Swan and Rushes, Leicester

I have to say I visited this gaff with some trepidation, (well, a little)...only on account of the fact that when I lived in Leicester, the Swan and Rushes was a rough and ready pub lacking in any atmosphere and beer. It was frequented by an element of the 'unsavoury'. I'm sure there were one or two 'salt of the earth' types but it wasn't somewhere on the list of desirable pubs /venues to visit.

Now, however it's changed, good range of well kept ales, unpretentious and courteous bar staff and a friendly atmosphere. Also has a full size Bar Billiards table, when myself and my mate arrived on a Saturday afternoon just before the Tigers were due to play it was packed with Tigers fans, but quickly emptied one kick off loomed.

Good pub...

19 Dec 2010 21:12

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

What can I say about this place, it's a true gem. Excellent community pub, one of London's best kept secrets. Great range of beers, excellent staff, cosy and welcoming in the winter with real coal fire, cool and convivial in the summer, pub has it's own cricket team. Everything a local should be and yet much, much more...oh, I should also mention the interesting variety of cliental who in not in a small way help to make this pub such a gem.

15 Dec 2010 15:24

The Alexandra, Wimbledon

Since Mick has come in and given it a spring clean including the development of a cracking roof terrace it has picked up no end. In my book one can always tell a place by it's clientage and kind of client. As the number of women per square meter has increased substantially since the new management have taken over it can only be a good thing.

The staff, as ever are professional and courteous. They even put up with the odd bit of ' Tom Foolery ' from punters such as myself when I've had one too many. They probably know I'm not a bad lad at heart :-)....anyway where was I?, ah yes, The Alexandra, great pub, well run, certainly Champions League material.

15 Dec 2010 14:44

Bar Sia, Wimbledon

Bar staff are pretentious, but I guess the youngsters who frequent the place wouldn't pick up on it.

15 Dec 2010 14:34

The Grove Tavern, South Wimbledon

mmm, funny old place this. Has a very colourful history does The Grove. When mentioning the Grove to anyone in Merton in the know so to speak, one is usually met with a knowing look best or a smirk.

I have to say the new'ish management team are working hard to shed the old image and good luck to them. If you catch it on the right night you will definately see a buzzing live music venue, possiblt the best in South London on the right night. For example, British Sea Power played there a month or so ago and it was a memorable gig, for all the right reasons. The venue contributed hugely, as did the bar staff who were great given that the place was packed to the rafters.

Only downer is the ale I'm afraid. They need to get that spot on, at present it has a yeasty presence suggesting that attention needs be paid to the pipes etc. Other than that I hope it keeps moving in the right direction. Merton needs an indie music venue. Rock on...

15 Dec 2010 14:21