The Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Converted from a proper pub frequented by locals this pub now clearly aims to attract hipsters and "young professionals" - anyone but pub-goers in fact.

Yesterday I made my 4th (and final) visit to the pub since its refurbishment and events followed the normal pattern. As it was early evening (16.20) I was routinely ignored by the 5 bar staff, only 1 of whom seemed to realise that their natural habitat is in fact behind the bar and not polishing cutlery. As the person behind the bar was on the phone, I waited for 2 minutes for one of the others to notice me and then, in exchange for my hard-earned £4, was given a pint glass of Zephyr with a head of at least a full inch, the top of which still failed to reach the rim of the glass. When I asked for it to be topped up, the barmaid clearly decided she was dealing with a pedant and wearily added some more Zephyr, presenting me with a glass that was at least full but this time with a half-inch head.

My repeated request for another top-up was met with the statement, "Beer's meant to be served with a full head" to which I expressed a preference for drinking beer rather than air. Although I eventually got a full pint of admittedly very good beer I fail to see why I should have to listen to such patronising drivel from someone who's been breathing oxygen for less than half the time I've been drinking beer as part of the process of negotiating for a full pint.

I don't know whom the new owners are trying to attract but it's clearly not beer-drinkers. And, by the way, if you're going to spend big bucks on décor and signage, learn to spell first. The plural of "loo" is not "loo's"! NOT going back!!!

10 Aug 2016 19:56