The Mitre Hotel, Tooting

I used to work in this pub many moons ago for about 4 years. In that time I saw it dragged out of the gutter by 2 decent landlords who barred a record number of yobs from here and made it a friendly, decent family pub. I remember when the place was refurbished (as a Taylor Walker pub) and the whole interior was spruced up. It looked lovely. Once the hard nuts were barred, the place had a mixed clientele and before the era of late night pubs in Tooting, this place used to be heaving on a Sat night. It did great Sunday roasts and bar snacks and in summer the hanging baskets outside used to look fantastic. Maybe it was the innocence of youth but I really enjoyed working here and it was friendly and social.

Fast forward to the present and its now a Q's pub so pretty soulless. Full of footie yobs and most of the barred punters have crawled back in again to prop up the bar and glare at strangers. I agree what Jeffrey said about an 'air of menace' as that's exactly how I felt when I went in there recently for a swift drink. The interior has not been maintained so its drab and dirty looking, the tables looked filthy and the bar stools looked like they'd knocked several lumps out of someone!

Having moved out of London I really miss traditional London pubs, not your trendy bars, but a real old fashioned London pub. I think it�s a real shame this place has gone to ruin as I think with a little bit of thought, a damn good refurbishment (again) and some stricter management of clientele, this could be a decent pub again for those drinkers who prefer a pint or 2 in an establishment that is friendly and the only volume is that of the people in there. I would hate to see it renovated a la Horse & Groom/Bar2Far into some loud trendy bar (okay the H&G wasn�t always great to begin with but it had tradition and occasionally some good bands). London pubs are an institution and it would be lovely if someone could save this one.

15 Feb 2006 23:46

The Harrow, Aylesbury

Considering the selection of pubs in Aylesbury, I like this one. It's probably one of the most easy going and unpretentious. They have a good selection of lagers, beers and ales. Prices are reasonabale and the staff are friendly. I used to go when it was the Firkin as it was just round the corner from my workplace. It was a bit dingy and gothy back then and since the refurb to the Harrow, the clientele is a bit more mixed. I would say the average age is 25-35 although at weekends it seems a bit younger. I prefer watching the football in here as although smaller than say the Hogshead, the atmos during a game is excellent. Food isn't bad either althuogh ahven't had any recently.

The only downside is the toilets are a bit minging, its a tad cramped at times as the layout means not many seats and for some reason, they seemed to close the little courtyard beer garden (which they opened once it became the Harrow). I thought it was lovely and hope they open it again next summer. Oh and the music can be a tad too loud when there's a band or DJ on as the ceilings are so low. Aside from that, its a great little pub for chilling with friends and I had a great laugh at New Year.

Recommended...

12 Feb 2006 16:41

The Farmer's Bar, Aylesbury

Probably once of the nicest pubs in Aylesbury with a great open courtyard at the back for the summer months. Always thought it was an old man's haunt until it was refurbished last year. Its decor is much nicer now it's had a lick of paint and as a result, the place feels bigger and much airier. Even as a smoker myself, I like the fact its a non smoking pub and I'm happy to go outside for a ciggie. The only downside I have found since it's refurbishment is they only serve Organic or Oldy Worldy lagers, beer and ale. That's all well and good but the organic lager they sell "Freedom" gives me one of the worst hangovers, even if drunk in moderation! I just wish they had a few other branded beers and lager, just so customers could have the choice. For wine and ale drinkers its fab (as my friend who drinks ale will testify every time we go in and they have a new one on tap!). I discovered this pub late on in my time in Aylesbury but I do rate it highly, just wish they had a few branded beers AS WELL as what they sell now.

Recommended!

12 Feb 2006 16:32