The Fox and Grapes, Wimbledon Common

My lunch there speaks for itself. Can I just say at the outset that this was a works Christmas meal; I would never normally be seen dead in a place this expensive.

We were seated in the corner. Five of us cramped around the table. When my meal was served the staff got cross because they had to reach across me to set my fork, as if it was my fault we'd been seated at a table that was far too small and didn't allow them the access they required.

We asked for water, and were given a bottle that only contained enough water for 4/5 of our party. Our request for more water took another ten minutes to action.

One member of staff came and asked if we wanted salt and pepper. We said yes. Another came over and asked the same question.

And how much did it cost, for one course and a non-alcoholic drink? Think of a reasonable amount, then double it.

I thought it was bad before (see my previous review, back when it was just about, marginally, a pub not a gastropub/restaurant)....

One final detail. Even the pictures on the wall have price-tags on them. A steep three-figure amount for a lacklustre painting of Wimbledon Common. Says it all.

16 Jan 2015 23:13

The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common

Much improved since my last visit. The landlord is a very welcoming and affable real ale enthusiast and stocks an excellent selection of beers, including two stouts on my last visit. The treacle stout was a really nice surprise in a pub where, on my previous visit some years ago (as mentioned below), the staff didn't know what a porter was!

My worry is that it's wasted on the locals, who are of the ridiculously-rich-but-quite-conformist variety and so may not appreciate the vagaries of a traditional alehouse.

16 Jan 2015 23:00

The Railway, Kew Gardens

This is a very pleasant pub with decent food and a reasonable beer/cider range although it's far from a CAMRA sort of place.

The highlight is the fact that it's a pub on a London Underground platform, to my knowledge the only such establishment in existence. This means you can enjoy watching the frenetic commuters as you sip your pint. Then when it's time to go you can stay at your table until you spot your train arriving, and still be on the platform in time to board it. (NB - this will probably only work if you're travelling East-bound.)

20 Sep 2012 01:23