The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak

I visited the Southampton Arms a couple of months back having seen from the bus it had undergone something of a transformation. As others have said, it's an impressive place. A superb number of handpumps (something like thirteen or fourteen - seriously) with lots of different ales and a large number of ciders too. On my visit I thought that there was maybe too much focus on "specialty" ales - milds, blonde ales, ales with funny fruity tastes etc. - and not enough more mainstream fare, but that does feel a bit quibbly and there's no doubt this is a mightily impressive addition to the north London ale scene. It's a really very small pub, sadly, which meant it was very busy on my visit - and it's certainly not a place for a relaxing pint. But well worth a visit in any case!

11 Feb 2011 16:22

The Fighting Cocks, St Albans

Solid, if touristic, pub. YOFC claims to be one of England's oldest pubs: I don't know about that, but it's certainly a decent place to have a drink. It is both centrally located, and rather well-hidden, down the hill from the Cathedral, just by the entrance to Verulam Park. A central bar area serves a front bar, rather characterless and given over to dining, and a much nicer main back bar. Highlights there include a sunken cockpit area and an impressive fireplace. Typically three ales on, including TT Landlord and Harvey's Best. I've always found the Harvey's to be reasonably, if not spectacularly, well-served. Food here is variable: I've always found it quite good in the mid-week (typically a bit more ambitious than average pub grub), but the only time I visited on a Sunday I was sorely disappointed by a very poor roast beef. The quiz on Thursdays is good fun.

11 Feb 2011 16:17

Williams Wine and Ale House, Hoxton

One of two fairly identikit Greene King houses in the warren of streets south of Bishops Square, along with nearby Kings Stores. I think I probably marginally prefer William's, although the previous reviewer is spot on when he describes it as "bland".

11 Feb 2011 11:57