pub now looks very different to that in image 1. It�s now a Punch pub, so the T&J Bernard livery has gone of course, and Image 2 (when it appears) is how it looks now. There were six handpumps on the bar � two were offering London Pride; two were advertising Doom Bar and Broadside but were not available (being conditioned as I recall) another had Young�s Bitter; and the sixth was apparently unused. I didn�t eat, but the menu looked to be typical pubco fair.

Judging by the exterior, it looks to be a late Victorian pub, with the trademark swan in relief above the corner bar. Inside it looked every bit a pubco pub. Flooring is mainly bare-boarded with what looks like some pretty old planking, but with some heavy-duty flagstones around the immediate bar area, and a couple of raised carpeted areas. There was the usual mix of seating consisting of normal tables and chairs, some high tables and high stools, some banquettes; and an example of the rarely seen and particularly non user friendly high banquette and high table combination � the sort where there is little chance of your feet reaching the floor and thus are left dangling. Didn�t see any sofas though. Most of the walls are painted magenta, but otherwise nothing special about the decor � mainly bog standard prints presumably bought in job lots by the pubco. There were the usual games machines and one-armed bandits in evidence; the TV monitor was switched off; and there was some music being played a bit too loudly for my taste. But I would prefer not to have to listen to it at all, so I am perhaps not typical, and I suppose other customers might welcome it.

It�s a decent enough pub as pubco pubs go. There�s nothing particularly bad about it, but nothing special either, and certainly not worth going out of your way to visit.

31 Dec 2009 17:40

The Glasshouse Stores, Piccadilly Circus

Fair enough Mark. It's all a matter of taste of course. I met someone once who swore by the quality of John Smith's Smoothflow; I was in another pub when someone walked through the door - "pint of Fosters John?" answer was: "No, it's rubbish, I'll have a pint of Carling". Personally, I don't much like the taste of keg OBB, but that's just my subjective opinion - if you like it, then good for you. At their prices you are on a winner! Where Sam Smith's do win hands down (and I'm sure this is something on which we will agree!) is on the management of their estate. Just look at the excellent work they have undertaken on the Princess Louise; and the Champion is also a sight to behold. And there are many others. If only Young's had the same attitude.

31 Dec 2009 15:40

The Glasshouse Stores, Piccadilly Circus

It's not as simple as that cfcmark. For some of us how the beer is served is absolutely crucial to what makes a fantastic pub. If you're not fussed about that sort of thing then fair enough, it's your call and your opinion is as valid as anyone else's. But it's only an opinion, and I'm not sure why you would want to cry out loud just because others have a different opinion to yours as to what makes a great pub.

30 Dec 2009 17:55

The Queens Arms, Pimlico

Looked in here today � all tables set for diners; no stools at the bar; didn�t see any ale pumps, but one or two might have been hiding behind those obtrusive lager fonts. So, even more than a gastro-pub in my opinion � it�s a restaurant. The only thing pub-like about it is its name.

30 Dec 2009 16:36

The Lemon Tree, Covent Garden

They had four real ales � London Pride; Harvey�s Best; Hobgoblin; and Deuchars IPA. I only had time for the Deuchars, and it seemed in pretty good nick. This pub is very much changed since my last visit some 30 years ago. The bar is now straight ahead, whereas it used to be on the right, with a small area where the landlady used to make some of the best sandwiches you could get. Now the furnishings are pine coloured high stools at a couple of pine coloured high stools in the middle of the room, as well as at the bar and ledges around the sides. To be fair it is a very small room and this configuration does allow more drinkers to get in there, albeit I suppose at some times it would be standing room only. I remember how absolutely crowded and cramped it could get in there for those not lucky or early enough to bag one of the tables.

I didn�t quite have the rollicking time in here as that enjoyed by TWG, but for a small pub slightly off the beaten track it fits the bill for someone in need of a swift pint. It�s not a classic pub in that there is nowhere comfortable to sit, but I can see how TWG enjoyed his time in here with chums and fellow punters in there for a good time. The barmaids were all in seasonal Christmas attire, albeit not the shirt-skirted Santa uniforms that they were wearing during TWG�s visit. Understandably they seem to have opted for the longer-skirted versions yesterday in view of the fact that it was absolutely brass monkey�s weather! I found it still to be a friendly and welcoming pub, but I don�t think that it would become a regular haunt of mine.

21 Dec 2009 15:53

The Bell And Compass, Charing Cross

Several real ales on when I was in on Friday afternoon � Brakspear�s Bitter; Jennings Redbreast; Marston�s Pedigree; and Marston�s Ugly Sisters. I went for the Ugly Sisters. It was OK, but hard work for the barmaid to pour a pint as all the ales are dispensed through sparklers. She was unwilling to remove the sparkler, because �without it the beer would be flat� � but admitted that she didn�t know anything about such things. The trouble is, unless you are really on the ball, by the time you realise that a sparkler is being used it�s usually too late to do anything about it.

Anyway, I found the pub itself to have less character than the average Wetherspoons. Furnishings are mainly high stools and tables, many of the tables having metallic, faux copper, tops. I sat on something that I would guess is supposed to be banquette seat, but again was so high that you had to lean forward and put your feet on the bar at the bottom to stop yourself from sliding off. This is probably the pub with the most uncomfortable furnishings I have been in. I would normally turn round and walk out of such a place, but decided to give it a go having seen the couple of Christmas ales on offer. It has the Spirit Group style faux chalkboards on display all over the place. This is a classic pubco wasteland of a pub that has been made over to death, with no endearing features that I could discern. It�s nothing like the old Griffin that I recall going back to the 60s � even though that wasn�t a brilliant pub, it�s a darn sight better than its successor. I won�t be back.

21 Dec 2009 15:48

The Royal Standard, Wandsworth

London Pride and Doom Bar on handpump. The Doom Bar I had wasn�t particularly good, although just about drinkable, and at �3 a pint the going rate for the London suburbs I suppose. London Pride was the other real ale on. The floor was either black lacquered or had a black floor covering; there were three or four wooden tables with wooden chairs, and one settle adorned with cushions, and two sofas with a table between them. There was a TV showing the footy results, but on the plus side there was no one-armed bandit or games machine. The service was friendly enough. Obviously it�s a small one-room pub. It�s another �OK� pub, without, in my opinion, being anything special.

14 Dec 2009 14:25

The Beaconsfield, Harringay

This looks very much like a pub that has seen better days. It looks an impressive building from the outside, although the �E� and �S� were missing from the original gilded pub name above the door, with the more modern pub sign above it looking a bit incongruous. Inside, all the original rooms have been knocked into one, with the bar counter in the centre of the room. This pub is also on CAMRA�s inventory of pubs with heritage interiors, and I noticed what looked like the original ceiling (still painted the dark "racing" green as mentioned by Mr Monkfish), cast iron pillars, as well as some cut and etched glasswork. But it has none of the Victorian grandeur of the Salisbury down the road. There was a big pull-down screen showing the Stoke v Wigan game when I was in, plus at least four other TV monitors around the room.

London Pride was the only real ale advertised when I was in, although there was another handpump with a GKIPA clip turned round. I ordered the Pride, but it tasted exactly like GKIPA, and the two ales are very different in taste, and I know the difference quite well. I mentioned this to the barman, who tried a taste and said I might have a pint. I�m not sure what he did about it though. If he checked while I was still in there he didn�t let me know the result � but he was on his own and presumably that would have made it inconvenient for him to leave the bar. This is not a bad pub, and it was quite comfortable, but there was nothing sufficiently special about it that would make me want to pay a return visit.

14 Dec 2009 14:21

The Old Ale Emporium, Harringay

Unfortunately there was no real ale on when I popped in there at the weekend. But there were two handpumps not in use, so maybe at some point real ale was available. Judging from some previous posts, it has been known for its ale, especially as it�s received a CAMRA accolade. But an �Old Ale Emporium�, should really always have some real ale on. Maybe I was just unlucky.

14 Dec 2009 14:15

The Toll Gate, Hornsey

This is a typical �Spoons, and I have to say not one of the best ones that I�ve been in. But, the pint of Loddon Brewery�s Razzle Dazzle was excellent. It wasn�t very busy on a Saturday afternoon with a number of free tables when I visited, nevertheless table clearing apparently didn�t seem to be a priority. This is just like many other �Spoons I�ve been in, but I was able to get a decent pint and a cheap (if not very good) baguette to eat, which is more than I can say for two of the previous pubs I had been in.

12 Dec 2009 18:34

The Princess of Shoreditch, Old Street

Walked past this pub yesterday; It looks to have been renamed The Princess of Shoreditch for some reason. Certainly looked like a restaurant to me.

10 Dec 2009 16:05

The Fox, Old Street

There are few vestiges of its original pub character remaining, such as the cast iron pillars for example. I�m not sure about the cut and etched glass windows � if they are modern reproductions they are pretty good ones. A bare-boarded floor, wooden tables and chairs with no padding � there�s nothing soft and warm about this place. The champagne bucket and basket of lemons on the bar give the game away. Harvey�s Bitter at �3.40 a pint is also a clue (they also had Pedigree on) � it�s a gastro-pub. The only d�cor on the walls seem to be chalkboards advertising the wine lists and bar menu, plus some sort of mural depicting a bloke sitting in a chair having a fag with a dog tethered in the doorway. The pub�s typical of the breed. It�s not the sort of place that I feel comfortable just sitting having a pint.

10 Dec 2009 15:56

The Duke of Wellington, Hoxton

This is an ordinary backstreet boozer. There�s a dartboard, a pool table, a one-armed bandit, a games machine, a TV showing the news, a carpeted floor, some standard issue tables and chairs, as well as a couple of potted plants. All OK so far, and just the sort of pub I like. There were two handpumps on the bar and, like when Strongers visited in September, both were unused. This could be a great little pub � if only they a decent ale (or two).

10 Dec 2009 15:54

The Old Fountain, Old Street

I was in the Old Fountain yesterday lunchtime, and I didn�t notice anyone from Foriga, but I suppose there might have been some of them skulking in a corner somewhere, possibly near the dartboard. I did have a pint of Pale Rider � as nice as it was, obviously I wouldn�t have ordered it had I realised that it was from Kelham Island, which I believe is one of the main islands forming the Republic of Foriga. Having realised my mistake, but nonetheless necking the pint of Pale Rider in the interests of international harmony, I then had a pint of Amarillo, presumably named after the hometown of the famous comedian, Peter Kay.

Luckily this pub remains unchanged every time I visit it � which is a very, very good thing. It quite rightly features as one of the capital�s finest real ale pubs.

10 Dec 2009 15:03

The Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill

This is one of the better London pubs that I have encountered on my travels. JohnBonser said I would like it, and he was right. It�s still a three-room pub, each with their own door to the outside, although they are now interconnected. As others have said, this pub has thankfully remained a traditional style boozer. There�s the Public Bar on the left; what must be the Saloon Bar on the right, with another comfortable connected room at the back that I guess would be the Lounge Bar. There are mock beams on the ceiling, which seems to be a feature of inter-war pubs. I sat in the Saloon Bar, where there was a flatscreen TV on the wall showing the racing. I also spotted a couple of one-armed bandits, but the one in the Saloon Bar was thankfully switched off, or possibly broken.

This is another of those special unpretentious pubs that seem to be getting rarer by the year, whose attraction is the feel of their very ordinariness � although I realise that that is something of a contradiction. It seems to be something of an �Irish� pub � the barman and the clientele when I was in were clearly from the Emerald Isle. Plus there was a superb Guinness mirror in the Lounge, as well as the iconic Guinness toucan poster above the TV in the Saloon Bar. Nothing wrong with any of that of course.

There were 6 real ales on when I was in last week, including General Wolfe 1759, from Westerham Brewery. Unfortunately I didn�t spot the General Wolfe until I�d ordered a pint of Dark Star Hophead � but it was a good pint nonetheless, and for under the �3 mark. The General Wolfe clip was there for all to see � but I missed it somehow! They don�t do food, at least not on a weekday lunchtime, but the barman was quite happy for me to pop to the caff a couple of doors down the road to bring a sarny back to the pub. This is a pub worth going out of your way to find, as long as you are someone who appreciates the traditional pub.

6 Dec 2009 19:03

All Inn One, Forest Hill

This pub seems to have something of an identity crisis. In big bold lettering high up on the front wall it is proclaimed to be the �All Inn One�, while above the front window is the name �Foresters�. My guess is that Foresters is probably the original �real� name, while the All Inn One is a sort of re-branding name. Anyway, this is clearly another pub that has been made over to such an extent that all its original pub character has been removed. The exterior is a chocolaty brown colour, and the pub sign is a parody of what it must once have looked like. Most of the interior walls have been painted a dirty grey colour. As you enter, the front bar is bar boarded and mainly furnished with red leather (or possibly fake leather) sofas with small, low tables. At the back on the right is a carpeted room with wooden tables, and chairs with no padding. The two rooms achieve a contrast. There is a cupboard of some sort by the window in the front of the pub, bearing a variety of magazines for visitors to read, but regrettably London Drinker did not feature among them.

On the plus side, they did have three real ales on � Deuchars IPA; Adnam�s Yuletide; and Highgate Brewery Stocking Filler. I had a pint of the Stocking Filler, which was absolutely superb. This is not really the sort of pub I like, but they did have three ales on, and the one I had was excellent and at the wallet friendly price of �2.50 a pint. That�s a big plus.

6 Dec 2009 18:59

The Railway Telegraph, Forest Hill

This is a very imposing looking pub, standing high and proud alone on a corner site, with stone steps leading up to the entrance. It�s a Shepherd Neame house, but with only Master Brew and Spitfire on. The Master Brew was OK � at �2.60 a pint. There�s a pool table at the front; a large pull down screen at the side, presumably for showing major sporting events, and at least three other TV monitors in various corners. None of them were on during my weekday lunchtime visit. All the walls are painted red. There�s nothing about this pub that would lead me to pay a return visit.

6 Dec 2009 16:36

The Honor Oak, Honor Oak

As you approach this pub the signage gives you an idea of what to expect in the inside. There is some of the original tiling on the exterior, but other than that it looks like what it is � a pub that has been �made over� to such an extent that none of its original character remains. When I was in here on Friday lunchtime there was one largish party enjoying a Christmas dinner. All of the other free tables had �reserved� signs on them, and most of the others that were occupied seemed to be involved in children�s parties. But I got a seat at the bar, and had a decent drop of St Austell Tribute (at �3.20 a pint). There were two other ales on � Rosie Nosey and London Pride. As I recall, there were also a couple of sofas on the left as you go in. Judging from my one visit, it looks as if this place has re-branded itself as a restaurant.

The pictures on the walls seem to be of children�s wooden toys, including one that looked a bit like a naked wooden Barbie. Quite bizarre. Pride of place however, was a photograph of what looked like a wheelchair bound hospital patient. Maybe there was more to it than met the eye, but I thought that it was in incredibly bad taste. The combination of the noise from the children and the unattractive surroundings made me finish my drink and leave as soon as possible. I won�t be back.

6 Dec 2009 16:14

The Coborn Arms, Bow

I should like to echo the sentiments expressed by Matty below. This is a Young�s house, so nothing very exciting in the way of ales. But I don�t mind Young�s. They did have Winter Warmer on today, although I didn�t see any Bombardier. The Bitter was good, and at a pretty decent price of �2.75 a pint. It�s nice to report some particularly good service in a pub. I ordered a pint, sat down, had a gulp of beer, looked at the menu then went up to the bar to order a sarny. The barman was pulling through one of the handpumps, and when he finished he pulled a pint and plonked it in front of me. As I hadn�t ordered a pint I said it must be for someone else. �No�, he said, �I could see that your pint was a bit cloudy, and this is the replacement. Now, that�s what I call service.

The pub consists of one large room with a large bar on the left. Furnishings are all normal tables and chairs with some banquette seating � the pub ideal in my view. It�s carpeted throughout, and has a warm and comfortable atmosphere. There were a number of obvious local regulars in there, and a few others in there for a bite to eat. A decent enough mix then. On the down side I did see a sparkler in use, and there were a couple of one armed bandits, a games machine, and a ciggy machine around the room. But they did have a Spiderman pinball machine, and the TV was muted.

I would be very happy to drop in here for another pint when I am next in the Mile End area.

6 Dec 2009 16:00

The Sun Inn, Bethnal Green

There were three ales on during my visit � Hyde�s High and Dry; Adnam�s Old Ale; and Brakspear�s Oxford Gold. I went for the High & Dry, which was served far too cold, but otherwise tasted fine. However, I noticed sparklers on all three handpumps, but the barman was happy to remove the sparkler before serving my pint of Hyde�s. I�m sure it�s easier to pull a full pint without one of these things on the end of the tap. Perhaps I should not have asked for it to be removed as Hyde�s is a Manchester brew and might well be brewed specifically to be dispensed in this way, but I just prefer my beer not artificially frothed up.

This is a decent little pub. As others have mentioned, they have these candles on the tables in bottles with the wax running down them, a bit like what you see in Italian restaurants. Nothing particularly wrong with that, but it just looks a bit odd in a pub. Furnishings consist of normal tables and chairs with a couple of settles at the front. I didn�t notice a TV, but they were playing some authentic blues, which made a nice change from the usual stuff you hear in pubs. They also had a small bookcase near the bar, on which was a good supply of the latest London Drinker. I�ve yet to find a really bad pub with London Drinker available, although I�m sure there must be one out there somewhere! I would be happy to drop in here for another pint if I was in the area.

6 Dec 2009 11:51

The Willoughby Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

There were �only� three ales on during my midweek visit � London Pride; GKIPA; and Twickenham Autumn Blaze. I went for the Autumn Blaze (of course) and it was pretty good, and at �3.20 a pint the norm I suppose. This pub had the sort of lived in look that could be mistaken for slovenliness, but I prefer to regard it is a traditional pub character of the sort achieved effortlessly by pubs like the Wenlock Arms. There really is nothing fancy about this place. One disconcerting thing was the array of stuffed animal heads on the walls, one of which (a sow I think) had been accorded the appellation �Charlotte� by some wag, and another (a moose or large elk) had more worryingly been given the name �Rex�.

There was what might be described as a sports bar on the right, with the only seating being the chairs all arranged facing the front window, I suppose to watch a music or sporting event. It is obviously dog friendly, as a mongrel looking (my apologies if he really has a pedigree!) specimen obviously found me an object of interest as he liked to put his paws on my knees. But he was well behaved.

I really liked this pub and will no doubt pay a return visit, but I have to say that for a pub that has won so many awards, three ales, including two of the usual suspects, is not brilliant.

6 Dec 2009 11:48

The Sun, Richmond

This is a Fuller�s house with the usual ales on, though they did have a guest ale in Arkell�s James� Real Ale. I had the Gale�s Seafarers, which was OK, but in my view expensive at �3.30 a pint for a 3.6% ale.

There is rugby memorabilia absolutely everywhere, including photographs on the ceiling for those who enjoy a neck-craning experience. But I�m not knocking this sort of over-the-top decor that covers every available inch of space � I quite like it actually. Here we have typical Fuller�s style furnishings � a few stools at the bar, iron-framed tables accompanied by chairs and banquette seating. The main part of the pub is wrapped around an island bar, and is carpeted. There is a big room at the back with a tiled floor and a conservatory style roof letting in a lot of light. I didn�t see a menu (I was in a bit early) but there was a small chalkboard on the bar advertising the likes of rolls (�3), pork pies and scotch eggs (�2.50) and the rarely seen pickled eggs (�1).

I quite like the feel of the pub and I would be happy to visit again, even though the ale prices are a bit excessive.

2 Dec 2009 17:49

The Prince's Head, Richmond

This is a Fuller�s pub, so expect the usual ales to be available. The prices are a bit more wallet friendly than the nearby Sun Inn, with Chiswick at �2.75 a pint. This is OK as a pub, but there�s a bit too much battleship gray on the inside for my liking. There�s a couple of large TV monitors on the walls � tuned to Sky Sports, but muted so that we could enjoy the banal pop music being played. Furnishings are normal tables and chairs, with tall stools at the bar. Overall, it seems to be a pretty ordinary pub by any standards with nothing special about it, except perhaps the lovely setting right by Richmond Green. But my pint of Chiswick was pretty good, and I quite enjoyed my tuna sarny with a salad garnish and a few crisps (for �4.95). I wouldn�t rush back, but there are many, many pubs that are not as good about. I suppose on a nice day it would be quite pleasant enjoying a good pint sitting outside looking out over the Green.

2 Dec 2009 17:44

The Lincolnshire Poacher, Nottingham

There were 11 (eleven) ales on during my visit, all at reasonable prices. For some reason I stuck with Castle Rock ales, sinking pints of Hemlock and Winter Rail. Judging by the glass in the windows, this pub looks to have been called �The Old Gray Nag�s Head� in a previous incarnation. I suppose that it was considered to be a bit too much of a mouthful. The front bar, together with the small snug on the right of the bar, looks like the original pub, with a conservatory at the back added more recently presumably to provide more seating. There is a small outside area at the back which I imagine is mainly used by smokers. This outside area did have a large potted plant, which my chum from up North considered to be worthy of mention. I put this pub on a par with the Vat & Fiddle, which we had visited earlier in the day. The ale selection is even better than the V & F, and you get the same real pub experience. This is a drinkers� destination pub of the highest order. Definitely on our list for a return visit next year, assuming that time allows.

2 Dec 2009 17:40

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

They generally have four ales on. When I was in during the week they had Harvey�s Best; Black Sheep Bitter; Brodie�s IPA and Amarillo. I had the IPA which is actually quite good, and reasonably priced at �3 a pint. This is undoubtedly the most dimly lit pub I�ve been in, but it remains easily the best in the immediate vicinity.

30 Nov 2009 22:46

The Newshouse, Nottingham

A rare foray out of London for the King Rat saw him in Nottingham visiting one of the better pubs that this city has to offer. This pub had six or seven real ales on offer, including a couple of milds. I had a pint of Everard�s Tiger, which came with some white frothy stuff on top; luckily my companion was from somewhere up north and was able to tell me that it was something called a �head�. It was a jolly good pint nonetheless.

The pub itself retains its no doubt original two bar format. On the left you have the archetype Saloon Bar � carpeted and comfortable, with round tables accompanied by banquette seating. On the walls are framed front pages of the Nottingham Post showing historical events such as the abdication of Edward VIII and the famous one time Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis scoring in the European Cup Final. I�m not sure of the purpose of the playing cards on the ceilings with peoples� names on them. An ancient Midlands tradition perhaps? Also, the vertical blinds look somewhat incongruous (especially in the Public Bar) in a pub that appears to effect a 70�s appearance. The Public Bar on the other hand is bare-boarded and appears less comfortable. It obviously contains a dartboard, as well as a bar billiards table. On our way out through the public bar we spotted a bar skittles set, and my companion was disappointed that we did not have time for a game as he probably thought that the chances of a Southerner emerging victorious in a contest with someone from up north would be slim. Probably correct.

Behind the bar in the Saloon Bar was a slow burn cookpot, advertised as containing a spicy pork stew, and coming with a bread roll at �2.80 seemed a very good bet. We would probably have been tempted had we not been committed to a ruby later in the evening. There was also a chalkboard advertising more traditional fayre at reasonable prices. This is an excellent pub which I shall certainly return to next time I am in Nottingham.

30 Nov 2009 22:43

The Vat and Fiddle, Nottingham

This pub features Castle Rock ales of course, though they do have what I suppose would have to be regarded as guests. I spotted London Pride and Crouch Vale Brewers Gold. In all, there were about 10 ales on. I managed to resist the temptation of the delights of London Pride and went for Castle Rock�s Preservation Ale. This was an excellent ale that I had not tried before, although I have to say that I did prefer Castle Rock�s Hemlock. The prices seemed very good to someone used to paying London prices. I didn�t make a note of all the prices, but the Preservation was �2.40 a pint, and the Hemlock �2.20.

The pub itself is full of what I might best describe as pub character. It�s a real pub that is clearly a destination for those who appreciate decent ale. No sofas in here � just wooden chairs and wooden tables. There were even a couple of cats, wandering around totalling oblivious to the crowds of people towering above them. The floor seems mainly tiled, and an interesting thing I saw in the back room on the right was a photo gallery featuring numerous mainly closed and derelict pubs. Strange but interesting nonetheless. This is one of those pubs that doesn�t look much from the outside, but inside you get the real pub experience. Definitely one that I shall return to when next in Nottingham.

30 Nov 2009 22:40

The Tipperary, Fleet Street

This is a narrow, small pub with a single bar downstairs, although there was some more seating in an upstairs room that I didn�t visit when I was in this pub during the week. There were some stools at the bar; a couple of tables and chairs; and a ledge on the wall opposite the bar for those standing to put their drinks on. It doesn�t look as if much has changed inside this pub for many years. The bar has clearly been well-used over the years, and the walls are panelled in dark wood with superb Guinness mirrors on them. The mosaic floor is quite unusual, and really quite attractive, with its shamrock design. A sign outside says that it was the first Irish pub in London. That may be true for all I know, as it is clearly a pub with a historic pedigree.

The ales they had on were Adnam�s Bitter and GKIPA � plus Guinness of course. There were probably also some lagers available, although I have to admit that I did not notice them. I was in there too early for lunch, and I didn�t see any menus so can�t comment on food � but I did spot a rarely seen large jar of pickled eggs behind the bar. It seems to me that this is a pub that suits those who are happy to stand while drinking as it�s largely standing room only. It�s not the place to come if you like those pubs where you can lounge around on sofas drinking soda and lime. But it�s the sort of place to which I would be happy to return.

30 Nov 2009 22:36

The Jamaica Wine House, Bank

This seems to me to be the same rambling warren of a pub that it was on my previous visit a few years ago. It�s now a Shepherd Neame house with the usual range on offer, except that I did not spot any Kent�s Best, although it might have been lurking in one of the other bars avoiding my notice. Anyway, I had the Late Red which was rather good and I think the best that SN have on offer at this time of the year. But it was at a City normal price of �3.40 a pint.

As intimated above, there several interconnected room, with seating comprising mainly of hard wooden stools at the bars and ledges, with a few tables and chairs. It features in CAMRA�s �Inside Story� book about London pubs with historic interiors worthy of preservation, so expect to see lots of ancient dark mahogany panelling, and some tilework on the ceiling in the middle bar. It�s a City pub, with the clientele that you would expect in such a place, but it�s easily one of the better ones and was not overly crowded during my visit at 1.45 PM on a midweek lunchtime. I got served by a friendly young lady who seemed to be enjoying her job. As I quite enjoy drinking in these old pubs, and like SN ales, I expect I shall drop in for another pint some time.

30 Nov 2009 22:33

The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market

This is a Young�s house situated in the middle of the splendid Leadenhall Market, and with the usual ales on offer. The special I had was OK. It�s a fair bit less intimate than the nearby Jam Pot, with its high ceiling and, presumably modern, addition of a mezzanine floor. It was pretty crowded when I dropped in at 2.15 on a Wednesday, and the noise level was very high with a number of office workers still hard at it in the pub with their raised voices echoing off the high ceiling. The pub still retains what looks like some original etched and cut glass from the Victorian era, plus I spotted the excellent W B Simpson tiled mural of Wren showing the plans for the Monument to a lady in a carriage.

This pub has a somewhat unusual feature of an iron spiral staircase leading from the ground floor bar up to the mezzanine bar. I�m not sure why it�s considered necessary as it takes up space in the ground floor bar, when there is a separate staircase up to the mezzanine floor at the side of the pub. But not to worry � it�s just an oddity. As a pub, it�s a bit too loud and noisy for my taste. I certainly don�t think that it�s a bad pub, and OK for a pint if you�re in the area and don�t mind Young�s ales, but I doubt whether I shall go out of my way to visit again.

30 Nov 2009 22:30

The Only Running Footman, Mayfair

They had Young�s Bitter and Old Speckled Hen on handpump. There was a third pump bearing a Bombardier clip, but this one had a toilet roll draped over the top of the pump. I�m not sure whether this was a subtle comment as to the quality of the ale, or a novel way of indicating that the ale was off. Anyway, I had the OSH which was OK (i.e. it tasted like OSH usually tastes). I only had time for a quick half, which was just as well as at �1.80 (�3.60 a pint presumably) it was an over the top price.

I remember when this was a real pub, but sadly it�s not really one now. Frankly I hardly recognised it as the same pub. The main part of the room consists of tables set for diners, with some stools at the bar and at ledges round the sides for the use of drinkers. According to the menu it�s a Meredith Group pub, which I have to admit is a new one on me. There is no decoration on the walls other than a chalkboard in the dining area advertising the day�s specials. There are hundreds of these minimalist overly made-over pubs in London now. I can�t see me returning � unless I�m again meeting friends in the area and arrive too early for the Coach & Horses to be open.

24 Nov 2009 15:24

The Audley, Mayfair

They had a number of real ales on during my visit � Young�s Bitter; London Pride; Deuchars IPA; Bombardier; GKIPA; and Wold Top Brewery�s Falling Stone. I had the latter, which was not good, but drinkable. It may be a nice beer when it�s in top condition, but mine wasn�t. Maybe it�s because I had the first one of the day.

I still think that this is an attractive pub retaining a number of original features. The bar counter, and tiled splash area surrounding the bar look original, as does a lot of the dark wood panelling. There is also an attractive old clock set under a beam in the middle of the pub. And I really like the idea of a wooden archway separating, at least to some extent, two areas of the pub. But this one looks as if it is made of plaster. Shame. Furniture consists of normal tables and chairs, plus some banquette seating. It�s carpeted throughout, which I think always gives a pub a warm feel. I didn�t spot any TV screens (although I might have missed one), nor one armed bandits, which is definitely a plus. There was some music being played, perhaps a bit too loudly in my opinion, but that�s par for the course now it seems.

Some posters have claimed that this is a tourist trap. I�m not sure I would agree entirely with this. It�s not cheap (but it is in Mayfair, so why should it be?) � e.g a 6oz burger plus chips and rocket salad costs �7.95, and I suppose a good number of tourists might stumble on this place, but I think it just falls short of being a tourist trap. There aren�t many decent pubs in Mayfair, but this is one of the better ones.

24 Nov 2009 15:21

The Plumbers Arms, Victoria

This is now a pretty ordinary unremarkable pub. But they did have a few real ales on � London Pride; Adnam�s Broadside; Young�s Bitter; and Holden�s Horn Dancer. I had the Young�s Bitter, which tasted like it was supposed to, at a bit less than �3 a pint. I thought that this was a fairly gloomy pub, although it has to be said that my visit was on a very gloomy day. The gloominess was not helped by the large adverts on the windows that cut out more of what daylight there was. Seating was normal tables and chairs, and it was carpeted throughout. I saw a games machine and a cigarette machine. There may have been a one armed bandit lurking somewhere, but I didn�t spot it. There was a TV screen on one of the walls, but switched off, with a mirror underneath it displaying the flag of St George. Some pop music was being played, but this was drowned out largely by the air conditioning. All in all not very Belgravia; more Victoria. But there are several worse pubs in the Victoria area, and several far better pubs in Belgravia. I�m not likely to make the effort to return, unless I just happen to find myself passing and fancy a pint.

24 Nov 2009 15:13

The Denmark Arms, East Ham

There is some very attractive and interesting original Victorian green tiling inside, plus some original cast iron pillars. Unfortunately the tiling is obscured by �no smoking� signage, plus adverts for the �great value food� and the forthcoming poker night. Seating is mainly banquette style, with some high stools and tables as well as some �caff� style tables and chairs in the back room that is essentially now a pool room. There were some old photographs on the walls that seemed to of local scenes � I recognised the impressive town hall opposite in one of them. The serried ranks of games machines and one armed bandits complete the picture.

It seemed a pretty soulless place on a damp and murky Wednesday lunchtime, though maybe it would seem more welcoming at other times. They don�t sell real ale, and the Stella was off during my visit. Frankly, I can�t see much to recommend this place, and doubt whether I shall be visiting again.

21 Nov 2009 18:28

The Boleyn Tavern, Upton Park

This is another late Victorian gem that has retained almost all of its original features. All the usual attractive features are present, including carved dark wood and etched and cut glass. I�m not going to describe it in detail � either visit yourself or look at CMRA�s �The inside Story�. It�s a very large pub, subdivided up into several big rooms, including a lounge at the back that features a pool table and a dartboard. Indeed when I was in at lunchtime during the week, a couple of the bars had not been opened, as they were clearly not needed to satisfy demand. I�m sure it would be different on a match day.

They have not introduced any of those faddish high tables and stools that you see all over the place � only normal tables and chairs for this pub. Unfortunately they haven�t introduced any real ale either. I suppose that there�s little call for it in this part of the world. As a pub I really like it as it�s incredibly attractive from a historical point of view, but the absence of a decent ale is pretty much a fatal flaw in my book.

21 Nov 2009 18:26

The Ring, Southwark

I�ve walked past this pub many times in the past, but for some reason have never ventured inside. But I put that omission right earlier this week. They had three real ales on (Jennings Bitter; Brakspear�s Bitter; and Hobgoblin), plus another handpump with a Doom Bar clip turned round, as well as the usual forest of keg/lager fonts. I had the Jennings Bitter which was OK, but at �3.25 a pint I thought that it was a bit expensive for a 3.5% bitter. I didn�t eat there, but had a quick look at the menu which featured mainly Thai food. The stir fries or curries at �5.95 were possibly a better bet than the sandwiches at �6.50 a throw. The Thai waitress (chef?) provided some table service for diners.

The pub itself is an imposing building opposite Southwark underground station. It�s painted a sort of battleship gray, which inevitably gives it a somewhat dull aspect. Inside the walls and ceiling are painted a lighter shade of gray, which seems to be the colour of choice for pubs that are trying to move upmarket. There�s only one small room, with mainly banquette seating around the sides and normal tables and chairs in the middle of the room. As has been stated by a previous reviewer, the decor on the walls is comprised mainly of old black and white photographs of erstwhile boxing heroes. I also noticed the hat and antlers, and was equally nonplussed. Mind, you I have seen some incredibly strange things on pub walls over the years. The floor is bare-boarded, which is a must for any gray or taupe painted pub. The flat screen TV on one of the walls was switched off, and there was some varied music being played.

Essentially this place is like a hundred other expensive overly modernised pubs that I have been in. It�s not really the sort of place I take to, but it could be handy for a pint if it is on your route to the station, and on the plus side it does do three (and presumably sometimes four) real ales and does not have any one armed bandits and games machines that blight so many pubs.

21 Nov 2009 18:23

The Queens Head, Hammersmith

This is a Fuller�s pub with almost the full range on, but excluding Chiswick and including Gale�s Seafarers. The half of Seafarers that I had was OK and cost �1.60, so I suppose a pint would be �3.20. Not cheap, but my long-suffering wallet seems anaesthetised to this sort of price by now. The pub itself is very smart and clean, and reasonably comfortable. There are two or three high stools and tables in the front central window area, and a couple of sofas, but the rest of the furniture consists of normal tables and chairs. The mix doesn�t seem out of place here. There�s not much in the way of d�cor on the walls; a few black and photographs and that�s just about it.

The pub goes back a fair bit on the right, and looks as if it might have been extended at the some, and there is a smaller room on the left with just a few tables and chairs. The ceiling sports some false beams; there is some exposed brickwork on pillars and walls; and the flooring is a mixture of russet tiling, and dark, slate coloured, stonework.

The kitchen was closed for a refurbishment during my visit, so I can�t comment on the food. Other posters have made positive comments about the garden, but the weather would have to be a good bit nicer for me to venture out there! This is not the sort of pub that I usually go for, but for some reason I rather like this one. I suppose the modernist d�cor is not too overstated, and I do like Fuller�s ales. This pub comes recommended by Amy_J, who is clearly a lady who knows a good pub when she sees one (although I confess that I do still prefer the Blue Anchor!). I would happily drop in for a pint or two if in the area again, and I�m sure that I could happily spend an evening in here if in the right company.

14 Nov 2009 11:35

The Brook Green Hotel, Hammersmith

This is a Young�s pub with the usual range on, including Deuchars IPA. I just had a half of Young�s Bitter, costing �1.68, so something in the region of �3.30 a pint, which really is a top of the range price for an ordinary bitter. The pub itself has that unmistakable late Victorian look about it � the very high ceiling gives the game away. Now knocked into a one-room pub of course, but evidence of its original multi-room format remains. There�s what looks like the original cornices in place, plus I spotted what is almost certainly a small original leaded light window above (and partly obscured by) the flat screen TV monitor. All the other tall, plain glass windows are more modern replacements of course.

Furniture consists of those chunky high tables and stools that I don�t much care for, lots of sofas, plus some normal tables and chairs mainly in the dining area to the right of the bar. It had one of those racks you see in hotel lobbies containing London attraction flyers. I didn�t eat there, nor see a menu, so can�t comment on the food. The very high ceilings make it (unavoidably) pretty barn like. It�s not really my kind of place. There�s nothing really bad to say about it, but I doubt whether I shall pay a return visit.

13 Nov 2009 11:11

Hare and Hounds, Tooting

This looks like another very unprepossessing pub that appears to be stuck in a time warp. It retains its original three-bar format, though two of the bars are now connected by a small archway. But these are plus factors in my book. It has mostly banquette seating, with a few normal chairs and small stools. The original wood panelling on the walls is still in place; there�s a dartboard; and the tables are covered with (now rarely seen) dimpled copper. All in all this is an ordinary pub whose simplicity is its main attraction. There would have been thousands of pubs like this in London 30 years ago, but now, unfortunately, they are becoming rarer by the day. The arched, wood framed windows with what looks like the original leaded lights are particularly attractive. I hope that they are visible in the photograph that I�ve uploaded. The only real ale on was Courage Best, which was in good nick, at the very good price of �2.55 a pint.

8 Nov 2009 11:30

The Prince Of Wales, Tooting

This seems very much a pretty standard locals� pub, although as it�s a Young�s house the back room has been tarted up a bit. It still has separate Public and Saloon bars, with their own doors to the street. The Public Bar is still fairly basic, with a dartboard in place. It�s small enough that there is only room for a single one-armed bandit; that�s one too many in my opinion, but others may disagree. The Saloon Bar is a bit smarter than the Public Bar, but still retains much of its original character. The Young�s Bitter I had was pretty good � or as good as Young�s Bitter gets. There was no food menu available during a weekday lunchtime, but they did do cheese or ham rolls, and the cheese and tomato roll I had was fresh and just the job if all you want is a quick snack.

I�ve been to this pub a good number of times over the years, and I�ve always felt comfortable in there. This is a decent enough little pub � clean and comfortable without being pretentious. As a previous reviewer has said, for some unearthly reason it has been painted red; Image 2 (when it appears) is how it looks now. Lord knows why anyone thinks that painting a pub red improves it. But that�s just my opinion � I suppose some people must like their pubs painted red.

8 Nov 2009 11:26

The Yorkshire Grey, Fitzrovia

This is another Sam Smith�s pub, in an area where they are not exactly in short supply. However, the Old Brewery Bitter was on handpump but the pint I had was not good. The pub itself looks very attractive, both inside and out. The photograph above is exactly how it looks, with some well-tended hanging baskets and an attractive frontage. The leaded windows also look to be original features. Inside there is a main bar which is fairly Spartan, but nonetheless quite attractive in a Sam Smith�s kind of way, leading to a slightly more comfortable seating area at the back. There are some snob screens at the back, between the main bar and the seating area. They look good, but may well be modern reproductions in keeping with Sam Smith�s policy of retaining, and in cases restoring, their pubs� original features. But placed between two areas of the pub, like some sort of screen, they must be a decoration instead of being where they might originally have been placed above the bar counter in order to afford drinkers there some measure of anonymity.

This is a pretty decent little pub. But it could be a very good pub if not for the fact that it is a Sam Smith�s pub and thus denies drinkers a decent ale choice.

3 Nov 2009 15:52

The Horse and Groom, Great Portland Street

This is another very attractive Sam Smith�s pub, retaining what looks like all the original Victorian tiling on the exterior. The inside also has that �brown bar� appearance that I find very welcoming and comfortable. But they don�t even have the handpump version of OBB on. So, this is yet another Sam Smith�s pub that is severely diminished, in my opinion, by the absence of anything decent to drink. But if you like the keg version of OBB, or the Sam Smith�s range of lagers, then you will probably regard this as a good pub.

3 Nov 2009 15:41

The Beehive, Tottenham

There were two handpumps on the bar, but neither were in use. Plus the Stella, Fosters and Carlsberg lagers were all off, leaving only John Smith�s Smoothflow and Carling on offer. Not good. Although this pub is on the CAMRA inventory of London pubs with historic interiors, my stay in the Saloon Bar did not give me the impression that there was anything special about the pub. It had a dirty, uncared for look about it. The carpet was filthy and didn�t look as if it had been vacuumed any time recently. Most of the stools appeared to have been inexpertly recovered with some whitish fabric. All in all it looked very tatty, but also lacking any of the character that a pub can still retain without having had a flash makeover. I can�t see any reason to return.

