North Star, Staines

Very good pub.
The proximity to the station makes it very handy when your train is late.
Also, it has a good selection of beer.
I have not tried to food but the menu is very limited and generic.
Interior is nice and extremely well kept. Someone takes pride in this pub.
Not sure what the Ikea reference is all about.
Call me a newbie but I have never seen wine on tap and may try some just to find out.
A pub I would go to even if I was not waiting for a train.

28 Jun 2006 15:17

The Almamata, Egham

Had lunch here.
The burger was excellent and the fishcakes superb.
interior still need some work and they are working on the service.
they have a guest beer now and are expanding thier collection of drafts.
has potential.

27 Jun 2006 13:29

The Maple Leaf, Covent Garden

As a Canadian, I was pleased to discover a bar that caters to my countrymen.

I regularly met my Canadian friends there and I was pleased to hear Canuck accents all around me.

However, things fell to pieces one Sunday last April when I ventured across London to watch the replay of two Hockey Playoff games. Five minutes before the end of one and the start of another, the bartender suddenly switched the channel to football. 20 people rushed to the bar, and speaking with Canadian accents pleaded with her to switch the Hockey on. She refused. I have not been back since.

I understand football is the favorite sport for the English, but with thousands of pubs showing football, why must the Maple leaf do so also. Furthermore, when the majority of the customers traveled great distances to watch hockey surrounded by their compatriots, the bitter refusal to switch back to hockey is baffling.

It is a very poor Canadian bar that does not cater to Canadians. Cheesy decorations and chicken wings do not make a Canadian bar, Canadians do.

23 Jun 2006 15:06