The Sun and Doves, Camberwell

I agree with the previous reviewer: "there's something going on more or less every day of the week." That's the problem: this pub never just lets itself be a pub. Every night is a quiz night or a movie night or a fundraiser night, and I'm always passing it by because you can't ever just stop in for a pint and a chat.

That said, if you ever show up here on a Saturday or Sunday at a minute past noon, you'll be treated like a severely hungover king by the doting staff, and that's worth something. They serve good beer, including some acceptable draft ales in any season, at okay prices, and the food won't kill you, either. The owner may do well to come down to the level of the rest of us mere pint drinkers who don't want to use our local as a platform for arguably subjective community activism, but still not a bad place to find yourself if you find yourself in Camberwell, and certainly not unfriendly.

1 Dec 2010 23:41

Ink Rooms, Battersea

It's true that this pub has recently changed, and some people are inevitably going to be unhappy about that (per commentary under the old Microbar listing). In fact, the layout of the pub has changed very little, and I found the new decor and furnishings to be stylish and comfortable. Moreover, the range of beers, tap and bottled, remains enticing. There was loud music and carousing on a Saturday night - some people's idea of ribaldry is what others consider having a good time. The proprietors remain the same group of friendly and involved people who seem to genuinely enjoy running a bar. Definitely worth a visit.

5 Jul 2009 21:40