The Claret Free House, Addiscombe

Fairly quiet for a Friday evening (can only assume it was due to being a public holiday). The barmaid obligingly allowed me to increase the volume on what transpired to be a dreadful Leeds United/Reading encounter, during which I had two very well kept ales in the form of Nethergate Essex Border and Whitstable Oyster Stout.

26 Apr 2011 17:51

The Surrey Cricketers, Croydon

Hadn't been here for a three of four years - and the Surrey Cricketers was as exactly as I recalled it. Lots going for it - busy with a good atmosphere, darts/pool facilities, sport on TV - but a badly kept Harvey's Sussex Best. Will definitely return though.

26 Apr 2011 17:44

The Gun Tavern, Croydon

First visit to this pub a couple of Saturdays ago, and thus I can only report on what I experienced: no obvious recent refurbishment; a terrible half of something purporting to be Courage Directors, leaving a very unpleasant aftertaste on ones' palate; extremely grim lavatorial facilities, devoid of soap and hot water; and finally - if I had booked the function room for my wedding reception, my prospective fianc�e would have quite frankly been within her rights to break off the engagement.
Once again the only redeeming feature seemed to be the bar service. There is a paucity of decent boozers within the West Croydon area, and I just can't fathom why in this economic climate some of them don't appear to be trying harder. If the Gun does the job for some people then fair enough, though personally I'm just unable to recommend it.

26 Apr 2011 17:33