Chandos, Honor Park

This is a magnificent building - large and chracterful. You could do a lot with a space like this. As it is, when I went in on a Saturday night about 8.30, it had a bout 10 people in it, indifferent service and complete lack of atmosphere. Clientele was mostly men who looked like beaten spirits. One of my pals really liked it (a great typical blokes boozer), my other pal and I found it very dispiriting. I'd hate it to be blanded and airbrushed into anonymous gastro-land but it really needs a bit of imagination and energy to turn this into a great pub. We left here and then went to the Blythe Hill Tavern. A very similar boozer in many ways though a lot smaller but same kind of decor. The place was full of character though and busy with many locals. So it can be done. Chandos - you need to up your game.

28 Apr 2013 17:56

The Uxbridge Arms, Notting Hill

Love this pub to bits, but horrified to discover that Pride is now �3.85 a pint?! "It's West london love" the barmaid said cheerfully and apologetically. "I know" I said "I live here". The following day in a swanky gastropub in Putney it was only �3.55 ...

27 Feb 2012 22:44

The Alexandra, Wimbledon

It's a pub trying to cover a number of bases and is indeed split into three areas - a large wood furnished area for general bar hubbub and sport on the telly, a cosier carpeted little bar for the old uns (me!) and a wine-bar-ey area round the back for posher grub and DJs. The advantage of this is that you can generally get a seat but disadvantage is that it is large and anonymous. The bar staff are generally hulking Aussie/South African blokes who are entirely charmless though just about functional. The beer is OK. It's usefulness is its location and the ability usually to find a seat. I use it for a couple of pints before climbing the hill to the eateries in Wimbledon village ...

15 Jun 2009 12:11