3 Nov 2009 15:25

Lamb Inn, Edmonton

Fair enough pokojo, I must have miscounted my change. �2.30 is very good value for an excellent pint like Hobgoblin.

3 Nov 2009 15:23

The Bull, Edmonton

This used to be one of my locals when I lived in Edmonton in the 70s and 80s. The pub has changed considerably since then � gone has the separate off sales area, and the public and saloon bars have of course been knocked into one fairly soulless and uninspiring bar. Seating consisted of red fabric covered banquettes plus stools; there�s a pool table on the right in what used to be the public bar; and a few tables out in the back; and a handful of picnic tables on the forecourt at the front. There�s nothing else worth mentioning - apart from the fact that they do not have any real ale on. I did have a pleasant chat at the bar with the only other customer in there, and we both agreed that area had gone downhill in recent years. How right he is � this pub is nowhere near as good as it used to be when it was owned by Whitbreads.

2 Nov 2009 18:50

Lamb Inn, Edmonton

Notwithstanding what the very many postings in recent months have to say, this pub is essentially unchanged since RogerB�s posting back in April. I know it�s no longer a Wetherspoons pub, but it still retains that indefinable JDW look, although it�s a bit grubbier than most �spoons. The pub itself is quite a bit bigger than it looks from the outside, with a lowered area at the back with several tables, plus a dartboard. They advertise food at lunchtime, but for some reason they weren�t doing any today. The barmaid was courteous, and apologised for the absence of any food. I didn�t interact with any of the dozen or so customers who were in there at lunchtime, but they all had the look of being in socio-economic Class C. There was a bit of banter around the bar, centring on who was, or should be, barred, and whether swearing was the reason.

There really is nothing special about this place, although it did have four ales on � Courage Best; Bombardier; Hobgoblin; and something that appeared to be a Hobgoblin Hallowe�en special. I have to say that I got a full pint of Hobgoblin; it tasted fine, and was at the fairly reasonable price of �2.80 a pint. Nonetheless, I certainly wouldn�t go out of my to visit here again.

2 Nov 2009 18:48

The Jolly Coopers, Hampton

When I was in they had four ales on � Courage Best; Bombardier; Brakspear�s Bitter; and Summer Lightning. Only had time for the one pint so went for the Summer Lightning, which has been one of my favourites since I worked in Andover in the early 90s.

This pub is a fair bit larger than its narrow frontage suggests, and is very much (as Matty says below) a pub of two halves. As you enter the pub you are in the main bar area, with seating consisting of fairly narrow settles with tables that are perhaps a little too low. There is a one-armed bandit, and a large TV, both switched off. There�s also a bar billiards table, a mini library (i.e. some bookshelves), and plenty of bric-a-brac consisting mainly of jars, jugs and bottles. But the pub has clearly been extended at the back and to the left, with a smart(ish), light area set for diners. So at the front you have the dimly lit traditional pub, and at the back a very different beast of a minimalist restaurant. But the food looked reasonably priced to me, and the restaurant was doing a fairly brisk trade in takeaway orders � and not surprising with baguettes coming in at �2 - �3 a throw. I rather liked this pub and would definitely like to pay a return visit.

29 Oct 2009 17:11

The Swan, Bloomsbury

They had four ales on � London Pride; Doom Bar; Old Speckled Hen; Wooden Hand Brewery Cornish Buccaneer, plus a fifth pump advertised a forthcoming ale � Robinson�s Wags to Witches. The latter is presumably a seasonal ale � shame it wasn�t on when I visited, as I would certainly have wanted to sample an ale with such a good name. This is a typical Spirit Group pub; plain, functional and fairly characterless. It has Cask Marque accreditation, and my pint of Cornish Buccaneer was top notch. This is OK as far as pubs go, but it�s like every other Spirit Group you�ve been in, though the ale selection is a lot a lot better than many.

I remember when this was a fairly down-at-heel pub, with separate public and saloon bars, and recall fondly the impecunious and shiftless types that inhabited the public bar. I felt quite at home there. It�s very different now, with only one bar of course, and the various makeovers over the years have removed all of its original character. But there are worse places to have a pint or two.

29 Oct 2009 17:08

The Bear and Staff, Leicester Square

They had six ales on when I was in there the other day � Hobgoblin; London Pride; Timothy Taylor Landlord; Morrissey/Fox blond; Doom Bar; and Black Sheep Bitter. This is a typical Nicholson�s West End pub. I noticed the sign at the back, next to the cigar moulds, proclaiming that the pub had been extended into Inderwick�s the tobacconist in the 90s. I thought the pub looked bigger than it used to. Nice touch acknowledging the traditional tobacconist that they had subsumed. I thought it was fairly gloomy inside, mainly due to the blinds outside providing cover for the smokers� tables. But it�s a traditional West End pub � not good, not bad, but OK. And it has a decent ale selection. There are many worse places to stop off for a pint in this area.

29 Oct 2009 17:03

The Roebuck, Hampton Hill

What a rather good pub this is. I�ve been meaning to get here for some while, and it was worth the effort. The decor is what you might call �busy�. Every available space is occupied by some form of bric-a-brac � there are fishing rods on the ceilings; ships� wheels; even a cigar store Indian; and the tables are glass topped in order to display old newspapers, coins and banknotes. The seating is very comfortable, with banquette seating and normal tables and chairs. There is a fireplace that had a fire on the go on Monday lunchtime, which must be a great feature on a cold day, but unfortunately not really needed on a warm day in late October. Still, it looked good.

There were five ales on � Twickenham Autumn Blaze; Young�s Bitter; Sharp�s Doom Bar; Courage Director�s; and Brain�s SA. I had the local ale - Autumn Blaze, which was superb. Most of the ales were just under �3 a pint, but the Autumn Blaze came in at exactly �3 � a reasonable price nonetheless. Unlike others, I found the service to be friendly. The lady who served me did so efficiently and with a smile � that�ll do for me. This struck me as a homely band welcoming pub. Just the sort of place I like. Highly recommended.

26 Oct 2009 18:09

The Dukes Head, Hampton

Looked good from the outside, at lunhtime time on a Monday. Unfortunately (for me anyway) it doesn't open until 3.00PM Monday to Thursday so didn't get to see the inside. Will try again sometime.

26 Oct 2009 18:01

The Albert, Primrose Hill

This pub turned out to be better than I expected. The only ales on were GKIPA and Abbot unfortunately, but I nevertheless quite enjoyed my visit. Like other pubs in the immediate vicinity, it has intentionally moved upmarket. It�s bare-boarded, with the usual solid wood tables, but comfortable nonetheless. There was some laid back blues being played during my late lunchtime/early afternoon visit, making a very welcome change from the usual banal pop music. The service was friendly enough.

It still retains some of the vestiges of its Victorian, or perhaps Edwardian, heritage. There was what looked like some old etched glasswork in a panel by the door; an iron (?) pillar in front of the bar; some original looking roses round the chandeliers plus decorated cornices. The leaded light windows look the real deal as a well. Like other posters before me, I would say that the food doesn�t appear cheap, but as I didn�t eat there I can�t comment on the quality and therefore can�t say if it is good value or not. I think I�m in the same camp as Planner_21 � I quite like it, but would welcome a better choice of ales. But you either like GK ales or you don�t. For me, in this case it�s the lack of decent ale choice that puts this pub in the �OK� category, rather than the �good� category.

25 Oct 2009 16:48

The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill

This is a light, clean, refreshing sort of pub. It looks a bit like upmarket tea rooms in a funny sort of way. It has tall windows on two sides (it�s on a corner) providing a lot of light. In the main part of the pub seating is provided by metal framed wicker chairs and normal round tables, but in a raised area at the back on the right there is a more comfortable, but perhaps less minimalist, seating area. It has a central island bar with a floral display on the stillion in middle, and a pine clad bar counter. I suppose I would say that for a pub it�s a bit chintzy. But it has a rather nice fireplace, with a fire on the go, which gave it a much warmer feel than it would otherwise have had. I also liked the delft style pottery on display on a shelf above the windows, as well as all the photographs and other assorted clutter on the walls.

Ales on were Adnam�s Broadside, London Pride and a guest of Darling Bud, plus Weston�s Vintage Organic Still Cider on pump. I had the Darling Bud of course, which I rather enjoyed, at the usual sort of price of �3.05 a pint. The food menu was to be found on separate chalkboards around the place, with a third chalkboard outside one of the doors displaying the sandwich menu. Personally I think they would do better to have a printed menu so that customers can be sure of seeing everything on offer in one hit, as it were. This is another pub in this area that was clearly a traditional backstreet boozer at some stage, but which has intentionally moved upmarket. But the longer I stayed the more I liked it. I would be happy to drop in for another pint or two if I was in the area, but I really don�t think that it deserves to be at No 4 in the BITE rankings.

24 Oct 2009 15:48

The Lord Southampton, Kentish Town

This is clearly a locals� estate pub, built between the wars. Even though it�s on the CAMRA inventory of London pubs with historic interiors, there�s not much very special about the interior. There�s a fairly nondescript carpet on the floor; a few stools round the bar; banquette seating covered in blue plastic; and some sports trophies on display. There is an operational dartboard tucked away to the right of the door, with a notice board next to it displaying such useful stuff as a Met Police witness appeal, and a supposedly humorous note to be placed on cars who park too close to your car, mentioning can openers, etc. There was a TV on in one of the corners, showing some rubbish daytime TV programme.

There were two handpumps on the counter, both advertising Courage Best, but neither dispensing beer. I never know why so many pubs don�t bother to turn clips round in these circumstances � perhaps they want punters to know what beer they might have had had they visited at some other time? Anyway, I quite liked the pub for its basic unpretentious approach. There were no menus (I didn�t see any reference to food so guess they don�t do it) or wine lists in evidence. But in the absence of a decent ale I don�t suppose that I shall visit again.

24 Oct 2009 15:44

Red Lion, Ealing

This is a Fuller�s pub that had Chiswick, Pride, ESB, Red Fox and Hobgoblin on offer when I was in there on Monday lunchtime. I had the superb Red Fox, which was at the current approximate going rate of �3.05 a pint. As you enter there are three booths on the right taking up that side of the pub; a couple of settles and normal chairs on the left; leading to a back room with more normal tables and chairs. D�cor on the walls amounts mainly to black and white photos � didn�t get close enough to discern the subjects. On the face of it a pretty decent and straightforward little pub, and apparently thoroughly deserving its recent accolade of being chosen as the CAMRA West Middlesex branch�s pub of the year.

But the food is certainly upmarket. I had the ciabatta/fillet steak/rocket/parmigiano plus some chips, which weighed in at �8.95. Not exactly traditional pub grub then, but nonetheless of a very high standard and most enjoyable. The service I received was friendly and welcoming, and I reckon this is an excellent pub and certainly worth seeking out if you�re in the general area.

21 Oct 2009 10:45

The Ealing Park Tavern, South Ealing

To me this pub represents an interesting contrast between old and new. On the one hand they have retained a number of original early 20th Century features � bar back, curtained draught excluders round the doors, etc, and on the other they have introduced the modern minimalist features such as solid wood scrubbed tables, bare boards, hard wooden chairs, and distressed leather sofas and low tables. The picture is completed by the potted plants scattered round the sides struggling for life and the enormous chalk board displaying the wine list. So, essentially something of a gastro pub then, but with separate restaurant and drinking areas. I didn�t eat there so can�t comment on the food, but previous posters speak highly of it. As to the wall decor � nothing worth mentioning. The young lady who served me was very friendly, but I suspect that this pub will never be very welcoming for someone who, like me, likes the more traditional pub. But they did have three real ales on � Ruddle�s Best; Harvey�s Bitter; and Brakspear�s Bitter � plus two more handpumps not in use when I was in there. The Harvey�s was OK. This is not really my type of place (for some reason I never seem to really like pubs painted battleship gray), but OK if you like these sort of minimalist gastro pubs.

21 Oct 2009 10:19

The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge

I managed to get up early enough to get to this pub before it closed for the afternoon. And it was worth the effort. I�ve not much to add to JohnBonser�s review below. When I was in the other day they had the regular ales of Bass and Young�s Bitter on, plus Brain�s SA. I had the Brain�s which was on excellent form, and at a relatively wallet friendly price of �2.85 a pint. This is a clean, comfortable pub that has probably not changed much in the past 50 years. It�s rightly on the CAMRA inventory of historic pub interiors, because of the numerous original features still in place. I�m not going to describe them in detail � go and have a look for yourself.

The menu features some pretty standard pub grub at pretty standard prices (e.g steak & ale pie at �6.95). I didn�t eat there so can�t comment on the quality. There are only normal tables and chairs in evidence I�m glad to say. The walls are adorned with all manner of artefacts � duelling pistols, hunting horns, bison�s horns(!), various prints as well what looks like an original Royal Warrant for something or other. The service was friendly enough and they even had London Drinker available (a very good sign in my book). This is an excellent pub that is definitely worth seeking out (it�s not hard to find!) if you�re ever in this neck of the woods.

20 Oct 2009 20:43

The Miller of Mansfield, Borough

This place looks so appalling from the outside (I have uploaded a photograph so discerning pub devotees can see what I mean) that I just had to drop in to see if it was a case not judging a book by its cover. Actually it wasn�t as bad as I feared, but it wasn�t good either. I have been to Government canteens with more character � it had a gloomy and dismal feel to it. A Thai menu is displayed on the outside wall. There were a couple of ales on (I have forgotten what they were - nothing special), but I stood at the bar for a short while and as nobody appeared to serve me, my desire to get back to London Bridge got the better of me and I left.

1 Oct 2009 09:17

Cooperage, London Bridge

This is a Davy�s wine bar, with the usual flagstone floors and disused barrels on display, both as decoration and being used as tables. They had Davy�s Old Wallop on, but I went for the Shepherd Neame Late Red. It was pretty good, but at �3.85 a pint I�ll probably give this place a miss in the future.

1 Oct 2009 09:15

The Leather Exchange, Borough

A Fuller�s pub seemingly, but with only London Pride and Discovery on. The Pride tasted like it was supposed to taste, and at �3.20 a pint not particularly cheap. Furnishings are somewhat minimalist � some sofas, normal tables with what appears to be recycled kindergarten or primary school chairs (a new one on me) and a couple of high stools that look like 70s IKEA rejects. They�re probably worth a �100 a pair though. There was some music being played (didn�t recognise it) too loudly for my taste, plus a TV that was switched off. There�s not much on the walls � one large chalkboard just had �coming soon� written on it. I wonder what is coming soon? I doubt whether I shall return to find out. I found this place to be a bit soulless and uninspiring, but I suppose it must appeal to some people as there were a dozen or so punters in there.

1 Oct 2009 09:14

The Britannia, Borough

This is another backstreet boozer that has moved away from its traditional roots and moved upmarket. There was only one ale on � Bombardier � which actually tasted particularly good, but possibly only in contrast to the Courage Best I had had in the previous pub. They did have a second handpump that had a clip turned round, but it seems they only ever have one ale on, and the clip that had been turned round was in fact an ancient Wells Bombardier clip. The food menu was fairly limited but the homemade burger I had was absolutely superb, and reasonably priced at �6.00 as it came with chips and a salad garnish. But whiskies are this pub�s stock in trade. They had literally dozens of single malts on offer, many of which were unknown to me, advertised on a large chalkboard taking up one wall of the pub. They even have a brass spigot on the bar, dispensing ice cold water I was told, so that customers can add water themselves to their whiskey.

Furnishings consist of normal tables and chairs (of the hard wooden variety), plus some sofas. The main bar at the front is bare boarded, with what are some ancient, and probably original, floor boards. It looks to have been extended to the rear, with the flooring a modern pseudo pine board covering I believe. The walls where I was sitting were adorned with some interesting Port of London Authority prints of the docks� layout.

The lady who served me was very friendly and helpful. Now I don�t usually like these sort of upwardly mobile pubs, but I nevertheless liked this one very much. Down to the friendly atmosphere I suppose, or possibly the excellent whisky selection, but certainly not the ale choice. I may return, probably with a chum who is a whisky afficionado.

1 Oct 2009 09:12

The Whitesmith Arms, Borough

This is an unpretentious backstreet boozer of the type that I really like. Furniture consists entirely of stools and banquette seating with normal, and clean, uncluttered tables. There were three handpumps on the bar � one with a clip turned round; one apparently not in use; and the other dispensing Courage Best. There really is nothing special about this pub, which in some perverse way is what makes it exceptional. With a couple of really decent ales this would be an absolute winner for anyone who appreciates the traditional boozer, but lack of beer choice is a great disincentive to visit in my book.

1 Oct 2009 09:09

The Ship, Borough

The entire Fuller�s range was on, with the exception of Gale�s Seafarer. The Chiswick was on good form, and at a pretty reasonable �2.60 a pint. This is quite an attractive pub, both inside and out � I think well tended hanging baskets always give a pub an attractive look. It looks like a classic inter-war pub to me. Gone are the original partitions between the different rooms that would undoubtedly have been there at some time in the past, but the bar counter and wood panelled walls certainly appear to be the real deal. There are some of those high stool and tables that I quite dislike, but there are a number of normal tables and chairs round the sides. The barmaid was friendly enough without being chatty. The menu was fairly standard pub grub (nothing wrong with that) at reasonable prices. I didn�t eat there so can�t say any more than that about the food. There was a TV on, but muted, showing Sky Sports. The decor on the walls, consisting of prints and miscellaneous artifacts was, as you would expect, entirely of a nautical nature. There is also a functional dartboard at the back, being used when I was in there � Strongers would approve.

So, we have a clean, comfortable and welcoming pub doing decent Fuller�s ales. You wouldn�t travel from the other side of London just to visit it, but it�s definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area.

1 Oct 2009 09:06

The Magdala, Hampstead

This seemed to me to very much a pub of two halves. It still retains its original two-bar format, hence its inclusion in CAMRA�s inventory of London�s heritage pubs. The bar on the left has been stripped out and appears to be the sort of minimalist bar that you might find in a Young�s pub; the much smaller bar on the right, however, retains its inter-war feel, with dark wood panelling, carpeted floor, and the original bar counter � thus giving it a more traditional pub feel. All the windows seem to still have the original leaded lights round the edges. No prizes for guessing which bar I preferred, and where I spent my visit. The clientele seemed to be polite, well-spoken, probably well-heeled, locals.

The real ales on were GKIPA; London Pride; and Leeds Brewery�s Samba, the latter advertised as a fruity summer blonde. I went for the Samba of course, which I found to be pretty lifeless for a blonde, but maybe it usually performs better. Blondes usually do. Anyway, this is a reasonable pub. Not great, and certainly not as good as some other Hampstead pubs, but OK for a swift sojourn.

28 Sep 2009 11:13

Ye Olde White Bear, Hampstead

This is a quiet pub off Hampstead�s main drags. Or at least it was quiet on a weekday lunchtime; perhaps it gets busier in the evening. It�s comfortably furnished, and pretty will every inch of the walls is adorned with photographs or prints. I didn�t recognise many of the subjects, but one looked suspiciously like Keir Hardie � but was probably a founding father of some brewery. The copy of the ancient London print featuring London Bridge above one of the arches made an interesting counterpoint. I have to say that I like these pubs that use every inch of space for some decoration. Not for me the modernist, minimalist, pub that thinks that dull colours are some sort of art form.

They had a few decent ales on as well � Meantime LPA; Maxim Brewery Samson; and O�Hanlon�s Yellow Hammer. I went for the Yellow Hammer, which was superb, and at �3.20 a pint much the Hampstead norm. This is my type of pub. Definitely worth a visit by anyone going for a Hampstead crawl.

28 Sep 2009 11:01

The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

Looking at the ales on offer I would guess that it is a Fuller�s pub � London Pride, ESB; and Chiswick. Nonetheless I just couldn�t resist the temptation of what must be a guest ale, in the form of Meantime Pale Ale. And excellent it was too, and at a very competitive price of �2.60 a pint. This pub is somewhat off the beaten track, and it�s less pretentious than some of its near neighbours. Stools at the bar, banquettes round the sides, and wood topped iron framed tables complete the furniture inventory. There was a TV on showing the news, for the benefit of the Guv�nor and I, who were the only people in there. The bar gantry is adorned with some interesting leaded lights, and advertising �ports�, �sherries� etc. it looks a bit 70s to me, but I think that it adds to the character of the place. The blue and white tiles under the bar counter are also an interesting feature, including a handful of tiles advertising products from yesteryear � the one I noticed was for �Zebra Grate Polish�. I thought at first that it might be a reference to the great Polish nation; but not so � just some archaic product that probably hasn�t seen the light of day for many a year. There�s also a few picnic benches on a raised patio at the front of the pub.

This strikes me as an unpretentious backstreet pub, serving decent ale at decent prices. A good bet � yet another Hampsted pub definitely worth a visit.

28 Sep 2009 10:44

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

This is quite an atmospheric pub that doesn�t look as if it has changed much over the years. Ales on were Purity Mad Goose; Adnam�s Broadside; Old Hooky; and Harvey�s Best. The Mad Goose was pretty good, and at a typical Hampstead price of �3.20 a pint. I settled in the Coffee Room, containing normal tables, settles and chairs. The front bar, as you enter, contains only a couple of tables. Its Allied Breweries heritage is proclaimed by the �Benskin�s� pub sign. There�s lots of dark varnished wood, and the walls have that yellow/brown patina that comes with age and smoke. It doesn�t look as if it has been painted for many years � if it has, they�ve done a remarkable job of making it look old.

I don�t know if the hot food was any good (the oven was on the blink when I was in) but the ham and mustard sarny I had wasn�t up to much. It did have a bit of rather nice salad garnish, but the bread wasn�t fresh, and I couldn�t taste the mustard. At �4.40 a throw they could have done better. But I won�t condemn a pub on the basis of one sandwich! As a pub I really liked it � comfortable, attractive, full of character and with decent ale. There was no music playing � a plus in my book � in fact I didn�t see any of the machines that seem to blight pubs these days. I found it a quiet, welcoming, pub, and definitely deserving a return visit.

26 Sep 2009 19:15

The Flask, Hampstead

It still retains its multi-room format � Public Bar, Saloon Bar, and a couple of rooms at the back separated by archways. A few high stools/tables were in evidence, but furniture consists mainly of normal tables and chairs. Real ales on offer were the normal Young�s/Wells range � Bitter, Special, Kew Gold and Bombardier. It was pretty empty when I was in at 12.20 on a weekday lunchtime, with the staff seemingly hanging around waiting for the customers to turn up in order to give them something to do. I didn�t see a games machine, fruit machine or TV, but I didn�t go into the Public Bar. The Saloon Bar seemed a quiet and peaceful place for a quiet pint, but I doubt whether it is always like that. It retains many of its original features, including etched and cut glass, and some excellent painted panels in the divide between the Saloon and Public bars.

There was some jazz playing in the background, making a welcome alternative to the banal pop music that gets dished up in most pubs these days. This is an attractive pub, set in the attractive Flask Walk. Definitely worth a visit.

25 Sep 2009 14:03

The Old Justice, Bermondsey

This pub is tucked away down a side street off Jamaica Rd leading down to the river. I thought that it was a small one-room pub, having not spotted the entrance to the back mentioned by Kake. Thus I didn�t get to see the barbeque �thingies� set into the tables, also mentioned by Kake, but I will probably resist the temptation of a return for that dubious pleasure, having used the things on a trip to Korea many years ago. Anyway, the front bar is very gloomy, plain and unremarkable. The small bar counter sports the usual forest of fizzy beer dispensers, but no handpumps. There are a few tables and chairs on the patio area at the front of the pub, occupied by half a dozen American tourists who must have taken a wrong turning at Tower Bridge. This place has no redeeming features as far as I could see, and without any real ale on offer I doubt whether I shall be back.

22 Sep 2009 09:43

The George, Temple

This is the imposing pub that you see in the background whenever a TV programme or news bulletin takes a shot from the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice. I suppose the mock Tudor frontage must make it look ancient and in keeping with the surrounding area, but I don�t think that it is anywhere near the oldest pub in the area. But it�s a decent enough hostelry. Inside, the main bar area is pretty unremarkable, but there is a long relatively thin table towards the rear, which just looks as if it ought to be used for impromptu board meetings over an ale or bottle or two. The room at the back has some comfortable furnishings, with a portrait of a be-wigged gentleman � whom I did not recognise. There were a couple of real ales on. The best bet appeared to be the Harvey�s Bitter, but although it tasted OK it was at a top of the range price of �3.40 a pint. All in all this is a fairly decent, if generally unremarkable, pub. OK for a pint if you can bear the high prices, but there are better pubs in the area.

22 Sep 2009 09:40

The Angel, Rotherhithe

I agree with Zaphod on this one. This pub retains a lot of its original character, which is entirely consistent with how Sam Smith's looks after its estate. It has a superb location overhanging the river - in fact it's so close to the river that when there is a high tide, as there was this afternoon, the sun deck at the back gets very wet. If only they did a decent real ale it would be a superb pub. Even the handpump version of Old Brewery Bitter would be a quantum leap forward.

21 Sep 2009 19:01

The Liberty Bounds, Tower Hill

This is a typical JDW pub, in a building that was clearly not intended to be a pub. I had a pint of Bateman�s Multigrain ale, which was better than I expected. I was in there at about 1.15 on a weekday lunchtime, and at the time one new member of staff was on her own for about fifteen minutes, inevitably leading to delays in service. When I looked later there were at least three members of staff serving. It�s a Wetherspoon�s pub in the City, and is exactly what you would expect it to be � cheap. I suppose it�s not too bad if it�s handy for work, or for meeting someone, but I certainly would not go out of my way to visit again � in fact, I would probably go out of my way to find somewhere more to my taste.

21 Sep 2009 18:23

The Cleveland Arms, Bayswater

They had White Horse Village Idiot; GKIPA; and Harvey�s Best on. Unfortunately the White Horse went off as I arrived, but the Harvey�s was OK, at a competitive �2.70 a pint. The most unusual thing about this pub is the large stuffed boar�s head complete with sunglasses mounted on the wall above the bar back � that�s a first for me. The pub itself was clean and comfortable, although some of the furniture had seen better days. The furniture comprises mainly normal tables and chairs with some banquette seating beneath the window. There�s a smallish, carpeted, room at the back with a pool table in the middle, with a handful of tables and chairs dotted round the sides. I�m not sure about the free peanuts in little bowls on the tables � I managed to resist the temptation.

This place displays the right balance between seediness and comfort, coupled with a couple of decent ales, that I like in a pub. Don�t come here looking for a sophisticated gastro-pub. Any thought that this might be one is swiftly dispelled by the sight of the two microwave ovens sitting on the end of the bar, with a few rolls on one of them in the traditional covered plastic container. Classic. I really like it.

21 Sep 2009 09:56

The Kings Head, Bayswater

Several real ales on � Timothy Taylor Landlord; Theakston�s Old Peculiar; Adnam�s Broadside; Young�s Kew Gold; and a sign on a further clip announced that the London Pride was still conditioning. I had the Kew Gold, which was in good nick, at a pretty average price of circa �3 a pint. This is so obviously a Spirit Group pub, but by no means the worst I have been in. They had quite a few high stools and tables in the window area and in the centre of the room, but with sufficient normal tables and chairs and banquette seating round the sides. All the usual modern features were present � cash machine, one-armed bandit, and a large flat screen TV on the back wall. The TV was, as so often, showing Sky Sports, but muted � and, unusually and tastefully, enclosed in a gilded picture frame. The usual mundane pop music was being played. D�cor nothing special. In fact that about sums this pub up. Clean and comfortable and OK for a pint if you�re passing as it does do some decent ale, but nothing special.

21 Sep 2009 09:53

The Phoenix, Bayswater

Unremarkable pub that does no real ale. Not much going for it as far as I can see. Not for me.

21 Sep 2009 09:32

The Angel and Crown, Leicester Square

This is a small one-room corner pub in St Martin�sLane. It�s got a reasonably attractive exterior with some hanging baskets, and windows comprising lots of smallish panes instead of the usual large panes. Inside it�s a typical West End pub; bare-boarded, mainly high stools tables and ledges by the windows and a couple of normal tables with banquette seating at the back. There are also a few potted plants, that brighten the place up a bit.

There was no sign of the beer being watered down, as alleged by a previous poster. The two real ales on were Adnam�s Bitter and Broadside. The Bitter was actually in quite good nick, and at a West End price of �3.20 a pint. There�s just one relatively small TV at the back but switched off � and some jazz being played, which makes a pleasant change from the usual banal pop music. It�s OK as far as it goes for a West End pub, but nothing special. I can�t see any particular reason to return unless I fancied a pint as I happened to be passing � but then I might summon up the energy to cross the road for The Salisbury, or walk round the corner to The Harp.

19 Sep 2009 16:36

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross

This is still the best pub in the immediate area. Now in two halves � the part on the left as you come up the steps from Villiers St used to be Garvey�s sandwich bar. I remember when the original part on the right used to be a two-room pub. You can still see the original mosaic floor as you enter; turn left to the Public bar and right to the Saloon Bar. The old Public bar area to the left is nothing to write home about, but the Saloon Bar side remains very attractive with its portrait of the ill-fated Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell (after whom the pub is named) above the fireplace, and cut glass mirrors all along the back wall. But the Public Bar was one of the few places that you could get a real (Bass) back in the mid-70s.

OK, back to the present day then. This is a Hall & Woodhouse, with Badger Bitter, Tanglefoot and Lemony Cricket on. I wasn�t brave enough to venture into the unknown territory of Lemony Cricket, and went for the tried and tested Badger Bitter. Pretty good it was too, and at �2.80 a pint. This pub is definitely worth finding if you�re in the area.

14 Sep 2009 18:54

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair

Heaving with good looking people, eh? Doubt whether they would let me in then! I do recall the Punch Bowl as a reasonably decent pub, but it has undoubtedly changed since then.

13 Sep 2009 23:25

The Prince of Wales, Kennington

This is a Shepherd Neame house, but with only Whitstable and Kent�s Best on when I was in at lunchtime during last week. The Kent�s Best was pretty good, and at �3.10 a pint the price I am used to paying in London. The pub is tucked away in a corner of the secluded backwater of Cleaver Square, away from the nearby main thoroughfares. In my opinion it�s a hidden backstreet gem. It looks good from the outside, with its colourful hanging baskets and wisteria with a few late flowers. It is a fairly imposing and attractive red brick building, and the photograph I uploaded does not flatter it � and that�s a comment on my lack of photographic skills, rather than how the pub looks. Inside it�s a small well-maintained pub with a handful of tables and chairs. There�s also a couple of tables and chairs outside at the front, primarily for smokers I presume, but very welcome for yours truly sitting outside on a warm September afternoon. In my view this is easily the best pub in the area, and well worth seeking out for a pint or two.

13 Sep 2009 18:51

The Old Red Lion, Kennington

Mock Tudor beams inside and outside, looking a little out of place in Kennington. It still has two separate bars, which is probably why it features in CAMRA�s inventory of heritage pub interiors. The only real ale on was Bombardier, which actually tasted rather good, and at �2.80 a pint definitely not overpriced. There were a few tables and chairs around the sides, but my overall impression of the bar in which I was in (the Public Bar I suppose) was dinginess and desolation. I didn�t venture into the other bar � hopefully it was better, but I doubt whether I shall bother to go in again.

13 Sep 2009 15:28

The Duchy Arms, Kennington

This is a detached backstreet local just off Kennington Rd, occupying a largish corner site (I hope that�s not a contradiction in terms!). By the look of the clientele when I was in there last week, it�s very much a locals� pub. They had Pedigree, Spitfire and Harvey�s Best on. I had the Harvey�s, at �2.80 a pint reasonably priced, and it tasted OK as well. It�s got all the hallmarks of a pub that hasn�t changed much since the 70s or 80s � red mock velvet covered stools; serried ranks of dark varnished and polished tables; well used banquette seating; and a clean patterned carpet. Unlike a previous reviewer, I found the Duchy Arms to be very clean and well looked after, with no sign of any BO, dust or dirt. The barmaid was friendly and welcoming, and I thought it seemed to be just the sort of place to go for a quiet pint. It had a nice balance between comfort and simplicity, and I should be happy to drop in for another pint if I was in the area.

13 Sep 2009 15:17

The White Hart, Kennington

Timothy Taylor and Sharp�s Doom Bar on handpump. The pub looked like it was being used as a cr�che when I popped in during last week. Lots of high stools and tables, and very little character. I was pretty sure that I wouldn�t particularly like it when I walked towards it � pubs painted battleship gray always seem to have nothing to attract me for some reason. Won�t be back.

13 Sep 2009 14:59

The Roebuck, Kennington

Real ales on were Young�s Bitter and Bombardier. I had the Young�s Bitter (�3.10 a pint), which was not good, but I suspect that I may have had the first one of the day. Tucked away as it is down Ashmole St, I doubt that it gets much, if any, passing trade, but it probably gets busy on Oval match days. All the tables had cutlery on them in little tin buckets. So, presumably food must be important to them, but I didn�t see any menus. It�s a fairly big one-room pub, but expanded with a conservatory at the back, plus a covered outside area for smokers. As usual there are TVs on the walls, but not on when I was in during lunchtime, and some pop music being played � including Petula Clark of all people. Furnishings comprised normal tables and chairs, plus a couple of sofas in one of the front window bays, and the d�cor was unremarkable (I can�t remember what it looked like, so there can�t have been anything special about it). All in all an unremarkable pub. Poor beer quality doesn�t seem to be a recurring feature in previous posts, so I guess I must just have been unlucky. Not really worth the effort of seeking out for the pub itself, but no doubt OK for a pint or two after the cricket.

13 Sep 2009 14:45

The Lord Palmerston, Carshalton

This is still a two-room pub, retaining what appear to be numerous original features � bar counter, wood panelling etc. I�m a bit surprised it�s not on the CAMRA inventory of London�s heritage interiors. Anyway, the only real ales they had on were Courage Best and Bombardier. The Bombardier was not particularly good, but maybe I was just unlucky.

This is a really attractive, low-ceilinged pub. If they advertised it as a country pub in London they would not be too far from the truth. The furnishings were comfortable, and I received a warm welcome from the barmaid/landlady. I liked this pub a lot � it�s the sort of off the beaten track local that appeals to me. Without a guest ale it�s a very good pub (and I am giving them the benefit of the doubt regarding the iffy pint of Bombardier I had) but with one it would be an absolute gem.

10 Sep 2009 22:28

The Railway Tavern, Carshalton

A Fuller�s pub � they had Seafarers, London pride and ESB on, but no sign of Discovery or Chiswick. The Seafarers was good, and at a decent price of �2.70 a pint. Sarnies priced less than �3 were also a good bet. The pub looks good from the outside, with numerous well-tended hanging baskets on show. The interior is also clean and comfortable; carpeted throughout, with normal tables and chairs, and some stools. There are no less than five small(ish) TVs spread around the walls of this one-room pub, but thankfully none were on during my weekday lunchtime visit. The walls are adorned, as you would expect, with plenty of railway memorabilia. The inevitable games and fruit machines were also present, but for some reason they weren�t imposing enough to detract from the quiet atmosphere of this decent little pub � probably because nobody was playing them and thus they were forced to remain silent. There�s also a small beer garden, being used by a handful of smokers during my visit.

Basically, it seems to be a decent, well-run little pub. I would be very happy to drop in for a pint if I find myself in Carshalton again.

10 Sep 2009 22:26

The Beehive, Walworth

There were four handpumps on the bar � two were unused; one had a Bombardier clip turned round; and the fourth was dispensing London Pride. I had the Pride (of course) which was OK and at �3 a pint reasonably priced. This looks like an estate pub with delusions of grandeur. It�s bare-boarded, with plain wooden tables and chairs. There is a TV screen, but when I was in it was showing Sky Sports with the sound muted. There was some music playing in the background, although not too loudly; in fact pretty well drowned by half a dozen mirthful girls having lunch (luckily for me) at the other end of the bar from me.

There looks to be pretty good food menu. I had a tuna ciabatta sarny, that came with some sort of crisps, and a bit of salad � not too bad at �4.99. The wines on offer were listed on a large chalkboard above the bar. This is one of those pubs that have been made over to such an extent that they retain little or nothing of their original pub character. Maybe I am missing something, but I just do not think that this pub has any of the qualities that ought to be needed to justify the high BITE ranking it has achieved. I suspect that I know how it has got such a high score, but that is another story. A decent ale would help. It�s an �OK� bar, but there are better pubs about.

10 Sep 2009 19:00

Thatched House, Hammersmith

This is a Young�s house, with Bitter, Special and Bombardier on. A surprisingly large pub, with a lot of additional seating in what appears to be an extension at the rear. Apart from a couple of armchairs, furnishings consist of normal chairs and mainly large chunky tables. There are the usual stripped and polished floorboards typical of a Young�s makeover. But boards in the main bar look original, as do the windows with some stained glass, but mainly clear glass, leaded panels. There doesn�t seem to be anything else remaining from the original pub. This is yet another of those �OK� pubs with nothing exceptional or objectionable about them. Alright for pint if you�re passing, but not worth going out of your way to visit.

10 Sep 2009 09:32

The Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith

Definitely a food centric pub. The front bar, however, is available for drinkers, with the area to the right of the bar as you enter seemingly for diners (at least that�s how it looked to me when I was in on Wednesday lunchtime). There were four handpumps on the bar � two were not in use, and the other two were dispensing Timothy Taylor Landlord and London Pride. The Pride was OK.

Seating in the bar area consisted of sofas, banquettes and normal tables and chairs. Behind and underneath the banquette at which I sat was a load of firewood. An unusual feature I thought, until I spotted the fireplace, which I guess they must use for the purpose for which it is intended, in the winter. Now a log fire on the go in the winter really is an interesting feature. The food might be good (but I didn�t eat and thus can�t comment), and the menu looked varied, but I prefer the more basic pub. Having said that, the main bar area was comfortable enough and I wouldn�t mind dropping in for a pint if I was nearby, but I don�t think I would go out of my way to visit again.

9 Sep 2009 11:12

The Hope and Anchor, Hammersmith

After finding the one door that opened into this pub, from the several that must have been in use at some time, I found myself in the Saloon Bar. This is still a two-room pub; rare now, but ten a penny when this inter war pub was built. Its Truman�s pedigree is displayed on the woodwork above the fireplace and the bar. Many other original features remain in place, which is what you would expect from a pub on the CAMRA list of heritage interiors. I found the Saloon Bar to be comfortable and clean. There was the predictably banal pop music being played of course. I quite like this place, but the major (terminal!) flaw as far as I am concerned is that they have no real ale on offer, and without something decent to drink I can�t see me returning.

4 Sep 2009 13:16

The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith

It�s right on the river near Hammersmith Bridge. With its outside seating with superb river views it can get very crowded during the summer. But on a wet Wednesday lunchtime in early September it was fairly empty � only me and two other old boys enjoying a pint or two. I think it�s quite an attractive pub � the appropriately blue painted exterior looks good in this setting, and the interior is also rather nice with what looks like an original Courage bar back(?) on the right. Decoration consists mainly (of course) of rowing related paraphernalia, plus an old �SD cash register on the end of the bar, and what appears to be some wartime helmets on one of the walls. It�s bare boarded, which unfortunately does nothing to help suppress noise levels in a pub, and the walls are dark wood panelled. Seating is a mixed bag of high stools at ledges along the front and one side of the pub and at a couple of high tables, banquettes and normal tables and chairs.

They had three real ales on when I was in: Sharp�s Doom Bar; Sambrook�s Wandle; and Skinner�s Betty Stogs. I had the superb Betty Stogs, which was �3.30 a pint. I�m used to paying this sort of price in London of course, but if it�s a choice between paying �2.80 for GKIPA or �3.30 for an excellent ale like Betty Stogs then I�ll readily stump up the extra 50p. The food menu looked pretty straightforward. I had a tuna/ciabbatta sandwich with a salad garnish for �5.95. Again, not cheap, but what would one expect at somewhere with a location like the Blue Anchor?

The pub seems to be run by a couple of good humoured Kiwis. The only downside for me was the pop music being played a bit too loudly, which seemed a bit out of keeping with the character of the place. But that�s just my subjective opinion � maybe others would like it. I�m certainly happy to drop in again sometime for another pint.

