An Tigh-Seinnfe, Portnahaven

Not sure why this scored such indifferent reviews. Admittedly it was about 18 months ago when I visited, but this tiny little pub is in an utterly idyllic spot, on what feels like the edge of the world. The beer was good and the staff were welcoming and friendly. Sitting on the little bench outside this pub, staring out to sea, on a warm late summer afternoon was absolutely bliss.

What's not to like?

30 Jan 2009 08:30

The Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

I first found out about this pub leafing through a c. 1970 book entitled "The Cooking of the British Isles". The book used it as an example of a typical London pub, and featured a fantastic picture of that famous back bar. I was determined to go and visit this place, if it still existed, but could find no record of anywhere called Henekey's - as it was named at the time the book was printed. I engaged in a fruitless quest over the next couple of years trying to find it. It was only thanks to the internet that I eventually discovered - to my joy - it did still exist, and was now called The Cittie of Yorke.

The back bar at the Cittie is really just plain fantastic, and lives up well to the expectations I'd had from the photograph in the book. It has a well deserved place in CAMRA's list of Historic pub interiors.

16 Apr 2005 15:58

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

There are few pubs left in London (in fact the whole of England) with the same sense of magic that this place has. I think this must have something to do with the area around Ely Place being originally part of Cambridgeshire - the London residence of the bishops of Ely. Although I'm informed their juristiction has long since elapsed here, there is still a definite feeling of being transported somewhere else when you walk down Ely court and set foot in the Mitre.

I've been a few times now, and have every time found a great atmosphere, well kept beer, and friendly staff and locals. It doesn't get any better than this!

16 Apr 2005 15:41