The Montague Arms, New Cross

It's easy to see why this has been described as London's best boozer. The only thing more amazing than the decor is Mr and Mrs Monty (as I think of them), the couple who have run the place for the last 40+ years. Never in my life have I been made so welcome at a pub.

The decor, by the way, is a constant source of fascination - from the mounted heads to the brass nauticalia. Anybody into steampunk, get yourself down there this instant.

Now, I admit the pub can be a little foreboding from the outside and keeps slightly idiosyncratic hours, but I was utterly charmed the moment I walked in the door, and would move in if they did rooms.

There are regular nights of music, comedy, art and other entertainments, but nothing can quite compare to the Sunday roast - a full menu, hand prepared and sufficient that both breakfast and dinner are out of the question. If you're lucky, you'll also be treated to an unobtrusively marvellous live medley of familiar tunes on the house organ.

There are generally four varieties of ale available, as well as a range of lagers, ciders and non-intoxicating beverages

And to the couple who piped up last week that "I know it's Sunday, but don't you have any dancier music", you just don't get the Monty.

One final note: it's a cash only pub, so don't be caught out. The nearest cashpoint is about 5 minutes walk, the Barclays at the corner of New Cross Road.

20 Jul 2009 00:45

The Hobgoblin, New Cross

Much as I adore a pint or two of Hobgoblin, I must confess I find the pub a bit and miss. It can be great, but it can also be... not great.

That said, it seems to cater best to groups, and serves its mostly-Goldsmiths clientele (which I am not) very well, with excellent prices, Wii, huge beer garden and a good variety of things going on during the week. Sunday's quiz night is always entertaining, whether you're playing or not.

The ales are good (usually 4 available: Hobgoblin, Landlord, Pedigree and IPA) should you happen upon one of the staff who know how to pour one (it shouldn't have a Guinness head, guys!)

From night to night, it's never easy to tell whether it'll be a quiet, old-fashioned boozer or trying to be a student club night, complete with lacklustre DJs.

Of a weeknight, the pub serves a great Thai menu - in range and quality - and does a roast on Sundays, which I would hope has improved since they introduced it, if only to compete with the Amersham Arms.

Try it, by all means... have a great night, if that's the way the Hob is that night... but have a backup plan, just in case.

20 Jul 2009 00:15