4 Sep 2009 13:11

The Old Ship, Hammersmith

They had Bombardier, Young�s Bitter and Kew Gold on. I had the Kew Gold which was fine, and at �3.20 a pint much the going rate for the area. It gave me the impression of being more of a restaurant than a pub � perhaps it was the waitress offering table service that made me feel that way! It�s a typical Young�s style made-over pub � sofas and magenta painted ceiling and walls. But it was fairly comfortable in there with some banquette seating with normal, but quite large, tables inside. There�s also a handful of tables outside at the front on a small patio area. The music was low-key and restrained. Not really my kind of pub, but it�s OK if you like these sort of gastrofied pubs.

4 Sep 2009 13:02

The Lyceum, Strand

A Sam Smith�s pub, but one that does have Old Brewery Bitter on handpump. The OBB was OK, if a little too cold. Like so many Sam Smith�s pubs, they have not sought to �update� the interior. The booths on the left have been retained and remain unscathed, as has the dark wood panelled walls, and the lino floor. There is an upstairs lounge bar which I didn�t visit on this occasion, but which probably hasn�t changed much over the years. Essentially it�s a typical Sam Smith�s pub, retaining its original character, even if it does sit on one of the busiest thoroughfares in London. I prefer it as a pub to Wellington next door, but I�m not a great fan of Sam Smith�s beers, even if they are such excellent value, so probably won�t go out of my way to visit again.

29 Aug 2009 10:10

The Two Chairmen, St James's

It�s a Spirit Group pub, so the beer choice is unlikely to be very imaginative. When I was in they had on Bombardier; London Pride; and Deuchars IPA. The Deuchars was �2.80 a pint which is a pretty good price, but unfortunately mine tasted fairly lifeless. The exterior of the pub has got the appearance of a classic hidden backstreet gem, but in comparison the interior is a bit disappointing, having been given the Spirit Group corporate appearance. The pub itself is a small one-room affair; carpeted throughout (which I always think gives a pub a warm feel) and with furniture consisting mainly of banquettes and stools. There�s not a lot of natural light getting inside, making it fairly gloomy, but which is not a problem as it can lend a more intimate feel to a place. The interior is not completely soulless I suppose, but it would be so much better without the SG style faux chalkboards above the bar, as well as the games and cash machines. Banal pop music being played of course � but where doesn�t play it? Par for the course I suppose.

For some reason I didn�t really take to this pub, but I can�t put my finger on why. Perhaps it�s because I expected so much more from a pub with such an attractive exterior, or perhaps because I was the only person in there for most of my stay � or maybe it was the below par pint. Anyway, I�ll give it another try when I�m next in the area.

28 Aug 2009 17:20

The Feathers, St James's

This is a Nicholson�s pub, with a pretty good ale selection available � London Pride; Doom Bar; Tribute; Bombardier; and Landlord. All were under �3 a pint. I don�t think I can add much to HTM69�s informative review below � except perhaps to stress the attractive (possibly original) wood panelled walls. There�s also some rather nice leaded lights above the front of the pub. There is also a large skylight above the raised area at the back of the pub � possibly there was a billiards table there at some time, or maybe it just serves to give some welcome natural light to the back of the pub.

I came in here in the 60s � I can�t remember much about it, but I do remember that it was a fairly basic boozer then. It�s nothing like a backstreet boozer now of course, but it�s not a bad pub. Not really worth going out of your way for, but OK nonetheless.

28 Aug 2009 17:16

The Old Star, Westminster

Being a Greene King house it had what you would expect on, but it did have Morland Original as well as the usual offerings. Interestingly all the nozzles on the handpumps, with the exception of Old Speckled Hen for some reason, sported sparklers. As a point of principal I�m immediately prejudiced against anywhere that uses these devices. This is a typical scrubbed clean, characterless place, of the sort that we see so many of these days. Nothing like the pub I knew in the 60s. But some people obviously like these sort of places, so good luck to them. I don�t suppose that I�ll be paying a return visit.

28 Aug 2009 16:55

The Nags Head, Covent Garden

This is a McMullen�s house. I had my favourite � Country Bitter, which tasted great, and at �3.20 or so a pint pretty much the going rate for the area I suppose. It�s smack bang in the middle of the tourist hell that is Covent Garden. Don�t get me wrong, I�ve nothing against tourists � I am one myself on occasions � I just don�t much like the areas that they create, especially the pickpockets and other miscellaneous miscreants that prey on them.

Anyway, this remains a pretty decent enough pub. It�s a high-ceilinged, one-room affair now, that still behaves like a pub. Being on a corner, it has glass windows to the ceiling on two sides making it very light inside. There�s some really attractive floor tiling around the bar, and the furniture is comfortable enough. The decor is minimalist, but with the high windows, and McMullen�s mirrors on the back wall, there isn�t much wall space left to decorate. The fact that they serve McMullen�s ales, thus representing a welcome change from the usual suspects, makes this one of the better Covent Garden pubs.

27 Aug 2009 22:39

The Coach and Horses, Covent Garden

Courage Best and Spitfire on handpump. The Spitfire was good, and at �3.10 a pint not overly expensive for the area. This is a small one-room pub; so small in fact that there appears to be no room for any tables. Furniture consists of stools at ledges round the sides of the pub; at the bar; and at a tall drinking pedestal in the middle of the room. The windows look as if they have been there a good few years � if the �Watney Coombe Reid� affiliation is anything to go by. I didn�t eat there on this occasion, but the sarnies looked a good bet � pick of the bunch being the hot beef or Irish ham at �5.75 a throw. On the face of it this has the look of a pretty ordinary pub, but nonetheless it remains one of the more friendly and welcoming pubs around � in an area where they are not exactly thick on the ground. I think this is the nearest thing you will get to a backstreet boozer right on top of Covent Garden. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area.

27 Aug 2009 22:22

The Priory Arms, Stockwell

Some good ales on when I was in at lunchtime last week: Cottage Smooth Hound; Doom Bar; Summer Lightning; Summer Gold; and Sambrook�s Wandle. I had the excellent Wandle, but it was a top of the range price of �3.30 a pint. This is a one-room pub (although they advertised an upstairs lounge to which I didn�t venture), the interior of which is decorated in a modern style � bare-boarded, big, chunky stools, some high tables and stools, plus some normal tables and chairs. They have (for a pub) an extensive lunch menu, but I went for the simplistic tuna/mayo/rocket sarny, plus a bit of side salad, for a very reasonable �3.

I received a friendly welcome on entering the pub from a chap who I assumed must be the guv�nor. This looked to me to be a clean, friendly and welcoming pub, and comes highly recommended, especially in view of its ale selection.

22 Aug 2009 10:15

Woodies, New Malden

Dropped into this excellent pub for the first day of their beer festival yesterday afternoon. The festival continues until Sunday. Rather an agreeable afternoon actually. I had a half-dozen of the 50 or so ales they had on, and all were in good nick, and were made all the more enjoyable by being able to watch England demolish the Aussies at The Oval. The festival itself was well organised, with a beer marquee set up on the playing fields adjoining the pub, serving most of the festival ales on offer, with a handful more being available in the pub itself. Almost all of the ales were priced at �3 per pint. I also had a very good plate of chilli con carne and rice for �3.50, although I have to say that the portions sizes were more like a snack than a meal, and could have been a bit bigger. Good day nonetheless, all the better for meeting up with Maldenman and Trainman again.

22 Aug 2009 09:43

The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers

This really is a destination pub, as it�s effectively at the back of beyond. When I was in last week there was a mix between hikers who had undertaken a cliff walk, and some who had obviously driven there. As others have said, it�s pretty small inside with the �bar� essentially a hatch through which the barmaids pass the drinks. The ale is gravity dispensed, which is very unusual these days. DaveE � I think you must have been a bit unlucky � on my visit last Thursday they had three real ales on (Palmer�s Copper Ale; HopBack Crop Circle; and Abbey White Friar) plus cider of course. The ales were around the �3 a pint mark. I had the White Friar � perhaps a little too sweet, but that�s just a matter of taste � and Crop Circle, which was an excellent summer ale.

As you go in you are faced with the serving hatch; to the right is a small, but reasonably comfortable looking seating area; and to the right a small museum featuring some local history, with the emphasis on fossils. This is the first time I�ve seen a museum in a pub, though one or two have almost been museums in their own right. But this pub really comes into its own when the weather is good, as the view over the cliffs and out to see is quite spectacular. Outside seating consists of a few picnic benches; lumps of wood and stone for tables and more stone and tree trunks for seats. I don�t know another pub anything like it. It�s definitely worth going out of your way to find - indeed I expect anyone who has visited has made a special effort to get there, as it�s hardly on the way to anywhere. It thoroughly deserves its place in the top echelon of BITE pubs. Highly recommended.

18 Aug 2009 19:14

The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis

This pub is right on the front at Lyme Regis, so obviously gets pretty busy during the tourist season, though we didn�t have any trouble getting a table inside at lunchtime on a very sunny and warm Thursday. It sells Palmer�s Ales, the quaffing of which was a new and very enjoyable experience for me. The ales on were Best Bitter; Copper Ale (the session beer at 3.7%); 200; and Tally Ho. I had a couple of pints of the Best Bitter, which was superb. This is as you would expect, as the Cask Marque accreditation was in evidence on the pump clips. My wife wasn�t impressed by her Pimm�s however, which consisted solely of Pimm�s No1, lemonade and an ice cube.

There are a couple of bars, and both seemed to be used for diners, except that the one on the left as you go in has a couple of large sofas in it. D�cor is pretty nondescript, except for some nautical paraphernalia littered around the place, as well as a clockface on one of the walls bearing the name of a London station (forgotten which one) and the year 1852. It looked genuine.

We ate in there, and considered the food to be of a good standard, and reasonably priced with mains at around the �8 - �9 mark. This is the only pub I visited in Lyme Regis, so can�t offer comparisons with the others, but taking into account the ale quality, I thought that was a good pub, and a lot, lot better than most seafront pubs that I have encountered over the years.

16 Aug 2009 15:22

The Jolly Sailor, Saltford

This pub has a superb location right by Saltford lock. There�s plenty of outside seating, including a few seats on the island which to get to you have to walk across the lock � not recommended after one too many. It�s a traditional free house, so you can never be sure what ales are going to be on. When I was in there on Wednesday lunchtime they had on Butcombe Bitter; Sharp�s Doom Bar; and GKIPA. I had a couple of pints of Butcombe Bitter, which was excellent, and reasonably priced (by my London standards) at �2.65 a pint. I didn�t spend much time inside, except to go to and from the bar, but it looked pretty basic. Nothing wrong with that of course. It was reasonably quiet on a weekday lunchtime, but I bet it gets incredibly busy on a summer�s weekend. But it�s a really nice pub, and definitely worth a visit if you�re in the area on a nice day and can sit outside.

16 Aug 2009 15:21

The Lock Keeper, Keynsham

A Young�s pub, they had on Bitter; Special; Kew Gold; and Bath Gem as a guest ale when I visited last week. I had the Kew Gold, which was OK but probably not such a full-flavoured ale as the Bath Gem. It wasn�t too busy on a weekday lunchtime, but with its lovely position next to the river and lock, it gets very busy during the weekend. They�ve increased the inside seating with the addition of a conservatory area at the back with its own bar, and the outside seating includes a decked area behind the conservatory, with steps leading down to a grassed area next to the river with very many picnic benches. It looks to be a pub with a good mix between drinking and eating � I didn�t eat there, but the mains looked to be reasonably priced at between �8 - �12. It�s family friendly with the predominance of outside seating, so children are often in evidence. Food is still a very important ingredient in the make-up of this pub, and I think I would choose my time carefully if I wanted to visit for a quiet pint. But it�s an OK pub overall.

16 Aug 2009 10:52

The Upton Inn, Upton Cheyney

This is a Hall & Woodhouse pub � they had Tanglefoot; Lemon Cricket; and Badger Bitter on. I had the latter, which was OK and at �2.60 a pint pretty reasonable priced compared to London prices, where I normally drink. The pub consists of several interconnecting rooms, or dining/drinking areas. This is very much a destination pub as it seems to be on a road leading nowhere special (no offence to Upton Cheyney residents, I just think that most people using Brewery Hill are going to the pub!). It is very food orientated. There looked to about 40 to 50 people in there on Wednesday lunchtime, and apart from my companion, all were eating. On arrival we were greeted with the question �are you dining with us today?� I only had a sandwich, but the main meals others were eating looked very good indeed, and certainly not overpriced. So, overall, this is more a restaurant than just a drinkers� pub, but it was very clear when we arrived that it was OK if we didn�t want to eat, and I would be happy to have this as my local if I lived there.

15 Aug 2009 19:08

The Swan Inn, Swineford

A Bath Ales (sorry, I refuse to spell it bath ales) pub, it had Gem; Golden Hare; and SPA on when I visited it on Wednesday lunchtime. I had the Gem, which was absolutely superb, and at �2.55 a pint seemed very reasonably priced to someone used to paying London prices. There were only a handful of other drinkers in there � a couple of hikers plus two or three others who looked as if they were passing trade. I suspect it is a different story during the evening.

The pub itself looks very attractive from the outside with some well tended hanging baskets, but the inside has a more functional appearance. There are some attractive floor tiles in the front bar; to the right it is bare-boarded with a few normal tables coupled with banquettes and stools; and the bar to the left looks slightly more comfortable being carpeted and is probably used by diners (although no-one was eating when I was in there). My overall impression of this pub is that it is welcoming and functional, but not luxurious, and is a pretty decent place to enjoy a few excellent ales in reasonably comfortable surroundings. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you are driving past.

15 Aug 2009 19:05

The Plumbers Arms, Victoria

Image 4 is the best photograph of this pub. Image 1 is in fact of the Swag & Tails. I have asked for Image 1 to be removed.

10 Aug 2009 13:51

The Leinster Arms, Bayswater

A first for me for a long time � we were actually given the choice of a straight glass or a dimpled mug. Now that is service. The real ales on were TT Landlord; London Pride; and Hawkshead Lakeland Gold. The first two are their regular ales, and it seems that during the (so-called) summer they are featuring a number of summer ales as guests. I had the Hawkshead Lakeland Gold (of course) and found it to be very hoppy, but refreshing and tasty nonetheless. All three ales were under �3, and all had a second clip giving a few tasting notes, plus the price and ABV. Apparently it is a Mitchell & Butler pub. The very friendly barmaid gave us a taste before buying, which I regard as a sign of a well run pub.

The pub itself is in a side-street off the Bayswater Rd. There is an archway to the right of it that might at one time have led to stables. It�s now a one-room pub, with a bare-boarded area around the bar, but with a raised, carpeted, area to the left of the bar. There were no other customers in there at 5.00 PM on a Friday evening, but by 6.00 PM it had filled up considerably, but not to the point of overcrowding, with a jolly bunch, most of whom seemed to know each other. I found this to be a friendly, welcoming, and comfortable pub, and will certainly visit again if I am in the area.

9 Aug 2009 22:37

The White Horse, Soho

This pub is tucked away in a side street off the tourist trap that is Carnaby Street. They had a reasonably good ale selection on � Sharp�s Doom Bar; St Austell IPA; London Pride; GKIPA; and TT Landlord. All at under �3 a pint, with the Pride at only �2.50, which is good going for central London. All the pumps sported a second clip with a few tasting notes, as well as the price and ABV. A M&B pub possibly? Seating consists almost entirely of high stools/tables combined with ledges round the side. The ledge at which I sat was one of the stickiest I had ever encountered - I suspect that it needs a good was wash, rather than a spray and quick wipe. The prices are good, and the ale selection�s not bad but (although recognising the merits of these considerations) otherwise it�s not got much going for it.

9 Aug 2009 21:57

The Guinea, Mayfair

This is a Young�s house that has somehow managed to retain pretty much all of its original features. In fact I don�t think that it has changed much since I knew it back in the 60s � although I don�t remember the tartan carpet! The upholstery on the settles has seen better days and probably needs replacing sometime (soon). The ales were what you would expect in a Young�s pub � Bombardier; Special; Bitter; and Kew Gold. I had the latter which was pretty good, but at �3.30 a pint. But (leaving out the Guinea Grill, into which I didn�t venture, and on which I therefore make no comment) this remains a good pub, and I would be happy to visit again.

9 Aug 2009 21:51

French House, Soho

This is a very, very, small one-roomed pub. It�s so small there�s no room for any tables, just stools at the bar and at shelves round the sides of the room. There�s no real ale, and the only lagers are Kronenbourg and Carlsberg. It�s got lots of character with many original features remaining, but with no real ale and a refusal to sell pints (presumably pretentiousness?) it hardly qualifies as a pub. It probably belongs in France.

9 Aug 2009 19:35

The Royal Exchange, Paddington

Located in a side street off Praed St, just a stone�s throw from Paddington Station, it nevertheless remains what I would regard as an unpretentious backstreet boozer. It appears to be very much a locals� pub, with what was obviously a group of regulars sitting at stools at the bar. Nonetheless, we got served straightaway and had no difficulty seeing the two handpumps that were dispensing GKIPA, and the more rarely seen Brakspear�s Bitter. Had the latter, which tasted fine, although a little too chilled. It�s a smallish corner pub; as you enter you are in the main bar area, and there is another small seating area at the rear, containing two or three tables with banquette seating and small stools.

This is the best pub in the vicinity of Paddington Station. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area � as long as you appreciate the honest, down to earth pub and are not looking for a tarted-up gastro pub in which to enjoy an exquisite gastronomic experience!

9 Aug 2009 19:32

The Fountains Abbey, Paddington

As far as real ale is concerned, they had four of the usual suspects on � Pride; Bombardier; GKIPA; and Young�s Bitter (I think). This is a very ordinary and uninspiring Spirit Group pub. Too many high stools/tables for my liking, though there were a few normal tables and chairs, plus a good number of picnic type benches outside on the pavement. It�s right on the busy main road of Praed St, just down the road from Paddington Station, so gets a lot of passing trade. It�s really nothing special, and I can�t see any reason to return.

9 Aug 2009 19:24

The Opera Tavern, Covent Garden

They had Brain�s Skull Attack; London Pride; Adnam�s Bitter, TT Landlord; and Jenning�s Cumberland ale on. I had the Brain�s SA, which I had never tried before, and thought it was excellent. I believe that this is a Mitchell & Butler pub - they had a second clip on each of the handpumps with a few tasting notes on the ale in question, plus the price and ABV. I think this is a M&B trademark. All the beers were under �3, with the Pride being a very competitive �2.60.

This is a small, one-room pub. There�s a rather nice bar back, retaining what looks like the original mirrors in place advertising Skol Lager; Long Life; and Double Diamond. Luckily these crimes against brewing are no longer available! There�s an attractive fireplace at the back alongside the bar; a TV screen of course, but not on when I visited on Wednesday lunchtime; plus a fruit machine and games machine. Furniture is a combination of high stools/tables, banquettes and normal tables and chairs.

There were only a handful of tourists in, so was fairly empty. The service was friendly enough, and they do decent ale at decent prices. It�s a comfortable enough pub, and gets the thumbs up from me.

8 Aug 2009 22:53

Windsor Castle, Marylebone

No need to add anything to Maldeman�s description of the pub below. I had a Thai meal there, and thought that �8.10 (plus tip) for a pretty basic chicken stir fry plus some plain rice was a bit expensive. I�ve had better Thai food in other pubs in the general area (e.g. Duke of Kendal) for a couple of quid cheaper. But let�s not go all foody � this is a cracking little pub, the pint of Adnam�s I had was excellent, and I would be happy to visit again.

8 Aug 2009 22:30

The Beehive, Marylebone

Pride at �3.10 a pint is the going rate for the area I suppose. Rather a twee little pub in a quaint sort of way. The caf� impression was enhanced by the tomato ketchup, HP sauce and bottles of vinegar on all the tables. Just needed gingham tablecloths to complete the picture. Nothing really wrong with the place, it�s just not my type of pub.

8 Aug 2009 19:25

The Mitre, Paddington

This is a Young�s pub, with the usual range on, including Kew Gold. I had the latter which is a pretty good pint. The pub itself seemed something of a relaxed haven from the bustle of the Paddington area and the nearby busy Bayswater Rd. Very pleasant sitting outside on a warm August afternoon in good company drinking a refreshing pint of Kew Gold. The pub itself has been completely opened out from its original Victorian multi-room format, but retains some of its original Victorian features - carved wood, and etched and cut glass all over the place. The main entrance seems to be on the corner � but take the time to wander round to what is effectively the side entrance in Craven Terrace to have a butcher�s at the original entrance hall containing an original mosaic floor; tiling, and the doors leading to what were originally the Billiards Room and Ladies� Room. What would best be described as the main room � the room you find yourself in when walking in the entrance � is a reasonably comfortable functional pub bar, but the room at the back is more sumptuous, with armchairs, portraits on the walls, and has more of the appearance of a gentlemen�s club. Something for everyone then.

This pub is worth seeking out if you�re in the general area, and I�ll definitely drop in again if I�m in the area.

8 Aug 2009 10:51

The Red Lion, St James

Paid another visit to this survivor from the height of Victorian pub interiors the other evening. The guest ale was Butcombe's Bitter, which was in fine form. Fuller's takeover has improved the ale selection in my opinion. This is definitely one of the best pubs in the area - along with its namesake in Crown passage.

31 Jul 2009 23:26

The Roundhouse, Becontree

No real ale � just keg John Smith�s and Courage Best, plus the usual bog standard fizzy stuff. This must have been impressive once with its several bars making up the overall circular design of the pub. Now it�s all a bit tatty. You know it�s not going to be good when the mat in the entrance is strewn with cigarette butts and a screwed up empty cigarette packet. The sign for the over 35s karaoke sums it up. Characterless now � not worth bothering with.

30 Jul 2009 17:33

The Eastbrook, Dagenham

The only ales on were GKIPA and London Pride. The Pride went off as soon as I ordered a pint � so I went for a pint of GKIPA (at �2.70 a pint an OK price) that tasted like it was supposed to taste. The cheese toasty at �2.80 a throw is pretty good value as well, and the rest of the lunch menu, written on a board, looked to be reasonably priced as well.

The interior is a spectacular example of inter-war pub fitting. I sat in the Walnut Room that boasted the best wood (walnut of course) panelled walls that I have seen anywhere. Shame that they are obscured by the usual pantheon of games machines, one-armed bandits, etc, a Pringles dispensing machine(!), and garish adverts. There were a couple of large TV screens on when I was in. The place was reasonably clean, although some of the upholstery had seen better days. All the furnishings seem to have been designed for normal sized people; no sofas, or high tables with stools � perhaps they haven�t reached Essex yet. The young lady who served me was friendly and helpful (and English to boot).

This is a pretty decent pub � definitely OK for a pint if you are in the area. The interior design is exceptional; the stained glass in the back room depicting musical instruments is also worth a peek. A better ale selection would be a plus, although they do serve a couple of the usual suspects. I would drop in again if I was in the area, but would not make a special trip.

30 Jul 2009 17:32

The Halfway House, Earlsfield

This is a Young�s house so you get the usual ales on offer � but they had Kew Gold, which I guess is a seasonal ale. I had a pint, and it was pretty good, but at �3.18 a pint it is 10p more expensive than the last pint I had in Ye White Hart at Barnes. The pub itself has been given the Young�s upmarket treatment � sofas, armchairs, high tables/stools and walls painted a winning combination of taupe and battleship grey. It�s a lot larger than it looks from the outside, and has a small area outside at the back for smokers; but when I was in it was full of mums, pushchairs and tots.

They have some sort of colouring competition on the go. All the tables have coloured pens on them, plus paper so that you can draw a flower in the hope of winning a �25 bar tab. They even have the entries pinned on the wall in the back bar. Bizarre, but different.

Anyway, the pub is OK if you like this sort of modernised and sanitised Young�s pub. It�s alright for a pint or two, but I wouldn�t go out of my way to visit again.

26 Jul 2009 12:31

The Fog, Earlsfield

This pub still retains its 3-bar format. The Private Bar is not connected to the other two. But the Meal Room (a new one on me) is connected to the Public Bar by an archway, with the former being used as a pool room, with one table. There�s a dartboard as well as a pinball machine (Spiderman) in the Public Bar. Ales on were Young�s Bitter and London Pride; I had the London Pride (at �2.90 a pint) which was not particularly good, although drinkable.

This struck me as very much a locals� drinking pub. Not the sort of place you go to for a taste of comfort. I didn�t venture into the Private Bar, but the Public Bar only had a couple of tables and a few stools. This is very much a basic backstreet boozer (although it�s very visible from the trains on the Waterloo line). The clientele were a bit basic as well � workers from a local builders by the look of them � but this is an observation, not a criticism! Worth dropping in to see the sort of boozer that was commonplace 30 to 40 years ago, but I don�t feel any great compulsion to return.

25 Jul 2009 22:51

The Lavender, Vauxhall

Black (lacquered?) floor; hard wooden chairs; solid robust tables; fish & chips at �9 a throw; kitchen visible behind the bar � bistro cum gastropub? They had Flowers IPA and Bombardier on handpump. I had the Bombardier; which was actually pretty good � but not cheap at �3.20 a pint. But why would I expect the beer not to be expensive in a place that charges �9 for fish and chips? This sort of price is fast becoming the norm for London.

They were doing a brisk trade at 4.30 on a Thursday afternoon, so they must be doing something right. As is usual with this sort of place, the lack of carpets and soft furnishings makes the conversation louder and raises the noise levels, which in a somewhat perverse way makes the place seem more exciting and vibrant. But it�s not the sort of place I would rush back to.

25 Jul 2009 22:01

The Black Lion, Kilburn

Two real ales on � Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharp�s Doom Bar. I had the latter, which was fine, but not cheap at �3.20 a pint. But it was served in a branded glass, which is a nice touch. The food on offer seemed quite expensive as well, as it was essentially pub grub � e.g. burger and chips for �7.50 and sausage and mash for �7.20. I didn�t eat there so cannot comment on the quality, but it would have to be pretty good to justify those prices. No-one was eating when I was in on Wednesday lunchtime.

The pub itself is quite impressive, having retained most of its original Victorian features. It boasts an impressive gilded Lincrusta (I think ) ceiling; gilded friezes around the walls; some cut and etched glass in the windows along the side, and carved wood all over the place. A glass panel above the fireplace proclaims the large room to be the Gold Room. It�s well named. There�s also a separate dining room. It�s a very impressive pub, thoroughly deserving its inclusion as a CAMRA London heritage pub. Furnishings are a mixture of sofas/low tables (the bane of the six-footer!), solid pine furniture, and normal tables and chairs. But I found it a little soulless on my visit. I�m not sure why � I suppose the nearly empty large (Gold) room made it seem that way on a quite Wednesday lunchtime. I suppose it would be very different on a busy evening. Nonetheless, it�s definitely worth a visit to have a butcher�s at the very impressive interior d�cor.

16 Jul 2009 23:53

The Carlton Tavern, Kilburn

London Pride and Young�s Special on. The Special was in excellent nick, and at �2.80 a pint not too expensive. No food though. It�s still a two-room pub, with what I guess would be regarded as the Saloon Bar furnished with sofas, and aspidistras on the window ledges. Quite quaint really, and very reminiscent of someone�s front room. The larger of the two bars is furnished with normal tables and chairs, and includes the fruit machine, large TV screen, and dart board. The exterior has what looks like the original Charrington�s signage, and the interior has somehow managed to retain its original inter-war features.

This is most definitely a locals� pub, but I nevertheless found it friendly and welcoming. The lady who served me � whom I took to be the landlady � seemed very happy to chat to me about the pub�s provenance, and clearly took pride in how the pub was perceived. This is most certainly the sort of real pub that I like. Highly recommended.

16 Jul 2009 23:46

The Prince Of Wales, Kilburn

There�s no real ale; and no food during a weekday lunchtime. Actually it�s a very basic and scruffy locals�pub. Nothing to recommend it as Far as I can see.

16 Jul 2009 23:44

The Prince of Wales, New Malden

Two handpumps on the bar, both with Courage Best clips turned round. Had the Kronenbourg, which was the best beer available, and tasted like a bog-standard lager is supposed to taste. Eamon has renovated the exterior of the building, including some hanging baskets, and it now looks quite attractive. Didn�t notice any change on the inside � it�s still a rather plain and austere pub with no endearing features, apart from perhaps the dartboard and pool table. There is a very large TV in one corner dominating the pub, with the volume (in my opinion) overly loud on my visit. But this is a straightforward, no-nonsense, boozer. It�s not there for comfort, but for the dedicated boozer who wants to drink bog standard lagers and watch the racing.

14 Jul 2009 21:31

The Royal Oak, New Malden

They�ve introduced a new menu since my last visit, with the main change (as far as I can see) being the removal of the 2 for �8 offer. Two real ales on � Young�s Bitter and Black Sheep Bitter. It�s got a nice garden, and the interior is comfortable enough, but as I said before there�s not really anything special about it, and it�s not really worth going out of your way to visit.

14 Jul 2009 21:29

The Coach and Horses, Barnes

They had the usual range of young�s ales on. I had the Special, which was fine. There�s lots of dark wood that gives it an old feel. The wood panelling looks original, as does the etched and cut glass screen behind the bar, and the leaded windows in the main bar and door look pretty ancient as well. I couldn�t agree more with the previous reviewer who deplores the loss of original features that only serves to diminish the essential character of a pub. Unfortunately Young�s do not have a good reputation in this respect.

However, this remains an excellent pub. It�s pretty comfortable inside, although as a traditionalist I rather think that they have overdone it with all the cushions everywhere. There is a surprisingly large beer garden at the (surprising for such a small-fronted pub) which boasts an ice cream parlour that opens between 3 and 6 PM. This is a good pub � probably the best in Barnes.

11 Jul 2009 17:19

Ye White Hart, Barnes

This is a Young�s house � they had on Bitter; Special; Bombardier; and Kew Gold, which I had not seen on draught before. I had a couple of pints of the latter ale (at the rather strange price of �3.08 a pint) which was a light coloured brew. It was absolutely superb, and just right for a warm summer�s day. The food consists of a barbeque, but was very reasonably priced. The home made burgers were excellent.

Clearly this is a pub of Victorian vintage, and although there is what appears to be some original etched and cut glasswork in the �public bar� doors, it has, like so many pubs, lost almost all of its original features. But there is evidence of its multi room past in the unused doors (the old �saloon/lounge� door seems not to be in use now) and tall pillars. But it�s still a decent enough pub � the ale was in good nick; the food was good; and the service friendly. The island bar is surrounded by comfortable furnishings and the walls are adorned with old photographs of the pub and its surroundings. It�s right on the river, with lots of seating outside with excellent views of the river. For me it�s still retained some of its essential character, and is well worth a visit.

11 Jul 2009 17:16

The Royal Inn on the Park, Victoria Park

This is a large pub right on the edge of Victoria Park � so the pub�s name is wholly accurate. Inside it�s bare-boarded, high-ceilinged with heavy scrubbed wood furniture. The music was unbearably loud, though one of the bar staff turned it down while I was at the bar getting a drink. Outside there is a large patio looking out over the park, which must be an absolute winner on a warm summer weekend. It was pretty empty on the Wednesday afternoon I was in there but I bet it must be heaving on a warm evening.

The had Fuller�s ales, plus Gales HSB and Adnam�s bitter. As you would expect in a pub like this, it�s not cheap. The menu consisted of �designer food�. I went for the smoked chicken and avocado sandwich, which came with a few chips. There were enough chips, not a great deal of chicken, but the crusty bread was delicious. Not cheap at �7.50. I don�t think that this is the sort of pub you go to for a family meal (the menu wouldn�t suit children) or a quiet pint, but for meeting chums and especially when the weather is nice and you can sit outside.

11 Jul 2009 17:10

The Eleanor Arms, Bow

This is a Shepherd Neame pub; they had on Whitstable Bay, Canterbury Jack and a seasonal special called July 4th. They don�t do Master Brew, but they usually have on Kent�s Best which happened to be off during my visit. I had the July 4th which was, predictably, a well-hopped US style IPA. I really enjoyed � at �3.20 a pint not cheap, but you expect to pay a bit more for a specialist beer. I had a chat with the landlord, who was about to head off with a bunch of chums to the Greenwich Jazz & Beer Festival. He told me that Shepherd Neame had inherited a micro brewery that they had moved to their main brewery and is used for producing smaller volume specialist brews � hence the July 4th.

Anyway, this is a comfortably furnished (i.e. normal tables and chairs) pub with friendly and welcoming service. The only negative side is that they don�t do food. Notwithstanding that, it gets my recommendation as a pub worth seeking out if you�re in the area.

11 Jul 2009 12:22

The Wentworth Arms, Mile End

This is a small single room corner pub. As others have commented, it�s a Charles Wells House. There were two handpumps on the bar, but neither were in use. The only bitter available was a keg version of Bombardier, which turned out to be undrinkable. The landlord readily refunded my money (there was nothing else that I wanted to drink). This struck me as friendly local; all they need is a decent ale or two to make it a decent pub. Can�t see me returning unless they start serving a real ale.

11 Jul 2009 12:07

The Moon on the Hill, Sutton

As well as the usual suspects, the real ales on were Welton�s Heatwave; Arkell�s Moonlight; Naylor�s Original Brewer�s Choice; and Independence Ale, which is apparently brewed specially for Wetherspoons by one Tonya Cotter of the Bend Brewing Company, of Oregon USA. As it was 4 July, and the clip sported an arresting image of Uncle Sam, I just had to go for the Independence Ale. It was pretty much as I expected an ale brewed in the USA to be � light in colour and very well hopped. But I thought it was an excellent addition to JDW�s stable and an innovative idea getting an ale from the USA outside their biennial beer festivals. Not bad at �1.89 a pint (or �1.39 for me with my newly acquired CAMRA vouchers).

Anyway, this pub has certainly upped its game since Roger�s visit last October (though judging from various reviews there was certainly considerable room for improvement). Gone are the unseemly odours, and the tables were all clean and clutter free. But I was in there at 11.40 AM on a Saturday morning. Even then it took 10 � 15 minutes to get served and it may be that when it gets very busy the staff will be overly stretched. It�s a typical Wetherspoon�s pub (but unusually on two levels), with the usual range of high stools/tables, sofas, normal tables and chairs, and booths. Based on my one visit, it�s not the worst Wetherspoons I have been in � just typical for the brand, which means that it is somewhere where you can get excellent ale at reasonable prices.

5 Jul 2009 13:32

The Roundhouse, Covent Garden

It�s a good few years since I�ve been in here, and it doesn�t seem to have changed very much, except that it�s a Fuller�s pub now of course. They had the usual range of fuller�s beers on (excepting Discovery) when I was in there. I reckon this is a typical West End pub � nothing special about it. Bare-boarded throughout, with the usual mix of high stools/high tables normal tables and chairs; small stools � plus faux chalkboards and the staff wearing regulation black shirts. And it is round, so meets that part of its description. There were mainly tourists in when I was in there on Wednesday lunchtime, with several groups perched round tables that were not really large enough for their groups. A couple of groups got up and left when nothing happened after about 10 minutes (I supposed that this is a pub that does not offer table service!). It must have seemed quite unwelcoming to them � a bit depressing on a wet day in London in June.

It�s a fair enough place if you�re a fan of Fuller�s ales; otherwise there�s nothing about it to warrant a recommendation.

14 Jun 2009 19:31

The Greenwich Pensioner, Poplar

It doesn�t seem as if this pub has changed much since RogerB visited over three years ago. It looks might impressive from the outside � as you can see from the current photograph that I uploaded recently � with its original brewery facade and signage, and floral displays that give it a well cared for appearance. But it flatters to deceive, and the interior is very disappointing. There�s a pool table on the left; a sofa with a low cerise coloured plastic table; and a few normal tables and chairs comprise the furnishings. There are some bizarre decorations as well � the walls are adorned with advertising posters for the �Confessions� films, and there is a large false shark�s head on the wall to one side of the bar glaring down at punters in the pub! There was a TV showing a music channel, and the usual one-armed bandits and cigarette machines. In essence, it�s pretty characterless inside.

What they didn�t have is anything worth drinking. There are two pumps; one had a clip turned round and the other advertising GKIPA which was not on. I always wonder why pubs leave a clip facing out when the beer in question is not on? It just leads to disappointment � not that I�m a great GKIPA fan, but it�s a darn sight better than the only other bitter (John Smith�s smoothflow) that they had on. I can�t see any reason to return.

7 Jun 2009 13:11

The Steamship, Blackwall

I got the impression when walking in the door that this was a small one room pub, but it opens out on the right into a large bar/dining area leading to a smallish beer garden/smoking area at the back. It�s bare-boarded throughout, and although the walls in the front bar are adorned with some naval/maritime prints, the absence of anything on the walls in the back bar give it a somewhat Spartan appearance. It�s only a small thing, and not very important to me, but the walls would benefit from a few prints to break up the large flat surfaces. But maybe the intention is to create a cool, minimalist atmosphere? Anyway - there were a couple of large TVs showing a music channel.

The real ales on were GKIPA and London Pride. I had the Pride (and at �2.80 a pint not unreasonable) which was not good, but drinkable. There was some food available (I was in there on a weekday lunchtime) consisting of some pretty basic pub grub at what appeared to be reasonable prices. As a guide, I had a tuna mayo baguette and a few chips for �3.50. The service was friendly enough, and perhaps I was a bit unlucky in not getting a good pint, so I would categorise this as an OK pub � nothing very special but OK. I would be happy enough to give it another go if I was in the area again.

7 Jun 2009 13:06

The Resolute, Poplar

Apparently it is now up and running as a going concern. This is a medium sized corner pub along Poplar High St. It�s an inter-war pub it seems � the year on the outside wall proclaims it to be of 1937 vintage. Unlike the Greenwich Pensioner around the corner, it hasn�t all of its character ripped out of it, retaining what appears to be original wood facing to the counter as well as wood panelled walls. The furnishings consist mainly of settles round the walls, with normal tables and small stools, plus some high stools at the bar. The dark green carpet contrasts nicely with the dark wood panelling. There�s a dartboard, several TV screens on the walls and an array of games machines and one-armed bandits, etc.

They had Tetley�s Cask and Adnam�s Bitter on. I had the latter, which tasted fine, and at �3 a pint I would say should be at the top end of the pricing structure for this area. They had food on, but I didn't eat there, nor look at the menu. There were only a handful of regulars in when I was there on a Friday lunchtime. All things considered this is a reasonable pub � not great and certainly not worth going out of your way to find, but certainly worth dropping into for a pint if you happen to be in the area.

7 Jun 2009 13:02

The Richmond Arms, St Johns Wood

This is a backstreet locals� pub just off the Edgware Rd. It�s a CAMRA London heritage pub with interior d�cor from between the wars, with separate (but connected) bars, and wood panelling, etc. But there�s no real ale, just the usual bog standard lagers plus John Smith�s. There were some apparent regulars at the bar � they must be �salt of the earth� or �rough diamonds� judging by the amount of swearing they were doing. There�s not really anything to recommend this pub (as far as I am concerned) and I doubt whether I shall be back.

3 Jun 2009 22:20

The George, Isle of Dogs

Deuchars IPA, Pride, Young�s Bitter, and Timothy Taylor Landlord on. The Landlord was pretty good, and so it should be at �3.10 a pint. This is a large corner pub dominating its immediate vicinity. The interior is impressive with wood panelling throughout, which to me gives it a very warm feel. It still has separate bars, including what might best be described as a snug. It looks as if it has remained essentially unchanged since it was rebuilt between the wars. The service was OK, and the sandwiches were good. This is a good, friendly pub, and definitely worth a visit.

3 Jun 2009 22:18

The Duke (of York), Holborn

Adnam�s Broadside and Black Sheep Bitter on. BSB at �3.40 a pint is a top of the range price though. But on the plus side the young lady behind the bar topped up my pint without being asked to do so, which I regard as at least a sign of a well run establishment. Pretty good it tasted too. There were no TVs, jukeboxes, games machines or other unwanted machinery in evidence, and the music being played was some laid-back jazz � Satchmo and Ella I think � which is a welcome change from the mundane pop music one usually has to listen to. It�s still a two-roomed pub with a connecting door between the two bar areas. The back bar seems to be essentially a restaurant area, with the front room a bar area � though there was a group dining in this room when I was in. The floor looks to have the original lino still laid down on it, judging by the wear it appears to have suffered over the years.

This pub retains the d�cor of an inter-war pub (it is on CAMRA�s inventory of London heritage pubs), and although it has gone down the �gastro-pub� route, it retains enough of its �original pub feel� for me to be happy to pay a return visit.

