Herne Tavern, Forest Hill

Good pub - great beer, good wines by the glass and bottle. Great food - from the same stable as "The Palmerston" but with the food being closer to properly cooked and served pub grub rather than gastro ambitious dining as at the Palmerston. (Not a criticism of the Palmerston - what it does it does very well - but it's not a real pub, more of an excellent bistro with prices that make it a "special" outing rather than a "let's give cooking a miss and go to the pub" place.)

Staff extremely helpful - have taken my partially disabled father-in-law there twice and they couldn't have been more caring and friendly.

Now a regular on my drinking / dining list.

17 Feb 2007 17:57

The Bishop, East Dulwich

I rate this pub highly - I've used it with family, on my own, for a light supper with my wife and with friends. Itr has never been less than way above average - often it has been brilliant. Staff are friendly, helpful and make time to make all customers feel a part of the party - yet aware enough to leave me alone with a pint and the paper too when that's what I want.

Recently visitors from Germany were really impressed with the table service - such a rarity in a British pub. I note someone complained about children and the dog. The "all are welcome" approach that The BIshop espouses and delivers so well is part of its considerable charm - there are too many pubs that deal with one, very specific, audience - a pub where yummy mummies mix with a tattooed builder who is sitting next to the chap reading the Times is a rare success.

I will continue to return with friends and family - even more often when the smoking ban comes in - tho' the libertarian in me dislikes the idea of gov't interference in individual's choice.

17 Feb 2007 13:27