The Library, Islington

Nice. First went to this pub after a match up the road, and although there were a few of my fellow fans there, the atmosphere didn't suffer at all. Interesting decor, OK-ish beers (if you like lager) and decent staff. Big thumbs up.

14 Feb 2007 14:04

The Stone Horse, Mayfair

Surprisingly good for a pub this close to Oxford Circus. A couple of decent enough ales (Greene King IPA and Adnams Broadside on my last visit) and some good food to much on while you're watching the footie. Recommended if only for the fact that if there are two football matches (e.g. Champions' League) on they'll at least show one featuring a team from London. Unlike all the other Manc/Scouser-pleasing cr*pholes in central London.

14 Feb 2007 13:58

The Idle Hour, Putney

Have been wanting to give this place a try for a while, since I was reasonably impressed by the Idle Hour in Barnes. First up, this is completely different in terms of atmosphere: it's quite noisy compared to the original. The front bar is ok, and the decor is fine, if slightly unoriginal. But overall the bar is nothing special, and as noted there are no draught ales. But (there's always a but), the service in the restaurant area is dreadful. I realise that Saturday nights are busy, but leaving customers to stare at a menu for 40 minutes is just plain shoddy. Then there's the quality of the food itself. While my friends enjoyed their koftas and other nibbly bites, my thai coconut chicken soup was thin and watery, and the noodles looked like the variety normally served up with the aid of a kettle. Unimpressive, especially for a tenner. Finally, how can any establishment in this day and age expect to get away with watering down as distinctive-tasting a brew as Hoegaarden? Disappointing.

8 Feb 2007 15:59