15 May 2009 13:05

The Kings Arms, Clerkenwell

They had GKIPA, London Pride and Timothy Taylor Landlord on, as well as a Bulmers Perry and the usual array of lagers on tap. The Pride was OK. They�ve smartened it up a bit since the last time I was in here � gone has the pitted and scruffy black floor covering to be replaced by bare boards. I think that the last time I was in was before the smoking ban so not surprisingly it looks a lot cleaner overall. The clientele seemed to be mainly office workers enjoying food from the Thai menu. There�s a large TV screen on one of the walls, showing the news when I was in, but with the sound muted and with subtitles. Watching the unscrupulous and venal antics of some MPs I had a nasty taste in the mouth, and it was nothing to do with the beer. There was some music playing but it was not loud enough to be a nuisance. The young girls behind the bar were friendly enough, enjoying some friendly banter with a few drinkers at the bar.

This bar is somewhat off the beaten track, and is another of those decent but unremarkable pubs that I quite like. In some ways it is better off for being off the main roads from a punter�s point of view, if you�re looking for a less crowded backstreet pub.

15 May 2009 12:10

The Marylebone, Marylebone

Hardly a decent seat in sight � all high stools, high settles, high tables, etc. It�s scrubbed clean and decorated in indescribable colours � probably a combination of muddy grey and puce. There were a couple of nice high backed chairs in the back room but that�s about it. Ales on were Abbot Ale and Deuchars IPA (at �3.10 a pint). I suppose if you like pubs that have been turned into sanitised and clinical bars then you might like this place, but I don�t see any reason to return. Incidentally, Image 2 is how the exterior looks now.

15 May 2009 12:06

The Angel in the Fields, Bond Street

Attractive and comfortable looking Sam Smith�s pub. But it still only has the keg version of Old Brewery Bitter, so won�t be getting my custom. As Grecian says, it's the same old Sam Smith's story. The cheap prices don't make up for the absence on anything drinkable in my opinion.

15 May 2009 11:27

The Masons Arms, Fitzrovia

They had Deuchars IPA and London Pride (at �3.00 a pint) on. The Pride tasted like it usually does. The food menu advertised mainly Thai dishes, but there were apparently a few more traditional offerings available. There�s a lot of dark wood around, giving it something of an antique feel, but I don�t know how much of it was original, or the result of a Nicholson�s style makeover. The Lincrusta style ceiling might be the real thing, and the door with inlaid glasswork leading upstairs looks like original Victorian artistry. Anyway, it�s a pretty decent pub, and the fresh flowers all over the place is an unusual and rather nice touch. There are a couple of large TV screens on the walls that were showing different sports channels on the Saturday afternoon when I was in there, but thankfully with the sound muted. The ale choice is nothing to write home about, but it�s nonetheless a pretty good pub, and well worth dropping in for a pint if you are in the area.

13 May 2009 17:14

The Coach and Horses, Soho

This is a bright red-painted corner pub in Soho, just round the corner from Cambridge Circus. They had two real ales on � London Pride (of course) and an ale from Sambrook�s Brewery �brewed in the heart of London�. The Clip said �Wandle� so maybe that was what is was called, or maybe the brewery is located on the Wandle. Anyway, it tasted excellent, but at a top of the range price of �3.30 a pint. They also had a cider and perry on tap � Weston�s Old Rosie and County Perry. The pub itself was surprisingly quiet at around 1.00 on a Saturday afternoon, with only me inside and three or four punters outside. But it filled up a bit, with the number of customers getting into double figures.

The pub retains the vestiges of its multi room history with some surviving screens, but without the intersecting doors. It looks like an inter-war interior to me. The bar and panelling certainly look original. I realise that at another time it could be a very different pub, but I found it to be a quiet(ish) and welcome respite from the hordes usually seen in this part of London.

11 May 2009 09:33

St James Tavern, Piccadilly

On a sunny Saturday afternoon it was packed out with tourists, which is not surprising considering its proximity to Piccadilly Circus. It had the look of a Spirit Group pub, with its faux chalkboards and staff in their black uniforms � but I could be wrong. They had London Pride and Courage Best clips on two pumps, but unfortunately the Pride went off with my pint. But credit is due to the barman here as he spotted it before I did and exchanged it for Courage Best. The Best was OK, tasting as it is supposed to, and I suppose not unreasonably priced for the area at �3 a pint. As rpadam has said, it�s an unexciting pub � I would say unremarkable other than for the rather nice (original Victorian I believe) tiled mural at the back. To be honest I would struggle to find a reason to return � but it was there, and open, when I fancied a drink as I was passing.

10 May 2009 10:27

The Manor, Old Malden

One clip advertised Caledonian 80 but unfortunately it was off (no barrel on); they could have turned the clip round, but didn�t. another handpump was for Bombardier but it was off (barrel on but sour and undrinkable). That left Courage Best as the best bet, and it was OK � that is, it tasted like Courage Best usually does. Good job it was on too, the next best was extra cold John Smith Smooth! This pub is quite interesting in that it retains all the original separate bars � Public; Private; and Lounge. It�s a large stand alone pub right next to Malden Manor station, that seems to cater for locals. In fact, there�s not much reason to travel to visit this pub. It�s OK for a pint if you happen to be passing (as I was) but not really worth any special effort to visit.

25 Apr 2009 11:33

The North End Tavern, Worcester Park

This looks to be a fairly unremarkable obviously pubco pub on the edges of Worcester Park. It had the usual roster of games machines, cash dispenser and one-armed bandits, TV screens (but switched off at Friday lunchtime). But it was clean and tidy when I was in there. Plus post-budget prices of Young�s Bitter and London Pride at �2.09 and �2.55 a pint respectively is pretty good. Not quite down to Wetherspoons level, but good nonetheless. This pub is OK for a pint if you happen to be passing, but nothing special to warrant a special visit.

25 Apr 2009 11:30

The Tea Clipper, Knightsbridge

Real ales on were Pride, Hogsback TEA, and Sharp�s Cornish Coaster. Average sized corner pub with essentially nautical themed (of course) bric-a brac and prints on the walls. Bare-boarded floors and wood-panelled walls give a somewhat Spartan feel, but I found it welcoming, with the friendly and chatty barman giving my chum and I a rundown of the pubs hitherto in the area that are no more. Depressing. It would have been a very small pub at some stage, but it has clearly been extended at some stage. I thought that it was a rather nice little pub � not an absolute gem, but well worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area.

25 Apr 2009 11:26

The Horse and Groom, Belgravia

Maybe I have been a little hard on the high tables and high stools. I don't paricularly like them, but I can understand that in a small pub like this they are an efficient way of making the best use of limited space.

23 Apr 2009 23:24

The Swag and Tails, Knightsbridge

Like others before me, I felt that this was essentially a restaurant (or gastro-pub) rather than simply a pub. We didn�t interact with the barman, other than to order drinks and pay, but had a longish chat at the bar with one of the regulars, who spoke very highly about the quality of the food. But I didn�t eat there so can�t comment; in addition it was very quiet mid-afternoon on a Wednesday (there were only three of us in there plus the barman) so as you would expect there was no issue in us getting served ahead of diners! They had a couple of real ales on � Bombardier and Adnam�s Bitter. The Bombardier was an eye-watering �3.40 a pint; not the most expensive pint I have had in London, but it is certainly up there in the leading pack of expensive pints! The one thing that this pub does have going for it is an enviable location in a charming little back street away from the madness of Knightsbridge and Brompton Rd. So, don�t go to this pub if you are looking for a traditional backstreet boozer, because it doesn�t pretend to be one, but it is a reasonable refuge from the nearby shopping mayhem of Harrods.

23 Apr 2009 23:21

The Prince Regent, Herne Hill

The only real ale that they had on when I was in there was Black Sheep Bitter, although there were three other handpumps not in use. There was a wide range of lagers on, including all the usual suspects, but also Leffe Blonde and Staropramen. They have Cask Marque accreditation, and I have to say the Black Sheep Bitter was well kept and at �3.05 a pint much the going rate in London these days. The pub itself retains evidence of its previous multi-room format, with some surviving screenwork. It�s bare boarded throughout, with the boards themselves having the distressed appearance that can only be achieved by use of a long period of time. Furnishings are something of a mixed bag of large tables, small tables, settles chairs and low stools, high tables and high stools, and armchairs. Something for everyone then. There was a large widescreen TV on one of the walls, but switched off � which seems reasonable as there isn�t really much worth watching midweek lunchtime. The music being played was a sort of latin jazz R&B mix I suppose � being played a bit louder than I would have liked, but not unpleasant. I had a BLT in a burger bun, with a few crisps, which was OK for �5.50 I suppose. The bacon was freshly cooked, which was nice.

All things considered this is a pretty decent pub, but it would be improved by a better ale selection. Certainly worth dropping in for a pint though.

23 Apr 2009 19:25

Waggon and Horses, Brentford

This is a Fuller�s pub, but I only saw Pride, ESB and Chiswick on. At least there was a Chiswick clip on one of the handpumps, but as I went for the Pride, I didn�t encounter the - is it keg or handpump? - dilemma that previous posters have mentioned. Anyway, this is now a one-room pub, but there are vestiges of its previous multi-room identity in the remains of some screens. There is still a fair amount of wood panelling in place, which looks to be original inter-war decor. But now it�s a pretty unremarkable pub. There is a pool table � but covered when I was in with the staff removing the remains of a buffet from it, presumably having been enjoyed by a private party. Not worth going out of your way to find, but OK if you get to the Express Tavern over the road at 3.05 PM to find it closed.

23 Apr 2009 19:22

The Half Moon, Herne HIll

This pub is on the CAMRA inventory of London heritage pubs, so inside expect to see all the usual original Victorian features � spectacular barback; carved woodwork; etched and cut glass etc. But if you do venture in here make the effort to poke your nose into the snug on the left to have a butcher�s at some of the best surviving back painted mirrors. But the modern style bar gantry is a hideous modern addition, supporting two large speakers, to what is otherwise an extremely attractive pub.

They had three real ales on when I was in there � Pride, Adnam�s Bitter, and Wadworth�s 6X. I opted for the Pride which was pretty good, but also pretty expensive for the area at �3.20 a pint. This pub is definitely worth seeking out if you�re into antique pub architecture and decor, but otherwise I don�t think that this pub has a lot to offer.

23 Apr 2009 19:19

The Florence, Herne Hill

This pub houses a micro-brewery, and although they served a mainstream ale in Adnam�s Broadside, they also had on a couple of ales that, not surprisingly, I had not encountered before � Weasel Beer and Dam Tasty Beaver Beer. I went with the Weasel Beer with some misgivings (being not sure about the advertised citrus finish) but actually I found that I liked it a lot. It�s a good, refreshingly hoppy ale just right for sitting outside a pub on a warm sunny spring day.The inside of the pub is more like a wine bar than a pub, with an odd mix of distressed leather, and wooden seating. It�s not really my kind of place, as I prefer the more traditional type of pub, but I would certainly pay a return visit for the ale.

23 Apr 2009 19:16

The Tattersalls Tavern, Knightsbridge

This is a rather uninspiring Spirit Group pub, just off Brompton Rd. It has the usual combination of normal seating and high tables and chairs, and the usual black-shirted bar staff. But, on the plus side, the bar staff were polite, and they did have TT Landlord, Bombardier, and Wychwood Dragon�s Bite on. My companion and I had the Dragon�s Bite, which was pretty good, especially as it was an ale neither of us had previously tried. In my view there�s no real reason to seek this pub out, but it is there, in a convenient location for Harrod�s store, if you need a pint and a bite (either food or Dragon�s!).

22 Apr 2009 23:14

The Brewery Tap, Brentford

This is a small Fuller�s pub tucked away down a side street off Brentford High St. It had the full range of Fuller�s on (Pride, Discovery, ESB, Chiswick and Gale�s Seafarer) when I was in during last week. I had the Chiswick, which was excellent and at a decent price of �2.60 a pint. It seemed solely a locals� pub mid afternoon on a Tuesday; it�s hard to imagine that it would get much passing trade as it�s somewhat off the beaten track. This is a simple backstreet boozer with apparently no aspirations to be anything else. I rather liked its quiet, music-free, laid back atmosphere. It helps if you like Fuller�s ales of course. I�ll definitely pay a return visit when I�m next in the area. In my view it�s certainly worth the effort of finding.

21 Apr 2009 18:46

The Magpie and Crown, Brentford

This looks to me to be very much a high street locals� pub � at least it was when I was in there at lunchtime last week. But they had three interesting real ales on � Twickenham Pale Beauty, (4.7%); Loddon Forbury Lion (5.5%); and Daleside Ripon Jewel (5.8%!). I wimped out and went for the Pale Beauty, which was really rather excellent. They also had a range of unusual lagers � e.g. Stiegl, Steenbrugge, and Kriekbier. There�s nothing special about this pub in terms of appearance � basic furnishings etc � but it�s definitely worth stopping off in for a pint or two of the excellent ales on offer. Perhaps its ordinariness is a big plus � there are too many pubs that have been sanitised to the extent that their character has been totally removed. I would be happy to drop in for another pint when I�m next in Brentford.

20 Apr 2009 18:47

The London Apprentice, Old Isleworth

The real ales on were London Pride, Doom Bar, Broadside, GKIPA, GK Abbot Ale, and Doom Bar. This is a pretty good selection of ales, even if there is nothing particularly interesting from micro-breweries. It�s a Spirit Group pub, having that sort of pubco feel about it � perhaps it�s the faux chalkboards that give it away. But it�s one of the better Spirit Group pubs that I�ve been in, with its superb riverside setting. The windows proclaim it to have been an �Isleworth Ales� pub, plus there is an unused door with the glass in advertising entrance to the Public Bar. It�s now a one-room pub of course, but it�s nice that they retain at least some of these original features � at least they looked original to me. Anyway, I had the Doom Bar, which tasted fine, and at the decent (but literally odd) price of �2.79 a pint. I think that this is a fairly good pub, but if I had to improve it I would bin the out of place games machine and the cash dispenser. I�ve no doubt that these are now necessary evils, but they do detract from the character of the pub. Definitely worth a visit to sit outside (weather permitting) on the riverside terrace and enjoy the view.

20 Apr 2009 18:42

Imperial Arms, West Brompton

No real ale on. The tables are all garishly formica topped, making the place look like some sort of cheap caff. Outside, an enormous Sky Sports advert completely covers the name of the pub � I understand the need to advertise, but an advert like this is totally out of place in a small-fronted pub like this one. This used to be great little pub when I was a lunchtime regular back in the 80s, but not now. Not recommended.

19 Apr 2009 11:10

The Red Lion, Isleworth

No less than nine real ales on (Young�s Bitter; Gale�s Seafarer; Hyde�s Original; Hyde�s Special; GK St Edmund�s; Downton Apple Blossom; Hereford Original; Derventio Brewery Vesuvius; and Celtic Gold) plus three kegs of ciders on the bar dispensed by gravity. Obviously the ales will change regularly, but the above gives a flavour of the range of ales to expect. The pub itself is set in a quiet, essentially terrace housed backstreet. It is still a two-roomed pub; on the left the door proclaims it to be the saloon and billiards bar � although no billiards to be played now alas � and on the right it is advertised as the bottle and jug, leading to a largish room that has probably subsumed both the public bar as well as the off sales area. The dartboard and pool table are in the right hand bar. Not much else to add to what Maldenman has already said, except to stress that this pub retains its original pub atmosphere, and for this reason, as well as the superb range of ales, is definitely worth seeking out.

17 Apr 2009 18:49

The Boaters Inn, Kingston Upon Thames

Went in here for lunch today with my wife. The food was good, but more expensive than my previous visit, with the menu having dispensed with the usual pub favourites such as burger and chips, etc, in favour of more �gastro� offerings. And to cap it all the new potatoes were sauted, and there was no sweetener for the coffee! But who gives a toss about any of that? The important thing is they had Twickenham�s Spring Ale and Pale Beauty; Hogsback Spring Ale and TEA; and Sharp�s Doom Bar on. I had a couple of pints of the excellent Pale Beauty, which is a light coloured, full flavoured hoppy beer at a respectable ABV of 4.7%. Superb ales, superb setting by the river � worth paying a bit more than the going rate for the food. I�ll be back some time.

17 Apr 2009 17:09

The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge

Bad news getting here at 3.10PM on a Tuesday - to be told it was closed. Shame - it looks a pretty good pub with some decent ales on offer. Will have to give it another try, by getting my timing right!

14 Apr 2009 18:27

The Brewmaster, Leicester Square

This is a typical West End pub, appearing soulless and uninspiring. The real ales on were GKIPA (at �3 per pint) and Old Speckled Hen. The furniture has seen better days; the surface of the table at which I sat looked to be caked in assorted detritus. But it serves a purpose I suppose, as others have commented that the food seems to be OK. There are better pubs within a short stroll, but I have been to worse. So, hardly worth going out your way to visit, but if you do happen to find yourself in here you will at least get a pint of a GK ale at the sort of price that is now the going rate for London.

11 Apr 2009 22:27

The Bunch Of Grapes, Knightsbridge

This is quite a reasonable pub considering its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Harrod�s Store. But the Spirit Group pubco ambience is quite strong in here. They had Adnam�s bitter, GKIPA, Abbot Ale and Bombardier on. The Adnam�s was not particularly good, and at �3.10 a pint. On the plus side, it still has a lot of original Victorian features intact. It�s not a bad pub, but suffers somewhat from the pubco�s rather unimaginative ale selection. Nonetheless, I would be happy to drop in again for another pint if I was in the area.

9 Apr 2009 17:05

Old Red Lion, Holborn

This looks like a Victorian era pub, but now stripped out with little or no original features left. The bar back looks old, but nobody behind the bar knew anything about it. It�s a Greene King house, with the usual ales on of course, but they also had Bath Brewery Gem, which was excellent. Not cheap at �3.30 a pint, but I would rather pay this for an excellent pint rather than 50p less for an average pint. It�s bare-boarded downstairs, with no seating other than stools beside ledges round the sides of the pub. They advertised table seating upstairs, but I did not venture there. It�s a fair enough pub for a swift pint or two, especially if they have guest ales of the standard of Bath�s Gem, but not somewhere that I should want to spend an evening.

9 Apr 2009 16:35

Paxtons Head, Knightsbridge

There are masses of original Victorian (or perhaps early Edwardian) features (etched and cut glass, original wooden bar back, high Lincrusta ceiling, etc) in this impressive pub on Knightsbridge that gives the interior an olde worlde attractiveness that only genuine antiques can achieve. But that�s as far as it goes. I dislike having to ask for a top up (one shouldn�t have to of course), but the beer was so far short of the top of the glass that I felt obliged to. Having said that, it was topped up graciously. This should be a really great pub, but it looks to have had the Spirit Group corporate identity embedded into it. But they�ve retained all the original features that they have inherited � although these days I think it would be much harder to get away with the acts of vandalism that have been visited upon far too many pubs in the past.

Real ales on offer were Black Sheep Bitter; London Pride; and Deuchars IPA. Visit this pub if you like to drink surrounded by the olde worlde grandeur of a 100 �year old+ setting � otherwise don�t bother.

9 Apr 2009 16:19

The Duke of York, Fitzrovia

This is a small one-room pub with a comfortable feel about it. The only problem was that the tables on the right as you walk in were reserved for a private party, and the only other two tables were occupied - so nowhere comfortable to sit, and thus ended up perched on a stool. This was one of those things of course, and would certainly not put me off returning. The real ales they had on were Old Speckled Hen; GKIPA; Abbot Ale; and Flanker�s Tackle. So, a Greene King pub then. The service was friendly and beer OK (OSH at �3 a pint) so no complaints from me. No food at lunchtime, but I would be happy to pop in again for a pint.

7 Apr 2009 13:47

The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia

It�s a good few years since I�ve visited this pub, and judging by previous reviews I was expecting something much worse to have been done to it. It�s still reasonable inside, although it doesn�t have the �old pub� feel of the previous d�cor. False flagstones don�t look right, and nor does the distressed grey/green/yuk colours which the bar has been painted. This must be one of the smallest pubs around, with only one room (ignoring the pie restaurant upstairs which is not really part of the pub proper) and only a handful of seats and stools. They had Black Sheep Bitter and London Pride on � the BSB was fine, which you would expect it to be at �3.20 a pint. One plus to be mentioned is the fact that they still sell toasties and pasties from behind the bar at reasonable prices (�1.50 and �2 respectively). Not as good as it was, but still a decent pub. Image two shows how the exterior of the pub looks now, and in my view is something of an improvement as the tiling is now revealed from under the green paint.

7 Apr 2009 13:36

The Windsor Castle, Maida Vale

As others have said, entering this pub is a bit like being in someone�s front room. Unlike a nice front room, I didn�t find the front bar to be very comfortable � no normal seating; only high stools and high tables. I didn�t bother with the back room. The only real ale on was Adnam�s Bitter, which was not particularly good. I don�t think I�ll be returning.

7 Apr 2009 13:29

The Warwick Castle, Maida Vale

I had a very nice pint of Twickenham Spring Ale in here the other day. Shame the food wasn�t as good � a pretty ordinary beefburger and chips for �6.95. A still like this pub very much, but will have to make a better choice from the menu next time. It was pretty busy on a Friday lunchtime, with a largish leaving party occupying the room on the left, and all the outside tables occupied as a result of the lovely weather. A friendly, inviting pub that will get a return visit from me.

7 Apr 2009 12:14

The Worcester Park, Worcester Park

Seemed very clean, very scrubbed and light and airy. There are lots of sofas, and the usual Muzak type of pop music being played. It has the Spirit Group/Punch look about it. But they did have three ales on: GKIPA, Abbot Ale and Adnam�s Broadside. I think this is an ordinary pub that is trying to look sophisticated. However, this is undoubtedly the best pub in Worcester Park, though it is totally lacking in atmosphere. There are a lot of worse pubs around than this one, but I wouldn�t bother unless you�re stuck in Worcester Park waiting for a train, as I was.

1 Apr 2009 22:34

The Ram, Kingston Upon Thames

They had six real ales on when I was in there at lunchtime today: Bombardier; Young�s Bitter; Adnam�s Bitter; GKIPA; Sharp�s Doom Bar; and the excellent Exmoor Hound Dog. They even managed to produce a fruit smoothy for Mrs R. This pub is right on the river a stone�s throw from Kingston Bridge, with a narrow outside drinking area with a decent view over the river. Inside it�s a low-beamed single room pub, though it has clearly been extended into the smallish conservatory area at some stage. The food was OK, though nothing special, and the service was pretty good. One of the better pubs in Kingston in my opinion, and the real ale choice puts it a notch above the average as well. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in Kingston.

1 Apr 2009 17:13

The Crown, Bromley

This is a Beefeater restaurant, so you know what you are going to get in the way of food. I was in here for a meal over the Christmas period, and I have to say that in general the food was between poor and average. A GKIPA clip was turned round, and the only ale on was London Pride that tasted OK. The Crown serves a purpose, but I would certainly not go out of my to come here for a drink � or for something to eat for that matter.

1 Apr 2009 16:23

The Ferry House, Isle of Dogs

The only real ale they had on was Courage Best. It was only �2.50 a pint, but a better ale would be welcome. There were only a handful of regulars in when I dropped in for a pint on a Wednesday afternoon. It�s a fairly small pub; there was a dartboard, and furniture comprises a few stools round the bar plus normal tables and chairs. It�s a real pub that displays no airs and graces. I felt very comfortable in there, and I definitely recommend dropping in for a pint or two if you�re in the area (as long as you�re happy to drink Courage Best!).

27 Mar 2009 23:01

The Great Eastern, Isle of Dogs

Judging by one or two of the earlier reviews, one might expect this pub to be less than welcoming; perhaps even frightening. But that wasn�t my experience. The girl who served me my pint was efficient and friendly; I sat down to read my book over a quiet pint while a few other punters at the bar carried on their conversation. I finished my beer then left � seems fair enough to me.

Real ales on were Pride, Broadside and Young�s Bitter. I had the Pride, which was not brilliant, but OK. This is a large pub near the river, with a separate dining room on the right as you go in. Actually this is a comfortable, what I might call old style, pub. There were a few locals in, using what some might regard to be overly colourful language, standing drinking at the bar, but otherwise it was fairly quiet on a Wednesday lunchtime. The music was the usual banal pop music, but it was not being played too loud. I wouldn�t mind dropping in for another pint if I were in the area.

27 Mar 2009 22:37

The Lord Nelson, Isle of Dogs

Young�s Bitter and Bombardier were the only real ales on. The Young�s Bitter (at �2.70 a pint) was just about OK.This pub looks very unprepossessing from the outside, but is better when you step inside. The emphasis seems to be on food, but there�s no problem if you just want to have a drink. I didn�t eat there, but the food being devoured by other punters looked to be very good. There is a pool table at the back; a few sofas, but the majority of the seating consists of normal tables and chairs. It�s a largish corner site pub, that unfortunately has not apparently retained any evidence of its mid-Victorian heritage. But it�s a reasonably good pub � not worth going out of your way to find, though OK if you�re in the area and fancy a pint. I would sum it up as being clean and functional, and quite welcoming.

27 Mar 2009 17:28

The Duke of Buckingham, Kingston Upon Thames

They had no real ale on � just some bog standard lagers. This is quite a comfortable pub � it�s a bit like stepping back to the 70s with its separate public and saloon bars, and metalwork bar gantry. If only it had some copper-topped round tables. I wouldn�t want to turn anyone against this place as it�s a pretty decent pub, but the absence of a decent real ale is the kiss of death for me.

26 Mar 2009 17:57

The Ship, Isle of Dogs

It seems that it has now re-opened. They only had Pride on. The barmaid was having great difficulty filling the glass until I spotted the sparkler and eventually convinced her that it could be removed. I don�t think that she realised at first what I was talking about � I once asked a barmaid �is that a sparkler?� whereupon she pointed to the diamond stud in her navel and said �yes, do you like it?� You do have to be careful sometimes. Anyway, why do pubs use these things? They just make life more difficult for their staff, and how many drinkers on the Isle of Dogs want an exaggerated head on their beer when the ale in question is one that is not brewed to be dispensed through a sparkler? The Pride didn�t taste up to much either. I can�t think of anything good to say about this pub, other than the fact that it was there, and open, when it started raining as I was passing.

26 Mar 2009 17:45

The Kelly Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

Walking up to this pub it seemed closed as you can�t see any lights on � but luckily the sound of voices drew me in. It has the appearance of a backstreet locals� pub. Now a one room pub, like so many others of course, but the glass in the doors still proclaims its multi room past - �Private Bar� �Bottles and Jugs� �Public Bar�. It now has a pool table and dartboard in an area at the back of the pub.

There were four handpumps � two had no clips; one had a Gales HSB clip turned round, and the fourth was dispensing some distinctly average Bombardier, at �2.90 a pint. Actually it�s a fairly average pub. Nothing bad to say about it, but I don�t suppose that I shall bother to visit again.

25 Mar 2009 18:38

The Bricklayers Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

They had GKIPA and Flanker's Tackle on. The FT was OK (at �2.85 a pint) but for some reason still had that Greene King aftertaste to it. They�ve stripped this pub out since the last time I was in there. It was never very good, but they�ve managed to make it a bit more impersonal. Pop music being played too loud didn�t help either (even if it was Billy Joel). Not really worth bothering to find, but if you find yourself passing it�s OK for a swift pint as long as you are happy with Greene King ales.

24 Mar 2009 20:41

The Spring Grove, Kingston Upon Thames

They had Young�s Bitter, Special, Bombardier and Deuchars IPA on. This pub is larger than it looks from the outside, and it has clearly been extended to the right at some stage. It�s quite nice inside, with some interesting carved wooden adornments to the shelving, plus some screening between the two original bars is still in place. The Young�s Bitter was PK. The service was a bit distracted, but was alright. I didn�t eat, but the menu looked pretty basic, and reasonably priced. It�s an OK pub � not really worth going out of your way to visit, but OK to stop off for a pint.

24 Mar 2009 19:25

The Queens Head, Boreham

This is a small locals�pub tucked away behind the church. When I was in there on Saturday afternoon there was a group of what appeared to be locals getting stuck into a serious darts match. I didn�t interact with them much, but they seemed a friendly and polite bunch to me. There�s also a smallish garden at the back, with a shelter for smokers. The ales on offer were Adnam�s Bitter, GKIPA and Mighty Oak Brewery�s Maldon IPA. I had the latter, which was well kept and absolutely superb, and is a good session beer at only 3.6%.You are unlikely to stumble on this pub by accident, but it is worth seeking out if you are in the area � if you like small country pubs with decent ale.

24 Mar 2009 17:57

Six Bells, Boreham

This is Greene king pub, so expect the usual ales. But they did have St Edmunds on, which is a light lager coloured ale � not too strong at 4.2%, and tasted better than the IPA. On a sunny Saturday the pub was pretty busy with families dining, no doubt because of the large garden with children�s swings, slides, etc. It�s pretty comfortable inside; nicely laid out with normal tables and chairs. The service was not fast, but one couldn�t complain bearing in mind the numbers with which they were having to deal. I think this is a fairly decent pub; not top notch but pretty good.

22 Mar 2009 19:17

The Oakdale Arms, Harringay

They had Weston�s Old Rosie cider, as well as Milton�s Dionysus and Icarus on. I had the Dionysus which I had never had before. It�s a 3.6% hoppy lager-coloured ale which tasted excellent, and at �2.60 a pint is very reasonably priced. The pub itself has an air of tattiness that only a decent pub can carry off. It should be a very good pub � and probably is at another time � but what spoiled it for me was the mind-numbing loud thumping rave music that was being played. It�s the worst �music� that I have ever heard being played in a pub. I couldn�t get out fast enough � but I did stay long enough to finish my pint! I can�t see me making the trek up to North London to visit this pub again.

22 Mar 2009 18:31

The Great Northern Railway Tavern, Hornsey

No real ale on, nor any handpumps offering the possibility of something decent to drink on some future occasion. There are some original features in this Victorian ex-gin palace, but there are no other redeeming features as far as I can see. But, because I needed something to eat I decided to have a half of Stella and a Thai lunch. Got the Stella OK but there didn�t seem to be a way to get something to eat other than trying to snag the chef as he hurtled to and from the kitchen with other people�s meals. It seems the bar staff play absolutely no part in the food process � it�s like having two businesses on the same premises. I suppose that�s the way it is now, but losing business because a hungry punter can�t get something to eat in a pretty empty pub can�t be good for business. I won�t be coming back.

22 Mar 2009 12:10

The Spread Eagle, Wandsworth

This is a rather impressive Victorian gin palace of a pub, with many superb original features still in place. It has one of the best bar backs you�ll see anywhere. It�s obviously a very spacious pub � that�s the way the Victorians liked their gin palaces. It�s a Young�s pub � I guess one of their flagship pubs since when the brewery was opposite. But I didn�t find it all that welcoming for some reason. The barmaid did say what an excellent choice I had made in choosing Young�s Special (there wasn�t much else to choose from!) and that it comes with a 10-year guarantee. What a strange thing to say � I got the feeling (perhaps wrongly) that she was taking the mickey in some way. It�s definitely worth a visit to have a look at the d�cor, but I�m not sure it�s the sort of place I would like to spend a long time.

21 Mar 2009 10:00

The Grapes, Wandsworth

A Young�s pub, so the usual ales. I had the Young�s Bitter, which was good, but not cheap at �3.00 a pint. There was the usual pop music playing, but not too loudly. It was very quiet on a weekday lunchtime, with only yours truly plus three apparent locals in the pub � nobody talking, all lost in their world of the racing pages � and a couple in the beer garden. There was a large TV in the corner, but switched off. It is nicely carpeted throughout, with normal tables and chairs � but with some of the chair coverings having seen better days. I doubt whether much has changed in here in the last 50 years. Much the better for it, in my opinion. So, it�s a real pub then. Even if there�s nothing special about this pub � although you could say its ordinariness is quite special � it does have a welcoming feel about it, and I would be delighted to drop in for another pint if I was in the area.

21 Mar 2009 09:47

The Alma Tavern, Wandsworth Town

The first thing that strikes you about this pub is the startlingly green tiling that covers all sides of the exterior. It would be hard to walk past this pub without noticing it. In fact the exterior is so impressive that one is almost obliged to go in to have a pint, and who am I to fight against such an obligation? Inside it retains some of its original Victorian features, including some superb etched and gilded mirrors at the back. The central bar is a more modern hideous addition, however. It�s now a bare-boarded single room pub in the Young�s style, but with some seriously solid wooden tables.

It�s a Young�s pub � with Bitter, Special and Deuchar�s IPA on. I didn�t eat, but noticed the separate Express Menu (all on it at �5.95) with some pretty basic stuff on it for those lacking the luxury of a long enough lunch break, or lacking the inclination, to sample the more expensive, more �gastrofied� stuff on the main menu. Definitely worth dropping in to have a look at the d�cor, and perhaps have a pint, if you�re in the area.

20 Mar 2009 19:16

The Beehive, Wandsworth

This is a Fuller�s pub, but with only Pride and ESB on. I had the Pride, which was OK. This is a small one-room pub on the main road. There are a few stools round the bar, and the remaining furniture consists of the sort of tables and chairs you might find in an upmarket caff. That�s not a criticism, just an observation. The walls are adorned with old photographs of Wandsworth, and prints of old London. There are a couple of ficus benjaminii in large pots, but centre stage is occupied by what looks like an antique, or perhaps art deco, jukebox. It was pretty quiet on a Wednesday lunchtime with only a couple of regulars in, and with only (what I assumed to be) the landlord serving he had to go and make the sandwich I ordered himself leaving the bar unattended. It seems to be that sort of place. All things considered, it�s a decent enough simple little pub that I would be happy to visit again.

20 Mar 2009 18:54

The Windsor Castle, Clapham Junction

The real ales on were Pride and Bombardier. It had the Spirit Group look about it, but I�m not certain it was this pubco. It retains its original structure of two bars, with the ex-public bar at the front, with the saloon bar at the rear. The saloon bar has two distinct parts to it � the front is a traditional bar, but at the back is what can best be described as a mock Tudor hall, with a high ceiling, false beams and brick surrounded fireplace. But it�s attractive enough for all that. The walls are all wood panelled, some possibly original.

The Pride I had was OK, the service was friendly enough and the pop music was not being played too loudly. It�s not a bad pub; it�s just that there isn�t anything about which makes it stand out. Good enough for a pint if you�re passing, but with the Falcon just down the road there is at least one better pub in the area. I wouldn�t go out of my way to visit again.

20 Mar 2009 18:26

The White Swan, Twickenham

This is an extremely attractive riverside pub. There�s a fairly small area inside, but there are a number of benches in a patio area just over the path, right by the river�s edge. There are spectacular river views, and even a small pebbled beach at low tide. The bar area inside is very small, and with only one person serving on a Saturday lunchtime there was a longish wait to get served � made longer when he had to leave the bar to change a barrel. I imagine that it would get unbearably busy on a hot summer�s day. The real ales available were Deuchars IPA, Twickenham Naked Ladies and Skinner�s Betty Stogs Bitter. The Betty Stogs is an exceptionally good ale. They also had a barbeque on the go. This pub is definitely worth a visit, but don�t expect to come here on a warm day and have a quiet drink.

17 Mar 2009 18:44

The Eel Pie, Twickenham

This is a Hall and Woodhouse pub, with the full range on. I had the Hopping Hare which was very good. This is a nice old low-ceilinged pub down Church St, nestling among all the Indian restaurants. The publican was particularly welcoming and friendly. The food was pretty down-to-earth pub fare; my wife had some sausages and mash and I had a tuna mayo sandwich with some chips. Both were OK for what we paid, about �6 each. It�s a decent, ordinary, comfortable pub with no pretentions to grandeur. Definitely worth a return visit.

17 Mar 2009 18:42

The Anglesea Arms, Chelsea

Excellent choice of ales on � Adnam�s Bitter; Broadside; Pride; Twickenham Sundancer; Hogsback TEA; and Brakspear�s Oxford Gold. I went for the TEA which was excellent, and at �3 a pint not unreasonable for the area. I�m not sure whether they always have this sort of range of ales on, though I suspect from RogerB's posting that they do. There was an advert (which I only saw in the gents!) for a beer festival (from 9 to 22 March I think), but with different ales promised to those that were actually on. But never mind - can�t complain about the ales that were on.

This is more like a pub than many others in the area. It�s a single room pub furnished mainly with normal tables and chairs; walls are mainly adorned with paintings and prints. A few magazines lying around for customers to read is also a nice touch. Service was a little offhand, although not unfriendly. All things considered this is a pretty decent pub, and the excellent ale selection certainly warrants a return trip.

15 Mar 2009 19:01

The Builders Arms, Chelsea

Pride, Cornish Coaster and Adnam�s Bitter on. This place is all sofas and luxury, but with a few tables and chairs outside mainly for the smokers. Not much like a pub; par for the course in this area I suppose.

15 Mar 2009 17:40

The Earl Beatty, Motspur Park

But on the plus side, the beer is not overpriced and although the choice of real ale is somewhat limited (Pride and GKIPA), the Pride (which is what I invariably drink) seems to be pretty well looked after - and you always get a full pint.

14 Mar 2009 19:05

The The White Ferry, Victoria

Only Courage Best on, which was not brilliant even if it was only �2.30 a pint. This pub still has separate Public and Saloon Bars, with many original Victorian features still in place, including a very impressive bar back. There�s a pool table in the public bar � undoubtedly not Victorian! This is a very comfortable pub. The music being played was not too loud, but it was not improved by having to compete with the tinny radio with the racing on. I quite like this pub, but I would like it a lot more if they did a decent ale � I suppose the locals don�t drink much ale.

14 Mar 2009 18:54

The Coopers Arms, Chelsea

This is typical of a Young�s �madeover� pub with all the character removed. The Young�s Bitter I had was not particularly good either. It�s clean and clinical with typically Chelsea yellow walls. Food centric of course � the trouble with fish and chips (that a couple seated near me were eating) is that everybody nearby gets to experience the somewhat overpowering aroma. I�ve been to many much worse pubs, but I can�t really see any reason to return to this one.

14 Mar 2009 18:49

The Crown, Chelsea

Clean and scrubbed looking, though a bit tattier than my last visit a couple of years ago. This time they had St Austell Tribute and GKIPA on � last time they had the superb Otter Ale on, so I don�t think that the replacements are an improvement. I tend to think that this establishment is more of a restaurant than a pub. It�s OK, but not really my kind of place.

14 Mar 2009 18:46

The Clarendon, Pimlico

All the tables in the main bar area were set for diners. The lady who served me was very friendly and welcoming, but the fact that this pub is very food orientated was reinforced when she asked if I would be eating with them today. Well I did eat there, having the Clarendon Burger which was very good (served up with some salad and a portion of chips) but not particularly cheap at �8.

There are four handpumps in place � two had no clips; one had a clip turned round; and the fourth was dispensing Deuchars IPA which was pretty good (�3.10 per pint). This seems more like a bar/restaurant than a pub, though there a couple of tables and chairs plus sofa in a lower level room at the back of the pub that were not set for diners. The music being played was some rather relaxed jazz/soul that made a pleasant change from the puerile pop music one often hears. It�s OK if you like these sort of clinically sterile places, but not really my cup of tea.

14 Mar 2009 18:43

The Tide End Cottage, Teddington

For a Greene King pub they had a decent range of ales on � GKIPA, Abott Ale, Ruddles County, Westgate Flanker�s Tackle and Hare Raiser. I had the Hare Raiser, which was fine, even if it did have something of the Greene King taste about it though. What I liked is that the landlady (?) gave me a taste of both the Flanker�s Tackle and the Hare Raiser before I bought a pint.

This is a real TARDIS of a pub. It has a narrow front, which opens up inside to a fairly large pub. But it�s got several nooks and crannies off to the sides, is comfortably furnished, and with a bit of a patio at the back for smokers. It�s right by the Teddington footbridge over the river, so has a steady stream of pedestrians and cyclists passing by, although most seem to use the Anglers next door which was much busier during my visit on Saturday afternoon. Anyway, a warm and comfortable pub, with friendly service and pretty good ale is good enough for me. I rather like this pub, and will certainly return.

12 Mar 2009 09:09

The Churchill Arms, Kensington

This is a Fuller�s pub, so expect the usual range of ales. The ESB I had was good, as usual. They seem to have cornered the market in assorted bric-a-brac, and hung it all from the ceiling. But it doesn�t look out of place though. It was pretty busy at around 3.30 on a Friday afternoon � not sure if it was mainly punters having a late lunch; workers on POETS� day starting the weekend early; or punters like me popping into a decent pub for a good pint. All the above probably.

From the solid looking bar top to the attractive bow windows, and comfortable seating, this is an excellent and welcoming pub. I struggle to define exactly what it is I like about this pub � maybe it�s its essential �pubishness�. I�ll definitely be back.

