The Duke of Kent, Ealing

The Kent has been transformed by a recent refurb. It now makes much better use of the space inside, with smaller areas creating more of an atmosphere, and the back garden is a splendid place for an evening drink. The beer remains of very good quality and the food is also more than acceptable.

I'm afraid however, that it is let down by it's bar staff. They are slow, inattentive and don't seem to understand the basics of bar work.

A good bar worker knows who's next and doesn't have to ask. When a beer is off the badge on the pump handle it turned around so that customers don't make their selection, get disappointed and then have to make another slection whilst other customers are waiting to be served. Dirty plates and glasses are not piled high on the bar counter next to customers trying to enjoy a pint or a meal.

There are all basics that the management really need to sort out to take best advantage of what is a very good makeover.

6 Jun 2013 07:14

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

Great pub in a good location. It's just far enough from the madding crowd to be relatively tourist free. Sadly, I don't like Brodie's beers. I've tried hard and I don't think it's the way the pub keeps them because they're always clear and well presented. I just can't make myself like them.

Shame because otherwise I'm very happy to drink here.

28 Feb 2013 13:32

The Black Horse Hotel, Preston

Was up for the Preston Guild celebrations at the weekend. The Black Horse is still the wonderful pub it was when I was a student here in the mid-80's.

Great range of well kept beers; cheerful, helpful staff and comfortable snugs in which to have a session.

Long may it remain just as it is now.

Shame about the idiot who decided that the snug was the place to escape to from the hubbub of the bar to make his mobile phone call. All 8 punters in there now know that his missus was not happy at all about having to come and pick him and his drunk mates up and give them all lifts home. I hope she gave him down the banks when she got her hands on him.

6 Sep 2012 16:21