The Hurlingham, Fulham

And so a few short months after the brewery handed the pub over to a decent manager (Geoff) they sell it out from under him for a mess of pottage, for redevelopment. Geoff and his team, lead by Fraulein Olga have worked hard and professionally and rewarded with the boot. Tonight, March 21st, was the last night, and they have gone out with charm and dignity. Best of luck to all of them - here's to the next life. Sandman says shame on the brewery...

21 Mar 2015 22:14

The Grapes, Wandsworth

An oasis of calm in the middle of the dreaded Wandsworth one-way system. A real pub with a real manager and properly behaved staff, not zombies locked to their Smartphones, afraid to look up in case a customer should want service. A few visits reveal the clientele to be loyal locals, by and large, returning time and again to what, for want of a better word, is a "proper" pub.

17 Mar 2014 16:21

The Brewery Tap, Brentford

And so it came to pass that the MacFarlanes finally escaped to the West, leaving behind decades of goodwill. Under new management, The Tap now looks to the future. After almost a month the Sandman breaks cover to pass judgement. Is there a future? Will the spirit of the local pub continue down Catherine Wheel Road, in an enclave reserved for those in the know? Have the lightbulbs been changed? Will Fingers still be there on a Saturday night with his inimitable "Name That Tune" competition?

Will things carry on in the spirit they always have?

Is everything all right?

Sandman says yes...

It's okay. Go.

22 May 2012 20:33