London pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of London - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
Lamb Inn, Edmonton
Address: 52/54 Church Street, Edmonton, London, N9 9PA [map]
Phone: 02088870128
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Edmonton Green (0.1 miles), Silver Street (0.8 miles), Angel Road (1.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Is this pub meant to be getting better???? I don't think so. This pub is a shit hole and I heard the new manager Liz is going to turn it around, still waiting.
2 Feb 2010 12:43
Lets review, broken stalls and chairs, that so need replacing. Glasses need replacing and even decent cleaners can't clean property. The manager well she thinks she is the best of them all that have been there but have heard it all before. If she was that good, wy are staff still giving away free drinks to who they choose and it is being done before her eyes but I forgot she is so good NOT!!!!11 Jan 2010 09:06
Could I believe what I saw yesterday, this pub, yet again trying to sell food. Don't you realise there is too many nice places to eat, fresh food cheaper than the frozen food this pub dishes up. As for the manager, who has been here before thinks she can change it. (whatever). Close this pub down, for the public 22 Dec 2009 09:24
CASK pub & Kitchen, Pimlico
Address: 6 Charlwood Street, Pimlico, London, London, SW1V 2EE
Phone: 07883 605 796
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
Popped in here on Wednesday evening. Found they had installed 3 new handpumps all were serving beers from one brewewry. What a excellant venue for drinking. Excellant range of beers all in good nick (8 in total on draft). Good range of German & Belgium draft beers also. Plenty of foreign bottled beers to coose from also. Mainly German & Belgian. Good Food. Prices are reasonable for the area. Well worth a visit. I shall go back more often as I work not too far away
Draught guests were superbly kept and change regularly, I understand. The range met my criteria of providing something for tastes from dark to light.
Chatting to the barman, he told me they were imminently moving away from draught lager to ales only, with a big nod in the direction of Belgian beers. What they do need to look at is the pricing of the latter as it was simply horrifying (£5.70 for St Bernadus Abt 12 and it didn't come with the proper glass).
Anyway, about ten mins from Tate Britain and a worthy reward if you need a sit down after culture. Would definitely seek out if even vaguely in the area.
5 Feb 2010 12:55
Plus point is the imminent connection of three more handpumps, already in situ on the bar. The downside was the price of £10.05 for 3 pints of 3.8% beer. Too much.31 Jan 2010 11:35
Spacious and welcoming with a fine range of beers. Very bright and lots of tables to choose from. Quiet-ish mid afternoon on a very cold Saturday.Draught guests were superbly kept and change regularly, I understand. The range met my criteria of providing something for tastes from dark to light.
Chatting to the barman, he told me they were imminently moving away from draught lager to ales only, with a big nod in the direction of Belgian beers. What they do need to look at is the pricing of the latter as it was simply horrifying (£5.70 for St Bernadus Abt 12 and it didn't come with the proper glass).
Anyway, about ten mins from Tate Britain and a worthy reward if you need a sit down after culture. Would definitely seek out if even vaguely in the area.
30 Jan 2010 13:15
The Bree Louise, Euston
Address: 69, Cobourg St, London, NW1 2HH [map]
Phone: 020 7681 4930
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Nearest tube stations: Euston (0.1 miles), Euston Square (0.1 miles), Warren Street (0.2 miles)
Nearest train stations: London Euston (0.2 miles), London St Pancras (0.5 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Partly personal preference and partly practicality to keep the filling from spilling out all over you if you pick it up. Admittedly you won't be doing that in the pub and as they sell a lot of pies, they're not going to change things on my review. All of us in our party were a bit miffed not to see pastry on top and bottom though.
=====================================================================
Why should it?
5 Feb 2010 09:51
"A pie should have shortcrust pastry on top and bottom, not be a casserole with a puff pastry lid. "=====================================================================
Why should it?
5 Feb 2010 09:40
If drinking around King's Cross or Euston, this is a shining light amongst a sea of dross. The atmosphere is good (has to be as you often have to share tables) and there is always a decent selection of beers. The pie menu is also very promising but the goods on it aren't quite up to scratch. What you get is tasty but there's just not enough food. A pie should have shortcrust pastry on top and bottom, not be a casserole with a puff pastry lid. And there needs to be more veg and a second scoop of mash. That small gripe aside, I'll happily be back next time I'm in the area.5 Feb 2010 09:30
The Old Fountain, Old Street
Address: 3, Baldwin St, London, EC1V 9NU [map]
Phone: 020 7253 2970
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Nearest tube stations: Old Street (0.1 miles), Moorgate (0.6 miles), Barbican (0.6 miles)
Nearest train stations: Old Street (0.1 miles), Moorgate (0.6 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Traditional style boozer in the middle of a terrace which, unusually, has an entrance in the streets on each side. Internally it's reasonable smart and typical of the type of London pub that hasn't changed much over the last fifty years, but what really sets the Old Fountain apart is the range and quality of the eight real ales on offer. Mostly from smaller southern breweries such as Crouch Vale, Dark Star, Mighty Oak etc. the four I sampled were uniformly perfect.
