Tiger Tiger, Croydon

From londinist.com (also reported in the Telegraph, Mirror, Mail): Across the pond, American businesses like to offer freebies to their returning troops; turn up in uniform at a bar, bowling alley, or, er, brothel, and you're likely to be welcomed with a smile and a drink on the house. In Britain, you're more likely to be turned away: soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles who trooped up to Tiger Tiger in Croydon were sent packing because their dress was too untidy.
The soldiers had previously been cheered as they marched through the streets of Croydon, having been invited by the Borough in honour of local lad Danny Simpson, one of thirteen the 19 LIght Brigade have lost in Afghanistan this year. After the march they retired to Tiger Tiger for a bit of R & R, but come 8pm bar staff told them to scram, as their fatigues weren't in line with the club's strict dress code. Some went home, while some went to a nearby Primark to buy cheap civilian clobber and returned later to the bar.
An over-reaction by an officious bar manager who should have bent the rules this one time? Not according to the general manager of Tiger Tiger. "it is our dress code that on Thursday nights people must come dressed in smart casual clothes", he droned. "We understand that they have just returned from Afghanistan but that is our policy".
Resented by many of the Afghans they're trying to help, and treated disgracefully upon their return to Blighty; who'd be a soldier?

2 Nov 2009 09:27

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

This hostelry specialises in the most quaffable of ales from Milton's Brewery! A cheery crowd of locals (how lucky they are!) and discerning visitors from farther afield (your correspondent!) were served with care and condescension by the expert serving staff. Yet again, my excellent command of English came up trumps, and I was treated to a pint of Pegasus! (We Dutchies are the world's best linguistics, you know.)

I am pleasantly surprised by the low cost of beer in London (compared with Amsterdam). This is making it easy for me to drink oodles on my crawl around London! Congratulations all round to the brewery and the publican!! 10 out of 10 for everyone involved!!!

15 May 2009 17:11

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

A cracking evening last night in the Wenlock Arms, brought to a highly satisfactory conclusion when one of the locals (a rough-looking crowd, to be sure, but perfectly friendly to your correspondent) bought me a pint of Dark Star Hophead. Yet again it proved the value of speaking a foreign language (being a Dutchie, my English was sufficient to converse with the locals, even though I cannot be said to be wholly proficient in the local patois � my reference to "going up the apples and pears" was met with some consternation � is rhyming slang no longer taught in school?).

With the decline in the value of the pound (will Albion ever join the euro?), my bill for a well-lubricated evening came in at a very reasonable ten pounds and 55 pence, albeit reduced by the afore-mentioned generosity of my newly made friend. I have some comments on the lighting but will make a return journey (to check my facts) before reporting in full. In the meantime, a richly deserved 10/10 (again)! Well done everyone concerned!

15 May 2009 13:47