The White Hart, Waterloo

Where is Richard now? I was told the Canonbury Arms in N London. Anyone?

9 Sep 2005 20:39

The White Hart, Waterloo

Problem is that it has changed hands. Richard teh previous manager has moved on and his slow trendification has been replaced by full-blown revolution. The new management have rushed to make this a bar, not a boozer. Sad for trad drinkers, but the place always seems busy. The biggest shame is teh loss of local atmosphere - this used to be a proper South London family pub ith a real mix of clientele. Now it is aimed at trendies. The TV has gone, so I'll need a new Central London meeting place for watching England crash out of major football tournaments. The changes are symbolised by the ditching of the traditional pub sign and window boxes. While it is still a nice place for a pint, the service has been apalling the last two times I've been in and I can't really imagine myself going there too often in future.

27 Jul 2005 13:41

The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

I was in there for the re-opening. It couldn't be more differenbt from the old place. Did't notice the beer price, but this is definitely a departure for this part of Kingston. More like a Balham/Clapham gastropub than a boozer. They will be running a wine merchant's service too. The Pub was ful of the landlord's mates yesterday afternoon. I'm sure this place will be popular on long summer evenings, but will the lack of music/tv/fruit machine etc and the wine draw in the punters on wet December Wednesday nights? Very light, very spacious, very ambitious. No smoking inside and baby changing facilities in the ladies' (went down well with pregnant missus).

A lot of me wants to see this place succeed, and I will give it a try (especially looking forward to the breakfasts), but hard to imagine taking myself off there for a quite pint with the paper - the more cosy Wych Elm will continue to fulfll this function.

Best of luck to the landlord - he may need it!

6 Jun 2005 16:54