Swan and Rushes, Leicester

I have to say I visited this gaff with some trepidation, (well, a little)...only on account of the fact that when I lived in Leicester, the Swan and Rushes was a rough and ready pub lacking in any atmosphere and beer. It was frequented by an element of the 'unsavoury'. I'm sure there were one or two 'salt of the earth' types but it wasn't somewhere on the list of desirable pubs /venues to visit.

Now, however it's changed, good range of well kept ales, unpretentious and courteous bar staff and a friendly atmosphere. Also has a full size Bar Billiards table, when myself and my mate arrived on a Saturday afternoon just before the Tigers were due to play it was packed with Tigers fans, but quickly emptied one kick off loomed.

Good pub...

19 Dec 2010 21:12

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

What can I say about this place, it's a true gem. Excellent community pub, one of London's best kept secrets. Great range of beers, excellent staff, cosy and welcoming in the winter with real coal fire, cool and convivial in the summer, pub has it's own cricket team. Everything a local should be and yet much, much more...oh, I should also mention the interesting variety of cliental who in not in a small way help to make this pub such a gem.

15 Dec 2010 15:24

The Alexandra, Wimbledon

Since Mick has come in and given it a spring clean including the development of a cracking roof terrace it has picked up no end. In my book one can always tell a place by it's clientage and kind of client. As the number of women per square meter has increased substantially since the new management have taken over it can only be a good thing.

The staff, as ever are professional and courteous. They even put up with the odd bit of ' Tom Foolery ' from punters such as myself when I've had one too many. They probably know I'm not a bad lad at heart :-)....anyway where was I?, ah yes, The Alexandra, great pub, well run, certainly Champions League material.

15 Dec 2010 14:44