Village Inn, Gatwick Airport

The VI has had a make-over quite recently, now pretty well unrecognisabe from the old boozer. Now a different layout and far more modern interior - all high, square wooden tables, blocks of bold colours on the wall, etc. Looks pleasant and welcoming enough, if slightly too bright.

In any Airport pub you will probably never escape the sense that you are only one step away from the Departure Lounge, it's unavoidable with the transient nature of the clientele. However, I think that this is still probably the best option in this part of Gatwick. Everyone knows the Wetherspoons formula, and the VI sticks to it. I found the service very friendly and attentative, they seem to cope remarkably well (and keep good humour) with the huge turnover of customers, most of whom were in seriously bad moods over their delayed flights.....

There were six real Ales on, and my pint of Courage Directors was very fresh. All in all a decent enough place to while away and hour or twenty as you wait for your flight or missing baggage.

1 Jun 2008 11:04

The Lion Inn, Combe Martin

A sad loss...had so many great mornings / afternoons evenings / middle-of-nights here...if Tree, Earl Grey, Little Lance, Cobbler, Dave Smallridge, or any others are watching...it was a pleasure.

12 May 2008 00:57

The Bank, Plymouth

As far as City Centre Pubs go, this is a cracker. Good draught Bass is very difficult to find anywhere in the UK anymore, so it was a very pleasant surprise to find it here. And it was very good.

The interior of the pub is a joy, with two and a half floors (there is a mezzanine level), two bars, and a smart, traditional decor that hints at it's previous life as a Bank. There are lots of little nooks and cosy seats to be had.

It's also handsome from the outside with it's striking, rounded design.

The pub is not cheap, particularly regarding the beer - but then again, no central Plymouth pub is these days. However, The Bank is quite unique in being a good, traditional, Plymouth City Centre boozer, and it's beer is excellent. So if you happen to be waiting for a bus in Royal Parade, and you hanker after more than the Hogs Head and Yates' can provide, I strongly suggest that you give it a go.

5 May 2008 02:01