Ye Olde London, St Pauls

This pub is on the site of "The London Coffee House" (1731-1867) where Old Bailey juries were often sequestered (locked in) overnight, masonic meetings were held and bigwigs such as Joseph Priestley, Benjamin Franklin and George Peabody were clients.

On Thursday lunchtime they got me and two pals.

First the plus side:
It was busy, but we got our drinks quickly and both the bitter and the lager were fine.
The bar and gents were clean. No ladies in our party so cannot comment on their loo.
An enormous bonus was the lack of TV and/or piped music - utter bliss.
The staff who dealt with us (mainly Ian and Rosie) were affable, efficient and fielded moans about the food tactfully and with good grace.
The smokers' terrace (actually the bottom of a light well, it's about twenty feet below street level) was great - clean, tidy, part sheltered from rain and deffo of the better sort.

Now the minus side:

No sign of the famous Tony, so will have to go again.
The grub was awful. A 35 minute wait and when it came two of us got mash instead of chips and it had to be changed. Portions were tiny and the lamb and mint pie contents had the texture of india rubber. The worst value pub meal I've had for ages.

Conclusion:
If you want a pint or three with pals without the intrusion of TVs, etc it is great. If you want grub - forget it.

30 Oct 2010 12:10

The Cock Inn, Rochford

It was Saturday about 4:30pm. Not many in the pub, but more in the garden. The Abbott was the best I have had for ages and the food, although there was not much choice, was delicious by pub standards.

The bar and waiting staff were friendly and helpful, cutlery and sauces brought to table with the food. Well worth a visit.

25 Jun 2007 14:14

The Haywain, Fobbing

I have been three times, all weekday lunchtimes. Quiet each time. Good 'pub' food, good beer, but a long wait to get the grub. Also they don't tell you, until the food eventually arrives, that you have to collect your utensils, napkins and sauces yourself.

I would go back again, so long as I wasn't in a hurry.

17 Jun 2007 19:06