please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Had my first pint in the Nightingale tonight. What a great place, good crowd in but served quickly. Beer was good, loved the decor. Will be going back for sure
HENDO - 10 Oct 2008 22:23 |
This pub just gets better and better. Decided to eat here for the first time tonight and was surprised at how good it was. For the price you can't get better. There is always a great atmosphere and a really traditional feel to the place. This is the definition of a "local pub".
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I pop in here with my grandfather most sundays for a beer and a spot of lunch. A great little pub that can rightly call itself a proper "local" with polite and friendly staff and a fantastic fire in the winter!
willn - 21 Jul 2008 12:19 |
A great pub. So I understand they have already once turned away the Young's interior design crew, and the place is all the better for it. Perhaps the only change I have seen in there is the updating of the beer garden with the partly covered section and solid furniture.
Friendly staff. I never wait long to be served in here. Sometimes in Northcote road I think my thirst would be quenched quicker if I walked up the road to this pub.
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Re dogs - not if they're making a nuisance of themselves, Mr Early Drinker !
And when was the last time you saw a dog getting a round in at the bar ?
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I assume the two previous comments relate to Lucius (or is it Feargal?) Both have been present every time I've been to the Nightingale, and I must say I think the place would be the poorer without them. Come on, JohnB; you say say yourself that this is one of a 'rapidly diminishing breed' of traditional pubs; weren't dogs always part of the mix?
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Very enjoyable visit last Sunday lunchtime - sadly this is one of a rapidly diminishing breed of "old school" traditional Youngs pubs.
First sighting this year of Youngs Christmas Ale
Note the extensive collection of bottled Youngs beers on a shelf high up behind the bar.
Thankfully, there weren't any dogs running round being a nuisance on my visit - but I do agree with the sentiments of the previous contributor.In a smallish pub like the Nightingale, they should be left outside, especially when food is being served
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Has the potential to be a very good, traditional local. Very good pint of Ordinary served here and the service is efficient and friendly. I won't be going here as often as I would like however.
It's let down by the incredible free reign that dogs are given in this pub. For a place that serves food and is family friendly this is neither hygenic or pleasant when quite large and noisy dogs are walking around the bar unsupervised. This can be threatening and I have encountered this on each of my 3 visits. As one of my acquaintances put it, it "runs the risk of seeming like a kennel that occasionally serves beer."
If the staff made sure dogs were responsibly secured it would be a top destination.
anonymous - 29 Nov 2007 15:24 |
A superb, friendly, happy pub, by far the best pub in the area. There is a TV & sound system, I've yet to visit & find either switched on, a blessed relief.
Let down only by the dirty & badly maintained toilets.
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Lovely place. I always enjoy the garden when the rain gives us a break! Perfect for a nice relaxed drink or two.
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(£20 or a) Pint for the first person to identify "Frank". My guess is June.
anonymous - 20 Apr 2007 02:18 |
Charming pub, in a lovely location, with nice staff. Will definitely be back.
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This is such a nice pub.
I used to be one of the younger customers here drinking coke with the family, but now go here a couple of times a week on the lager! Unlike the nearby establishments, the bar staff are friendly and welcoming.
Foodwise, I've only had the jacket potato with coronation chicken, which was good enough. The fire's also a good touch in the winter... just needs a little more attention from the bar staff to avoid going out, but that's a minor point.
Friendly bar staff, friendly locals, okay prices, lack of retro furniture and wooden floor. Keep it like that!
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My favourite pub in this part of the world (though I haven't yet tried The Grove since its refurb).
The Nightingale always has friendly and welcoming feel,and the beer's good. A real pub, and a great community local.
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Excellent pub with great atmosphere and well kept beer
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Excellent oche area, good beer too.
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Nice cosy little place. Excellent Young's beer, seems like a nice place to go on a Saturday afternoon, maybe have a spot of lunch. Although I've not had the food yet, so I can't really comment on that.
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Top notch Youngs beers. Like a reviewer below I found the beer to be a degree or two colder than usual, and in extremely good condition.
As a bonus, has a dedicated darts area, with a very nice throw.
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Good place with helpful staff, big contrast to the hope. It hasn't had a needless rubbish refurb. They had winter warmer on and I thought that perhaps Bombadier hadn't made it's way in here yet but it was round the corner. The 4 for £5 take out offer is now 4 for £6. They seem to have replaced Kew Brew with Banana Bread Beer,which I don't like. The barman said they may brew it again as a seasonal in the future.
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Tip top special, great staff - so what else do you need in a local pub ?
No loud music and they've got that too
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Has the "Nightie" as I (affectionately)call it,got an improved cellar cooling sysyem in ? . Last night I had the best pint ever from the Nightingale. A gorgeous "cool" drop of ordinary. It was every bit as good as the ale served in the CAMRA prize winning pub-The Grapes.
On hot days,most real ale pubs serve it too warm,and it tastes to me like claggy cough mixture. With this "cooler" ale-they have got the best of both worlds.
Serve your beer consistently as good as you did last night,then the Nightie can claim the Grapes's crown next year
anonymous - 7 Aug 2006 11:28 |
A really pleasant place to spend a mid-week lunch. Very friendly staff. Very nice rear patio. Great real ale.
Recommended
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I returned for a drink here a couple of times recently after many years and at first was quite pleased that it was pretty much the same. However a realisation gradually came over me, that my reaction of 'Aaah, still a charming local pub' was actually wrong - this is the same as it always was, a pokey little back street boozer full of sad old drunks whiling away the hours talking crap and reading the paper! True they may be talking about current events rather than football, and reading broadsheets rather than tabloids but its just as depressing! And doing a charity walk once a year does not automatically give charactor!!
