The Hatchet, Mansion House

Great cosy pub in the City. Friendly barstaff and landlord. Say hello to Pat and Pat. Can get mobbed after office hours. If you don't smoke, you might want to avoid the back room. 15 people smoking in an unventilated small room is torturous, even if you smoke. Although the smoke could help you hide from the boss or other half.

13 Apr 2006 02:51

The Cobden Arms, Camden

Walked past this rather unassuming pub a few times, then fancied a quiet Guinness one day. It's on Camden High Street, but seems to exist a world away from the everyday hustle and bustle of Camden. This is a "proper" Irish pub and the Guinness is lovingly poured. Be patient! Spirits are served in 35ml portions ;)

There seems to be live Irish music on Saturday afternoons and it has a late licence. In the evenings, the aroma of Thai food fills the air. It's hard to get away from Thai food in pubs these days, but the quality and price varies so much. Fortunately, for about a fiver you'll receive a great portion of lovely, fresh tasting Thai food; and if you look hard enough you will find potatoes :P

They have SKY and show various sporting events, including prem+ . Ok, it's not on some super-duper LCD, plasma, projector screens, but so what? Surprisingly, you can shield yourself very well from the noise, by sitting in one of the two mezzanine areas at the back.

Not for fans of formulaic, plasticky chain pubs..

13 Apr 2006 02:43