The Black Lion, Hammersmith

I went here and found the beer pricy but not obscene- on a par with similar places. I also post to another 'Londone' review type website and think some of these reviews have some 'politics' in them about preferring the old management?? Who can tell but it seems people who don't know the 'history' enjoy the pub for the following reasons:
-4 well kept real ales on tap;
-Wine drinkers can taste before they buy, even for a glass;
-very clean and well kept pub and toilets;
-Nice range of customers- not too 'posh', not chavvy in any way;
-Good music and decor.

Our round worked out at about �3.50 a drink- so on a par with other places in the area.

I found it less crowded than the 'bang on the river' places, too, which was great.

I haven't eaten there so can't comment on the food

7 Jun 2009 19:00

Founders Arms, Bankside

I've been here a few times as it's a nice place for a swift pint when walking or visiting the gallery. From the outide it's god awful ugly but the good news is, from the inside, you can see evrything except the pub itself!

The Youngs is well-kept and they have guest ales on. I'm a Londoner so drink Youngs quite often: so I DO have London pubs to compare it against. It is often crowded (and yes, people-who-raise-their-Londoner-cred-by-hating-tourists...some people ARE shock horror not Londoners) but the staff seem quite used to it and I've never had to wait too long to be served. A decent pint in an area with a lot of dross - not the kind of place you might choose for a celebration, rather somewhere to refresh yourself while in the area.

The ladies' has a disembodied voice that tells you to keep an eye on your handbag. I believe it is some kind of safer neighbourhood police thing. Either that or a particularly boring ghost.

16 Apr 2009 19:59

The George, London Bridge

I went here and it was OK. A bit expensive, however nice beer and pretty. Worth a one-of visit for the historic aspect.

There are now 3 bars, one in each 'room' (though one is a wine bar). I had a pint of 'their' bitter and it was OK, nothing amazing but perfectly smooth and thirst quenching.

A few odd types hanging around the garden area (drinking plastic bottle cider and eyeing tourist handbags) and odder types in the yard of the poncey wine bar next door.

Yes, there were tourists here however if those who are enraged by that, I hope, have never gone on holiday themselves, and if so, have never gone into a traditional bar or bistro once they go there (because let's face it this place is the real McCoy). Otherwise they'd just be being glib hypocrites mouthing off about something that keeps a lot of Londoners employed/pubs open and isn't really THAT inconvenient to us, wouldn't they?

16 Apr 2009 19:47