The Charles Dickens, Southwark

Finally tried my technical 'local' last week. Not the nicest place to enjoy a drink what with the obtrusive TVs, but the beer is first class. 6 handpumps, all beers well kept. Tried Spring Zing, and 2 others, but memory's a little hazy...

26 Mar 2007 17:09

The Windmill Tavern, Waterloo

Dropped in for a swift pint a few weeks ago. Was pleased to see Wadworth 6X on cask, but sadly it was tainted with eggy aroma and taste.

Bar staff took it back and changed it for a pint of Pride, but not without expressing doubt as to my assessment. 'They'll be complaining the brandy's too spicy next week', said the barman to a regular.

No, next week I'll be drinking elsewhere.

26 Mar 2007 17:05

The Fire Station, Waterloo

Visited for a quick (sadly soft) drink today while in the area. Decor is retro-minimalist with nods to the former use as... you've guessed it, a fire station. The try-hard combination of 'rustic'/'shabby-chic' tables and cleaming chrome bar won't be to everyone's taste, but a pleasant enough place at midday when it's fairly quiet.

Had a snack of potato wedges, which were undoubtedly shipped in frozen and heated up, but hit the spot beautifully.

Big gripe was the obscene price of soft drinks. 'Serves you right for not having a beer,' you may well say. But �4.10 for a pint of Coke is unjustifiable. The most expensive draught beer was Hoegaarden at �3.90, with London Pride and Marston's Pedigree (the two cask offerings) at �3.05 and �2.85 a pint respectively. Given the cost price of post-mix, these prices are daylight robbery. But what should one expect in a pub right next to Waterloo station?

Not an awful place. Not a great one.

26 Mar 2007 16:57