The Antelope, Surbiton

Surrey folk. If you are a beer fan, stop your search for the perfect pint and start making your way to The Antelope. With a wide selection of hand pump, ciders, craft lagers and (this is the kicker for me) their own brews on tap, I don't think you can go wrong. Surely there will be something on tap that hits your style. For me it was the Big Smoke Pale Ale, a 4% true session beer. Their own brewed Porter was also great, the Rye IPA at over 6% was for sample only.

The only thing stopping a perfect ten score from me is the pub is frequented by trendies with kids, which in itself is not too bad but can be a distraction when running around (the kids that is). This is a very minor point in the grand scheme of things (and really a reflection of the local community), but with no TV's, no fruit machines, vinyl music and a steady crowd, I have found my new local.

If the Landlord is reading, please keep it up. Loving the buy nine, get the tenth free loyalty card.

24 Feb 2015 18:23

Star Inn, Cheadle

Spent a quiet couple of hours in the corner of this pub on a Monday night with a newspaper and a few fantastic pints of Hydes Bitter.

Cheap prices and various locals coming and going as the evening wore on. Friendly but not too familiar Landlord, lively chatter and no blaring music.

This is the type of local non-generic pub I love and which are a dying breed "down south". No good for the panini brigade or parents wanting coffee and a playpen. Hope to visit again when in the area.

20 Jan 2015 20:10

The George and Dragon, Thames Ditton

Recently stayed near Thames Ditton and had two nights out here, along with Sunday lunch.

The first night on a Tuesday resembled some of the earlier comments on here, with clicky locals at the bar, however a return on a Friday night found it busy, lively with chatter and steamed up windows, a good old fashioned boozer.

The Sunday lunch was lovely, however the pub was packed on arrival. We waited a while for a table, enjoying Whitstable Ale or two, and it was well worth the wait. Lovely roast beef lunch on a Sunday, with the crown thinning out to a nice Sunday session crowd. The staff were great throughout bringing drinks to our table rather than waiting at the bar. There were five in a our group and all left well oiled and full up.

I would recommend this pub.

12 Jan 2015 20:09