The Chesham Arms, Homerton

My girlfriend's just moved to the area, so we went for a wander to find her a local. We had a quick drink in here to test it out.

Plasma screens showing football. It wasn't Premier League, but flags and photos suggest this is an Arsenal-leaning pub. Clientele and barman seemed nice. Middle-aged men playing pool; younger crowd of men and women came in as we were there. Other than that quiet for a Sunday.

There was only one ale on, so we both had that. I forget the name, but it tasted good.

I won't rate this pub yet, but it's definitely worth another visit.

29 Aug 2011 11:53

The Duke Of Wellington, Hackney

This is my local. And very happy I am to say that.
The beer is good. There's not always a beer to my taste, but there's always Wandle.
The food is very good, but it's a tad pricey. I'll eat there as a treat very rarely.

The fact that the TV is in a separate room with a decent sized screen is a bonus too. If a game is on and I don't want to watch it I can sit in the bar and avoid it. If it's my team playing I can watch it properly. The amount of pubs with shitty screens in every corner, satisfying no one...

The pub gets very busy on Fridays and Saturdays - too busy for me now I'm a bit older. I tend to drink on weekdays or Sundays. The staff are friendly, they have excellent taste in music. Very happy here. A reason for me not to move.

As for the clinetele... there are plenty of dicks in the Dalston area. Thankfully I don't see many of them in the Wellington. Plenty of trendy people, yes, but not out-and-out arseholes.

Recommended.

17 Jun 2011 16:56

The Angel, Soho

I'm a big fan of Sam Smiths. This is my favourite of the many around the Soho area. The two rooms, real fire and dartboard all contribute to this.

Also, as it's not in the very heart of Soho, it doesn't get overcrowded like the John Snow.

Cracking pub - if you like Sam Smith's, you'll love this pub.

17 Jun 2011 16:45