The London road, Twickenham

Quite a different beast to what it used to be like. It's now all posh seating, emphasis on food and the pool tables upstairs have gone to be replaced by an extra drinking/eating space. Boring real ales on draught still but the place was busy and going great guns on the Sunday carvery lunch when I've visited. They even have regular live music with an Irish trad session on Sundays between 5 and 8. Not a stand-up, rowdy boozer but something very Twickenham!

13 Oct 2008 18:08

The Lion, Nyetimber

Wow! What a place. You couldn't wish for a better traditional british boozer. Everything's just right to this old codger: the decor, the beers, the food's excellent, the staff attentive and friendly and you're not far from the sea either. As long as customers find The Lion and continue to visit it, it's well-placed to ride out the current credit crunch/economic slowdown (call it what you will). The staff are doing a cracking job. Keep up the great work!

1 Jul 2008 13:46

The Swan, Hampton Wick

What a turnaround! In a few short weeks a pub some feared to visit because of the issues it had in the past now seems like a totally different place.

Gone are the bare boards and rather down-at-heel interior and carpet and a fresh new and traditional look has taken its place. Gone too are the surly, offhand staff!

If you've not visited in a while, do so soon as you'll see what I mean and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.

Just to update:

* Sky TV, Big screen - Sky no longer a feature and only one standard size telly in the back part of the pub.

* Pool table, Dartboard, Fruit machines, Quiz machines (Multi) - quiz machine no longer around (I think!)

* Food served, Sunday roast, Real ale - still all present.

* Outside seating, Function room for hire - use of upstairs room for functions no longer happening.

The pub has an over-25s rule, is quiet, tidy and clean. Students are conspicuous by their absence but then they're all around the corner at The Old King's Head anyway...

24 Feb 2008 23:00