The Jolly Farmer, Bramley

Really good range of real ales, regularly changed, plus some excellent imported lagers (Warsteiner, Lowenbrau, Budweiser from Czech Republic.) Recently the Jolly Farmer is finally open in the afternoons, and has some new staff well-trained in customer relations (the landlords - two brothers - are splendidly authentic and prefer an idiosyncratic ambiance.) Food is pricey but cooked from fresh by real chefs, so is worth it.

20 Mar 2005 18:13

The Chandos, Trafalgar Square

Basically, a well-run atmospheric pub following the exact Sam Smiths Yorkshire formula (exactly as per the Hansom Cab in York, for example), but in central London rather than York or Tadcaster. Staff change frequently (quite often Aussies) but management is on the whole good. The draught Ayingerbrau lager is a very quaffable German look-alike, and it's cheap and well brewed. I used to work nearby in Whitehall and come in every day for a pint at noon in the dowmstairs bar, which is nice when fairly empty but can get very crowded. And for single women on their own the upstairs bar is definitely "more appropriate".

20 Mar 2005 14:44