The Rose and Crown, Clapham

Im from ireland and consider myself a connossieur of decent pubs. I dont find many around Clapham. Something is always wrong. Surly, useless staff, shit beer (very common) crap clientele puking or fighting or up their own arse, violent bouncers etc. I dont know what it is about the Rose and Crown but this place just works. Everything about it. It seems always busy but I can always find a seat, there's always a queue at the bar but you always get served immediately, the music is at a subtle volume but you can still hear it. Sky sports news queitly hums in the background just so you can keep up with scores. Its the perfect size, the people who drink in there are the best mix you can find in England, local geezers/tradesmen at the bar, various oddballs, posh types, trendy young students, sports fans, all in an atmosphere of total relaxation and unpretentiousness. Great pint of Hooegarden too and thats not an easy drink to get just right. There's a proper guvnor and good staff behind the bar running a tight ship in this place. Thats what you need in a pub or else you shoudnt be in the business

20 May 2010 15:48