The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell

Was dragged into this pub after work a few nights ago by colleagues, expecting to find the dingy boozer I remember of not so long ago (maybe a year so). However I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. It has clearly benefited from a lick of paint (although the camouflage doors are questionable) and now has 12 new ale pumps and an array of interesting bottled beers. The pub looks clean and loved again, with fresh flowers and candles dotted about. Even the toilets seem to have improved. Between us we tried Dutchman (a bit fruity for me), an outstanding pint of Old Hooky, and a few Botanist's which the jovial barman informed us were made at a sister-pub that has a micro-brewery. Anna whom we met briefly, was chatty and made a change from the usual stand-offish managers in many pubs these days, even remembering our names as we left.

A solid 8/10: Well-kept beer, simple pub menu, relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff and landlady - My new favourite watering hole!

19 Jul 2012 22:05