The Boathouse, Putney

I went a couple of Friday nights ago, then again on the Sunday. Nice location, the staff were friendly enough, chairs a little lacking for those wearing heels (moi). However the biggest disappointment was the ladies bathrooms. Friday night they were a mess with only one cubicle of four actually having any loo paper, and one of two soap dispensers was empty. Should I read anything into it that it was still empty on Sunday?
I'd go again, but be wary of the bathrooms.

5 Aug 2007 16:25

The Swan, Stockwell

This is basically your bog standard Walkabout without the signage. Its populated with lots of Antipodeans and Eastern Europeans, plus the odd group of suits lost on a Friday night after work drinks.
They usually have a covers band and DJ downstairs, and another dj upstairs. Nothing fancy, cheap drinks, but you're right about the pick up joint. I wouldn't recommend coming to the Swan if its out of your way, but if you're looking for a cheap local night out with some cheesy music, then you'll be ok here.

8 Jul 2007 21:21

The Garden, Islington

Went as part of a group. Host had booked for 20 people and told management we would be eating meals. We arrived to one table capable of seating just six people. Management informed us we could only order platters not meals as the chef couldn't cope with twenty orders and was going to shut the kitchen as he was 'stressed'. When ordering drinks from the bar, three staff including the manager were 'restocking', leaving just one staff member to serve. I waited twenty minutes for a vodka and lemonade. The ladies; one was blocked, the second filthy and the third had no lock.
The actual bar seemed nice, and the only downside to the beer garden was that the path in and out was completely blocked by nicotine starved addicts.
Based on the above, I wouldn't go back

8 Jul 2007 21:07