The Old Fountain, Old Street

Always a good choice of Ales and food. A little pricey sometimes, but not terrible for the area. Staff are generally friendly as are the locals.

20 Jan 2010 15:18

The Colley Rowe Inn, Romford

This is my local and whilst the clientel have always been a bit colourful, the atmosphere has never been threatening in any way. Of a weekend there are a lot of families in and whislt this can get a bit noisy and annoying, that's all it is.
The food is good value and is usually ok, although there is a tendency to run out of items and forget to mention it unless challenged.
This is very much a lager pub and in the last year or so it has not been uncommon to walk in and have a choice of just one and this from a pub that the manager states should always have Abbot, Ruddles and 3 Guest beers on at all times. Absolute rubbish.
I agree with the earlier post on 'coming soon' beers, that can sit there for months and then just vanish without ever arriving. Very poorly managed, but I would be lost without it.

20 Jan 2010 15:13

The Offside Bar, Islington

This was dire. Ok it was a Wednesday lunch time and it was quiet, but I was the only customer. The barman finally got off of his phone to serve me after a couple of minutes and the Adnams Broadside for �3 was ok if a bit too cold, no other ale was on.
I was also under the impression that this was a sportsbar and yet all screens seemed to be showing 80's pop videos, I guess to entertain the staff, but as he spent most of my visit outside smoking, maybe not.
They are currently running an offer during the week that you get a free hot lunch (choice of 3) when you buy an alcoholic drink. Sounds almost too good to be true and guess what it is. There was no food today and no explanation either. Will not be back.

20 Jan 2010 15:03