11 Mar 2009 17:23

McGlynns, Kings Cross

They had Courage Best and Deuchars IPA on when I was in there this week. The Deuchars was OK, and reasonably priced at �2.80 a pint. This is a fairly large pub tucked away down a side street near Kings Cross Station. You�re not likely to stumble on it by accident � but you never know in the Kings Cross area. Lemon yellow walls made it very bright on a sunny March day. There was a large widescreen TV on, tuned to some music channel. It was not on too loud to inhibit conversation, but personally I could have done without being subjected to more inane pop music. But maybe others appreciated it.

It seems to advertise itself as a restaurant, but there is a large pub area at the front, with the dining area at the rear. There were a dozen or so customers in for a bite to eat when I was in there at Friday lunchtime. I didn�t eat there but the food looked OK. It is comfortably furnished with red upholstered settles and stools. The service was friendly and polite enough. All in all it is a pretty decent pub, though not a great one. I would be happy to drop in again if I was in the area.

11 Mar 2009 11:04

The Hillgate, Notting Hill Gate

It�s changed a bit since my last visit a couple of years or so ago. Not sure if it�s for the better, as it seems to have lost a bit of its character. But it�s still OK though � a fairly unpretentious backstreet pub in a fairly pretentious part of the world. There were a couple of large TVs showing the cricket, but muted presumably in order for the punters to endure the inane pop music. But maybe others like it. There were national flags of the �six nations� draped from the ceiling, something that I think detracts from the positive ambience of any pub � but again that�s just my personal opinion and it may be that those who do come in to watch the rugby have their drinking and sport watching experience enhanced by the presence of the flags.

They had Sharp�s Cornish Coaster (which was pretty good) and Pride on. There was a sign advertising Skinner�s Betty Stogs� Bitter, but didn�t see it on - shame that, as it�s an excellent ale. This is not my favourite pub in the area, but it�s OK. Nothing special, but another �OK� pub.

11 Mar 2009 10:31

The Duke Of Wellington, Portobello Road

This is a typical pubco pub, catering for the market trade. They had Young�s Bitter, Bombardier, and Deuchars IPA on. The Young�s Bitter was OK. Exceptionally friendly (Irish?) bar staff, but not quite so sure about the clientele. Usual courtesies, like a �thanks� for holding a door open, seemed lacking on three occasions during my visit. But I can�t blame the pub for that. In any case, it�s an unexceptional pub with not much going for it except its location in the market, and the really nice bar staff.

9 Mar 2009 13:16

The Swan, Hampton Wick

A Shepherd Neame pub so expect the usual ales � they had Spitfire, Bishop�s Finger and Kent�s Best on when I was in there at Saturday lunchtime. The Kent�s Best was pretty good. The pub is clean, comfortable and bright. They have an open view kitchen, and the food we had was good enough and reasonably priced, if not cheap. No discernable smells from the kitchen, which is good. Both the chap behind the bar, and the lady doing the food, were friendly and helpful. Basically I though that this was a decent enough pub � nothing special about it and nothing wrong with it either. I would be happy to drop in again if I was in the area and fancied a pint of Shep�s beer.

8 Mar 2009 15:59

The King Charles I, Kings Cross

Decent selection of ales on � St Austell Tribute; Everard�s Beacon; Brodie�s Mild and a cask on the bar containing Brodie�s Stout. There was also a fourth handpump with the clip turned round, and judging from recent comments it was probably another of the Brodie�s range. There also looked to be a large range of bottled beers on offer, advertised on a chalkboard. I had the Tribute (�3 a pint), which was in excellent form. The only food (at lunchtime anyway) were pickled eggs, scotch eggs and pork pies. Nothing wrong with that � and they are happy for you to pop over the road to the sandwich bar to bring something back to eat. The service was friendly and helpful.

This is a small one-room pub. The walls are covered with what looks like some pretty ancient wood panelling; there�s plenty of solid wood furniture; and some large African and Asian (Indian, or possibly Thai, I think) masks on the wall. There�s even a bar billiards next to the door. The pub is small enough that I imagine it would get crowded pretty quickly, but it wasn�t too busy on a Friday lunchtime. This is the sort of pub that I would be very happy to sit in for a couple of hours with a few pints over a long lunch. I�ll be back.

8 Mar 2009 14:51

The Fountain, New Malden

I�ve always believed that that a pub can be a very different place at different times of the day, and on different days of the week. I was in here with a few friends on Thursday lunchtime. The food was good, and very reasonably priced. The landlady was friendly and attentive, and even the Broadside was superb. The only downside was when the landlady said to my friend that she had received an E-mail from Head Office saying that electronic cigarettes (my friend was using one) should not be permitted. I hope they reverse that ruling � I got the impression that the landlady did not entirely agree with the edict � as it will deter trade. I'll be back, as long as my friend can use her ciggy substitute!

8 Mar 2009 11:13

The Mitre, Fulham

They had Pride, Doom Bar and Landlord on. The Pride was distinctly average, and at �3.50 a pint is way over the top for this area. It has mostly boarded flooring, but with a bit of filthy carpet at one end of the room. Magenta and cream walls; padded magenta facing to the bar; sofas and high tables. The sofas may have been leather (or maybe a decent imitation) but for me they gave it a plastic feel to the place. Characterless and expensive sums this pub up forme. The best thing about it was the signed print of the Red Arrows on the wall. I won�t be back.

27 Feb 2009 22:38

The Colton Arms, Barons Court

Pride, Deuchars IPA and Doom Bar on. The Doom Bar was not cheap at �3.30 a pint, but tasted good. What a superb little pub this is. It doesn�t look like anything special from the outside, but the inside is full of character. The place is full of what appears to be elaborately carved antique furniture, including a screen to the right as you go in, and the bar (office) to the left. Very impressive. There�s also a fire on the go, and I found it to be reminiscent of a country pub � epitomised by the especially friendly welcome I was given.

When I was in during a weekday afternoon there were only a handful of regulars in, clearly enjoying a chat with chums. Nor did I notice any intrusive music or unwelcome one armed bandits spoiling the relaxed atmosphere. Beer is served in dimpled mugs rather than straight glasses � not my preference, but hardly important. Notwithstanding the fairly expensive beer, this pub is highly recommended and definitely worth seeking out.

27 Feb 2009 22:24

The Crown and Anchor, Covent Garden

They had Pedigree, Spitfire and Harvey�s Bitter on. The Harveys was �3 a pint, and tasted OK. This is a small corner pub on bustling Neal St, and which I found to be clean and comfortable. It�s bare-boarded throughout, and has one large flatscreen TV, but which was not on when I visited early lunchtime on Wednesday. It�s quite nicely decorated, with some shelving between the main room and stairs cluttered with miscellaneous nick-knacks. I didn�t eat there, but the menu looked reasonably priced and unpretentious. This is a decent enough pub without being anything special.

27 Feb 2009 22:07

The Duke of Wellington, Aldgate

I had some London Pride here � it was OK and at �2.60 a pint pretty reasonably priced. There was large plasma screen TV on showing Sky Sports, but it was muted. There were two dartboards being used in the main bar when I was in at Wednesday lunchtime � by what was apparently a group of office workers enjoying a long lunch. I very much doubt whether this pub gets much passing trade tucked away, as it is, on a side street off Commercial Road, but is a pretty decent backstreet pub.

24 Feb 2009 18:56

The Town of Ramsgate, Wapping

In the way of ales, they had some of the usual suspects on � Pride, Young�s Bitter, Adnam�s Bitter � but the guest ale was the excellent Butcombe Bitter, and very good it tasted too. This is a long thin pub leading down to the river at Wapping Old Stairs. It has a long history � Judge Jeffries etc � and it claims to be the oldest pub on the river. But I believe that the Prospect of Whitby just down the road also makes that claim. It�s an improvable claim I suspect, like so many such claims involving London pubs.

Nevertheless, this is a real pub although it inevitably gets a number of tourists in. No problem with that, as it seems to have retained its essential character. It�s comfortably furnished with normal tables and chairs; no one-armed bandits; and no overly loud music. I quite like this pub; I�ve been several times before, and no doubt will visit again.

24 Feb 2009 17:47

The Golden Heart, Shoreditch

It retains a number of its original Victorian features, including separate saloon and public bars, plus wood-panelled walls. There was a fire blazing away (gas-fired I suppose) with a dog in front of it, giving the place a somewhat rustic effect � false of course, with the frenetic Commercial Road outside. They had Adnam�s Bitter and Broadside on, but no idea what they were like as no-one appeared to serve me in the saloon bar, so I left. It�s a nice enough pub, but low marks for service.

23 Feb 2009 18:53

The Old Rose, Shadwell

This is a pretty straightforward and ordinary little one-room corner pub. Pride and Young�s bitter on � the Pride didn�t look or taste anything like Pride; more like Deuchars IPA but tasted OK though. It is something of a green room, with green walls, green ceiling, and green upholstered furniture. No free drinks though! There was some pop music being played, there were a couple of TVs but neither were on. This seemed to be a decent enough pub without being anything special that is OK for a pint if you�re passing, but I won�t go out of my way to visit again.

23 Feb 2009 10:08

The Atlas, West Brompton

They had Pride, Deuchars IPA and Harvey�s Best on � the Harveys was on good form and at �3.10 a pint the going rate for the area I suppose. This pub still retains a number of its original features, most notably, in my opinion, the wood panelling in the back bar. This was clearly originally a two-room pub with the public bar at the front and the saloon bar at the back, although some of the panelling that separated the two bars is still in place. But it is no longer the backstreet boozer that I remember from the mid 80s, although the furniture seems not to have changed much.

As others have pointed out, the emphasis now is on the food, but I had no trouble getting a seat to just have a pint at 2.10 on Saturday afternoon. It still had the feel of a pub to me, albeit an �upmarket� one � gastro food-centric, bare-boarded etc. Worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area.

22 Feb 2009 21:26

The Gun, Shoreditch

Four real ales on when I was in at lunchtime earlier this week � Deuchars IPA, GKIPA, Bombardier and Broadside. The Deuchars was not brilliant, but drinkable. Quite interesting d�cor � guns (of course) and other various militaria adorn the walls, and the carpet sports a large cannon motif, which is really unusual. The wood panelled walls are an attractive feature, and it also has the most unusual ceiling I have seen � white plastic/glass panels?

There is a pool table in a separate side room. This is a decent enough pub without being anything special. I wouldn�t recommend going there just for the beer though.

22 Feb 2009 21:03

The Fox and Pheasant, Fulham

This is a low-ceilinged two-room pub with plenty of dark wood, located in a small terraced road just off the Fulham Road. Only GKIPA and Abbott Ale on � the GKIPA at �3.00 a pint is a tad overpriced in my view. As you enter the pub you are faced with the side of the smallish central bar, which would undoubtedly have been used for off sales at some stage. The TV was on in the left hand (public) bar showing (of course!) the Villa v Chelsea game, watched by a handful of locals.

This pub has the feel of a backstreet local to me, with comfortable seating and friendly bar staff. It�s worth a visit, but probably only one visit unless you are a fan of Greene King ales.

21 Feb 2009 23:04

The Courtfield, Earls Court

A fairly decent selection of ales on � Timothy Taylor Landlord; Old Speckled Hen; Swing Low; Old Peculiar; London Pride and GKIPA. The TT Landlord was OK - �3.10 a pint seems to be the going rate for this area. This is a big chain (Spirit Group) pub with little in the way of character. There are also too many high stools and tables for my liking, and the pop music was being played too loudly. This pub seems to be mainly used as a restaurant, with tourist prices to match. Even with the ale selection, I can�t see much reason to return.

21 Feb 2009 22:50

The Dickens Inn, Tower Hill

Looks like a tourist trap restaurant to me, but they did have some of the usual suspects on � Pride, Bombardier, Adnam�s bitter. Tourist prices as well I�m afraid. Nevertheless it does have a rather splendid setting in St Katherine�s dock though. Not really my sort of place � I prefer somewhere a little more �pub-like�, but it serves its purpose in a fairly attractive part of London.

20 Feb 2009 23:15

The Uxbridge Arms, Notting Hill

Bombardier, Pride and Tribute on � the Tribute was superb, but at �3.15 a pint it is not cheap although I would prefer to pay that than have an ordinary pint for �2.80 or so. The pub is carpeted throughout; there was a coal-effect gas fire on the go; comfortably furnished; no TVs on, and I didn�t see any one-armed bandits or juke boxes either. It is set in a terraced street, with an attractive frontage and comprises two bars joined by an archway with a few (false?) beams.

This is a warm and welcoming pub that was fairly busy on an early Thursday evening. I can�t see any reason to come here other than for the decent ale and good conversation. I�ll be back!

17 Feb 2009 12:07

The Prince Edward, Bayswater

This is a Hall & Woodhouse pub, so the usual range of ales are available, but they did'nt have any Pickled Partridge on (which I had had at Ship and Shovell an hour or so earlier) although they did have Hopping Hare on. I had the Sussex Bitter, which was fine. A central island bar dominates the pub; there are a couple of sofas in the front bar; a few stools round the bar; and in the back bar there is also a set of six attractive high-backed chairs round a largish table that would not look out of place in a dining room.

The thumping Latin American music was not being played so loud as to prevent conversation. The flat screen TV, although showing Sky Sports, was muted. It is carpeted throughout, tastefully lit, and with numerous miscellaneous prints on the walls plus a gas-effect fire on the go gives it a very homely feel. I am trying to paint a picture of a warm and welcoming pub, which I think this is. I would pay this pub a return visit if I was in the area, but it doesn�t really deserve the 7.8 rating it currently enjoys.

14 Feb 2009 23:32

The Princess of Wales, Charing Cross

They had London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Young�s Bitter on when I dropped in on Wednesday lunchtime. The TTL was OK. This is a very gloomy place with little or no natural light getting in, not helped by the canopy outside, obviously for the benefit of smokers. There was a large flat screen TV in one of the corners, but it was switched off. Fairly cold as well, with whatever heating there was being unable to offset a bitterly cold February day. It was bare-boarded throughout, which always seems to make a pub seem colder than one that is carpeted. In short, a pretty nondescript pub with no obvious redeeming features � other than being very handy for Charing Cross Station, and being better than the Boadicea. Can�t see any reason to return.

13 Feb 2009 21:53

The White Swan, Aldgate

This is a Shepherd Neame pub, with the usual range on offer � plus a porter, which you don�t see everywhere. The service was fine. A not unpleasant, although unusual, smell of coffee pervaded the pub. It doesn�t seem to have changed since JohnBonser�s review over 18 months ago. I also found this pub to be smart and clean, but rather characterless, and more like a wine bar or hotel bar than a pub. I have no gripe with the place; it does do some decent beer after all. It�s just that I prefer somewhere a little less clinical. But don�t let me put you off - I have been to many worse places in the City.

6 Feb 2009 16:47

The Brown Bear, Whitechapel

They had Adnam�s bitter, London Pride, and Skinner�s Betty Stogs Bitter on. I had the latter, which was superb (�2.90 a pint). First time I�ve tried it, and I�m not surprised it won an award at Earls Court last year.

It�s a single-room pub with an island bar, bare boarded throughout with various miscellaneous prints adorning the walls. There were three, or possibly four TV screens on, but muted, showing Sky Sports. It was still fairly busy when I left at 2.40 PM, so would probably have done a good trade throughout the lunchtime. The service I received was attentive and friendly. I found this a friendly and welcoming pub, although nothing very special. I don�t think that I would go much out of my way to visit again, but it�s certainly worth dropping in for a pint if you are in the area.

6 Feb 2009 16:21

The Scarborough Arms, Whitechapel

They had London Pride and GKIPA on, plus a third handpump that was not in use. The Pride was OK. I was in there for lunch during the week, and although they didn�t have a printed menu, there was a chalkboard on the wall offering a few hot meals (sausage & mash; burger & chips; scampi & chips; ham, egg & chips) all at �3.95. I had a pint of Pride and a ham sandwich with chips that came to a total of �6.20. This all seems pretty reasonably priced to me. The chips were good but the ham in my sandwich was rubbish � you get what you pay for I suppose.

This is another single-room pub with an island bar � indicating that it was probably a multi-room venue in previous years. Carpeted throughout, with fairly nondescript d�cor, I found this a friendly and welcoming pub on a bitterly cold weekday February lunchtime. It was doing a reasonable trade, with what seemed to be mostly regulars. The dartboard was in constant use all the time I was in there. I think that I would describe this pub as �unpretentious� � nothing wrong with that. I would go back if I was in the area again.

6 Feb 2009 15:22

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

They now do not open until 3.00 PM on Monday to Thursdays. That caught me out yesterday lunchtime! Still a great pub though.

5 Feb 2009 14:55

The Horseshoe Inn, London Bridge

They had Gale�s Butser; Breakspear�s Bitter; and the ubiquitous London Pride on. The Gales Butser was excellent (at �3 a pint), and was readily topped up without being asked. The food was OK � I had a ciabatta chicken sandwich for �4.95. The landlord was friendly and chatty � he had the latest version of What�s Brewing on the counter in order to place an advert for a forthcoming beer festival in March; plus there were copies of London Drinker available. I regard these as very good signs indeed.

The pub itself is tucked away behind London Bridge near Guys Hospital. It is essentially a one-room pub, but with a restaurant section at the back. It�s bare-boarded, with a high ceiling that should let in a lot of light. But on a gloomy and wet Wednesday in January there wasn�t much light about, and it was made gloomier by the canopy let down outside one of the windows, presumably to accommodate smokers. The only other negative thing for me was the fact that the music being played and Sky News on the large plasma TV were in competition with each other.

But I found this to be a friendly and welcoming pub with decent beer on handpump. There�s also a functioning dartboard. I would certainly go back.

31 Jan 2009 17:20

The Ship, Rotherhithe

This is essentially a backstreet locals� pub � epitomized by the large Millwall FC �No One Likes Us� flag at the end of the pub. There were half a dozen or so regulars in on a Wednesday lunchtime, all sitting at the bar, and when one left all the others said goodbye by to him by name. It has the typical, yet attractive, Young�s pub exterior. Inside it is now a single-room pub with an island bar, but clearly in the past the different doors led to different rooms. They only had Young�s Bitter on, but it was OK.

There are two very large plasma TVs on two of the walls; both were on with the volume tolerably high, showing a documentary about the Waco siege, with only one person watching. The models of ships sitting on top of the bar gantry is a nice touch. There was no food unfortunately � presumably there is insufficient call for it. Probably just as well as the smell of cleaning products was a little off-putting.

All in all this is a pretty decent backstreet pub. The piano is still there as well. I would be happy to return.

31 Jan 2009 17:08

The Albion, Southwark

No real ale � two handpumps, but no clips on them. D�cor seems to be mainly national flags and football shirts. There was a stage at the back, where a live music act was advertised, and which also had a very large film screen on it � presumably for watching sporting events. There is also a pool table.

The service was friendly enough, but I didn�t think that there was much else to recommend it. Can�t see any reason to return.

31 Jan 2009 16:44

The Park Tavern, Kingston Upon Thames

They had six ales on the other when I dropped in here at lunchtime � TT Landlord, TT Golden Best, London Pride, Fuller�s Jack Frost, Young�s Bitter and Highgate Stocking Filler. I had the Golden best and the Stocking Filler, and while both were excellent the Stocking Filler was not cheap at �3.30 a pint.

But the Park Tavern was a very comfortable and warm refuge from a bitterly cold December day. The ceiling was literally covered in different pump clips, presumably indicative of a dedication to providing regular guest ales. Furniture consists of stools with backs around the bar, and normal tables with settles around the walls plus a few small stools. Carpeted throughout. Masses of rugby centric memorabilia adorn the walls. I didn�t see a one-armed-bandit; I saw one small TV high on the wall that was not switched on although judging by an earlier review there may have been a larger TV tucked away where I could not see it. There was no music playing.

So, it was very quiet when I was in there � three obvious regulars plus me � and no music or TV on. This has very much the feel of a backstreet local, and I like it very much. Do not go here for a wild time, but do visit if you want a quiet pint in convivial surroundings. Food consisted of a tray of rolls covered in clingfilm behind the bar. Classic � a bit like stepping back in time about 30 years. Highly recommended.

31 Dec 2008 16:51

The Five Bells, Bickley

Currently closed, awaiting commencement of some building work. The usual planning permission notices are pinned to the door, but no apparent sign of any imminent work taking place.

28 Dec 2008 21:33

The Imperial, Soho

They had Butcombe Bitter on, as well as some of the usual suspects. Pretty good it tasted too, as well as being a bit different � for London anyway. This pub has been seriously refurbished since the last time I was in here, when they had a pinball machine at the back where the red settees are now. But, for the area, it�s a rather comfortable pub. They have an interesting combination of floor tiles by the bar, surrounded by a few feet of bare boards, and then carpeting round the sides where the majority of tables are.

It seems to cater mainly for the tourist trade, which is inevitable considering its location on Leicester Square, but for all that it�s not bad. There are many worse places to drink in this area, though it�s not really worth going out of your way to visit.

22 Dec 2008 17:20

The Captains Cabin, Piccadilly

Hidden away in a side street between The Haymarket and Regent Street. They had GKIPA and Pride on (like everywhere in London it seems) as well as Courage Directors and Highgate Stocking Filler � the latter was pretty good, as well as making a welcome change for the usual suspects.

This pub is now very different from its incarnation as a backstreet pub that I knew more than 30 years ago. It�s been made over to death and is now a typical large pubco offering. It�s OK I suppose if you like that sort of place � functional but characterless.

22 Dec 2008 13:43

The White Horse, Soho

Yet another decent Sam Smith�s pub that doesn�t have any real ale on. It�s a shame � something worth drinking would make this a pretty good pub. But it won�t be getting my custom unless they do get a decent beer on.

21 Dec 2008 17:06

The Glasshouse Stores, Piccadilly Circus

A decent enough little Sam Smith�s pub, but as they only have keg beers on they won�t be getting my custom.

21 Dec 2008 11:52

The Three Crowns, St James's

They had GKIPA, Pride, Young�s Bitter and Spitfire on when I was in here. I had the Pride, which was OK. This is a small fronted, but medium sized pub tucked away off the beaten track down a side street off Jermyn Street. Service was friendly � the couple behind the bar both spoke with British accents. It was comfortable, and fairly quiet on the last Saturday before Christmas. Seems to be a good place to escape the crowds filling the nearby streets.

I rather liked this pub. There was nothing outstanding about it, although I thought the leaded lights in the bar gantry, and in panels at the rear of the pub, were quite attractive. This is probably a good place to go if you fancy a quiet pint.

20 Dec 2008 22:43

The Chequers, St James's

This is a very small pub, with a warm and welcoming feel to it. Clientele seemed a mix of regulars and tourists. It was very comfortable throughout, being carpeted (I always think that carpets make a place more �warm� than bare boards), with a panelled ceiling and lots of dark wood. I noticed that all the tables were reserved for diners � I suppose in these days a pub can�t afford to lose the income generated by diners if those only drinking are occupying the handful of tables.

Ales on were Deuchars IPA, Pride, and Bombardier. The IPA was fine. I also had a hot turkey and stuffing baguette which was pretty good at �4.25 � with Fortnum & Mason cranberry sauce no less. There was large plasma screen TV � It was turned off on the Saturday lunchtime I was in, but maybe they switch it on if there is something worth watching. Won�t get a lot of use, then. Definitely worth dropping in here for a pint if you are in the area.

It strikes me as a bit unusual that a decent pub like this, which has been around for several hundred years, and in the centre of London has only been reviewed by two people (although Roger�s review should perhaps count double! And thanks for the history lesson!) and rated by four. Just one of things I suppose.

20 Dec 2008 22:03

The Blue Posts, St James's

GKIPA, Pride and OSH on. The Pride was OK, and not overpriced at around �3 a pint � after all it just behind The Ritz. There are two TV screens � only one was on of a Saturday afternoon, with the sound muted. Furniture is mainly normal tables and chairs, with a handful of high stools around a ledge surrounding a central pillar. This is another one of those pretty decent, if unremarkable, pubs that we seem to have number of in London. Decent d�cor, decent service, decent beer (I didn�t eat there) � decent pub. OK for a pint if you happen to be in the area, but not really worth going out of your way to find.

20 Dec 2008 21:29

Inn 1888, Marylebone

GKIPA and Abott Ale on. The GKIPA at �3.05 a pint was expensive for a very ordinary beer that was not in particularly good � but this may have been because it was the first pint of day that had not been drawn through. There is some rather nice Victorian tiling as well as some gilded, etched and cut glass.

Bit it did not seem very welcoming. My �good morning� (OK, it was 12.05, but close enough) may have elicited a suitable response, but I did not catch it. And it was very cold in there as well � I�m glad I had a sweater on. Thai food only, but I didn�t bother to stop to eat as it was too cold. One chap came in looking for a sandwich to eat, and left when he was told the food was only Thai. It is probably worth dropping in to have a peek at the d�cor, but I can�t see any other reason.

20 Dec 2008 11:08

The Wargrave Arms, Marylebone

This is a big corner Young�s pub. Shame they served my Special in a hot glass, but it tasted OK anyway. There were a couple of office Christmas lunches underway when I was in there, which added to the atmosphere but without making it overcrowded. But this is a big enough pub that it would need an awful lot of people in there to make it overcrowded. There is an abundance of comfortable seating, and I felt that this was an honest, basic, boozer, where I got a warm welcome. And a greengrocer�s apostrophe (�see our menu�s�) if anything added to the traditional feel!

This was my first visit, so can�t comment on how it might have changed for the worse, as suggested by previous reviewers, but I always say that a pub can be two different places on different days if the atmosphere is good one day but not the next. Based on my one visit, I would go back.

20 Dec 2008 10:56

The Beehive, Marylebone

This really seems to be more of a restaurant than a pub, although when I went up to the bar to order a pint, nobody asked me whether I wanted to eat. But there was one real ale on � Everard�s Sleighbell, which was expensive at �3.70 a pint. It tasted superb though. There was a Loddon�s Brewery van outside, which raised my hopes somewhat. I did have a club sandwich, which cost �6.90 and was OK, but expensive for what it was. I got my change at the bar in a silver dish, which always leads me to question an establishment�s entitlement to call itself a pub.

The bar back and counter look original, as does the floor tiling surrounding the bar, but nothing else about this place reminds me of a pub. I doubt whether I shall be paying a return visit.

19 Dec 2008 23:34

The Duke Of Wellington, Marylebone

This is another restaurant pretending to be a pub. The fa�ade is now painted that dark grey that these sort of places seem to like � as in Imagine 9 of the photographs above. Images 1, 2 and 3 are out of date. But the Black Sheep Bitter was pretty good - �3.20 a pint though. Can�t see any real reason to return.

19 Dec 2008 23:28

The North Star, Hook

In there with a very large party for our Christmas lunch. Food was not good � tough steak, undercooked veg, meals arriving with longish intervals between them, etc. I don�t blame the staff � they did their best and remained pretty cheerful throughout, but I just don�t think they are really geared up to handling large parties. Ales on were Young�s Special, Adnam�s Bitter and London Pride. I had a couple of pints of special, which was just about OK. A friend had said that the food has always been pretty good in the past, so I shall give it another try after Christmas, and when I am not going mob-handed.

Otherwise this is an unremarkable pub, but comfortable enough for a pint or two, but in my view not worth going out of your way to visit.

16 Dec 2008 16:59

The Old Fountain, Old Street

They had several decent ales on when I was in there at lunchtime earlier this week � Triple Brewery Moondance; Black Sheep Bitter; Springfield IPA; Buntingford Apollo; and the ubiquitous London Pride. I had the Moondance, which was superb. The pub doesn�t look like much from the outside if you approach it from the Peerless St entrance; in fact it doesn�t really look open, but once inside it opens up into a fairly large and welcoming pub. The clientele comprised mainly of office workers, as far as I could tell.

There�s an old-fashioned food counter at the back of the lower bar where you can see the food on offer. I had some excellent home made chicken and leek pie plus chips and veg for �5.95 � and that was the most expensive thing on the menu. There was a TV, but it was not switched on; a fish tank; carpeted throughout with only normal tables and chairs. There�s nothing pretentious about this place.

So, a comfortable and welcoming pub with good beer and good food. That�ll do it for me. Highly recommended.

13 Dec 2008 11:52

The Griffin, Shoreditch

The dismal appearance of the exterior might lead you to believe that the interior is just as dismal. But you would be wrong! The interior is far more dingy than the outside! The dirt on the floor, buckets, broom and stepladder lying around, chipped and battered paintwork everywhere, with cables and plugs under the Christmas tree in lieu of presents completing the picture. The heating was apparently not working properly as it was very cold inside, and the large intrusive no smoking sign didn�t help. The musty smell is still there as well.

But I quite like it! And the Tim Taylor Landlord was excellent, albeit not cheap at �3 a pint. I wouldn�t hesitate about popping in again if I was in the area.

13 Dec 2008 11:41

The Magpie, Bishopsgate

Full of City types still hard at it in the pub well after 2 o�clock. Well, it is Christmas, I suppose. They had Landlord, Pride and Santa�s Tipple on. This is clearly a low-ceilinged old pub with lots of character although it has been given the usual Pubco�s London makeover � cream painted ceilings with names of beers painted on the �beams�.

But it�s OK as it goes � there are many, many worse places to have a drink in the City. London Pride at �2.60 a pint is pretty good for this area as well. Certainly worth dropping in for a pint if you are in the area.

13 Dec 2008 11:30

The Kings Head, Tooting

It was desperately quiet on a Tuesday afternoon, with only half a dozen or so punters rattling around this very large pub. It was pretty cold in there as well, but I suppose that at another time it would be vibrant and warm. They had a few real ales on � London Pride, Adnam�s Broadside and Explorer. I had the Pride � it was OK � at �2.90 a pint.

If appearances are anything to go by this should be a superb pub. It retains pretty much all of its original Victorian features � bar dividers, tiled entrance, cut and etched glass and mirrors in abundance. And yes, it is in the CAMRA inventory of London�s heritage pubs. I think it is a good pub � it�s clean, and although I didn�t try the food it looked reasonably priced. I think that it is especially worth a visit for the d�cor, if you�re interested in that sort of thing.

13 Dec 2008 11:05

The Wellington, Strand

London Pride, Deuchars IPA and Cairngorm Autumn Nuts on � the latter at �2.90 a pint, and it was in excellent nick as well. This is a longish, narrow corner pub at the Aldwych end of The Strand. It is bare-boarded now, but does have an attractive plaster decorated ceiling that looks as if it might be original, as well as a rather nice red marble fireplace at the back of the ground floor bar and some marble facing on the walls.

It didn�t seem very welcoming when I was in there at noon the other day. The service was OK, but the door was being kept open (expecting deliveries?) making it fairly cold inside, plus there were some cleaning materials still on the bar making me feel a little like I had arrived before anyone was expected. A couple of girls in there for the breakfast kept their thick coats on the whole time. I suppose if I came at another time it would be warm and welcoming. This used to be one of my locals in the 70s � when they did Bass and Charrington�s IPA. At least the beer has improved. I remember one of our group saying that he would give up beer when it reached �1 a pint � he never did! It�s still OK as a pub, but I don�t think that I would go out of my way to visit though.

12 Dec 2008 17:52

The Little House, Tooting

This seems to an honest backstreet boozer. Unfortunately the only real ale (Old Speckled Hen) was undrinkable, but was readily changed for the next best thing � keg Courage Best. It appears to be pretty much unchanged since when it was built between the wars, except, so I was told, for the addition of the bar gantry. It still has separate Public and Saloon bars, and the locals I spoke with in the Public Bar were very friendly and knowledgeable concerning the history of the pub. This is an excellent and friendly pub � if only they did a decent real ale.

10 Dec 2008 16:18

De Hems, Soho

No bitters on, but numerous good quality lagers on offer. De Hems has very much a feel of an Amsterdam brown bar, which is undoubtedly intentional. The chap behind the bar was fairly helpful in providing advice to a bitter drinker mesmerized by the forest of lager taps on the counter.

I�m sure that the last time that I was in here they had a central island bar. But it was some time ago, and I would have been drinking Double Diamond, so what do I know about anything! Anyway, this is a great place for those who like good quality lagers, but bitter drinkers should give it a miss.

7 Dec 2008 13:39

The Lyric, Soho

They had Pride and Landlord on; the Pride was distinctly average. I did not find anything really worth mentioning about this pub � it seemed pretty run-of-the-mill to me, but is undoubtedly better than many other pubs in this area. The only seating is high stools (no normal tables and chairs) that I do not like. Not worth going out of your way to visit, but you could do worse.

6 Dec 2008 14:09

The Wheatsheaf, Borough

As others have pointed out, this excellent pub is due to close in the New Year, as part of the Thameslink development. It�s a crying shame that such a superb traditional pub is being lost. The St Austell Tribute is the best I have had this side of Cornwall.

6 Dec 2008 11:55

The Tottenham, Soho

I had the excellent Springhead Brewery Polar Bear, at �2.90 a pint good enough value for the area. Almost a summer ale, perhaps a bit light for this time of year, but tasted good nonetheless. It�s worth dropping into this pub for a butcher�s at the superb original Victorian features, if you like that sort of thing.

It was surprisingly quiet in there at 13.50 on a Wednesday afternoon. Only a dozen or so punters presumably seeking refuge from the hell of Oxford St. It is now the only pub in Oxford St, and is definitely worth dropping in to, if you can get to the Tottenham Ct Rd end unscathed.

5 Dec 2008 13:37

The Cock and Bottle, Notting Hill

I paid my first visit to this pub during the afternoon a few days ago, and thought it a pretty decent backstreet pub. It wasn�t very busy � perhaps three or four punters including me in there. But the landlady was friendly enough, and I thought it was the sort of place that would be good for a quiet pint or two. They had Hogsback TEA and Harveys Bitter. I didn�t have the Harveys, but the TEA was excellent. There�s an excellent original Victorian bar back in place as well.

This is definitely a decent pub in an area where there aren�t too many of them. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area.

5 Dec 2008 10:36

The Prince of Wales, Holland Park

Coach House Brewery Cracker Barrell and Bluberry Bitter on when I was in there this week. I had the Cracker Barrell and I have to say that I didn�t care for it much - too light and insipid for me and lacking in depth of flavour. But I�ve never had it before, so maybe it wasn�t supposed to taste like that. This is a CAMRA heritage pub, but it seemed pretty ordinary looking to me. There were a number of sofas around the place, with scattered cushions � OK if you like that sort of thing and want to loll around in pubs, but not my style. But there were enough normal tables and chairs for those who want to sit up while drinking! Another �OK� pub that is alright for a quick pint if you happen to be in the area.

29 Nov 2008 15:42

The Walmer Castle, Notting Hill

Could be a pretty decent pub, but the only bitter they had on was John Smith�s keg. The absence of any real ale means I won�t be going back.

29 Nov 2008 13:59

The Elgin, Ladbroke Grove

Ales on were London Pride (at �3 a pint) and GKIPA. The Pride was OK � tastes the way it usually does. Some superb original Victorian features remain � in particular the ornate screen between the bars; the tiling; etched and cut glass mirrors; and the bar back in the �back� bar.

It occupies a large corner site. This is a big ornate pub, typical of a prosperous Victorian area. It�s so big, with such a high ceiling that voices were echoing round it during a quiet(ish) mid-afternoon session. This is still a very impressive pub, and Worthing dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area.

29 Nov 2008 11:29

The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn

A fairly typical Wetherspoons in my view � a drinking barn doing the usual sort of food. But they did have Titanic Iron Curtain on which was a plus, even if they were charging �2.10 a pint rather than the 99p a North London �Spoons was charging last night. Whatever faults others may lay at Wetherspoons� doors, they do sell good quality real ale at decent prices.

28 Nov 2008 14:34

The Plough (Harvester), Worcester Park

Couldn�t agree more with italiastar and jpwsmith. It�s a Harvester so you know what you are going to get in the way of food. But I have to say that it is pretty good value for what you are paying. My main gripe is that they don�t sell a real ale. It�s too much trouble I suppose. A "pub" having nothing worth drinking is a major flaw in my opinion.

28 Nov 2008 14:21

The Mitre, Richmond

This is a Young�s pub with the usual ales on. The Bitter at �2.80 a pint is fair enough, and tasted fine. This seems to me to be a typically unspoilt backstreet boozer, which had a handful of locals in on a weekday afternoon. The handpumps looked to be pretty old � i.e. the small, solid black ones that you seldom see these days. The leaded-light windows are really attractive, featuring stained glass insets depicting various ecclesiastical paraphernalia (including a mitre, of course).

This is definitely a locals� pub, but if you want a decent, quiet pint in an unpretentious backstreet pub, then this is for you.

23 Nov 2008 13:38

The Watermans Arms, Richmond

This is an excellent little pub tucked away down a side street leading down to the river. It�s a Young�s pub, and the Bitter was good. It appears to be primarily a locals� pub, although there were one or two �visitors� in (like me) who were made welcome. The TV was on, showing a gameshow of some kind, with the sound turned down too low to hear over the babble of conversation. I don�t think that we were missing anything worth hearing.

In my view this is an excellent pub. The only downside was a fruit machine flashing away like a demented Dalek, that detracted from the otherwise excellent atmosphere. Food is mainly Thai (like so many pubs these days) � I had a chicken stir-fry, which was OK and reasonably good value at �6.50. Dog friendly as well � there were a couple of well-behaved mutts lying around the place.

23 Nov 2008 13:32

The White Cross, Richmond

This is a young�s pub with superb views down the river. Young�s Bitter is �2.80 a pint � that�s OK, and it tasted fine. The interior is very bright and comfortable (apart from a couple of high stools and tables). The service was friendly when I was in there at lunchtime last week. Worth a visit for the views alone.

23 Nov 2008 12:12

The Bell and Crown, Chiswick

Still using sparklers for some reason, but they removed them on request. There can�t be many Fullers pubs in London that use them � this is the only one that I know that does.

The food in here is pretty good, but it�s not cheap. The service has invariably been very friendly when I�ve been in there. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this remains a decent riverside pub.

23 Nov 2008 12:02

The Pineapple, Kentish Town

This is a little gem of a pub, tucked away down a leafy street fairly near to Kentish Town station. They had Old Cannon Brewery�s Bitter on, plus one of the Adnam�s beers, when I was in there at lunchtime yesterday. The OCB Bitter was absolutely superb. They had had a beer festival going a few days ago and still had some of the ales from that on offer. They may still be selling them off during the evening � at �2 a pint! The food is Thai, and was pretty good for �5 a meal. But there was nothing other than Thai food, which is fine as long as you like Thai food.

There is a well-preserved stunning mid-Victorian bar-back in place. It�s one of the best I have seen, and is a really attractive feature to have in a pub like this. This is a comfortable pub with very friendly service, excellent beer, decent food and some superb Victoriana. Definitely worth seeking out if you find yourself in Kentish Town.

13 Nov 2008 18:18

The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town

This is a pretty decent, though not superb, pub. They had Sharp�s IPA; Bombardier; Deuchar�s IPA; and Adnam�s Broadside on when I was in there. The Sharp�s IPA was rather good.

This looked to me to be more of a restaurant than a pub, but still a decent pub nonetheless. It had an attractive bar-top, with a now rarely seen footrest. It�s an alright pub, but the staff were rushing about, and it seemed that drinkers were being served in between other more important duties revolving around the diners. I may be wrong, but that�s how it felt. Nonetheless, definitely worth a visit if you�re in the vicinity.

13 Nov 2008 16:45

The Assembly House, Kentish Town

This is a large corner pub that has been opened up to form a very large drinking area. It is bare-boarded throughout and has a few sofas at the back. Because of its height, size and being uncarpeted, voices can echo a bit when it�s really empty - as it was when I was in there at early lunchtime during the week. However, some impressive late Victorian features remain, and these are worth a good look if you do drop in.

The only ales on were GKIPA and Abbott. The IPA was �3 a pint, which is pretty expensive for a very ordinary beer. It tasted like it was supposed to. The food prices were quite expensive as well. It is probably a very different place with a few more people in, although I would expect the noise level to increase dramatically in that case. I suppose it�s alright, but it�s not really my type of place.

13 Nov 2008 14:39

The Dog and Bell, Deptford

This is an excellent backstreet boozer. I can well see why it featured on dpv�s and Trainman�s top 10 London pubs. They had five ales on when I dropped in during a weekday early afternoon � ESB; Pride: Archers Best; Nethergate Monk�s Habit; and Whitstable Brewery�s Pearl of Kent. I had the Pearl of Kent (�2.70 a pint) and the Monk�s Habit (�2.60) and both were superb.

The pub consists of two bars. The �main� bar is bare-boarded with what looks like original boarding. There was no music playing (bliss!), and an unobtrusive television showing a bowls match of all things. The main seating is provided by what appears to be some re-cycled church pews. The other bar is carpeted, with some normal tables and chairs, and features a bar billiards table.

