The Coleherne Arms, Earls Court

December has got to be a hard time to open a new pub, particularly in the current economic climate.
I never went to this pub before it changed (not really my scene!) but i know that it was an iconic gay pub so that will surely make this an even more challenging venture.
That said i know a few of the pubs that these guys run and they are all quality boozers, many of them with very good dining rooms, so i have no doubt this one will come good. (one criticism, they are all satrting to look a bit samey)
I went to the opening night, had a great time and came home with wet paint on the back of my jacket! Work brings me into the area from time to time so i've been in a couple of times since.
To be honest it has been a bit quiet . Lacking a bit of atmosphere but certainly not soul less. Good muisc and looks great but it's a big old gaff so needs a few more bodies to inject that final ingredient.
I think that once word gets out that will happen, but like i said the time of year, economic climate and history of the pub wont help much.
I like it. I will pop in when i'm in the area. Its not got the vibe of The Masons or The Bonaparte yet but i reckon it will come good soon enough.

29 Dec 2008 00:15

Princess Victoria, Shepherds Bush

Lovely but cold refurb. I've been here a couple of times now and found myself whsipering at the bar!
The food is very good but objected to being snootily told you cannot eat off the main menu in the bar. This is supposed to be a pub isn't it?
Also found the service to be efficient but lacking in personality.
All in all a welcome addition to the Bush and hopefully it will act as a kick start to some of the other pubs in the area, (I noticed scaffolding going up on one just down the road) but chill out a bit.

13 Nov 2008 22:21

The Prince Bonaparte, Westbourne Grove

Sweet! Welcome back to the Bonaparte. I used to drink here in the mid to late nineties and recently heard the guys behind The Masons Arms had taken it over, so i had to have a look.
Three ales on tap, friendly staff ... and i knew there had to be a chandalier or two in there somewhere!
The food was a bit pricey for my wallet but i was assured that a bar menu would be in place shortly. And the prices clearly weren't putting people off, the dining room was packed.
I also saw quite a few familiar faces from 'the Kensals' scattered about the place checking out their old stomping ground.
All in all i think they've done a good job. Its pitched to local spending power but i'll certainly being popping in and every now and again.

2 Nov 2008 13:45