The Only Running Footman, Mayfair

I used to work round the corner from here, we all called it 'The Running Sore'. A minute or two's stroll in any direction will land you at a better pub.

5 Mar 2009 18:26

Quinn's, Camden

They often have a limited supply of some of the more esoteric continental bottled beers, which allows for a fun game - go in with a friend or two, pick just one brand of funny sounding beer and see if you can drink them dry of it.

5 Mar 2009 17:49

The Hill, Primrose Hill

They say it is bad luck to rename a boat, it should be said of pubs too. You can still see the original name 'The Load of Hay' high up in the lovely Victorian facade; the place had happily gone by that name since it was built well over a century ago - right up until some idiot in a shiny shirt and expensive hair decided 'The Hill' sounded better. Even if you want to take it upon yourself to ruin a perfectly good pub by turning it into an horrific, overpriced nightmare of a bar, why change the name like that? What utter hubris, what total disregard for subtlety, history, tradition. It staggers me that such people should be allowed to walk the streets freely, let alone go into business flogging food and drink to the public.

5 Mar 2009 17:05

Monkey Chews, Chalk Farm

I concur entirely with Pablos13, I used to live over the road from this place and entirely disapproved of the concept, but whenever I went in I generally ended up staying all night and having a pretty good time.

5 Mar 2009 16:46

The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town

This place has all the right elements - lovely victorian building, nice bar, decent beers, scrubbed floors, fireplace, good food served in the smarter front half - but I have always found it curiously clinical. I can't quite put my finger on why that should be. Still worth a visit if you're in the area though.

5 Mar 2009 16:36

The Bull and Last, Gospel Oak

I have eaten in here several times since it has reopened - the food is great. Slight victim of its own success, you now have to book a table for an evening meal on busy nights (though I think they do hold back a few small tables). Much better on a week day lunch time. Friendly staff too. But if i'm not eating I'd rather a pint at the Dartmouth Arms round the corner.

5 Mar 2009 16:30