The Blackfriar, Blackfriars

Just spent Sunday lunchtime here. We had a couple of pints of Adnam's Broadsides and Aspell's cider on tap - both very good. Food is typical Nicholson's bar menu, properly cooked and well served. No smoking bar, plenty of seats outside. Impressed by the design, of course. Previous comments about the clientele have to be read in conjunction with Nicolson's own web site which says the pubs are "primarily catering for city workers and tourists" so, er, don't be surprised to find suits and backpackers here.

24 Sep 2006 19:16

The Cardinal, Victoria

Went there on Thursday evening for a drink. Beer was typical Sam Smiths - cheap prices, but hit & miss on quaility. Decor oldish & shabby-ish, but it does give the pub character. Well behaved office types were standing drinking outside (no seats) on a fine late evening summer, very pleasant as Francis Street is all but traffic free. Inside there were plenty of seats and it was women friendly. Bar staff quick and friendly. Food was being served which I didn't try, but I did see an enormous and fine looking plate of chips. No music. Clean air no smoking area at rear, air conditioned. Toilets small and in the ladies only one cubicle!

24 Sep 2006 10:10

Duke of Wellington, Southampton

Only ever drank outside, and never eaten here. There are a few benches outside the pub, and it is very quiet with hardly any traffic on Bugle Street, so a very nice place to sit in the summer months. They always have a good range of real ale (Wadworths JCB as well as 6X yesterday, the last time I went I had John Smiths Magnet) and excellent Stowford cider which my wife adores. Good atmosphere.

17 Sep 2006 20:18