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You can't help but really warm to this place, i've lived directly opposite for a year or so and the nightingale ticks pretty much every box as a local. Perfect for a swift weekday jar whilst the dinners on or a long boozey friday night with a few mates,the locals and a few arrows. Staff, drinks and food are generally good and the mix of punters is both extremely diverse and friendly. There's no jukebox or other music which only adds to the atmosphere. Everyone i've ever brought in here had loved it; mates, dates or the olds. I'm off to live abroad for year and will sorely miss the nightingale.
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A real locals pub in a very expensive-looking street;
very busy but Youngs was average
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the nightingale walk on saturday was great raised over £16000.00 thanks you all.
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 10:01 |
A proper pub - Youngs, please leave it as it is and do not ruin it like you have done the Grove.
Very happy with the new late opening hours - was very grateful to be able to have a great pint on Bank Holiday Sunday after 10.30!
anonymous - 4 May 2006 09:49 |
I think 'anonymous' (13th April 2006) could do a little research before launching into personal criticisms. The management is, and has been, *instrumental* in keeping the unique qualities of this pub alive. There are no idiots working in the Nightingale.
Incidentally, the 27th annual Nightingale Chariity Walk is open to entries from today - Easter Sunday. Well worth supporting and very good fun too. See...
http://www.nightingalewalk.org.uk/
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i see the NIGHTINGALE WALK is on again.27 may 2006
sign up starts 16 april 2006
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Have to agree with eveeryone else here, definatly a lovely pub to go to for an afternoon beer. i missed out on the champagne breakfast offered on Boxing day though. wont happen this year!
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Pretty much all the reviews below are spot on. It's a rare pleasure to come across a proper pub in London, and still more surprising to find one run by such friendly people in such an unpretentious manner. Unfortunately for me, the Hope down the road is my nearest pub, but the extra 5 minute walk to here is definitely worth it. Beers are kept well, the food is good, clientele a friendly bunch, and a dart board. Always a recipe for success. Good work.
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This is a unique pub and such a refreshing change from all the soulless chain pubs of Clapham and Balham. Great garden, friendly staff and a superb collection of local character make this a fantastic pub. They also do some brilliant charity work. A wonderful place to spend an afternoon or an evening in summer OR winter.
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this pub still has dart evenings and quiz evenings GREAT!
anonymous - 29 Nov 2005 12:34 |
great to see this pub in pub of the year comp.
areap - 27 Nov 2005 22:49 |
the refurb.gets 10/10 in my book.
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Just refurbished and, thankfully, Youngs have only passed a light hand over this little gem. Not a drop of character has been lost and the improvements to the garden deserve a robust trade in the summer.
For some decades the Nightingale has appealed to all walks of life. It's as if it was the only pub in the village. It certainly does have an almost unique rural charm within London.
The management have had the foresight to retain (and build on) that long standing atmosphere.
Almost the last traditional pub in the area. Both beer and food are consistently excellent. Worth travelling to see it.
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GREAT PUB, FRIENDLY STAFF QUALITY
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I agree with previous comments - this is still a fine traditional welcoming pub. Thankfully the Youngs hit squad have left the pub alone. Note in particular the photos of the annual Nightingale Walk - an annual 35 mile walk along the Thames Towpath from Putney to Windsor ( or is it vice versa ? )for charity.
This is a good example of a community local - still one of Youngs best
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good old english PUB.
areap - 30 May 2005 23:28 |
I have been using the Nightingale for a few years now and I feel that Joannie and the new management make the place. Please keep the place traditional and keep up the good work.
anonymous - 22 Mar 2005 15:14 |
Having used this Pub regularly for some time I endorse the comments previusly listed. It is a very welcoming Local and sometimes gets busy due to it's popularity. the clientele is varied and the staff friendly my hats off to Joannie and Management (new)for keeping the Pub Traditional.
anonymous - 20 Mar 2005 09:50 |
SUPERB..... The new management are dedicated to keeping this as a traditional pub. That's very rare in this area. Thorough refurbishment due in April 2005 but as a Pub and not a Bar/Concept etc., etc. .
Will remain very strong on support for local charities.
A remarkable House. Totally welcoming to all and fast becoming unique. Well-done the new hosts - who know me only by sight - no bias in this comment.
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Existing management leaving early October 2004. I suspect the temptation to convert it into a Gastropub, or similar, will have passed Youngs corporate mind. Would they destroy one of the most outstanding 'traditional' pubs in the area???
'Gale User - 20 Sep 2004 15:54 |
Edie Wilkins retirement from this pub and managers being installed was the end of the REAL Nightingale. A good tenant makes a good pub, you needed a shoe horn to get through the door sometimes. I was a barman and customer from 1967-1986 but pop in occasionally nowadays, not impressed.. Keep up the good work Joannie
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fantastic pub joanie makes the place, managers should be seen doing a bit more work though not just looking down there noses at people!!!!!nightingale regular!!!!
bob - 21 Aug 2004 11:44 |
Great pub, great atmosphere but as per Matt's mail..........Mr Manager at least look partially interested when we spend out hard earned pennies
Chris - 16 Feb 2004 13:45 |
Excellent Pub. If you shut your eyes you wouldn.t know you were in South London. I agree with the bullion dealers to road sweepers. Top notch.
Ted - 13 Feb 2004 13:30 |
i give it 8.5/10 it has a very nice beer gardern and the owner should be very proud
anonymous - 13 Jan 2004 15:15 |
Great little pub. Diversity of clientell is astounding.
Staff are quite helpful, but the manager couldn't care less
Matt - 1 Dec 2003 10:12 |
A real gem. A small Youngs boozer with a wonderful atmosphere. Customers range from street sweepers to bullion dealers and they all get on. Very strong on support for charities.
Ian - 7 Nov 2003 21:45 |
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