The Half Moon, Putney

Recently ruined by refurbishment. Inexplicably, the Victorian brickwork has been painted over in the drabbest shade of grey, as has the wooden panelling which made the interior so welcoming. An ersatz "circa 1963" crest has been painted on the outside and a similarly tasteless cinema sign now stands over the entrance to the gig venue. The pool table has gone, as has the jukebox and the raised seating area. The food is overpriced, even by the standards of south-west London. This is now just another bland gastropub - leave well alone, especially with the Bricklayers Arms around the corner.

15 Feb 2012 10:32

The Gardeners Arms, Oxford

Everything a pub ought to be - cosy and welcoming. In an era characterised by crass attempts at refurbishment, this is a rare thing. May this place never change. It would be a crime to visit the Rose and Crown and miss out on a pint or two here.

15 Feb 2012 10:27

The Gardener's Arms, Oxford

A fantastic place. Excellent range of vegetarian food - and I speak as a meat-eater - and a variety of ales. Lots of books to browse through as you wait for your food and, as of Saturday, the beginnings of a DVD swap scheme. Pleasantly quiet. One of the very best pubs in the city.

15 Feb 2012 10:13