The Greenwich Union, Greenwich

I've only been twice, both during the day at the weekend, so I've not experienced it busy or the evil bald manager etc. We have used it recently as a stop-off for a beery lunch during a cycling expedition which was just perfect.

I've had a massively positive experience so far - nice decor and atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, simply superb food and a great range of beers, mostly Meantime (Chocolate Porter, mmmmm...), not loud and smelling of stale beer.

Negatives: It's not cheap.

Possible Negatives based on personal preference: It's quiet. It doesn't serve cheap (bad) macrobrews and doesn't have a 72" plasma TV or a resident DJ.

It largely succeeds well at its apparent goal of harkening back to a gentler, less hectic age where people had time to enjoy the simple things in life. If you like that "village" feel - people reading books in the beer garden over a real ale, a lazy lunch, flagstone floors, an easy-going and quiet atmosphere, this is your place. There's a greengrocers 100 yards up the road that sells everything from wicker baskets if you want to complete the idyll.

I can't imagine it would suit the crowd who would like a loud, lively "party" pub. This is a place for people who like to eat well, drink well, relax and enjoy good conversation. Two thumbs up!

23 Jul 2008 15:52