Jolly Butchers, Stoke Newington

A thoroughly decent range of beers, well kept and fairly priced in an area that borders on the 'edgy' (Hackney) and 'hip' (Hoxton). There was an air of efficiency about the place - the bar staff, the busy chefs serving up piles of gorgeous food (fish and chips, heavenly) and the convivial clientele made for a pleasing hour and a half. Aside from the irritating loos (make sure you don't pee in the tin-bath overflow under the taps by mistake - what's wrong with sinks guys?), The Jolly Butchers is a stand-out pub.

21 Mar 2013 13:30

The Bree Louise, Euston

Superb pies. That shouldn't be the first thing to remark on with this renowned pub but after my virgin visit earlier this month, it is. The beer was just OK, nothing special. A chocolate orange beer was pretty vile (yes, I know, I know - why order it in the first place? Curiosity). The Powerhouse was better but a tad warm. The staff were a mix of the usual London sulky, curt and scruffy types employed by an owner who believes 'aloof' bar-staff to be the new cool. It isn't - it really isn't. But those pies - very nice.
This is the sort of pub that the Craft-type artisan places are putting out of business because they do it so much better.

21 Mar 2013 13:18

The White Bear, Hounslow

Resorted to a Guinness in here recently - it's just OK. I disagree with georgespubguide about Hounslow being the most depressing, disappointing etc place on Earth - have you been to Woolwich? That place would turn wine into anthrax. Hounslow is a dump purely because of the spunk-pots living in it. Not many seem to frequent Isleworth, thankfully, but just enough to ramp up the crime figures for 2009. Thanks Hounslow - please stay in your pen and drink there as well.

3 Feb 2010 00:45