White Hart, Southwark

I'm glad the White Hart has finally appeared on BITE. I work just around the corner and while the Charles Dickens is the 'work local', the White Hart makes an appealing alternative. Whilst it is not really one for the real ale enthusiasts it is what I would term as a 'proper' pub, family run with no fancy themes or pretensions, marked out by the fact that it doesn't produce over-priced gastro-grub and the barstaff don't change every five minutes. The WH has a friendly atmosphere and locals, builders and suits mix perfectly comfortably. It is blessed with a large paved area out the front with strange, large benches thoughtfully provided by Southwark Council, so it's a bit of a magnet during good weather. Off the beaten track which also helps. Oh, and in contrast with the Dickens, clean, modern khasis !

13 Aug 2010 12:28

The Cardinal, Victoria

Hmm, what to make of this place. Made my first visit last Friday night. The first thing that struck me as I entered was the most appaling and overbearing pong, as though the local 'street drinkers' had just left after a vomiting competition. Not nice. However, after getting used to that I have to say that it was very busy, full of rather jolly locals and assorted civil servants all getting happily snotted on the cheap beer. As other reviewers have noted it does have a certain dank, oldie-worldie, charm. It wouldn't be a surprise to see an old man in a corner, dressed like something out of Dickens, taking snuff. But efficient and friendly staff and reliably cheap (and O.Kish) Sam Smith's beer. I'll make another trip some time but I hope they've cleaned the carpets by then...

6 Apr 2009 13:16

The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge

Used to like this pub. It's got a nice range of beers and is in a great location. Sadly the sheer ineptitude and rudeness displayed by the bar staff means I'll be going elsewhere in future. Whoever runs the place seems to think that the pub being located next to Borough Market guarantees its clientele and there's no need to bother to recruit and train half-decent barstaff. Maybe they're right...

30 Mar 2009 11:51