The Crown Inn, Penn

Beautiful old building from the outside but as soon as I entered the door I immediately noticed slightly overloud background music playing. All I wanted was a lunchtime pint and a sandwich, but I didn't see any of the latter on the menu, and no bar staff to ask. Whether they had what I wanted or not, the thought of sitting listening to that music for 40-45 minutes was far from appealing, so I legged it. The shortest time I have ever spent in a pub.

3 Apr 2015 09:41

The Hoop and Toy, South Kensington

Used to find this a convenient place for a pint before heading for home on the tube.
Plenty of seats and stools but you're lucky if you get one as it's always busy. Gents loo upstairs is shabby, smelly and has no hot water.
Paid my final visit today. Waited at bar next to a woman who entered just before me. Barman in front of us spent all his time fiddling with the badge on a pump handle, ignored us, bar girl at far end was serving two sets of customers. Her feet must have been glued to the floor, for when she finished with them a couple walked in from the street and she served them straight away. At that point I walked out, and will never return. Went to the nearby Zetland instead, good service and spare seats.

15 Jan 2014 22:13

The Hoop and Toy, South Kensington

Used to find this a convenient place for a pint before heading for home on the tube.
Plenty of seats and stools but you're lucky if you get one as it's always busy. Gents loo upstairs is shabby, smelly and has no hot water.
Paid my final visit today. Waited at bar next to a woman who entered just before me. Barman in front of us spent all his time fiddling with the badge on a pump handle, ignored us, bar girl at far end was serving two sets of customers. Her feet must have been glued to the floor, for when she finished with them a couple walked in from the street and she served them straight away. At that point I walked out, and will never return. Went to the nearby Zetland instead, good service and spare seats.

15 Jan 2014 22:13