You would certainly not go to this pub for the view � roadworks framed against a backdrop of an enormous brick wall. This is one of those pubs that does not have any special physical features worth mentioning, but whose character and appeal comes from its very simplicity and the welcoming feel that it exudes. There is no doubt about it � this is a top pub with great beer.

11 Nov 2008 18:10

The Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale

This pub retains most, if not all, of its original Victorian features, including marble pillars, bartop and fireplace; masses of dark wood and etched and cut glass. This is a very impressive pub, and is a very comfortable place in which to have a drink. Ales are OK but nothing special. Didn�t eat in there � not particularly keen to pay Gordon Ramsey�s prices. Definitely worth a visit for the d�cor alone.

10 Nov 2008 18:17

The Warwick Castle, Maida Vale

A very welcoming and homely pub in a small road near to Little Venice. I had the Sharp�s Doom Bar that was very good. Didn�t eat in here, but the stew and crusty bread at �4.95 looked a good bet. When I was in there the other day they had the fire going which made it seem very comfortable. This is the sort of place that I regard as a �real� pub � I shall definitely be back.

8 Nov 2008 11:53

The Chandos, Trafalgar Square

A Sam Smith�s pub that has OBB on handpump, at the usual SS cheap prices. It occupies a fairly large corner site at the bottom of St Martin�s Lane. One large bar downstairs (ground floor level) and another upstairs. The downstairs bar features a number of enclosed booths that are ideal for small groups of drinkers. This is an OK pub I suppose, but The Harp, only a few yards away is far better and does better (if more expensive) ales � unless you�re a Sam Smith�s fan of course!

7 Nov 2008 19:06

The Coal Hole, Strand

They had Pride, Landlord, Harvey�s Bitter, Coach House Brewery Blueberry Classic Bitter, and Beartown Brewery�s Bear Ass Bitter on when I dropped in earlier in the week. I had the Bear Ass Bitter, which was a new one on me - �2.90 a pint; 4% and fairly dark with a smooth rich taste. Excellent. The beer choice has certainly improved in recent times. When I arrived shortly after noon there was an unpleasant smell of bleach, but this was soon masked by the smell of food. Typical Nicholson�s type menu � I had beef and horseradish on ciabatta with a few chips, which was OK for �4.95.

This pub has a very high, beamed ceiling, tiled floor, attractive friezes and bar-back. I even rather like the bar gantries. I noticed that the leaded-light windows had the initials SLW intertwined in them. Does anyone know what they stand for? Something to do with Savoy perhaps? This is a very impressive pub, which I like very much.

7 Nov 2008 16:51

The Old Pack Horse, Chiswick

One more Fuller�s house in the heart of Fuller�s country. Unfortunately no Chiswick on, but the Pride was good. I was in the Sutton Arms recently and the guv�nor told me that you couldn�t but a pint of Chiswick on Chiswick High Rd � looks like he is probably right.

Food is mainly Thai and seemed reasonably priced but they did have an �English Menu� including Chicken Cajun; Chicken Kiev, as well as Irish and Mexican coffee. The music was a bit too loud for my liking, but that�s just my opinion.

All things considered I think that this is a pretty decent pub retaining numerous original features, including an extremely attractive fireplace in a separate alcove. Quite happy to visit here again.

5 Nov 2008 10:51

The Crown and Anchor, Chiswick

I found this pub to be rather soulless and uninviting. No less than five people were using notebook computers and not drinking alcoholic drinks. There was also a largish group of mums with at least two screaming children. Personally I prefer a pub that doesn�t have the appearance of being a cross between a cr�che and an office. Pride and Young�s Bitter on � the Young�s at �3 a pint is not cheap. Looks good on the outside with an original Young�s fa�ade � but I won�t be going inside again

4 Nov 2008 20:47

Mawson Arms/ Fox and Hounds, Chiswick

This is the Fuller�s brewery tap, combined with the adjacent (and effectively the same pub) Fox & Hounds. The Mawson Arms half is really the main bar area, with the Fox & Hounds half the dining area. As you would expect, they have the full range of Fuller�s ales on, including their London Porter. Again as you would expect, the ESB was excellent. All in all this is a pretty decent pub, with the main downside being the noise from the Great West Road that passes directly outside the pub.

The food seemed good value, although I didn�t eat in there on this occasion. The Monday pie & pint offer seems particularly good value � steak and ale pie with veg plus a pint of Pride for �5.95. Nice pub � I like it.

4 Nov 2008 15:22

The Carpenters Arms, Marble Arch

They had some decent ales on when I was in here the other day � White Horse Bitter; Harvey�s Bitter; Strong�s Best Bitter; Adnam�s Bitter; and Rudgate Special. I only had the one � White Horse Bitter, but it was superb.

This is a decent enough little pub, certainly lacking in opulence but not in functionality. Bare-boarded throughout, with stools at the bar and a few tables/settles/chairs round the sides. Interesting colour scheme � red benches at the front by the windows, and green at the back. I didn�t aspire to the Lords, but made do with the Commons at the back! The decent ale selection definitely makes it worth a visit, but it is a shame it doesn�t do a bite to eat at lunchtime.

1 Nov 2008 14:13

The Victoria, Bayswater

This pub boasts a most spectacular mid-Victorian bar-back, plus numerous other original Victorian features including some stunning etched and decorated mirrorwork. I�m not sure whether the bar-back is improved by being wreathed in hops, but they do add a certain bacchanalian air to the place.

This is a Fuller�s pub, doing the full range of their beers including their Porter. The Chiswick was good, as usual. Definitely worth paying a visit if you are anywhere near.

1 Nov 2008 14:06

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the beer festival this year, but I like to drop in for a lunchtime pint or two when I can and can certainly say that the beer selection and quality has always been top notch. And it does the best toasted cheese sandwich around.

The Traf deserves thoroughly the accolades it has been given.

1 Nov 2008 12:13

The Duke of Kendal, Marylebone

This is a smallish, flat-iron shaped corner pub in a very up-market area. They had 6X, Courage Directors and GKIPA on � I had the GKIPA which tasted the same as it usually does. I had a bite to eat off the Thai menu, which was pretty good and not overpriced at �5.95. Actually this is another OK pub, although nothing special and not really worth going far out of your way to visit. But maybe going on a Sunday evening (as mentioned by other reviewers) would be fun.

1 Nov 2008 12:05

The Swan, Bayswater

Young�s Special and London Pride on � Pride at �3 a pint is the going rate for this area I suppose. This is a big old pub next to Hyde Park. It has a great location, but in my opinion not much in the way of character. However it seems to serve its main purpose, apparently as a tourist restaurant. There was a rather pervasive smell of fish and chips when I was in. I suppose as pub it�s OK-ish, but I can�t see much reason to return.

1 Nov 2008 12:00

The Bricklayers Arms, Fitzrovia

Yet another Sam Smith�s pub without Old Brewery Bitter on handpump. That�s a real shame; otherwise it would be a pretty good pub.

28 Oct 2008 11:10

The Wheatsheaf, Fitzrovia

GKIPA and Hobgoblin on tap when I was in there at the weekend. I was given short measure, but my glass was readily topped-up on request. I had the Hobgoblin which was excellent. This was clearly previously a Younger�s pub, retaining all the very attractive original leaded and stained glass windows on the front and down the long side of the pub. Seating is a mixture of stools by ledges in the main part of the bar, and a handful of tables and chairs at the back

This is a rather nice little pub, but what makes it a bit special for me is the original Wm. Younger�s windows and d�cor � even without the tartan wallpaper that many of the Younger�s pubs used to have!

27 Oct 2008 13:57

Ben Crouch's Tavern, Fitzrovia

I�m not sure if I like this pub or not. One thing I am sure about is that it is very unusual, and nothing like a traditional pub. As others have pointed out, it�s all crypts, Goths, dungeons and bizarre paraphernalia. It does do ale � only Pride when I was in there � but it is really an unusually themed restaurant. It is OK if you want an unusual dining experience, but it is not much like a pub. But I suppose I do quite like it in a funny kind of way.

27 Oct 2008 11:16

The Champion, Fitzrovia

This is a Sam Smith�s pub, and another one in this area that doesn�t do OBB on handpump. The keg version is not really worth drinking (in my opinion).

The windows are quite remarkable � in fact they may be unique in design, commemorating, as they do, various, mainly unsung, British heroes. But, as good as they are, I don�t think they are very old. The Captain Matthew Webb window is signed �Ann Sotheran � York � 1989�. Old or not, they are impressive. In fact this is a good pub, but if they only did a decent ale it could be a superb one.

27 Oct 2008 10:52

The Black Horse, Fitzrovia

A Nicholson�s pub. Nothing special, although I rather liked the gilded ceiling. Two pumps had clips turned round � only Pride on, but pretty good value at �2.60 a pint. Rather too many high stools and high tables for my liking. Another �OK� pub, that is good enough for a pint if you happen to be passing, but a better real ale selection would be a big plus.

27 Oct 2008 10:27

The Marquis of Granby, Fitzrovia

This is a pretty run-of-the-mill Nicholson�s pub � except that they did have Pride, Hobgoblin, Black Sheep Bitter and Harviestoun�s Number Of The Beast on handpump when I visited yesterday. The NOTB was excellent � quite light and pretty hoppy. The ales are definitely the best (perhaps the only) things going for this pub.

26 Oct 2008 23:51

The Blue Posts, Fitzrovia

A Sam Smith�s pub with Old Brewery Bitter on handpump. But it wasn�t in very good nick, even though it was just about drinkable. A functioning dartboard, being used by a couple of punters when I was in there on Saturday afternoon. The d�cor doesn�t seem to have changed much since it was my regular haunt during 100 Club pass-outs in the 60s � except for the introduction of the ubiquitous and unwelcome (as far as I am concerned) high stools and tables.

Interesting scene outside, with a crowd of people photographing Banksy�s �Nation Under CCTV� graffito in the Royal Mail car park before its imminent obliteration.

26 Oct 2008 16:02

Fitzroy Tavern, Fitzrovia

Looks to be a pretty decent Sam Smith�s pub � but still no real ale on handpump.

26 Oct 2008 10:04

The Plough, Bloomsbury

An unremarkable pub just down the road from the British Museum. As you would expect, the majority of customers were tourists. Four real ales on � Old Speckled Hen, GKIPA, Pride and Bombardier. Food wasn�t particularly good either. It has a good location, but it seems to be a bit of a tourist trap. Not a lot going for it � except the two friendly and helpful barmaids.

25 Oct 2008 17:23

The Enterprise, Holborn

Deuchars IPA, Landlord and Black Sheep Bitter on. The Landlord was �3.30 a pint, which is a bit steep for this area. Now floor-boarded throughout, but still retaining what appears to some original Victorian tiling along one wall. The two large models of Great War bi-planes suspended from the ceiling appeared somewhat incongruous in a pub that clearly has gastro-pub aspirations (�buffalo mozzarella, ripe vine tomatoes, fresh basil and Tuscany olive oil in a granary baguette� = cheese and tomato roll). But who really cares? It has been tastefully decorated, is quite comfortable, and is a decent enough pub if you don�t mind the prices. They even have a few seats outside at the back for smokers.

10 Oct 2008 21:34

The Rugby Tavern, Clerkenwell

A Shepherd Neame house � Master Brew, Spitfire and Canterbury Jack on when I was in there. Now a single-room pub, but the central island bar plus unused doors indicate the original multi-room nature of the pub. There are a couple of sofas tucked away in a corner not annoying anyone, but otherwise seating was pretty comfortable. The Canterbury Jack tasted fine; the food was the usual non gastro-pub fare at typical prices.

Fairly quiet on a Wednesday lunchtime, with one group of around a dozen workers enjoying some sort of team-building exercise, plus me and another couple of punters. This is another of those decent if unremarkable off-the-beaten-track pubs that are not really worth going out of your way to find, but OK for a pint if you happen to passing nearby.

10 Oct 2008 17:50

The Gunmakers, Clerkenwell

This is a small-fronted pub tucked away in a side street off Clerkenwell Road. Landlord and Hook Norton Autumn Ale on. The HNAA was �3 a pint, which is pretty much the going rate in Central London, and was absolutely superb. With a bare-boarded floor, and low ceiling, this pub generates a welcoming atmosphere.

The smell of the freshly ground coffee used by the coffee machine pervades the front bar. Somewhat unusual odour as pubs go, but not unpleasant. What a cracking little pub this is. Definitely worth a visit � highly recommended.

10 Oct 2008 16:32

The Queens Head, Bloomsbury

Still boarded up today, with no signs of life. So, no refurb underway as yet.

8 Oct 2008 18:09

The Crown and Sugarloaf, Bride's Lane

I'm not entirely sure that you are right about the origin of the Punch Tavern's name, SLL. I accept what you say about the Punch and Judy shows being very local to this spot, but when the pub was re-named to the Punch Tavern in the late 19th Century it was a favourite watering hole of Punch magazine staff - at a time when Punch was very popular. I don't suppose that we can be absolutely sure what was in the minds of those who took the re-naming decision at the time. I don't think that the Punch and Judy decorations is much of a clue, as I believe they were a relatively recent addition when Punch Taverns acquired it. I'm a bit punch drunk now - need a beer.

I agree wholeheartedly with what you say about SS pubs. They own some of the finest examples of Victoriana in London, which they have maintained to a superb standard. If only they did a top-notch beer....

7 Oct 2008 19:50

The Black Lion, Hammersmith

This pub has had something of a makeover since my last visit, and they�ve ditched the rather nice yellow sign in favour of a somewhat minimalist black and white plain sign. This of course is a clue to how the pub now views itself, being advertised as a gastro-pub, although when I was in there at 2.55 on a weekday afternoon there was no-one eating, and there were no menus out. The classical music they were playing made a change from the rubbish one often has to listen to, and set an unusual mood for the place with only two punters in there drinking.

Inside it is very comfortably laid out, with a couple of armchairs round the fireplace, and proper tables and chairs throughout. Also, the floorboarding looked to be original. But for one thing, I would recommend this pub. The one thing being Doom Bar at �3.60 a pint. Now I really like Doom Bar, but I won�t pay those prices on principle. I suspect that the food might be similarly overpriced. Other ales on were Bombardier and Theakston�s Black Bull Bitter.

3 Oct 2008 00:00

The Chancellors, Hammersmith

This is a pretty ordinary backstreet pub � and from me that is a compliment. They had Courage Best and Spitfire on. The Spitfire tasted pretty good, and at �2.90 a pint not too expensive for the area.

I have to say that this pub�s ordinariness makes it stand out from the crowd. It looks like something of a throwback to the 70s � or perhaps the 60s judging from the music being played (The Searchers, Four Tops, Diana Ross). Red �velvetine� settles with the odd rip in them set the scene. It only needed copper coverings for the round tables to complete the picture.

Numerous black and white photographs of British actors on the walls, probably connected to the proximity of Riverside Studios. I rather like this pub, and recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet drink in a straightforward boozer with no apparent aspirations to be a gastro-pub.

2 Oct 2008 18:14

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Can I chuck in my two pen�orth regarding beer pumps? I was in here yesterday. In the front bar they have four pumps, three of them were dispensing ales (Adnam�s Broadside; Adnam�s Bitter; and Deuchars IPA, although the Deuchars clip got turned round while I was there, and the fourth Thatcher�s Traditional Scrumpy. The back bar had two pumps, dispensing Exmoor Gold (and mightily good it was too!) and O�Hanlon�s Port Stout. The pumps in the back bar were double-clipped, but not those in the front bar.

So, I don�t think they have the capacity to have more than six real ales on at any one time. Nevertheless, five real ales on, plus a scrumpy, yesterday is pretty good going.

2 Oct 2008 09:40

The Shipwrights Arms, London Bridge

This is a high-ceilinged corner pub, typical of Victorian design. It even boasts a rather fine tiled mural of what appears to be a local river scene, and which is certainly one of the pub�s original features. As you might expect with a pub of this name, there is a lot of nautical paraphernalia adorning the walls, including some model ships.

They had Deuchars IPA, Adnam�s Bitter and spitfire on. The Deuchars was �3.10 a pint, but tasted just fine. I rather like this pub as it has a traditional feel to it, and in my view is definitely worth a visit if you are in the London Bridge area.

26 Sep 2008 18:59

The Two Brewers, Covent Garden

This is a pretty decent pub that hasn�t changed much, if at all, since I knew it well in the 90s. The pictures on the wall testify to the theatreland pedigree of the area. They had Adnam�s bitter, Pride and Sharp�s Doom Bar on, and the Doom Bar tasted excellent � at �2.93 a pint. Fairly reasonably priced bar snacks on offer as well.

There is nothing very modern about this pub � no sofas or high stools/tables. This is a decent pub, in an area where decent pubs are not thick on the ground

26 Sep 2008 18:38

The Princess of Prussia, Tower Hill

A narrow-fronted pub that goes back a fair way. It�s a Shepherd Neame pub so expect the usual range of ales. There is a largish back room that seems to be used as a dining room, with a bar area to the front of the pub. I didn�t eat here, but the grub other punters were tucking into looked OK. It�s a fairly decent pub, with nondescript d�cor, although the music was a bit louder than I would have liked. As the bar area has a boarded floor that made it noisier than if it had been carpeted. But that�s only nitpicking � this is still a pretty good pub and I would certainly visit again.

25 Sep 2008 17:55

The Crown, Covent Garden

It was just about open when I dropped in yesterday. The floor was till wet and smelled of disinfectant, presumably and hopefully as a result of having recently been washed. They weren�t doing food, possibly as a result of some building or maintenance work that was in progress. They had Adnam�s Bitter, Bombardier and GKIPA on handpump. This used to be a top notch pub � it might still be one on a good day, but it was hard to tell yesterday. Will give it another try sometime.

25 Sep 2008 17:45

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Spaceman � can I recommend that you do not give Ye Olde Mitre a third chance? It really is not worthy of your custom.

Ye Olde Mitre is what it is, and that has been described adequately by numerous reviewers in the past. As one wanders around London you encounter pubs that are not to your taste all the time, but there are bound to be many that you do like. There is sufficient scope in London for everyone�s tastes to be accommodated � that is one of the main attractions of such a rich and diverse city as London.

As one gains maturity ones tastes change, and it might be that one day you will appreciate the positive attractions of a pub like YOM, even if you don�t now, and I hope that it will still be around in its present form for you to enjoy. But at the end of the day it�s just a matter of taste of course, and if the YOM is not to your taste it's much better if you found somewhere more to your liking rather than continue to torture yourself by inflicting the YOM on your sensibilities!

23 Sep 2008 16:15

The Ship, Soho

A Fuller�s pub with the usual range of ales � no guests. Pride was OK. There is a pretty interesting looking bar back, but don�t know how old it is or whether it�s an original feature.

Now a single bar pub, like almost all pubs these days. I remember when there was a small public bar at the front of the pub, where you could have a quiet drink during a Marquee pass-out while the main act and their entourage would be partying in the Saloon Bar. But some of the top names of the time would occasionally opt for the quiet drink in the public bar! Now it�s a fairly ordinary pub � but that�s good for this part of the world and OK for a pint if you happen to find yourself in Wardour St.

22 Sep 2008 19:59

The Dog and Duck, Soho

Small but perfectly formed, the Dog & Duck is a welcoming pub with what I would say is an intimate atmosphere. It has some of the best examples of Victorian tiling still around, and some of the dark panelling looks to be original. The Thwaites Lancaster Bomber had just gone off when I was in there, so had to find solace in the Timothy Taylor Landlord. Such hardship!

Didn�t have a main meal, but the sausage sandwich and chips for �4.95 made a pretty good snack. Very simply, I think this is the best pub in Soho.

22 Sep 2008 16:15

Prince of Wales, Islington

This is an honest and simple backstreet boozer. They had a couple of real ales on when I dropped in � Adnam�s Bitter and Spitfire. I had the Adnam�s which I have to say was not in very good nick. Tiled fireplace and dartboard are notable interior features � outside, what looks like original brewery tiling gives this pub a very authentic �pub� feel to it. Visiting this pub seems like stepping back in time to the 60s. I shall definitely give it another go when I am next in the area.

22 Sep 2008 15:51

The Clachan, Soho

Several real ales on � nothing out of the ordinary though; TT Landlord, Bombardier Pride, OSH and maybe one other. The Landlord was OK.

This is a large corner pub, with a typical Victorian gin palace layout � ornate pillars, high ceiling, tall windows, island bar, and some original mosaic floors. But it looks as if some of the original windows might have been lost over the years. I believe that it was owned by Liberty�s at some stage.

It gets busy with tourists due to its proximity to Oxford Circus and Carnaby Street. In fact it looks as if its main business is as a restaurant for tourists. But it�s a decent enough pub and I would recommend it.

21 Sep 2008 21:21

The Blue Posts, Soho

This is a single room pub, with a handful of tables and chairs round the walls. It has a central island bar, and three doors (one not in use); typical of a multi-room pub that has been opened up. They had Courage Directors and Adnam�s Bitter on handpump � I only had the Adnam�s, which was just about OK.

Nothing specific against this pub, but not a lot on the plus side either. A pretty ordinary place all things considered � I�ve been in worse places as well as better ones. But its "ordinariness" has something of a nostalgic charm about it.

21 Sep 2008 18:58

The Blue Posts, Soho

This is a smallish little corner pub. Only Abbott and GKIPA on handpump. The GKIPA tasted like it always does. It has some interesting looking leaded lights at the top of the bay windows that look like original features. If they are not original then they are remarkably good reproductions.

This is a fairly unremarkable pub that is probably not worth the effort of seeking out, but OK for a pint if you are happy to be passing, although there are better places within easy walking distance.

21 Sep 2008 18:30

The John Snow, Soho

A Sam Smith�s pub. It has a very interesting interior, with separate drinking areas. But it does not have Old Brewery Bitter on handpump, so is not recommended if ale quality is important to you. There is a pinkish kerbstone outside marking the location of the pump that assisted John Snow in demonstrating that Cholera was a water-borne disease.

20 Sep 2008 18:30

The Crown, Islington

This very much a gastropub, with prices to match (�12.50 for fish and chips), but the Chiswick Bitter at �2.70 a pint was pretty good. Another pub with many original Victorian features � original tiling, panelling, etched and cut glass windows, snob screens, and what looked like original floorboards. As is typical with a pub of this era, it has a central island bar in order to service the several separate drinking areas that would have been the norm when it was built. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you are anywhere in the vicinity.

20 Sep 2008 00:57

The Charles Lamb, Angel, Islington

Butcombe Bitter on, which was superb. They also had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which is a rather good beer from a small(ish) brewery in Chico, California. First time I have seen it in the UK. This is now a gastropub, and as I didn�t eat there I can�t comment on the food that is obviously now their raison d�etre. But I had a very friendly chat with the young man behind the bar about pub names and similar things. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint of Butcombe Bitter if you are passing, but not really worth going far out of your way to visit.

20 Sep 2008 00:39

The Island Queen, Islington

TT Landlord and Deuchars IPA on. I had the Landlord, which was OK � at �3.05 a pint much the going rate in London now.

The Island Queen is located in a very quiet road a few yards from the Regents Canal. The building itself is quite impressive. Very high ceiling with tall, clear windows letting in a lot of light at the front of the pub. Numerous original Victorian features � etched mirrors etc � remain, plus what looks like lino floor covering giving the place a very authentic feel to it. Snack food was OK � I had a steak baguette for �5.95; but have yet to try the main meals. Definitely worth dragging yourself away from the Wenlock to find this little gem.

19 Sep 2008 23:55

Deal Porter, Rotherhithe

This seems to be a restaurant, rather than a pub. No ale on worth drinking. I can�t see any reason to return.

18 Sep 2008 19:03

Old Salt Quay, Rotherhithe

Very large pub with lots of seating outside, with superb river views. The only real ale they had on was GK Abbott, which was only just about OK. Reminded me very much of a Harvester inside, with light wood everywhere. Service was a bit offhand, but OK I suppose. You also got a very good view of the Prospect of Whitby on the other side of the river � I rather thought I was on the wrong side of the river. I don�t think I�ll bother with a return visit, but it must get a few points for the river view alone.

17 Sep 2008 23:06

The Cheshire Cheese, Temple

Quite small, fairly dark and gloomy inside, it nevertheless felt warm and welcoming to me. This seemed to me to be a fairly ordinary little pub with a handful of tables, thankfully no high tables and stools, and a couple of real ales (nothing special) on. I actually prefer it as a pub to the nearby Edgar Wallace � and it is far better than the Devereaux � but the EW does do better ales. But I would recommend it for anyone who wants a quiet drink.

12 Sep 2008 21:24

The Red Lion, Westminster

A CAMRA Heritage Pub, which most certainly looks the part, with numerous original Victorian features having survived for more than a century. But it is always crowded, being where it is in Whitehall almost opposite Downing Street. Expensive � of course � Pride at �3.25 a pint (tasted OK), and a pretty naff coffee (she said!) at �1.80 is expensive even by London standards. Worth dropping in for a good look at the place, but probably not worth a repeat visit.

10 Sep 2008 23:01

The Falcon, Clapham Junction

What an incredibly impressive pub interior. It has retained all its original Victorian features � etched and cut glass everywhere; original and quite stupendous bar back; original panels and screens between separate drinking area; and what some claim to be longest counter in Britain. A very large pub, but because it hasn�t been turned into a drinking barn it has retained its essential character.

Relaxed music plus a range of real ales (I had the superb Jennings Cumberland Ale) make this a �must visit� pub. I shall certainly be back.

6 Sep 2008 18:09

The Northcote, Clapham Junction

There looks like some original brewery (Truman�s?) tiling outside, but inside it looks like a Wetherspoon�s but without the prices or the range of ales. The London Pride (at �2.96 a pint) seemed to be dispensed through a sparkler. Not really worth bothering with � but it is on the way from Clapham Junction to the Eagle Ale House and was very handily placed on a very wet Saturday afternoon.

6 Sep 2008 17:32

The Eagle Ale House, Clapham

What a little gem of a pub. D�cor consists of numerous prints and the like around the walls, plus a shelf or two of empty Champagne bottles and some books. Also the imaginative choice of prints in the Gents� (the Kylie �Spinning Around� was my favourite) is rather innovative.

Comfortable seating, friendly service and excellent real ale make this a definite winner. There were several real ales when I visited on a quiet Saturday afternoon � I had the excellent Loddon Best Bitter at �2.70 a pint. And a big black friendly dog on the floor getting in everyone�s way � marvellous; I don�t think there are many places like this left in London. Definitely worth the effort of seeking out.

Also, an excellent London pub (apparently) not yet visited by either RogerB or JohnBonser. That is strange!

6 Sep 2008 17:25

The Prince Alfred, Maida Vale

Extremely impressive pub, occupying a large corner site. Just about all of the original Victorian features have been retained, including the partitions between the bars, with the small openings allowing movement between the bars that are ideal for the vertically challenged drinker. The curved, etched windows are better than anything else that I have seen in London. There is a large restaurant at the back, but I didn�t eat there, and didn�t see anyone else eating there either.

Ales on offer were Young�s Bitter and Bombardier. The Young�s was fine. Definitely worth a visit.

5 Sep 2008 10:58

The Skiddaw Hotel, Maida Hill

The main bar appears quite bizarre � the steel poles holding the curtains looks like scaffolding. And the purple ceiling doesn�t help. The saloon bar was much more impressive with plenty of original Victorian features, but the effect was largely ruined by the massive heat extractor trunking from the kitchen area behind the bar running across and around the ceiling.

They had a couple of real ales on � TT Landlord and OSH. The Landlord was OK. It�s an �OK� pub, but I doubt whether I�ll go out of my way to visit again.

4 Sep 2008 20:09

The Newton Arms, Holborn

Courage Best and Adnam�s Bitter on. The Adnam�s was �3 per pint, which now seems to be the Central London going rate for an average pint of beer. But it tasted OK. Seating comprises plastic covered settles and tables, plus high stools around ledges by the windows. The layout of this pub remains unchanged since it was one of my regular haunts back in the 70s. This is another one of those OK but nothing special pubs. OK for a pint if you�re passing, but not worth going out of your way for.

4 Sep 2008 18:37

The Chippenham, Maida Hill

A pretty tatty pub, with no real ale on. They did have chilled GKIPA on � I decided not to try it. There�s some original Victorian tiling still in place, but that�s the only reason to venture in here. I can�t see me visiting again.

4 Sep 2008 17:39

The Grapes, Limehouse

I really like this pub. Going into this pub feels a bit like stepping back into Dickensian London, but without the whores, cutthroats and other diverse miscreants that infested this part of the world. Plenty of dark wood all over the place, solid wood furniture � in fact not much in the way of luxury to be had here.

They had Pedigree, Adnam�s Bitter, TT Landlord and another guest beer. The Landlord was excellent. Definitely worth a visit if you like a traditional pub.

1 Sep 2008 20:45

The Narrow Street Pub & Dining Room, Limehouse

Not much like a pub now that it has been taken over by Gordon Ramsey. In fact it�s not really a pub, it�s a restaurant. Bit it did have Deuchars IPA and Adnam�s Regatta on handpump. Took a fair while to get served at the bar (there were only two of us at the bar) because the sole barman was kept busy by the waitresses filling drinks orders for diners in the restaurant section, and it was only when he had no other calls on his services did he get round to serving me.

It has an excellent setting with spectacular river views, and is probably a great place to go for a meal. But it�s not the kind of place to go if you�re just looking for a drink, so I probably won�t be going back � The Grapes down the road is far better.

1 Sep 2008 20:08

Bootys, Limehouse

Food orientated, but a decent enough little place. Fuller�s London Pride and Chiswick on handpump. The Chiswick I had was not in very good nick, but was just about drinkable. Interestingly both Trainman and Pubcollector below comment on the less than perfect condition of the beer � I wonder if this is a regular feature, or were we just unlucky? However, the food was reasonably priced and pretty good. I wouldn�t go out of my way to visit again, but would have no objection to dropping in again if I was passing. In summary, it�s another one of those �OK� pubs, with nothing very special about them.

1 Sep 2008 18:02

The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield

Not for me this pub � notwithstanding the excellent original tiling, etc. They serve pints of bitter in pewter jugs, which may look fine, but have a couple of serious deficiencies. Firstly, you are unable to see what the beer looks like, although I accept that you have a couple of other senses that should tell you what condition the beer is in. But more importantly, you have no idea how much beer is actually in the mug unless you want to stare at it for 10 minutes or so until the head subsides.

Also, the way the seats and tables are positioned makes it very difficult to get past the bar, and to get served if it is busy. In fact, even narrower than The Harp, which is saying something. Having said all that, the Sharp�s Cornish Coaster that I had tasted fine, at �3 per pint, which is pretty much the going rate for any beer in this part of the world.

31 Aug 2008 23:51

The Rising Sun, Smithfield

A Sam Smith�s pub, so obviously only expect the Sam Smith�s range of beers. But they do have OBB on handpump. Full of what looks like original features, but could be modern replacements bearing in mind Sam Smith�s record of sympathetic and tasteful replacements. As the RS doesn�t appear in CAMRA�s London inventory of heritage pubs then I suppose they must be modern reproductions. Interestingly they have gone for traditional lino flooring, and what appears to be recycled pews forming the majority of the seating.

This is a super little pub in a quiet-ish setting opposite St Bartholomew�s church a few feet away from Smithfield market. If only they did a better ale than OBB (I�m not a fan)! But I still like the pub.

31 Aug 2008 23:33

The Hand and Shears, Barbican

Courage Best and Wadworth�s 6X on handpump. The 6X was excellent. This is a hidden gem of a real pub, retaining the separate rooms that were so common until they started to be combined in the 70s. Excellent pub - the real deal � highly recommended.

31 Aug 2008 23:00

The Hand and Shears, Barbican

Courage Best and Wadworth�s 6X on handpump. The 6X was excellent. This is a hidden gem of a real pub, retaining the separate rooms that were so common until they started to be combined in the 70s. Excellent pub - the real deal � highly recommended.

31 Aug 2008 23:00

The Sutton Arms, Barbican

Fuller�s London Pride and Chiswick on. The Chiswick was excellent, as was the BLT sandwich I had for lunch. The menu is limited � it is what is written on the blackboard on the right as you enter the pub. So, no sign of gastrification, which is a plus in my book. Seating is mainly dark wooden settles along the walls, with no sign of tall stools/tables or sofas ruining the place. Behind the bar is what looks like an original Charrington�s bar back, and in the porch what appears to be some original Charrington�s tiling. All in all, the Sutton Arms is a pretty decent real pub, and I would recommend a visit � as long as you appreciate a �real� pub.

31 Aug 2008 22:41

The Artillery Arms, Old Street

As you would expect, they had the full range of Fuller�s ales on � but no guests (I had hoped they might have an Ossett�s ale or two on). This is an excellent, comfortable, honest pub with no pretensions or gastrification; I had a doorstep cheese and pickle sarny with chips (not fries). A real pub � highly recommended.

23 Aug 2008 23:29

The Two Brewers, Barbican

Came across to me as a decent backstreet boozer. A number of obvious regulars came in while I was in there, which is a good sign. No food, but they seemed to be happy for you to bring in your own and eat it there. Not really worth going out of your way to find, but definitely a good place to stop off for a pint. Real ales were GKIPA and Spitfire. And they played Stairway to Heaven!

23 Aug 2008 10:41

The Angel, Old Street

Pretty unremarkable pub in my opinion. Nothing about it stands out. GKIPA, Pride and Bombardier on. I had the IPA which tasted like GKIPA always does. Expensive at over �3 a pint for a very average beer. Can�t see any reason for a repeat visit.

22 Aug 2008 23:11

The Sherlock Holmes, Charing Cross

Really a tourist restaurant as far as I can see, with tourist prices to match, although it does do some real ale (GKIPA, Abbott, OSH and �Sherlock Holmes Ale�). Some Holmes memorabilia around the wall, plus a small Sherlock Holmes �museum� upstairs. As a pub it�s not too bad as long as you don�t mind lots of tourists, the pervasive smell of overpriced fish and chips, and Greene King beers. But the Ship and Shovell a few feet away is far superior.

21 Aug 2008 18:46

The Old Shades, Whitehall

This place has something of the look of a gentleman�s club about it, which is something of a Nicholson�s trait. But they had Reverend James on at �2.90 a pint, which is not bad for Central London, and pretty good it tasted too.

It�s changed a bit since last time I was in here. A fairly major refurbishment has done away with the entrance door on the right (which no longer forms part of the pub) to be replaced by a door on the left � which must have always been there but not in use. But the makeover seems to have been very sympathetic and I think this is one of the better Nicholson�s houses. Despite being a tourist stopover, I highly recommend this pub. If only we could ditch the photograph of the Market Porter!!

21 Aug 2008 08:59

Norwood Hotel, West Norwood

Not a lot to recommend this pub. No real ale, no character or atmosphere. Just one bar of course � I remember when it used to have two. One side of the bar is occupied by no less than five one-armed bandits or other games machines. I don�t suppose I shall bother to visit again � The Hope around the corner is far superior.

20 Aug 2008 22:42

The Edward Rayne, Raynes Park

One of the better Wetherspoons in my opinion. And, like most �spoons, it is pretty busy all day. It is a newish purpose-built pub so has nothing in the way of pub character (i.e. even less than most other Wetherspoons have). Food is like all other �spoons. But they usually have some decent ale on at (of course) pretty decent prices. I had a pint of Welton�s Sussex Pride and King�s Red River Ale, neither of which I took to. They were not off � I just didn�t like them. Good enough for a �spoons.

20 Aug 2008 21:38

The Dover Castle, Marylebone

Tucked away down Weymouth Mews, you are unlikely to stumble on this pub unless you are very lucky. A Sam Smith�s pub, so it has been looked after pretty well, and contains lots of original dark wood. Undoubtedly originally a servants� pub serving the many large houses in the area. It has not been �gastrocised� so still has the feel of a real pub. They have not installed seating on high stools, or massive sofas, so seating is for normal people. Only Sam Smith�s beers of course, but they do have the handpump version of OBB - and at Sam Smith�s excellent prices of course. This is a very comfortable and welcoming pub that is highly recommended.

20 Aug 2008 19:21

The Royal Oak, New Malden

Apparently the Evening Standard Pub of the Year in 1979. I can�t imagine it getting into contention now. There�s nothing intrinsically wrong with it, but on the other hand there is nothing that makes it stand out from the crowd. Just Young�s Bitter in the way of real ale, but that�s an OK beer. Food wasn�t too bad, although my gammon steak didn�t look like it had ever been anything like the 10oz they advertised. Probably the best Pub in New Malden, although that isn�t saying a lot. It does have a rather nice beer garden though. Good enough pub if you happen to be in the area, but not worth going out of your way to visit.

20 Aug 2008 18:38

The Bulls Head, Chiswick

In my view the best of the pubs along the Strand on the Green. Always some interesting guest ales on as well as the usual regulars. Great setting by the river of course, and an interior full of real character. Definitely worth seeking out.

20 Aug 2008 11:09

The Conquering Hero, Upper Norwood

This is another one of those OK pubs � nothing very special about it but fair enough if you happen to be passing. Obviously originally a Courage pub, with some of the original tilework remaining outside. Rather nostalgically it had Courage Best on, but I went with the Deuchars IPA, which was pretty good. Another pub where I remember there being two separate bars. It�s a bit TARDIS-like; a fairly small frontage conceals a pub that goes back quite long way. They don�t do food, which is a shame, though of course they will say that they don�t get the call for it.

One of my regular haunts in the days when pubs weren�t open all day. A 5.30 PM Saturday opening time was very welcome when you�ve watched Palace get beaten at home again and you�ve spent 45 minutes or so walking uphill from Selhurst Park!

19 Aug 2008 18:49

The Golden Eagle, Bond Street

Quite an old-fashioned little corner pub tucked away along Marylebone Lane between Wigmore St and Baker St. Unusually quite for a weekday lunchtime with only me and five other punters in. Some rather attractive leaded lights in the windows. Seating comprises some tall stools round the bar, a few smallish round tables with small stools and settles against the wall. �Only� Tribute and Pride on when I was in there, but the Tribute was pretty good. I rather liked this simple unpretentious pub, and will happily drop in again when in the area.

19 Aug 2008 16:52

The Horns, West Norwood

No real ale on. Both pumps had London Pride clips turned round. No real ale on the last time I looked in as well.

18 Aug 2008 19:29

The City Barge, Chiswick

Great location overlooking the river, with a handful of tables outside on the towpath where one can spend a pleasant hour or so enjoying a pint and watching the swans swim by. But the river will come up over the towpath when there is a high tide, so be careful not to get your feet wet! Clean and comfortable inside with seating on two levels, including a largish sofa. Nothing special in the way of ales � Pride, Adnam�s and GKIPA. All in all a pretty decent pub, but for me not the best pub along the Strand.

7 Aug 2008 22:12

The Jolly Gardeners, Mortlake

Came here a few times in the 80s, but today paid my first visit here since then. As I recall it used to be a straightforward no-nonsense boozer � and it still is! As John B says, it doesn�t change much, which is most definitely a good thing. Just Young�s ales of course, but the pint of Special I had was very welcome during a hot muggy lunchtime in August.

It was very quiet when I was in during a weekday lunchtime; just me - and a couple of old lads reminiscing about how the pub used to look in days gone by. I guess it might be a very different place in the evening, but even when it�s busy it will still be a very good pub. I like it, and would recommend to anyone who likes an unpretentious pub.

6 Aug 2008 21:35

The Ship Inn, Wandsworth

Dropped in here for a midday pint of Young�s Special, which was just fine. Only a handful of people in on a Monday lunchtime, so got served straight away. It looked pretty food-centric, but the BBQ menu looked good, if a little expensive. Didn�t eat there, but other reviewers speak highly of the food so I shall return sometime soon and give it a try. Plenty of seating inside and outside, and with a great location overlooking the river I can well understand why it is so popular.

In my view this is a good pub, but not a great one and definitely not one of the ten best in the country, where it currently stands in the BITE ratings. But good pubs are worth seeking out, and I would say that this one is worth the effort of seeking out.

5 Aug 2008 23:32

The Cat's Back, Wandsworth

I rather like this pub. It�s very small, consisting of a single room with only five tables. Parquet wood floor, miscellaneous old photographs and assorted bric-a-brac around the walls made this seem a very welcoming pub. In some ways the unpretentiousness of this pub reminded me of the Wenlock � which is a compliment.

Four or five real ales on including three Downton Brewery ales. I had the Slater�s Top Totty which was excellent. Pub grub was fairly straightforward � the cheese baguette I had was OK. This pub really is an oasis in an otherwise uninspiring area. Highly recommended.

5 Aug 2008 17:09

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

This is still a pretty decent pub. I had reasonable pint of Harvey's Best in here the other, and the sarnies are good value as well. Good for a quiet drink - but not so good if you want to sit and read; it's far too dark for that. But I like it.

