The Windsor Castle, Clapham Junction

This is what I'd call a 'proper pub'. It's not absolutely tiptop fantastic but at least the atmosphere is not contrived. There's only one other pub in the area I can think of and that's worth drinking in and that's The Falcon down the hill. Man, Clapham Junction is so full of pretentious Putney-pram-pushing gastro-pubs. At least you can get a pint of ale here. Also it has a local feel to it which adds a certain warmth.

29 Jan 2010 18:29

The Wheatsheaf, Borough

Before the refurb this former free house was fantastically excellent and had a roadside tavern kind of feel to it, especially on dark winter evenings. Since Youngs took it over, it is now merely excellent. The choice of beers has fallen markedly as you would expect from a brewery owned pub, and the prices are also what you would expect for a pub close to The City. All the ales are looked after well by the friendly landlord and although I used to hear people say not to drink the ale on a Monday evening, I never had a problem with it! The Wheatsheaf also does a good pint of Guiness and Danny the barman's 'last orders' calls are legendary.
It used to be frequented by London's archaeologists on Friday nights (and some other nights) but for some reason unbeknownst to mankind most of these have disappeared over to The Horseshoe in Melior St, which is completely devoid of atmosphere.
The pub is also handily located a few footsteps away from London Bridge tube and rail station, so I often use it to meet people for short (or long) evenings. It also remains the friendliest pub in the whole of Borough. There are a few small TV's showing football or other sports but these are turned off at other times and the volume is kept to a level so that it doesn't interfere with conversation. The music volume is also kept at a respectable level. The emphasis of the Wheatsheaf is definitely orientated towards a beer and a good chat rather than a party, which is how I like it! I hear that food is great but I've never eaten there myself, preferring to maybe grab some stuffed olives from Borough Market opposite.

Oh, and in the summer the drinking clientele spread out across the road, merging with those outside the Market Porter and turning Stoney St into one big al fresco pub..

Sound like a recommendation? It is.

18 Nov 2006 14:48