The Volunteer, Baker Street

We'd just crossed the famous Abbey Road 15 minutes earlier and chanced upon this pub after going to a Beatles memorabilia store. Stepped in at 11:15 am and ordered a couple of pints of St. Austell Tribute � in dimpled glasses � and enjoyed a pre-noon pint on the edge of Regent�s Park at a welcoming pub.

The landlady was very helpful, friendly and �booked� us a table for New Year�s Eve. We were thankful as many of the pubs we talked to said they were closed or said we'd better get there early.

In the end we got there around 10pm, found an empty table and enjoyed the last couple of hours of 2009. Drank two well-kept pints of Pride leading up to midnight. The place eventually filled up and we all joined in the countdown for 2010. Nice to be warm and with a pint than freezing at Westminster.

Surprised to read the comments about poor service as we were immediately served when the pub was empty and quickly got our pints when it was packed New Year's Eve.

Three cheers to The Volunteer for a great place to start the new year.

9 Jan 2010 21:03

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

This was recommended by the posters on the BITE message board and I can see why.

Had to do some mandatory C. Garden post xmas shopping but knew this would be worthwhile stop when done.

Met the publican who was quite pleasant but the same cannot be said for my first pint which was the Brodies Amarilla - too tart, not my cup of tea. Fortunately there was Black Sheep Bitter and Harveys and each of those were vastly better.

Friendly place - had a great Italian football conversation w/ Sardinian bartender who had just finished his shift.

It was a dark place, but was expecting it to be even darker.

9 Jan 2010 20:43

The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia

Can't believe the ratings for this pub are so low. Possibly one of the best pub finds for the trip. Service, beer and pub itself is top notch! Location is nicely hidden, but there were a number of pubs nearby.

My friend had never had an English "pie" so had heard this place had some of the best. It was around 3 or so New Year's Eve and we popped in looking forward to good food and drink.
We were not disappointed. Ordered our pies and started off with a couple of pints of Fullers Jack Frost - very good brew.

Young bartender clued us in on history of place (Orwell hangout - Mick Jones of The Clash occasionally drinks there). My friend is a rock musician and we find out that the guy drinking next to us is also a rock musician (The Cheek) who has played the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Small world eh? Nice rock music conversation while waiting for our pies.

All the hype is warranted - great pies, hit the spot. Realize that we got to this place at a perfect time, but these are the experiences that an American Real Ale fan live for. HIGHLY recommended!

9 Jan 2010 20:06