29 Jul 2008 20:46

The Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

You're right Mr C. I remember it from 40 years ago I'm afraid. Have a look at my review of Feb 2007.

29 Jul 2008 20:27

The Museum Tavern, Bloomsbury

Full of tourists, of course, being opposite the British Museum. But it has retained many original Victorian features � solid wood bar, carved bar back, cut and etched glass. It now comprises just one bar, but like so many Victorian pubs it was clearly subdivided originally. There are doors extant not currently in use, leading to what was
apparently a Private Bar. Several decent ales on � York Brewery Guzzler; TT Landlord; Doom Bar; Old Peculiar; Old Speckled Hen; and Okell�s Summer Storm. The Guzzler I had was pretty good.

All in all a pretty good pub, albeit very busy during the tourist season, and I would definitely recommend it, and will return some time soon.

28 Jul 2008 22:27

The Marquess of Anglesey, Covent Garden

This is typical of a number of Young�s pubs these days � sofas, low tables, very clean and clinical. It�s not much like the pub I used to know when it was a bastion of real facing the onslaught of keg beer. It was also quite smaller then, before it bought up, and expanded into, the premises next door. Any real character it had has been lost over the years. And Young�s Special for over �3 a pint is pretty expensive, even by London standards. But I�ve no doubt that there are people who like this sort of place, in which case good for you � but it�s not for me!

25 Jul 2008 14:55

The Talbot, Belgravia

This is a pubco pub typical of its type. Spirit Group by the look of it, but I�m not certain. Three real ales on when I was in there the other day � Pride; Bombardier and Adnam�s Bitter. The Pride was drinkable. It�s had a makeover since my previous visit, introducing some high stools and high tables as well as the other bane of pubs � low armchairs and coffee tables. But they have retained some proper tables. All in all, I think this is a fairly inoffensive pub, but I won�t go out of my way to visit again.

24 Jul 2008 09:11

The Wilton Arms, Belgravia

A Shepherd Neame pub with the usual range � except that it did not have Kent�s Best when I was in there the other day. But the Master Brew was OK. This pub has a well- tended exterior, with numerous hanging baskets and planters, making it appear very inviting. Inside it�s spacious, without being barn-like, and very clean and comfortable. There�s plenty of assorted bric-a-brac around the walls � books, beer jugs and the like. The food seemed very reasonably priced for the area, and although I didn�t eat in there, it looked pretty good. So, this pub couldn�t be more different to the Nag�s Head a few doors down the street. I would certainly visit again if I needed a drink to see me through the long walk from the Grenadier to the Nag�s Head! Seriously, I do recommend this pub.

23 Jul 2008 19:33

The White Lion, Covent Garden

Slap bang in the middle of tourist central. Covent Garden is just too busy and crowded for my taste and this is a fairly unremarkable pub. However, it does have a nice little brass ledge outside on which to put your beer if it is nice enough to stand outside, and it did have a decent pint of Thwaite�s Wainwright on when I was there the other day. Not worth trying to find (though it would be hard to miss it) but OK for a quick one if you happen to be in the area and don�t know anywhere better.

22 Jul 2008 20:27

The Masons Arms, Mayfair

Fairly ordinary, unremarkable pub tucked away in the back streets of Mayfair. Nothing unusual in the way of ales � GKIPA, Spitfire and London Pride. I had the Pride, which was not brilliant, but drinkeable. The only features worth mentioning are the big fireplace (gas fired) that forms something of a central feature, and the tiled coving with an appropriate grape motif. Good enough pub to drop into for a pint if you are passing (which is how I happened to visit), but I don�t think that I would go out of my way to visit again.

21 Jul 2008 23:22

The Coach and Horses, Mayfair

Pretty small ground floor bar. It does have additional seating upstairs, but this was closed when I visited on Saturday afternoon even though all the seating downstairs was occupied. Clearly it was a Wm. Younger�s pub in a previous incarnation, as evidenced by the name enshrined in the stained glass windows. I rather like the retention of these sort of features. There were a couple of real ales on � Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharpe�s Doom Bar. I can�t recall which one I drank but it was OK. I found the atmosphere here to be fairly comfortable and friendly and I would be happy to visit again.

21 Jul 2008 10:59

The Horse and Groom, Belgravia

This is a small Shepherd Neame pub tucked away down a mews behind Belgrave Square. This was one of my regulars when I used to work around the corner in Seaford House. But it seems to have had a fairly recent makeover, the main change being � apart from a general smartening up � the introduction of some of the most hideous high stools and high tables I have seen. But I still really like this little pub, and usually manage to drop in whenever I am in the area. My best wishes to Aiden, the new guv�nor � if anyone can make a go of this pub, he can.

19 Jul 2008 20:07

The Golden Lion, St James's

This is a fairly small Nicholson�s pub. It features some rather impressive leaded lights windows, but it was not clear to me whether they were original features or a more modern addition. It also had an unusual tiled gantry which was no doubt a fairly modern addition. But it�s a nice enough little pub with some fairly decent ale � Sharpe�s Doom Bar; London Pride and Hogsback Summer Ale (I had the Sharp�s Doom Bar, which was fine). The only really negative point for me was the fact that the only seating was high stools around either ledges by the windows or high tables. I just don�t like this type of seating, but that is just my opinion � I suppose there must be some valid marketing justification for it as the trend seems to be spreading. OK for a pint if you happen to be passing, but it won�t become one of my regular haunts � The Red Lion round the corner in Crown Passage is much better.

19 Jul 2008 19:27

St Stephens Tavern, Westminster

Contains some interesting original Victorian features (notably the bar back), but it�s just too full of tourists for my liking. Not surprising considering its proximity to the St Stephen�s Tower end of the Houses of Parliament. I�ve nothing against tourists, but I prefer a slightly less crowded pub. Definitely worth seeking out for the excellent interior, but I do not think that I would make it one of my regular haunts. Hall and Woodhouse (essentially Badger) ales, which were fine on my recent visit.

17 Jul 2008 09:39

The Argyll Arms, Oxford Circus

Absolutely crammed full of original Victorian features, it is worth visiting just for those alone. It usually has two or three guest ales on as well as regulars such as Landlord and London Pride. I had the Pride, which was OK, and decent value for the area at �2.50 a pint. If only it wasn�t right on top of Oxford Circus. It just gets too busy during the tourist season, and I very much doubt whether any of them realise that they are looking at some of the very best examples of original Victoriana rather than modern facsimiles. I probably won�t visit again unless I want to show a visitor a fine example of a Victorian pub interior.

16 Jul 2008 18:10

The Star Tavern, Belgravia

I cannot believe that I have never reviewed this pub before. This was one of my locals (along with the Talbot and the Horse and Groom) when I worked in Belgrave Square. In fact at one stage it was the only Fullers pub in Central London and thus the only place there where you could drink Fullers beers. Hard to believe that now.

Anyway, this really is a top pub, even if the latest refurb has �gastrocised� it to a large extent, with a fairly expensive menu. Gone is the reasonably priced meal of sausage, egg, chips and beans. However, the structure and intrinsic character of the pub has been retained.

Tucked away down a cobbled mews behind Belgrave Square, it can be a bit tricky to find if you don�t know your way round the area well. Bit it is definitely worth the effort of seeking out. The Fullers ales are invariably superb. They had Hampshire Brewery King Alfred Bitter on today, which at �3.05 a pint seemed pretty expensive (even for this part of the world) for a fairly ordinary ale, and not as good as Fuller�s own ales.

16 Jul 2008 18:03

The Red Lion, Pall Mall

This remains one of the few �real� pubs in Central London. There are no unnecessary mechanical distractions � such as televisions, one-armed bandits or jukeboxes. Tucked away down an alleyway near St James�s Palace, you don�t often see any tourists in here; in fact, as much as any pub in this area can be, it still seems to be mainly a locals� pub. The furnishings are fairly ordinary, which is no bad thing in a decent pub. It has large(ish) leaded windows that let in as much light as possible bearing in mind that it is situated in an alleyway. St Austell Tribute and Adnam�s Bitter on when I was in there � I had the Tribute that was very good. Highly recommended � I shall definitely return.

12 Jul 2008 18:36

The Calthorpe Arms, Holborn

This looks like a traditional Young�s pub � or perhaps more accurately how a traditional Young�s pub should look. Certainly the windows had rams etched in them, and the glass from which I drank my pint of Special was branded �Ram Brewery � Wandsworth�. What a bit of nostalgia. The walls, ceiling, bar and old-fashioned radiator were all still reassuringly brown. The corner doors were somewhat battered, as if they had seen some serious action over the last 50+ years, and had clearly been overpainted on numerous occasions. The bristles on the welcome mat were only visible at the edges as the centre was caked solidly with dirt brought in by thousands of feet over the years. Oh � and the food that some punters were eating looked pretty good as well. What an excellent pub � I love it, and will definitely be returning.

9 Jul 2008 10:03

Bar Malden, New Malden

This has not been a pub for very long, having been an Indian restaurant until a few years ago. But although it has no pedigree as a pub, it always does some decent ales. On a recent visit it had on both Jennings Cumberland ale and Sneck Lifter. I had the Sneck Lifter which was excellent. This is not the sort of place you would want to seek out, but in my view it serves the best ale in New Malden High Street, and definitely worth dropping into if you happen to be passing.

8 Jul 2008 23:10

The Lord John Russell, Russell Square

This pub could be better. Several ales on � Bombardier, Deuchars IPA, Directors, Wadworth 6X, and John Smith�s Cask (didn�t know there was such a thing, but didn�t venture to try it). There was a very attractively curved bar at the back of the pub, but that was about it as far as the d�cor is concerned. The Deuchars I had was OK, and the food I saw other people eating looked fine, but what really put me off this place was the hard wooden seats and the fact that they had a radio playing too loud. Why would you want a radio playing with some DJ�s inane nattering? Fair enough if you are, for example, driving on your own, but surely not in a pub where all it does is make conversation more difficult. Playing some music can be OK, but with a radio programme the music to chatter ratio is in favour of the latter. But maybe it would be different on another occasion.

7 Jul 2008 19:33

The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell

This pub looks good from the outside, but the interior doesn�t match up to the exterior, with pretty nondescript d�cor and furnishings. It was very quiet during the weekday lunchtime I was in there, with only a handful of postal workers from Mount Pleasant enjoying a no doubt well-earned pint for lunch. It offered a fairly simple lunch menu, but the cheese and pickle roll I had was not good and poor value at �4. But they had four ales on: Adnam�s Broadside; London Pride; and Sharp�s Doom Bar and Cornish Coaster. I only tried the Doom Bar, which was just fine. The service was friendly enough and although I would not rave about this pub I would certainly drop in again for a pint if I were in the area.

7 Jul 2008 12:30

The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

Having visited this pub on just the one occasion I find it extremely difficult to rate. It has an excellent corner location; but difficult to determine that it was indeed the establishment I was looking for in the absence of a traditional pub sign. However the entrance retained what appeared to be the original �Union Tavern� floor mosaics. A previous reviewer claims a Victorian provenance for the �deco� and �glass features� � but I have to say that although the bar layout looks Victorian the bar back itself doesn�t. The woodwork might be, but the glasswork appears to be modern reproduction. But I could be wrong.

The main part of the establishment forms a well-lit and welcoming reataurant area. I didn�t eat here but the 2-course set menu for �7.90 looks a good bet, and the food the diners were eating certainly seemed worth the money. But the bar area wasn�t particularly inviting � in my view. I found the dark grey/taupe colour of the walls quite depressing. There were two handpumps � the Pride was off; the only other choice was the Greene King IPA of which I had a half for �1.50 (�3.00 a pint?!) which I thought was pretty expensive for, at best, an average beer. So, as a restaurant it looks good, but as a pub it doesn�t score highly with me.

3 Jul 2008 23:03

The Pontefract Castle, Marylebone

Interesting looking pub with a few decent ales on, including some excellent Sharp�s Doom Bar. The ground floor bar has only stools to sit on, so is not particularly comfortable for a relaxing drink. A spiral staircase leads to an upstairs bar with some comfortable seating and which seems to be mainly used as a dining area. I wouldn�t rave about this pub, but it�s a decent enough watering hole and I would definitely visit again if I was in the area.

3 Jul 2008 22:17

The George, Great Portland Street

In many respects this seemed a fairly unremarkable pub � service was OK; Greene King ales on tap; averagely comfortable seating. But it has what looks like an original Victorian or Edwardian bar back with etched mirrors typical of the period, and some ancient-looking round marble-top tables that have clearly seen a lot of use. But on the whole I would say that this is not a pub worth seeking out, but a decent enough place to stop for a pint if you are in the area and happy enough to drink GK ales.

2 Jul 2008 22:38

The Cock, Oxford Circus

This is a fairly good Sam Smith�s pub just a stone�s throw from Oxford Street. It retains some original Edwardian features, and has benefited from a tasteful refurbishment that is typical of the Sam Smith�s chain. Obviously you�ll only get the usual Sam Smith�s range of beers, but they are of course excellent value for money. I was surprised that a pub in this area would be relatively empty (as it was) on the weekday lunchtime that I was in here. They do food at reasonable prices, but only in the upstairs bar. I was the only person up there and I have to say that I would have preferred to eat in the main bar where there were at least a few other punters. All in all a decent enough pub, and although you would not want to go there for the beer alone (unless of course you are a Sam Smith�s fan) it is a welcome respite from the hell of Oxford Street. There are many much worse pubs in the area.

30 Jun 2008 22:59

The Telegraph , Putney Heath

Mixed feelings about this pub. It is tucked away off Putney Heath near Tibbets Corner and is not easily accessible by public transport. It has a rather nice outside seating area for those days when the weather is good enough to enjoy it, with indoor seating consisting of a mixture of mainly sofas with some stools and �normal� tables. The Telegraph features gastro-pub food at gastro-pub prices; the staff all wear black � we all know places like this; super-comfortable, super-clean, etc. They had Summer Lightning, Landlord and St Austell Tribute on yesterday. I had a couple of pints of the Tribute, which was excellent, but expensive (even by London standards) at �3.20 a pint. You wouldn�t want to go here for a traditional pub atmosphere but is a comfortable enough place if you are happy to pay the high prices.

10 Jun 2008 22:18

The Earl Beatty, Motspur Park

The handwritten �London Pride� pump clip was still on yesterday evening. I have to say that it did not taste much like Pride either � tasted more like Bombardier to me. But a decent enough drink nonetheless. Agree with previous posters in that the Beatty leaves a lot to be desired, but one thing in its favour is that you always get a very full pint! Pretty good garden for warm summer days is a definite plus as well.

10 Jun 2008 22:00

The Monte Carlo Brewpub, Las Vegas

No longer brewing its own beer, but still carries numerous excellent beers on tap. I had the superb Sierra Nevada Pale Ale which is brewed in Chico, California. They were not using the more intimate "pub-like" side bar when I was in there a week or so ago, but the bar in the main bar/restaurant area had a number of stools for those who were not eating. Recommended venue for a decent beer, but I did not eat there so cannot comment on the food - but the menu looked typically American.

5 Jun 2008 07:34

The Ten Bells, Shoreditch

Leanne81 � CAMRA publish a booklet containing an inventory of pub interiors of special historical interest. This is what it says about the Ten Bells: �Although now turned into a one-room, trendy bar, there is a wonderful large pictorial panel showing a lively, 18th-century London street scene, and also plenty of blue and white patterned tiles made by W.B. Simpson and Sons of London, the prolific firm who tiled many a London pub c. 1900.� So, in all probability, the tiling was not here when JTR carved his place in London�s history in the summer and autumn of 1888.

4 Jun 2008 07:27

Lefty O'Doul's, San Francisco

One of the better bars in San Francisco. You can get a US style roast dinner for around $8 including tax and tip. They had 17 beers on tap when I was in there last week, including the superb Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from the Sierra Nevada brewery in Chico, CA. Good atmosphere - highly recommended.

3 Jun 2008 23:27

Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

A tourist trap, but it did have a good range of Nelson Brewery beers on offer. I was with a couple of chums, and we all had the Loose Cannon, but none of us were very keen on it. Unfortunately we could not stay long enough to try any of the others, which is a shame because I had not come across this brewery�s products before. The pub itself has a superb location with an excellent view over the river. Tall rooms with large windows letting in a lot of light made it seem quite welcoming, but the bare boards didn�t seem to work in a pub like this � carpeting would have been better. Didn�t eat there, but the meals passing by looked good, although expensive (of course). Personally, I prefer less obtrusive pubs � this certainly has a lot of front!

2 Jun 2008 20:49

The Yacht, Greenwich

Only tourists in there as far as I could see, with prices to match. Like the Trafalgar next door it has excellent views over the river. Had Okell�s Bitter (an IOM brew that I had never seen before) which was absolutely superb. Preferred it to the Trafalgar as the seating and layout seemed more comfortable even though it was a much darker (literally not spiritually!) pub. I think I have yet to find the best pubs in Greenwich � I would not visit Greenwich just to go to the Yacht.

2 Jun 2008 01:36

The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden

Pretty decent pint of Young�s Bitter when I was in here at lunchtime the other day but at �2.90 not cheap, although the going rate for the area. A pretty basic toasted ham and cheese sandwich was �4.00, again probably the going rate, but freshly made and toasted behind the bar using an old-fashioned toaster. The main bar area has a couple of tables at the back but the main seating is provided by stools by the window or at ledges around the sides of the pub. A comfortable enough pub if you are on your own or with one or two chums, but not really large enough if you are in a big group.

2 Jun 2008 01:04

Rutland Arms, Hammersmith

By the river near Hammersmith Bridge, and very pleasant looking down the river on a sunny day. But nothing special in the way of beers � Pride, Deuchars IPA, Bombardier and Young�s Bitter. They use sparklers which are wholly inappropriate for the beers they have on offer, making it hard for the bar staff to serve a full pint. But the barmaid was happy to remove the sparkler when I asked her to do so. I noticed that the next customer also asked for the sparkler to be removed. I suppose there must be some business reason for using them, but I don�t think that it is to provide a better product for the customer. Nonetheless, a pretty good riverside pub if you are not fussed about the way the beer is served. Worth a visit for the setting and views, though not worth going out of your way to find for the ales.

13 May 2008 00:37

The Hope, West Norwood

Essentially unchanged for the last 40 or so years to my knowledge. This is one of my favourite unpretentious Young�s houses. Superb pint of Special at lunchtime the other day. Shame it doesn�t do any food though � I would have thought doing something to eat at lunchtime, even if it is only a basic sandwich, would generate some additional custom. In fact when I was in there at lunchtime I did not stay for a second pint because I needed to get something to eat. Unfortunately the only other two pubs in central West Norwood (only 3 left out of the 8 that were there when I lived there!!!) did not have any real ale on so had to move on. But the Hope is still a good local and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates the old-fashioned boozer.

10 May 2008 00:18

The Rose and Crown, Southwark

Shepherd Neame pub with the full range of SN ales on offer. I had the Kent�s Best which was excellent. This is a smallish pub with the feel of a traditional local about it. Quite a large garden (by Central London standards) which makes it very popular in the summer. The food has always been pretty good when I have eaten there, and the service has always been friendly and welcoming. Compared to some of the other places in the general area, this is a real gem.

8 May 2008 00:07

The Bree Louise, Euston

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.

7 May 2008 23:17

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Come on Spaceman, you can't reclaim the Mitre - it was never yours! Go on, be a sport, please leave the Mitre the way it is for us old gits who like these sort of pubs, after all there aren't that many of them left. There really are enough of the sort of pubs you seem to like around without wanting to destroy one of my favourites. And yes, I do suspect that your comments were somewhat tongue in cheek!

19 Apr 2008 14:29

The Charles Dickens, Southwark

I think I like this pub more with each visit, which is a very good sign indeed. In there for lunch the other day, washed down with a pint of superb Itchen Valley Winchester Ale. Several other decent real ales on offer as well (as always), but now all at �2.90 a pint. Food was OK for the price. Worth going there for the ales alone.

6 Apr 2008 11:16

The Dove Inn, Hammersmith

Unchanged since my last visit a year or so ago. It oozes history from every nook and cranny of its dark wooden interior. It has what is claimed to be the smallest bar anywhere on the right as you go in the pub � but I have never been in it as there have always been a couple of drinkers already in there, and three would definitely be a crowd! Excellent views of the river from the terrace, and superb Fullers ales make this a �must visit� pub on any visit to the area. Nonetheless, for some reason on which I cannot put my finger, I find this pub a bit pretentious. The food�s not cheap, but it does not pretend to be a backstreet boozer � so you �pays yer money and takes yer choice�! But on the whole I really do like this pub, and would recommend it.

5 Apr 2008 21:44

The Duke Of York, Chiswick

Was in there for lunch on Wednesday. Very pleased to report that it remains the down to earth pub enjoyed by previous reviewers. I had a warm welcome; an excellent pint of Chiswick; and a very enjoyable tuna baguette for a couple of quid. I wouldn�t normally order a baguette in a pub because one will often get something stale/warmed up that returns to its normal stale state as it cools. But here I got something fresh from Sainsbury�s! Only a small thing in the overall assessment of a pub, but it indicates the maintenance of decent standards. A clean, welcoming pub that serves excellent Fullers ales. Highly recommended.

4 Apr 2008 23:40

The Crown and Sugarloaf, Bride's Lane

The reason this pub is so small is because it was originally part of the Punch Tavern, next door to it. In fact the Crown and Sugarloaf was the original name for the joint pub � as you would expect in this part of world, the name of the Punch Tavern derives from the fact that it was a favourite watering hole of staff of the famous publication. It�s a nice enough little pub, the main attraction being the original Victorian features (or maybe Edwardian - not sure), especially the mosaic floor. But I tend to agree with Grecian regarding the beer � and I have given it many, many, chances to grow on me! This is just a matter of taste.

4 Apr 2008 12:24

The Lamb, Bloomsbury

A traditional Young�s house that I have been using since the early 1970s. It was one of the few places that you could find real ale in those days. Perhaps more importantly, it has what appears to be a set of original Victorian snob screens set at around head height, which were intended to allow drinkers to maintain at least a degree of anonymity. A really great pub that is definitely worth seeking out.

1 Apr 2008 09:45

The White Hart, Whitechapel

A big corner pub with a lot of natural light. Only ale on handpump was the ubiquitous London Pride, which was a bit gassy and too cold, but generally tasted OK. Fair enough pub which fits into the �OK� but nothing out of the ordinary category. Definitely better than the Blind Beggar though.

29 Mar 2008 11:16

The One Tun, Farringdon

Not a lot to recommend this pub, located as it is on one of London�s oldest thoroughfares. Uncomfortable seats; and nothing else in the way of internal features worth mentioning. But one first for me � it�s the first pub I have been in which had a sign advertising the forthcoming new gents� toilets. Had a pint of Wadworth�s 6X which was OK. Not worth going out of one�s way to visit � but I didn�t try the Thai food which did look pretty good.

29 Mar 2008 00:50

The Ten Bells, Shoreditch

Only Bombardier on handpump but it was OK. The pub sports large windows that let in a lot of light on a sunny day, but which only tends to emphasize how tatty and uncared for the interior seems. Seeing past that, however, we are lucky to see what must be some original Victorian tilework that has survived to the present day. I don�t suppose that JTR or his victims will have appreciated the longevity of the pub�s decorations however � assuming that they were in place in 1888.

28 Mar 2008 23:47

The Royal Oak, Borough

Well-known Harveys pub, yet retains the atmosphere and feel of a backstreet boozer. Some of the best sandwiches around can be bought here. So � great beer, excellent sarnies, super atmosphere � top pub then. Well recommended for inclusion in a Waterloo to London Bridge crawl. Definitely one of my favourites.

25 Mar 2008 22:50

The Hoop and Grapes, Aldgate

Had an excellent pint of Jennings Cumberland Ale in here recently. This is not an ale you see very often in London � or I haven�t anyway. Original timberwork frames testify to the historic pedigree of the pub, but the interior still has an up to date feel to it and was a comfortable place for my chums and I to start our days imbibing. Great pub � highly recommended.

23 Mar 2008 12:52

The Three Kings, Clerkenwell

This is a quirky little pub just off Clerkenwall Green. Nothing unusual in the way of real ales on offer (I think we may have been drinking Bombardier or Pride) but I felt it to be a really welcoming little pub. Would be very happy to drop in again for a pint when I�m in the area.

22 Mar 2008 18:20

The Dolphin Tavern, Bloomsbury

A very small flat-iron shaped corner pub. Some of the dirtiest seating that I have ever seen � it would take the George, in d�Arblay St to beat them, unless that pub has had a refurb since last time I was there. Had some real ale on (Adnam�s I think), but nothing out of the ordinary as I recall. Interestingly large windows, split into lots of smaller panes. I actually quite liked this pub in spite of its shortcomings.

22 Mar 2008 17:30

The Cutty Sark Tavern, Greenwich

This seems to be a fairly welcoming Greenwich pub with an excellent riverside location. Had the St Austell Brewery Tribute, which was in fine form, but fairly expensive, even by London prices, at �3 a pint. Food pretty poor value � ploughmans at �8.95 that contained some rubbery cheddar and a small pork pie that looked to be of Tesco value range quality, plus an inadequate bit of brown pickle that didn't look good enough to be Branston's. No problem with places charging top prices, but if so they should provide decent quality.

20 Mar 2008 18:52

The Strutton Arms, Westminster

I think you might be being a little hard on doctordupree here, bradwan. Although the brother does not wish to advertise his disability by using a white stick, etc, it is not necessarily morally reprehensible to mention this fact on a site like this where, of course, he remains anonymous. Bradwan is probably in a better position than you or I to judge whether his brother would mind or not. Also, although the licensee might have the right to refuse to serve whomsoever he chooses (although I�m not certain how our raft of anti-discrimination legislation stacks up against this), it still strikes me as somewhat crass to do so without giving the courtesy of a reason.

20 Mar 2008 17:11

The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch

An absolute gem of a pub, which I usually visit whenever I am in the area. Excellent and very reasonably priced sandwiches, Crouch Vale Brewer�s Gold and ESB on tap, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere � that is enough for me to rate thus excellent pub very highly. Easily the best in the area. Definitely recommended for anyone who appreciates decent traditional pubs.

19 Mar 2008 11:09

The William Morris, Merton Abbey Mills

On the banks of the River Wandle, standing on the site of the old Liberty printing works. Pretty dead on a Sunday evening with only about half the bar being �manned�. Food used to be OK, if somewhat unimaginative, but maybe it has improved, as suggested by a previous reviewer. Gets very busy at Sunday midday when the Merton Abbey Mills market is in full swing, and is very pleasant if you can sit outside during the warmer weather. Pretty ordinary real ales on offer � I think we were drinking Young�s Bitter. A decent enough pub if you can sit outside, or can get a window seat overlooking the river, but probably not worth seeking out unless you are visiting Merton Abbey anyway.

18 Mar 2008 20:43

The Stage Door, Waterloo

I thought this was a fairly unremarkable pub. At the back of the Old Vic, it has been very quiet the couple of times I have been in there recently. It does have a pinball (Fish Tails at the moment), but not such a good machine as the Medieval Madness in the Hole in the Wall. The London Pride was OK � not better than OK. I probably wouldn�t go in there unless I fancied a game of pinball.

18 Mar 2008 17:14

The Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Decent enough little pub just a few minutes walk from Waterloo Station. It is certainly going to be a lot quieter than either the Hole In The Wall or the Wellington, which could be an attraction. The exterior retains the original Truman, Hanbury and Buxton branding. The interior is pretty plain, apart from the photographs mentioned by a previous reviewer. A couple of the tables featured rather incongruous chintzy green tablecloths � but hey, it�s got to be as good as eating off the plain tables. Can�t remember what real ale they had on, but it wasn�t anything special. I would use it again because it is slightly off the beaten track and thus a bit quieter than others in the area.

16 Mar 2008 17:16

The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo

Not much in the way of atmosphere. The front bar is OK, but the back bar is positively gloomy with no natural light. Punters here also enjoy regular earthquake effect as trains pass directly overhead. But there are usually 6 real ales on offer, and the Twickenham Original I had was excellent. It also has a decent pinball machine in proper working order, which is becoming something of an endangered species in London. Not the sort of place in which I would want to spend an evening, but OK for a couple of pints and a decent game of pinball. Gets a 7 from me for the excellent ales on offer plus the pinball.

29 Feb 2008 18:37

The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury

First visit to this pub for a good two or three years, but it�s not changed as far as I can see. Easily the best pub in New Oxford Street � but there is really little competition. It retains the distinctive stained glass fa�ade; has a couple of tables on the pavement; and a handful of tables/chairs/stools inside. So, fairly small as pubs go, but a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. Decent pint of Master Brew as well.

26 Feb 2008 21:48

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair

This is a fairly decent pub in a fairly quiet location. The pint of Bombardier I had was OK � for �2.80 or so as I recall. A couple of the larger tables in the main pub area already had �reserved� signs on them when I was in there at about 11.30 AM. Useful pub if you arrive at the Red Lion before it opens at 1200! OK place to stop for a pint, but would not go out of my way to visit.

4 Feb 2008 14:20

The Harp, Covent Garden

Yes, quite right Allison. I was in Wednesday afternoon and had a pint of Davenport's Export which was excellent, and was only one of a number of decent ales on offer. I don't think you need to make excuses for your range of beers on offer - the selection remains one of the best in Central London.

1 Feb 2008 17:53

The Castle, Holborn

I was in here for about an hour from 2.00 to 3.00 on a wet and windy Monday afternoon. Very quiet � eight customers when I went in (I made nine). Almost as many ales on as customers. I wonder whether they have the custom to support having 8 real ales on? The RCH Tender Loving Care I had was only just OK. No chairs � only stools by the bar; around a single high table; or next to a ledge by the windows. Clearly ancient floorboards � nobody would distress floorboards to the point where there were holes in the floor! I didn�t find the pub very comfortable or welcoming as a solitary drinker � but I suppose it would be a much different place if you were in there with a bunch of chums. But I'll give it another go when I'm next in the area - first impressions aren't always right, and previous reviewers rate it highly.

15 Jan 2008 17:23

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

Visited yesterday lunchtime. Very quiet, but welcoming nonetheless. Five real ales on - HSB; Dark Star Hophead and Meltdown; Black Eagle SPA; and Thwaites Original. Had the HSB and Thwaites Original - both superb. Easily the best pub for miles. Definitely worth seeking out.

10 Jan 2008 17:53

The Princess Louise, Holborn

Albert � I always though that �snob screens� were those smallish panels you see above the bar at around head height that could swivel round � like the ones in The Lamb (or that were still there last time I was in there, but as it is a Young�s pub anything could happen!). But I could be wrong. Maybe someone who really knows what they are talking about will put us straight. I have learned all kinds of things from BITE!

9 Jan 2008 11:17

The Princess Louise, Holborn

I was in there at lunchtime for a swift one. I can confirm the accuracy of Mintyboom�s observation in that they do have OBB on handpump. However, they have not reinstated snob screens (if indeed they ever did have them � not all Victorian pubs did) as suggested by Albert Campion, but what they have done is reinstate the (presumably originally Victorian) partitions between the bars, making the pub a series of separate drinking areas connected by mosaiced hallways on each side of the pub. Interestingly, Sam Smith�s did the same thing at the Angel in St Giles High Street a few years ago, representing a welcome reversal of the trend to turn all pubs into single-room drinking venues. All the original Victorian tiling has been lovingly retained, and what they have done looks to me to be one of the best refurbishments I have seen, and is in stark contrast to what Young�s have done to some of their pubs.

4 Jan 2008 19:51

The Captain Kidd, Wapping

The building housing the Captain Kidd used to be a tackle shed when the docks in that part of the world were a going concern. It's been a pub for about 20 years or so. Agree with previous reviewers that it is a shame that they don't do a decent ale. The keg version of OBB is just not as good as the handpump version. But I still rate the pub a 6, mainly for the location.

3 Jan 2008 23:16

The Red Lion, Mayfair

Tucked away at the bottom of Waverton Street, you are not likely to pass the Red Lion by accident. But it is a decent pub, even if the ales on offer are the usual suspects you expect to find in a Spirit Group pub. The staff have always been very friendly whenever I have been in there and the food in the restaurant is good. Expensive - but good. It is most certainly a real pub (rather than just a bar) and in my view is a hidden gem. Highly recommended.

3 Jan 2008 22:59

Ye Grapes, Mayfair

The exterior of this pub is so interesting that one is almost obliged to enter - only to be disappointed. It should be so much better inside than it is. A pub can be a bit tatty yet retain a lot of character; but this isn't one of them. Top of the range prices too - I had a pint of "Piss in the Cold" (I think) - even if I'm not 100% sure what the beer was called I do remember that it cost me �3.30 a pint. There are better pubs in the Mayfair area.

24 Dec 2007 15:32

The Fountain, New Malden

No real on at noon the other day - the reason: too busy to put it on! Strikes me that getting drinks available for punters to buy should be a priority job for a publican. Won't be back in a hurry.

18 Nov 2007 17:16

The Selkirk, Tooting

I'm not quite so enthusuastic about this pub as previous reviewers. It was very cold in there yesterday lunchtime, and both the real ales (Landlord and Deuchars IPA) were off. On the plus side the staff were very friendly and helpful and they did have a wide range of lagers on - Hooegarden's; Beck's Vier; Staropramen; Stella, Peeterman's, and Boks Artois were the ones I remembered. The "Kirk" burger was excellent, but you would expect that at &7.95 a throw. Very stingy with the chips though! Probably a great pub in the summer with the conservatory and outside seating, but I think I will avoid it at other times.

25 Oct 2007 14:40

The Blue Anchor, Chancery Lane

Nice enough little pub tucked away down an alleyway off Chancery Lane. Nothing unusual in the way of ales, but the London Pride was OK. Fairly small but made larger by the front of the pub opening up and the utilization of some outside seating. Must have been a simple backstreet boozer at some stage, but now moved a bit upmarket, which is not surprising in this part of the world. Nevertheless a decent enough little pub. There are a lot worse places to stop for a drink.

29 Sep 2007 18:31

The Andover Arms, Hammersmith

Only three people in there at around 1.45 PM on a Friday - and one of them was the barman. I guess I just hit the dead time - a few more people would have lent it some welcome atmosphere. But this is definitely my kind of pub - the unpretentious backstreet boozer. The ESB was top notch and I was sorry that I did not have the time to stay for one or two more pints. In my view worth seeking out.

16 Sep 2007 18:26

The Salutation, Hammersmith

actually it was fairly empty when I dropped in there on a Friday lunchtime the other day. A pretty decent pub by any standards, and definitely the best in the immediate vicinity. Looks like it has retained a lot of its original character in the furnishings and fittings. The service was quick and friendly enough - but it was fairly empty. Food was good, although, as mentioned by a previous reviewer, it was expensive. The only (minor) fault for me was that the Pride was servied at about the right temperature for Discovery, but too cold for Pride. I don't think I would got far out of my way to visit again, but worth a visit if you are in the area.

12 Sep 2007 11:04

The Prince Of Wales, Tooting

An ordinary boozer. And the only pub I know that has a working pinball machine (Monster Bash)which is a definite plus.

24 Aug 2007 22:47

The Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge

I couldn't agree more with porks, BothamsAshes and GrumpyDwarf. But this is what Young's are doing to their pubs. I'm afraid that the Bunch of Grapes is not an isolated case. If you have been to the Britannia in Kensington and/or the Dog and Fox in Wimbledon you will see even worse examples of sterilization than that inflicted on the Bunch of Grapes. It's a crying shame.

18 Aug 2007 21:33

The Narrow Boat, Islington

Seems to be more of a gastro-bar than a pub. Should be a decent outlook over the canal when the noisy building work opposite has been completed. Didn't see anything interesting in the way of real ale but the Steigel Goldbrau was good. Didn't eat there but the food looked pretty expensive (e.g. �8-ish for some pretty ordinary looking chilli con carne). Service was OK-ish - I had to wait for my beer until it could be brought over to our table with my wife's coffee. OK for a stop if you are walking the toepath, but not really my type of place.

15 Aug 2007 10:50

The Bell, Cannon Street

What a nice little pub. Must be one of the better ones in the City. Fairly small one-room pub; plenty of dark wood gives it an olde worlde atmosphere. Lots of bric-a-brac on the beams. About five real ales on. Expensive though - the Summer Lightning and Landlord were both �3.05 a pint. But that's the City for you. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the are.

15 Aug 2007 10:39

The Iron Duke, Mayfair

Quite liked this pub. The music was not intrusive, the seating at the back was pretty comfortable, friendly barmaid and excellent ESB. So, all in all a pretty decent pub. Worth a visit, and I expect I shall be back. Interesting comments by previous posters about its regularity as random pub of the day. And it hasn't even been called the Fullers Ale Lodge for ages - it's the Iron Duke of course!

13 Jul 2007 10:11

The Masons Arms, Marylebone

Had a drop of Badger First Gold which was excellent. They also had Stinger on. This pub has a central bear, with some seating, but seemed to me to be the sort of pub for propping up the bar. Plenty of dark wood gives it an old feel. I don't know the prevenance of this pub, but there is a sign outside that says its cellars were originally cells used for the temporary incarceration of those unfortunates waiting to dance the hempen jig at Tyburn. I quite liked this pub, and will drop in again if I am in the area.

13 Jul 2007 10:02

The Duke of York, Marylebone

Like Trainman, I found myself in the area yesterday and decided to pop in for a swift one. The fact that the pub in the No 1 spot, as the DofY was a few days ago, was a London pub I had never visited seemed somehow wrong to me. The staff were Kiwis I think. Plenty of rugby memorabilia all over the place and clearly sport-orientated. Lots of what appeared to be original features. It was clean and comfortable and the barman was friendly and helpful. Didn't eat there, but the Bombardier was good (at �2.90 a pint it ought to be!). All in all i thought it was a very good pub, but not deserving of the No 1 spot. It now looks to be about where it desreves to be at No 24. but definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

6 Jul 2007 16:37

The Red Lion, St James

Excellent pint of Pride at �2.50 makes this one of the best - maybe the best - watering holes in the area. Also had Landlord, GKIPA and Pedigree on when I visited last weekend. Read the menu for the history. This is so obviously a genuine Victorian treasure. I'm so glad that this one has survived the ravages of WWII and the developers. Definitely a must for a visit for the decor alone.

6 Jul 2007 16:09

Duke Of York, Mayfair

Not overly impressed. The pint of Summer Lightning I ordered was off; happily exchanged for a pint of Pride that was only just drinkable. Not a good start. I didn't think that the ground floor was very comfortable with no tables and chairs and only stools on which to perch at the bar or at ledges by the windows or round the central spiral staircase. Maybe the other bars were better, but I didn't visit them. So, dodgy beer, strange layout and friendly barmaid - could be worse I suppose, but I don't expect to visit again.

4 Jul 2007 10:44

Woodies, New Malden

I was in there yesterday afternoon. The sandwiches are great value at around �2.60 a throw; The Surrey Hills Gilt Complex and HBB were excellent, but the Heelstone was even better. Personally I don't mind seeing these weekly beer updates on the site.

4 Jul 2007 09:55

The Ship, Mortlake

Great location with superb river views and lots of outside seating. Beer was OK - not the very best pint of Pride that I have ever had, but perfectly acceptable and very welcome after the walk from Kew. Food seems to be standard pub fare,and the burger and chips I had was pretty good for the going rate of �5.95. My wife had the beef and Old Speckled Hen ale pie, which seemed a bit expensive at �8.25, but she said it was excellent. Nothing special about the inside of the pub that I could see, but comfortable enough and the service was as good as I expect in a pub. Definitely worth going for the setting.

18 Jun 2007 10:36

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

This just goes to show that we all have different criteria for what makes a great pub. One person's "shabby dive" is another person's "great backstreet boozer". When I see see that someone has rated a pub (bar) very highly because "the security staff is dead sexy, dey make wikid cocktails and you have a bril time cos they lets ya dance on da tables" I tend to think that never in a million years would I go in such a place. If you don't appreciate the Wenlock's qualities then it is not the sort of pub for you, and best if you find somewhere else more to your liking.

13 Jun 2007 17:40

The Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge

Pretty sterile Young's pub, of the sort that is becoming more typical of the brewery. But it was comfortable enough and the Special was good enough. I think the main attraction is the outside seating area at the back, which was well patronised on a very warm May afternoon. I don't think I would go out of my to visit it again, but OK for a quick stop if you happen to passing London Bridge.

27 May 2007 18:02

The Charles Dickens, Southwark

The plus point with this pub is the range of real ales they always have on, all at a not unreasonable �2.70 per pint. But pretty spartan decor, and the non-smoking area in the rear is too close to the open plan kitchen to be comfortable. The smell of food when I was in there last week was fairly overpowering. But worth a visit for the beer alone.

