The Royal Standard, Wooburn Common

Terrific traditional village pub with a great range of ales - 10 in all with 5 from hand pump and 5 on stillage. Last night included Summer Lightning, York Centurion and Leeds Pale in excellent condition. Wonder if you can get a bus from here to the White Horse at Hedgerley as the two would make the basis of a fine country pub tour.

21 Mar 2010 16:34

The White Horse, Hedgerley

Fine country pub. Great selection of 8 ales. Had pints of the oddly named, but very fine, Sister Seagull from Elland Brewery and one of Scrum Down. A number of other interesting beers mainly from micro breweries.

13 Feb 2010 17:18

The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak

From previous reviews the Southampton has clearly changed beyond recognition in the last few months, but on visiting for the first time last night it felt as if it had always been this way.

7 ales and 5 ciders on tap last night. All ales from smaller independant breweries which last night had a London emphasis including a Meantime Pale, Sambrook Wandle, Twickenham Naked Ladies, and an excellent dark strong beer called Lord Essex - I think from Felstar. There was also a stout and a mild.

We got a seat by the small coal and log fire which was a great spot on a cold evening. Pub was busy without being crowded and the atmosphere excellent with a good hum of conversation and the old records playing.

Would be nice to see a couple of beers from further afield next time, but for my money this go's straight into the "elite group" of London pubs for real ale lovers. Like lad_newton (see below) I am rating 9/10

1 Feb 2010 09:39