The Florence, Herne Hill

interesting that every positive comment about this pub is by "anonymous".... aka "the manager" perhaps?

11 Oct 2007 13:34

The Hobgoblin, Tulse Hill

I too was wary of the creation of a Scottish theme pub in this forgotten corner of Brixton. Having lived next to the Hobgoblin for the past year, I was wary of how the old and new would clash, and also wondered just how awful it would be to have a Scottish version of O'Neills pumping out faux-folk music til 3am every morning to the 4 customers who had stumbled in by mistake.

I'm very glad to say I got it completely wrong, and where the grotty, dingy and at times intimidating Hob once stood, we now have a friendly, unassuming and welcoming pub, which rather than forcing Socttishness down punters' throats, has merely embraced all that is good about Scottish pub culture. So you get friendly bar staff, coversation with other customers, live Scottish sport for those who want it, English for those who don't, a relaxed atmosphere and some genuinely pleasant background live music - at least after the footie.

Not so sure about the other "live" offerings, which seem to consist of teenage rock bands of the type I've seen in pub basements far too many times, and given the history of the place it's never going to drag itself completely into respectability, but as somewhere at the park end of town where I can go and get drunk, have some banter and not worry about spilling someones pint as long as I apologise, I'm more than happy. It's just a shame it didn't arrive sooner.

26 Sep 2007 13:47

The Florence, Herne Hill

Visited here last Saturday with a group of friends. The transformation from its previous incarnation as an "airport departure lounge theme pub" is impressive. Removing the celtic crosses etc has opened the whole place up and seemingly doubled the space inside.

Good range of beers if you like to go down the Paulaner/Erdinger route, although not much to choose from in the way of lager. Still, it's nice for a change once in a while.

Unfortunately, we didn't stay long due to feeling very uncomfortable amongst the new clientele. I arrived first and initially became convinced I had stumbled into a private launch party or something. The best thing I can compare it to is the few times I have had to visit a "bar" in an area such as West Hampstead. My friends and I are your standard pub drinkers - probably even what you might describe as "young professional" - but we were grateful that the rain stayed off for long enough for us to sit in the relative oasis of calm in the beer garden. There are reasons we avoid places like Putney, Fulham etc for an evening out.

It was also suprising, on a Saturday night at around 9pm, that there were so many small children running around both inside and out. I was under the impression that licensing laws dictated under 18s should not be allowed in pubs after something like 7.30; I may well have my facts wrong on that one but in any event it is not something I personally look for when planning a Saturday evening with friends.

The staff were friendly enough and the beer isn't unreasonably priced compared to other places these days. This place is unashamedly marketed at those residents of Herne Hill and Brixton who have been forced to move down here because of rising house prices. On the evidence of the crowd in the place on Saturday night there is a hitherto hidden mass of them who appear to have been lying low waiting for such a place to open.

However, it is not for me or my friends. Other pubs such as the Prince in Brixton, the Prince Regent and the Commercial have gone for the upmarket approach to their redevelopment, and whilst I know (judging by some of the other reviews on here) that is not to everyone's taste, they are establishments I feel comfortable drinking in. Unfortunately the one emotion I experienced in the Florence was one of irritation, and with this in mind I don't think I'll be going back. I would go out on a limb though and say - decor and location wise - it would make a fine venue for a quiet pint with your boy/girlfriend. Perhaps during the week when everyone else is at the gym or working late in the City.

25 Jun 2007 20:46