27 May 2007 14:04

The Sultan, South Wimbledon

Thanks for the reassurance AleKing. There was an AGM for something the following morning, and the participants (or perhaps the committee) were ranged along one side of the pub having a pre-meeting session. As there were no other seats along the side I sat alone in the middle of the pub and it felt as if I was under scrutiny. Irrational, I know. Probably not the best pub to go on your own? Must see if I can find a friend!

11 May 2007 10:23

The Sultan, South Wimbledon

Made my first visit to this pub the other day. I probably did not see it at its best on a rainy midweek afternoon, but I did not feel particularly comfortable in there for some reason I can't put my finger on. Plus I did not choose well in ordering the Dragon's Breath, which had a peppery aftertaste that I did not take to. I suppose it lived up to its description as Dragon's Breath though. The light coloured tables, plus the doors to the garden being open, gave the pub a very light, airy feel. Enough people have good things to say about this pub to suggest that I should give it another go - but will go for the excellent Summer Lightning the next time.

8 May 2007 11:21

The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden

And my signature today made the number the same as Boeing's famous jumbo jet!

6 May 2007 12:41

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

A little gem of a pub that had 6 real ales on (and none of the usual suspects)when I visited it recently. This is a friendly local that thankfully survived the High Path re-development that resulted in the demolition of at least one other pub in the area. It has a limited range of food, but the sandwich I had was OK and reasonably priced. Worth going for the beer alone, and is one of a handful of good pubs in the area. Highly recommended.

6 May 2007 12:25

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Many thanks for these comments chaps. One lives and learns - I confess I did not know what a kilderkin was. Just goes to show that a bit of grammar and punctuation can help understanding. Whenever I go to a pub like the Wenlock (and there aren't many like the Wenlock!) I just drink the beer they have on and go home happy. I'm just a simple soul! regards.

25 Apr 2007 00:15

The White Horse, Parsons Green

A big, airy place with, in my opinion, little or no character. But it's pretty comfortable if you like sitting on massive sofas. It also has a nice outside seating area which is a definite plus with the weather we have been enjoying for the last couple of weeks or so. The range of great beers are reasonably priced and the food is prety good too, so, all things considered a nice enough place for a get together or a drink on your own.

22 Apr 2007 18:26

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Does anyone understand Elsiepop's posting? I must be missing something. Certainly the phrase "too many beers" means nothing to me. Anyway, it is undoubtedly one of the best pubs around, and I hope it never changes.

22 Apr 2007 18:13

The Old Doctor Butler's Head, Moorgate

It was doing a pretty good trade at around 3.15 on a Tuesday afternoon, with a fair number of suits who looked as if they couldn't summon up the enthusiasm or energy to drag themselves back to the office. And they were not all watching the cricket. The Kent's Best was pretty good and the barman was friendly and helpful. As you would expect, being down an alleyway with tall buildings adjacent, not much natural light gets in so it is rather dark inside. But no matter, it is still the best pub in the vicinity.

17 Apr 2007 18:20

The Bricklayers Arms, Putney

In here for the first time the other day. The Timothy Taylor Landlord was superb. Most certainly a real pub with no gastro-pretentiousness about it. Missed the last couple of beer festivals here, but will try to make a future one. If you want a no-frills pub with great beer then this is a must.

17 Apr 2007 18:01

The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden

Cramped, small, dark and smoky - that's the Nell Gwynne. Plus a sortie to the toilets is an adventure in itself with the narrow, steep stairs and head-banging beam. A tall girl wearing high heels and who has had a few has got no chance of making it - she'll probably go head first into the ladies! But the beer is OK and the place has undoubtedly got atmosphere and character and is certainly worth a visit to see one of London's most historic hidden pubs.

Surelt the developers are not going to get away with getting rid of the Nell Gwynne are they? In my borough - Merton - at least one planning application to demolish a pub has been given the thumbs down by the planning committee on the basis that it would be a loss of a valuable local amenity. But maybe different considerations apply here - there is not exactly a shortage of pubs in The Strand area. CAMRA tend to object to the loss of pubs generally, and I can't believe that they would condone the loss of a pub with the history of the Nell Gwynne. Let's see if the local committee know any more.

17 Apr 2007 09:22

The Harp, Covent Garden

Had an excellent pint of Thwaites Thoroughbread here earlier this week. I suppose at �2.90 it was the going rate for the area. This is a smallish pub with seating consisting mainly of stools round the bar and shelves. As it was a warm day the entire front of the window area was open, giving the place a welcoming feel. This is something that you don't see too often(the Lamb and Flag is one other that has the facility) and is in contrast to most pubs which turn their back on, or provide an escape from, the outside world.

Anyway, lots of original paintings and the like adorning the walls add to the atmosphere. I remember this place from when it was the Welsh Harp and it does not appear to have changed much. It's a decent, welcoming pub with good beer and definitely worth a visit.

13 Apr 2007 22:05

The Salisbury, Leicester Square

A classic Victorian pub with what appears to be many original features (no doubt someone will say if they are really modern reproductions). Handful of tourists in on a Wednesday lunchtime; staff were very friendly and the Deuchars IPA was excellent. Great pub - highly recommended.

12 Apr 2007 18:44

The Gun, Coldharbour

Not sure if this is a pub pretending to be a restaurant, or vice versa. Probably a bit of both - bit of a mixed bag really. Drinking in the main bar is, as a previous reviewer says, like drinking in an upmarket restaurant. Don't like this bar very much, even though the Young's Bitter I had was OK. I quite like the back bar though, and the terrace really does have a superb riverside location with a view dominated by the Dome. Not too easy to get to if you do not live or work locally though, so i do not expect to be a regular visitor.

7 Apr 2007 11:45

The North Pole, Canary Wharf

Having seen the previous reviews I had to go and see for myself whether there really is a decent pub in what I always considered to be the wasteland of Canary Wharf. The North Pole is exactly as described - a simple, decent pub. It consists of one room with a horseshoe bar; just one ale on - London Pride - which tasted just fine. Red plastic seat covers (don't see them very often these days), plain wooden tables, and a friendly barman (probably John?)make it what I want - a decent, no frills pub. Very quiet when I was in, just before it closed for the afternoon at 3.30.

5 Apr 2007 09:37

The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common

The Young's Special was OK when I was in there last weekend. Has the feel of a country pub, with several people bringing their (well-behaved) dogs into the pub - that doesn't happen much in London. A large pub that has a separate rstaurant area at the rear, and an attractive separate non-smoking area to the right as you go in. Flagstone floor and lots of dark wood give it a welcoming feel. Definitely recommended.

1 Apr 2007 12:10

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

Visit this pub for the history and ambience of a bygone age. This really does look like a pub that has been there, and remained largely unchanged, since just after the Great Fire. A Sam Smith's pub so no surprises regarding beers on offer. A must for inclusion on any tour of London's historic pubs.

31 Mar 2007 10:08

The Antelope, Belgravia

A Fuller's pub so expect decent ale. I had the Discovery for a change when I was in the other day and it was excellent. Pretty crowded on a Thursday evening with not much room to move round the central bar, but that's to be expected in a decent pub in London. Service was fine taking into account that it was busy. One of a number of really intersting mews pubs in the general area - definitely worth a visit.

30 Mar 2007 12:26

The Punch Tavern, Fleet Street

Not so impressed as recent reviewers. Definitely not impressed by below par Timothy Taylor Landlord at �3.20 a pint! Seemed more like a French bistro than a pub; there were quite a few people in on a weekday late lunchtime but no atmosphere to speak of. Mirrors round the walls were fair enough as a decoration but I thought the adverts for this and that written on them were very much out of place - for a pub, but perhaps not for a bistro! Won't be returning, but gets a 4 for the tilework in the hallway.

26 Mar 2007 22:31

The Blackfriar, Blackfriars

To the 5th Earl of Wimborne - My Lord, I would not dispute your contention that trade across the industry as a whole will fall when the smoking ban is effected in July, but I still contend that it is likely that trade in the Blackfriar will pick up when it is not the only pub in the area with a smoking ban! We must "wait and see" as a great man once said.

26 Mar 2007 17:57

The Speaker, Westminster

Like it says in the window, this is a real pub, with no noisy extraneous distractions. Just people drinking, and talking. I had the Cairngorm Nessie Monster Mash the other day, and it was superb. Just the sort of place to stop for a quiet mid-afternoon pint and read a book for an hour or two. There are plenty of other places with TV screens for those that want them. A definite for a return visit.

26 Mar 2007 17:41

Ye Olde Watling, Mansion House

More like a real pub than others in the City. Lots of dark wood giving it a warm feel. Excellent Black Sheep Bitter on Friday. Crowded by 5.30 PM (of course). Like it - definitely worth a visit.

26 Mar 2007 17:36

Duke Of Wellington, Belgravia

Had the Master Brew which was OK. Pretty crowded on a Thursday evening with no chance of getting a table. But the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful; the cheese and pickle sandwich and a few chips was good enough to fill a hole at �3.95 a throw. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area, but there are a number of exceptional pubs within a 5 or 10 minute walk from here.

22 Mar 2007 23:26

The Viaduct Tavern, St Pauls

They had Porter on yesterday, but no ESB unfortunately. The Pride was OK, but not the best I have had. You know this is a classic Victorian pub when you walk up to it, and most of the interior decoration has been retained. Typical high windows let in masses of light making the interior very bright, but with shafts of sunlight emphasizing the smoke swirling around. Roll on 1 July. But definitely worth a visit for the classic decor.

20 Mar 2007 22:46

The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane

This is a really good pub, full of character. The staff were friendly, the cat was reasonably friendly, the American tourists I chatted to were friendly, and the beer (They had Dark Star Spring Equinox and Hopwood on as well as Adnam's)was superb. That'll do it for me. Will definitely be in again later this week.

20 Mar 2007 22:28

The Greencoat Boy, Victoria

It's an OK pub. Nothing spectacular about it - but it seems clean and run well enough. The service was friendly and the Young's Ordinary was perfectly acceptable. I would certainly visit again if I was in the area, but it does have competition with The Speaker just down the road.

20 Mar 2007 16:41

The Blackfriar, Blackfriars

In here for lunch today for the first time in about a year. Didn't notice the bad spells reported by previous reviewers and the pint of Landlord I had was just fine. But maybe I hit it on a good day. Anyway, this is a late Victorian pub with some of the most spectacular internal marble and brass decorations to be seen anywhere that were added around the beginning of the last century. Pretty empty for a weekday lunchtime - possibly a result of the no-smoking policy, but hopefully trade will pick up when all pubs are non-smoking.

19 Mar 2007 23:44

The Ship Tavern, Holborn

Thanks for that posting John. I was in here a couple of weeks ago and wracked my brains in a futile attempt to remember which brewery it was tied to when I used to visit it regularly in the 70s (probably drinking keg McEwan's Export!). It looks to be pretty much unchanged over the years, with the furnishings having something of a traditional feel to them. The Bateman's XXXB was off when I was in, but there were a couple of other decent ales on. The Ship is a welcome haven away from the large drinking dens that infest Kingsway round the corner.

15 Mar 2007 09:24

Ye Olde White Horse, Aldwych

4 real ales on last Wednesday - I had the Woodforde's Norfolk Wherry, which was just fine. Also had Taylor's Landlord on plus Young's Special as guest beer (forgotten the fourth, but it was not one of the usual suspects). Friendly service, and I enjoyed a chat with the landlord about East End pubs that we had known. Place could do with a little bit of a smarten up, but I still appreciate the atmosphere of a simple little boozer that serves as an oasis away from the soulless drinking establishments that abound round the corner in Kingsway. They have got rid of the "no students" sign, but I gather that all but mature students are still barred. Definitely worth seeking out you you like "no-frills" pubs.

10 Mar 2007 10:49

The Edgar Wallace, Temple

In here last Wednesday lunchtime for a swift one. Pretty simple one-room pub with nothing exceptional about it - except the fact that there were 6 real ales on. I had a Wooden Hand Brewery Cornish ale, which was excellent. Barmaid was very friendly, and service was quick. Definitely worth going back to for the beer alone.

10 Mar 2007 10:37

The Brewery Tap, Wimbledon Village

Nothing like the pub it used to be. They have succeeded totally in removing the character from what was once a real pub. Now looks more like a hotel bar. But when I was in there the other day the beer was good (I had the Eccleshall's Slaters) and have seen other less frequently seen beers there in the past. So not a total disaster then, but I would prefer it the way it was.

9 Mar 2007 18:57

The Old Coffee House, Soho

Nice enough pub. Lots of bric a brac, including an interesting collection of Army recruiting posters for various wars. Pint of Pedigree I had was OK (not good, just OK). Seating was comfortable enough and the service on a late Wednesday lunchtime was just fine. Nice little pub somewhat off the beaten track.

9 Mar 2007 18:48

The George, Soho

Looks good from the outside with the typical Victorian style name in stone above the corner. The big windows let in a lot of light - which serves to emphasize just how smoky it is in there. Just the one ale on today - Bombardier, which was not particularly good for the �3 a pint I was charged. Seating is mainly wooden stools for sitting at the shelving under the windows. There are three settees at tables for four, but the clothe covering was just about the most dirty I have ever seen. Shame - should be better. Doubt whether I shall go again, unless I happen to be pasing and am feeling thirsty.

7 Mar 2007 17:16

The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common

This pub has always felt very comfortable when I have visited. The (wooden) seats in the front area with the low ceiling are nice and light being next to the windows. There are also some more comfortable seats further to the rear, and today there was a real coal fire on the go. Beers on were Young's Special, Bitter, Winter Warmer, plus Well's Bombardier. The Special was excellent and though I did not eat there today, whenever I have been there before it has been excellent. I agree with previous reviewers who say that the Hand in Hand retains its character, not having suffered the same fate as the Dog and Fox (and some other Young's pubs). A good, clean, friendly, pub with good beer and good food. With its neighbour the Crooked Billet it is now easily one of the two best pubs in wimbledon.

5 Mar 2007 18:19

The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell

A friendly, traditional pub with great beer. In there Saturday afternoon and very pleased to see that it had not changed since my previous visit last Summer. Agree wholehartedly with previous reviewers who value the honest, unpretentious boozer. If only there were more of them. Wish I had a local like this.

26 Feb 2007 20:36

The Old China Hand, Clerkenwell

I thought this "pub" was OK. They had Caledonian's 6 Nations; Mauldon's Black Adder; and Moles Breweries Rucking Mole on. Unfortunately only had time for one pint of Rucking Mole, which was excellent. It was a new barrell, and was pleased to see that the friendly barmaid took the time and trouble to pull it through properly. I know that is what should always happen, but it doesn't always.

Not sure about the solid wood furniture - it looks fine, but personally I prefer something a bit more comfortable. But, as a previous reviewer said, it is tastefully unique, and in any case the quality of the beer more than makes up for any negative points.

25 Feb 2007 22:50

Woodies, New Malden

Visited Woodies at lunchtime today for the first time in some years and gratified to see that it has remained pretty well unchanged, apart from the outside area which seems to be better laid out than it was before. Ales were excellent as well - guests were Stonehenge Heel Stone and Surrey Hills Shere Drop. Only had the Heel Stone and ESB, but both were superb. Food is good and reasonably priced, atmosphere and service is friendly, - I shall definitely visit again.

25 Feb 2007 22:33

Kings Arms, Borough

Most definitely a gem of a pub. No loud music, no loud people, and I like unpretentious sanswiches at �2.00 a throw! When I was in there at lunchtime earlier this week there was what seemed to be a reunion of about eight WWII veterans having a boozy afternoon. I salute them. I will regard it as a great result if, when I reach their age, I can still enjoy a piss-up with chums in a pub as good as the King's Arms.

The barman was friendly and efficient. The ales on were Courage Best and Old Speckled Hen. It's a very light pub, which unfortunately highlighted the fog of smoke surrounding the handful of smokers. But that will change. A real pub that comes highly recommended by me.

23 Feb 2007 14:04

The Anchor, Southwark

In here for the first time yesterday early lunctime. Very quiet, but it was early. I have to say that the big room at the back would have fitted in well at any Wetherspoons or All Bar One. A pub of this age and pedigree should have more character on the inside. Only beers on were Pride and Courage Best. In a moment of lapsed judgement I opted for the Best which was OK - but that is probably as good as Courage Best gets. Have walked past here when you can't move for tourists, and it has been so crowded, noisy and dirty that I would rather do without a drink than go in here. Probably not going to visit anytime soon.

22 Feb 2007 17:54

The Shakespeare, Victoria

Interesting to see that the Shakespeare has maintained a consistent level of performance for at least the last 40 years. But it is handy for the station and for that reason will always get customers.

22 Feb 2007 17:40

The Angel, Rotherhithe

In yesterday for the first time since the refurbishment. Great views, friendly bar staff (licensees I believe) but no real ale which is a very big minus as far as I am concerned. Probably won't go again unless they get some real ale in.

22 Feb 2007 13:27

The Swan, Bank

Agree with previous reviewers - this is one of the best (possibly the best) pubs in the City. Small, quiet and friendly with great beer. Doesn't come much better than that in my book. Can be easily overlooked, but definitely worth the effort of seeking out.

22 Feb 2007 00:16

The George, London Bridge

For a pub with such an impeccable pedigree it seems to me that it should be a better pub than it is. It looks great from the outside, but inside it does not look anything special. Pretty ordinary beers, expensive food and staff required to wear mosleyesque black shirts detract from the potential character of the establishment. But there are many worse places around - it's just that I feel it doesn't do itself justice.

22 Feb 2007 00:04

The Market Porter, Borough

Actually it was pretty good - i.e. not too busy - at midday on a Wednesday in February. Nice atmposphere about the place. Boarded floor, leaded lights above the and a nice mix of regulars, workers and tourists. Good choice of beers. Being short-sighted I have to get up close to the pump labels to have a good look when there is such a range of beers that I don't recognise. Not the sort of thing you can do when the place is crowded. But worth showing my ignorance of the beers on offer to get something a bit different. Today they had Harvey's Bitter, Holt's Humdinger, Saltaire Brewery's Cascade Pale Ale, Hopback's Back Row plus numerous lagers on. Highly recommended an definitely worth another visit.

21 Feb 2007 18:41

The Anchor Tap, Tower Bridge

Just about as gloomy a pub as I have ever encountered. Not just dark - which it was - but a dismal atmosphere as well, not helped by a barmaid who gave the impression of wanting to be somewhere else. Also no Sam Smith's on handpump, which is very bad. I suppose the games room might be an attraction for many, but not for me. I won't be going there again.

21 Feb 2007 18:24

The Boaters Inn, Kingston Upon Thames

This pub was OK on a Tuesday lunchtime in February. Nothing unusual in the way of beers (Adnam's, GK, Bombardier(?)). The Abbott Ale I had was fairly good - not very good or excellent, but drinkable. Fairly expensive at �2.95 a pint. Food was OK - I had the Aberdeen Angus burger at �7 a throw. Again not cheap, but the burger itself was tasty and well-cooked, the chips were fresh and more than I could eat. The service was friendly enough and quick, although there were not many people in there. The place was comfortable and clean throughout, including the gents toilet.

Fairly popular with families and kids if today is anything to go by - but it is half-term. They now have signs saying how far you can take glasses outside - which is a bit of a shame as in the summer there are some nice places to sit nearby outside beyond the pub's sitting area (which as a previous reviewer says is mainly under trees on the opposite side of the pub from the river.

Nonetheless a pretty decent place to stop for a pint, if you can cope with the prices.

20 Feb 2007 18:50

The Grouse and Claret, Belgravia

I can't help it, but whenever I have visited the Grouse and Claret it feels more like a hotel bar than a pub. Not sure why - perhaps its the high standard of decoration and cleanliness, or maybe the layout of the entrance hall before you get into one of the bars. But its still a great place to go for a drink. The H&W beers are good, though not cheap in this area of course, and the booths are ideal for small groups of drinkers.

I used to come in here fairly regularly when I worked round the corner at 37 Belgrave Square in the 90s (when I would have been one of the "suits"), and recall that they specialised in high quality different flavoured sausages. These don't seem to feature now. Shame - but still a very comfortable place to go for a decent pint.

14 Feb 2007 23:34

The Cardinal, Victoria

Sam Smith's pub so you know what you are getting in the way of beer. Operational dartboard which is a plus, as well as an increasing rarity in the Central London area.

High ceiling which should make it airy, but it seemed to me to be fairly dark and dismal. I suppose in the summer it will be brighter in there. Certainly getting a bit scruffy around the edges, but it certainly qualifies as a "real" pub, which is a definite plus in my book. Good to see office workers still hard at it in the pub at 3.30 PM, combined with a few of what appeared to be local regulars. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a "no frills" pub.

14 Feb 2007 23:20

Old Nick, Holborn

Does anyone know how long this pub has been there? Stumbled upon it in the summer, and wracked my brains to remember ever having seen it before, either as the Old Nick or the Three Tups. I worked in Theobalds Road in the early 70s, and with like-minded colleagues made it my business to know all pubs within easy walking distance and can't believe that we could have overlooked a pub only a couple of minutes walk away. But you never know, we might have done. It did not have the "feel" of an old pub, with the oldness seeming to be somewhat contrived. Personally I do like H&W ales and would certainly visit again if in the area, but I don't think it is worth going out of one's way to visit.

14 Feb 2007 23:07

The Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

Visited this pub today for the first time in about 35 years. Last time I was in there it was a Henekey's Wine Bar (as was The Shades in Whitehall then) and as far as I can recall it looked pretty much unchanged. I seem to recall that at the time they claimed it had the longest bar in London. I don't know if they still make that claim with so many new (and fairly unremarkable) bars blotting the London landscape.

Got in there before noon and felt somewhat as if I had arrived at a party a half hour too early. Politely served with my pint, then the staff continued to get the pub ready for customers. A previous reviewer says that it is an inter-war pub, but nevertheless it has been imbued with a lot of individual character and I think the baronial hall layout is fairly unique (perhaps the Coal Hole comes closest). The fact that a pub can retain its unique character for circa 80 years is something of a result in this day and age, bearing in mind the wanton vandalism we have seen inflicted on numerous other pubs. Definitely worth the experience of a visit if you are in the area. Being a Sam Smith's pub you know what beers are going to be on offer.

14 Feb 2007 22:54

The Old Bell, Fleet Street

Still had Pride, Adnam's Bitter and Landlord on today. Guest beer was Highgate Fat Catz. Never had this beer before, but was pretty good. It's a darkish beer with a sharp flavour.

This pub is bigger than it looks from the front, with a fairly large non-smoking area on the left as you enter from Fleet Street. But I did not feel very comfortable in there today - some work was being done on the back doors, which were open making it fairly cold in the main bar. The music being played was some very good blues/jazz, but was almost drowned out by the workmens' saws and one of the Eastern European barmaids shouting into her mobile 'phone. But I won't let any of that put me off visiting it again. It is clearly a historic pub, and with Wren's magnificent St Bride's church outside the back doors it has enough character to make it worthy of inclusion in a pub tour of the area.

14 Feb 2007 22:20

Champagne Charlie's, Charing Cross

Have been in here many times over the years. Useful place to meet someone travelling via Charing Cross station. Can usually get a seat here when it is impossible at Gordon's. Inevitably mainly patronised by office workers, but the place has a decent ambience in my opinion. Old Wallop can be good, if pretty expensive, but I have had the odd dodgy pint which is only detected with the first gulp, because the use of pewter tankards prevents you from seeing if there might be anything wrong with it. Also, I do not rate the house wine very highly. I would not come here for the quality of the drink on offer. Some trivia - used to be a pub called The Villiers above it, pretty well where the escalator is now. Later renamed the Buckingham (Villiers being the family name of the Dukes of Buckingham).

13 Jan 2007 14:50

The Hope and Sirloin, Farringdon

Whenever I have been in there the Young's bitter has been good - just the thing to wash down an excellent full English breakfast in the upstairs restaurant. For lunch, a freshly made hot pork sandwich with a sausage and mustard on the side takes some beating. It's a shame that the interior of the bar is so uninspiring having lost all its original Victorian features, but it's worth a visit for the good food.

12 Jan 2007 17:29

The Buckingham Arms, Westminster

This is a real pub, and going back a few years (say, to the early to mid 70s)it was one of the very few pubs within the lunchtime walking distance of Whitehall where you could get a pint of real ale, so has a special place in the memories of those of us who have been drinking real ale for many years. It is still a great pub.

12 Jan 2007 00:23

The Nags Head, Belgravia

First came here about 10 years and felt like I had done a Nicholas Lyndhurst and gone back in time. I don't think it has changed one jot since then. Whether you love it or hate it, there is nowhere else quite like the Nag's Head. Personally I don't mind being regaled by Kevin M's stories of "when Richard Harris used to come in....", and I have not seen him force his stories or opinions on anyone.

12 Jan 2007 00:10

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Actually the current building dates from a fair bit later than the 16th Century - but that would only be nitpicking - there is no doubt that as a genuine old historic pub, YOM is the real deal. You just know you are on to a winner when you look at all the previous postings, of which there are a great many, and have to look hard to find anyone who has anything negative to say.

11 Jan 2007 23:58

The Cask and Glass, Victoria

In here very early (11.15 AM)for a swift one. Only customer in - got served straight away with excellent pint of Master Brew. When you have the first pint of the day it is not always at its best. Probably the same taciturn lady at the bar that served jorrocks - probably just not in her nature to start conversations but was friendly enough when I asked her if everybody gets walked over by Tabitha the cat (as I was). Must be one of the smallest pubs in London. Dark wood panelling and interior generally looks original. Seemed like a good place for a quiet drink out of the pub rush hours. I shall definitely go in there again.

10 Jan 2007 15:44

The White Hart Hotel, Hampton Wick

Definitely felt like what it undoubtedly is - a hotel bar, not a pub. But, having said that, the pint of ESB that I had was in top condition (I didn't try the other Fuller's ales) and it was served in a branded glass that looked like a pint version of the sort of glass you give a girl who asks for a half. Most odd, but made a change. Give me a straight glass any time.

Food was OK - the "crusty" bread used for my sandwich was ordinary supermarket sliced white, but got a decent portion of chips instead of crisps with it, so reckon I broke even. A decent enough comfortable watering hole for a swift pint and a bite, but not the sort of place in which I would choose to spend an evening.

8 Jan 2007 20:32

The Earl Beatty, Motspur Park

A little birdy told me that the landlady referred to below is no longer running the pub. We wait to see whay happens next.

6 Jan 2007 16:30

The Fountain, New Malden

Was in here today and I have to say that it did not seem as bad as suggested by previous reviews. Of course being in there between 3.30 and 5.00 PM on a Thursday afternoon it is going to be pretty quiet, and you have to take into account that the Earl Beatty being my local most pubs are going to seem OK in comparison. But it was clean and comfortable sitting in the large non-smoking area. The only real ale on was Young's Bitter, but it tasted excellent(at �2.32 a pint), but there were two handpumps not in use, one of which probably would have done Pride.

There is a pool table, and a couple of comfortable looking armchairs in the non-smoking area. Above the armchairs is a portrait of one Thomas Lovibond, apparently at one time a Head Brewer somewhere (Courage probably bearing in mind the past affiliation of this pub) glowering down at punters enjoying a pint of Young's! There is a very large garden which is good for the summer. The Fountain does not seem all that bad - at least when I was in there - but perhaps I should go on a Saturday night (perhaps not).

4 Jan 2007 18:24

The Railway Bell, Crystal Palace

Good to see that the Railway Bell is still going strong. one of my favourites when I used to live in this area. The last time I was in there was after CPFC had won the 2nd Division back in 1979. Probably the most crowded it has ever been - like Selhurst Park that evening!

1 Jan 2007 16:58

The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia

What depressing reading these reviews make. This was one of my favourite haunts when I worked in St Giles High St and and I wanted to go to a pub where there was no risk of meeting anyone from the office. In the words of the song "Another one hits the dust".

31 Dec 2006 21:53

The Still and Star, Aldgate

Whenever I have been in here it's been pretty quiet, but I like it that way. Beer was good, the service was friendly and the one time I had a sandwich it was OK. This is a simple pub, with no special features apart from what I believe is the original tiled facade outside. If you like simple pubs then this is for you.

At one time this pub would have been in an enclosed passage, and would undoubtedly have been known to Jack The Ripper as this was part of his stamping ground when he carved his place in history. In the 19th Century there were slaughterhouses in this area and it has been suspected that JTR was a slaughterman.

31 Dec 2006 13:27

The Bell and Crown, Chiswick

A quality pub indeed. Spent a few hours sitting outside by the river on a warm late September afternoon/early evening - until an unusually high tide came up over the footpath forcing us inside. Lovely place to sit and watch the river roll by. Haven't eaten there, but being a Fuller's house you expect the beer to be good, and I was not disappointed. Staff friendly enough, and very comfortable to sit inside as well as out.

31 Dec 2006 11:32

The Princess Royal, South Wimbledon

Whenever I have been in here the service has been efficient and very friendly. It has a certain degree of old world charm - asked what baguettes they did the barmaid shouted into the kitchen to find out the answer. Apparently the lady in the kitchen felt like doing egg or tuna that day - so that was the choice. But I knew that the tuna baguette I ordered was really fresh. I love the place. A real pub of the kind that is becoming rarer by the day. Good prices as well. Don't bother going there if you are looking for a hip joint (if that is the right expression now).

30 Dec 2006 22:57

The Windmill, Mayfair

Only been in once, a couple of months ago, but this seemed to be one of those typically OK pubs. Only had a pint, no food; it was comfortable enough, the pint was OK if not cheap for a pint of Young's bitter (but who expects cheap beer in this area?). Fine for a pint if it is on your way, but not really worth going out of your way to visit. There are better pubs to patronise if you have time for a 5 or 10 minute stroll.

30 Dec 2006 21:14

The Cavern, Raynes Park

Like Karloff I like the layout of this pub, but for me the music is too loud and it is too smoky. But that's just my subjective opinion - enjoy sitting outside in the late afternoon sun watching the world go by though. Not sure about the London Pride - suspect it is not the real ale version, but I could be wrong. Prefer the beer in the Raynes Park Tavern, which has a much larger range.

30 Dec 2006 12:19

The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell

The St Peter's Bitter in here is, in my opinion, one of the best beers I know. The Gold is richer, sweeter, fuller-bodied but I prefer the earthier taste of the Bitter - that's just my opinion, but they are both most certainly worth the effort of visiting the Jerusalem.

29 Dec 2006 20:30

The Kings Arms, Waterloo

Haven't been in here for a little while, but used to be a regular watering hole when I travelled from Waterloo (like many others I suppose as thousands of rush-hour pedestrians pass by every weekday). Very much a pub of two halves - the front bar is typical of a traditional pub while the back bar reminds me of a Spanish bar. Nothing against Spanish bars, but I much prefer the front bar. If it does good Adnams then that is good enough for me. Must pop in again soon. But so many pubs, so little time.....

29 Dec 2006 14:40

The Packhorse and Talbot, Chiswick

Popped in here a while ago on the way back from the Dove - because it was raining. Seemed a pretty ordinary sort of place to me. Clientele seemed inoffensive; got the pint I wanted which as I recall was OK; sat in the (covered) outside area which was comfortable enough. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it again, but would be happy to have another pint in there if I happened to be in the area. But I accept that a pub becomes a completely different place if (like kansascity below) all your chums go in there.

29 Dec 2006 13:54

The Alexandra, Wimbledon

The non-smoking area is not so effective as it used to be now that they have opened it up with the bar on the right (looking from the main road). But I have never had a bad pint pint, based on numerous visits over the past 20 years or so. What really bugs me about this pub is the ankle high tables in the non-smoking area that make it impossible to eat anything requiring a knife and fork unless you want to eat Japanese style. Nothing wrong with eating Japanese style, but would you want to kneel on the floor here? Used to have some interesting photos in the non-smoking area - particularly one with Edward VII, Queen Alex and other European royal families. May be still there. Good pub for a swift pint if you are passing through Wimbledon, and agree with (most)other reviewers that it is still the best Wimbledon pub this side of the Village.

27 Dec 2006 17:15

The Castle, Pevensey Bay

In this pub for the first time at lunchtime on Christmas day. Superb pint of Abbott Ale, but not too cheap at �2.70. Low ceilinged, wooden beamed, real coal fire, quick service even when busy. The regulars even moved aside when I needed to get to the bar. Must be the season of goodwill or something like that, even to non-regulars! I liked this pub and would recommend it on the basis of one visit. But I well understand that it might be a different place at times other than Christmas day. But it did not look like a young person's pub, and other reviews are generally positive.

27 Dec 2006 16:59

The Angel, Soho

Thanks for defending my honour Anonymous. But what I actually said was that it "was all one bar". It is not now all one bar because the original Victorian partitions (or reasonable facsimiles thereof)have now been re-introduced. For the record, it has never been one of those so-called drinking establishments (to protect Biker's sensibilities) whose name should not be spoken of in serious drinking company. Just to add a piece of trivia, the pub on this site used to be called the Bowl, because, being roughly mid-way between Newgate and Tyburn the condemned would stop here for their last bowl of ale in this world.

27 Dec 2006 14:59

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross

Been a regular visitor to this pub for the last 40 years (except when it was closed some years ago). It is one of the best pubs in the area - the Fursty Ferret and Festive Pheasant (when on) are all top notch beers. I remember when the current large bar (on the left from Northumberland avenue) had public and saloon bars, and the current smaller bar was an extremely popular sandwich bar - owned by John Garvey who also owned the pub. One of the few places to get a pint of real ale in the early 70s, where you could get Bass in the public bar. You do get a lot of office workers in there, which is inevitable for that area, but it is still the sort of place where you can prop up the bar with a few chums. Staff are very friendly, and it is still my favourite pub for meeting chums in the Whitehall area.

23 Dec 2006 14:44

The Theodore Bullfrog, Charing Cross

Another pub with a ridiculous name. It used to be the Gilbert and Sullivan and had a lot of themed bric a brac. I wonder what happened to it. Used to be a good pub then, but I suppose you can say that about a lot of places.

21 Dec 2006 19:48

The Peasant, Clerkenwell

Sat in the corner in this pub and noticed the name "George and Dragon" in the mosaic. I never really see the point in changing names this way - especially when the original name is there for all to see. But maybe I am missing something - presumably "Peasant" is considered to be a better name for marketing purposes, but I can't see it. Missed the Budvar on tap unfortunately. There are better pubs within easy reach - Sekforde Arms or Jerusalem Tavern which are both more like "real" pubs (even if the Jerusalem has only been on its present site for 10 years or so). Won't go out of my way to go there again.

21 Dec 2006 19:40

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

One of my favourite pubs. It has all the history and character of a 16th century pub (although I believe the current building dates from the 18th century, though a faithfull copy of the original). Both bars are good - the back bar has the old furniture that gives it the atmosphere of a really great pub. Sure it gets tourists (those that can find it), but I have only ever encountered small groups, not coach parties. Met a trio of Norwegians searching out good London pubs - I told them they had made a good start, and was happy to recommend several others for them to visit. In there with 3 chums at around 4.50 PM on Monday - already busy. Couldn't get near enough to the bar to see what beers were on so plumped for the Adnams, which is always good there. Got some seats upstairs. When we left it was heaving inside and outside - but with a real gem like this you can be sure that enough afficionados will know of it to make it very popular.

20 Dec 2006 12:22

The Angel, Soho

Actually it was all one bar until a refurb a few years ago. Personally I think the one bar concept worked OK for this pub (it doesn't always) but being a traditionalist I always support pubs retaining, or reverting to, their original character. Used to work in the office block opposite for several years and this was just one of my locals - but the nearest and useful if time was at a premium. You could look into the pub from my office window which could be handy, or an embarrassment, depending on your point of view. Happy days. Must pop in there again sometime soon.

19 Dec 2006 18:43

The Fox and Hounds, Belgravia

Spent a pleasant mid-afternoon hour or so in here recently. Quiet and very comfortable. Decor looked right. One of the best pubs in the area, but not a lot of competition. Looks like it ought to be the sort of pub where you could prop up the bar chatting to whoever was in - but I was the only drinker in on that particular afternoon. Unfortunately the Draught Ram Rod was off, but definitely a pub worth another visit

19 Dec 2006 18:32

The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

Had Christmas lunch in there yesterday with 3 ex-colleagues and thought the food was pretty good. At �20 for 3 courses plus coffee I thought it was good value. The service was good by any standards. Only 2 beers on - Rosey Nosey and Winter Warmer. Both fairly heavy ales, but the Rosey Nosey was outstanding, even though I would have preferred a slightly lighter beer to start the meal off. I don't think that the refurbishment has added anything to the atmosphere, and I gather that it resulted in the loss of more than just the atmosphere. But it still rates as one of the best pubs in London.

19 Dec 2006 18:04

The Fox and Grapes, Wimbledon Common

This used to be one of my very favourite pubs, but I think that it lost a lot of its character when they got rid of the armchairs next to the fireplace and introduced long pine tables and benches. Made it look more like an Octoberfest venue than a pub. But the Hogsback TEA was very good, and it is a welcome watering hole after a long walk over the common.

17 Dec 2006 22:45

The Grenadier, Belgravia

Been coming to this pub since I discovered it by accident in the 70s (I really don't remenber what I was doing down alleyways off Hyde Park corner). It has its faults but it always features on my tour of Belgravia's hidden mews treasures. One of the first places to have Old Specckled Hen on draught around 10 years ago - which has got to be a tick on the plus side. Too small for any group more than 2 or 3 to drink in comfort - but I like it.

17 Dec 2006 22:38

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

In there for lunch yesterday. Unusually, the beer (Harveys on this occasion) was excellent. Sandwiches are always good and good value at �2.50 or �2.75 - I have bought worse sarnies for �5.95 in central london. Service was fine - I was served straightaway - at 1.30 PM on a Friday. Masses of bric a brac on the walls, ceilings and anywhere else there is room - but the TV monitor seems out of place. They don't have the sound on (thankfully) and I've never seen anyone watching it. If they could just get the beer consistently up to scratch, and when the smoking ban comes into force, it will be up in the superb category.

16 Dec 2006 16:42

Ye Olde Cock Tavern, Fleet Street

Shame about the beer. I wonder whether the landlady (Ginella) has gone? I popped in there for a swift one mid-afternoon in the summer, and ended up spending some while chatting to Ginella who was very enthusiastic about the beer. To my shame I can't remember what beer I drank, but it was unusual and superb. And ginella gave me a bottle of Young's Kew Brew to take home. Must pop in soon to see what it's like now.

12 Dec 2006 19:16

Bishop Out Of Residence, Kingston Upon Thames

Went there for lunch today. Very open and light. Lacking the intimacy and character of numerous other riverside pubs. Table service (i.e. they take your orders for food as well as bringing it to you) makes it more of a smart bar than a pub. Fair enough if that's what you like - there is room for all kinds of establishments in the pub trade. "Yer pays yer money and takes yer choice". The steak and Guinness pie and chips was OK - no better, no worse - but for �9.50 a throw I would have expected good not OK, but for all that it's a relaxing place to stop for lunch on a weekday in winter!

12 Dec 2006 18:58

The Earl Beatty, Motspur Park

My local for nearly 20 years. Seen managers and staff pass through with worrying frequency. Bring back Jez and Debbie, at least they knew how to run the place even though they turned it into a Fulham FC stronghold. Also some strange, cliquey, locals. one objected to me and a couple of chums wanting to watch the football instead of the rugby in the non-smoking room - we were the only people in there; he was watching another match in the main bar. But it's the only pub for miles and so we are stuck with it. Beer's consistently good though.

11 Dec 2006 13:49

The Captain Kidd, Wapping

Agree entirely with previous comments about the beer - what is so difficult about getting in a decent barrel of beer for customers who don't like the gassy keg or bottled varieties? didn't pay much attention to the bar staff, so I suppose the service must have been OK, but when I was there in the summer I spent an enjoyable hour or two supping with long-standing locals who were retired dockers and were experts on the area. Gratifying to discover that such people still exist.

11 Dec 2006 12:45

The Mayflower, Rotherhithe

Not a local, but have been here 3 or 4 times this year. Never been very busy - but visits all at lowish peak times. Found bar staff friendly enough, but no idea what a Pimms was notwithstanding that it was on special promotion at the time (July). After asking for a Pimms the barmaid asked "do you want anything with it?" I knew that there might be a problem. At that moment he Manager emerged and took control of the situation and produced what my wife said was the best Pimms she had had in a pub (and reasonable at �12 a jug). So, something good to say about the landlord - whatever anyone else says about him, his Pimms is brilliant. I liked the whole feeling of the pub - but there again I probably have missed is best years.

11 Dec 2006 12:32