Artesian Well, Wandsworth

I occasionally frequented the pub that was before this one - the Nag's Head. That was a legendary local boozer, with character, hilarious locals shouting at each other and no pretention at all. Kind of place you'd want to spend the rest of your life, if you could. Proper pubs are disappearing and it's a tragedy. To be replaced by snot-nosed imbeciles talking shit about Facebook and the latest garbage they've downloaded onto their ridiculous phone which never rings because they are so pissing dull and nobody wants to speak to them.

19 Mar 2009 18:12

Winchester Pub Hotel, Highgate

I used to drink here in the mid 90s, and haven't been there for a long while, so this is a bit of a nostalgia trip for me. It became my local (even though I lived up the far end of Highgate), when I was sort of unemployed, and was spending the bank's money.

Me and my mate came here regularly, playing pool, drinking heavily and having a great time. The pub was full of characters, especially an old woman who used to tell dirty jokes, and a good scouse bloke who'd talk about the football with us. It was tatty, and a bit loose at the seams, but I loved it, and it remains my favourite pub of all time, the kind of place where you walk through the doors and it feels like walking into your own lounge.

Watched tons of football here, had loads of great afternoons and evenings, and usually ended up chatting to anyone and everyone. It was that kind of place. As I say, I don't know what it's like now, but I am determined to visit very soon. God bless the Winchester. Ray Davies should write a song about it.

19 Mar 2009 11:20