A shame the place doesn't open at weekends as it's clearly usurped the Wenlock as the best pub in the area for me. I like a down to earth boozer but unless ithe Wenlock has taken a turn for the better in recent months it's become just a bit too tatty and scruffy and the ales, whilst always drinkable, have rarely been kept as well as they might be on my more recent visits.
The friendly and efficient service at the Old Fountain also contrasts with the often surly and inattentive equivalent at the Wenlock.
moving on but tried it again after reading the recent comments posted here. The beer selection and quality was great. The landlord was noodling about on
the bar with beer clips and stuff, seriously into his craft.
A shame the place doesn't open at weekends as it's clearly usurped the Wenlock as the best pub in the area for me. I like a down to earth boozer but unless ithe Wenlock has taken a turn for the better in recent months it's become just a bit too tatty and scruffy and the ales, whilst always drinkable, have rarely been kept as well as they might be on my more recent visits.
The friendly and efficient service at the Old Fountain also contrasts with the often surly and inattentive equivalent at the Wenlock.
1 Feb 2010 13:17
A suprisingly large pub set back in a side street near Moorfields Eye Hospital (where many of the customers come from). The beer was well kept, especially the Oscar Wilde Mild. Food OK, although the Salt Beef sandwich was not as good as those served at the Wenlock Arms, but this is a nicer and cleaner pub. 29 Jan 2010 13:20
Only visited this pub once before as I always have a few in the Wenlock beforemoving on but tried it again after reading the recent comments posted here. The beer selection and quality was great. The landlord was noodling about on
the bar with beer clips and stuff, seriously into his craft.
28 Jan 2010 20:49
The Harp, Covent Garden
Address: 47 Chandos Place, covent garden, London, WC2N 4HS [map]
Phone: 02078360291
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Nearest tube stations: Charing Cross (0.1 miles), Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Embankment (0.2 miles)
Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles), London Waterloo (0.8 miles), London Waterloo East (0.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Definitely one of the better pubs in this area - not sure how it has escaped my notice for so many years. Good selction of beers on including a couple of dark ones - all well kept and some fantastic food smells wafting through the pub made me wish we didn't have alternative eating plans. Really nice little building with pleasant helpful staff - well worth a visit
Along with the Ship & Shovell it's the pub I use before taking the train from Charing X.
The one problem is the Harp is so often busy and being a small pub it's not always easy to get in let alone served!
However the beer is great (Harveys and a couple of others ) and the staff are always friendly. The last time I was served by a girl who used to live in Dover, where I currently live! The atmosphere is lively and cosy.
If there are a few of you and you visit early enough you could try to get a table upstairs. There's more room and it's quieter.
28 Jan 2010 14:12
I wish I'd found this pub years ago. I always used to go to the Chandos along the road toward Trafalgar Sq. Along with the Ship & Shovell it's the pub I use before taking the train from Charing X.
The one problem is the Harp is so often busy and being a small pub it's not always easy to get in let alone served!
However the beer is great (Harveys and a couple of others ) and the staff are always friendly. The last time I was served by a girl who used to live in Dover, where I currently live! The atmosphere is lively and cosy.
If there are a few of you and you visit early enough you could try to get a table upstairs. There's more room and it's quieter.
23 Jan 2010 02:21
Chav_Man (11 Dec Comment) clearely has mental health problems (he seems obsessed by feaces) - check out his previous entries.19 Jan 2010 15:32
Ye Old Mitre, Holborn
Address: 1, Ely Court, Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ [map]
Phone: 020 7405 4751
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.2 miles), Farringdon (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)
Nearest DLR station: Bank (1 mile)
Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), City Thameslink (0.4 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Warm and welcoming pub with friendly staff. I'm not sure it's the best pub in the land, though. Some of the previous reviews could be excellent parodies of pub nutters (and not just chavman!). Worth going to if you're in the area.
The food is simple but does the job. I recommend a sausage sandwich. I don't recommend the pickled eggs. Contrary to the recollections of Mr Cameron (below), it was a scotch egg not a scotch pie but never mind.
There is a sign forbidding bicycles which, since I have never seen one in there in 5 years, is either very successful or unnecessary.
4 Feb 2010 16:41
A temple of well-kept beer in a great atmosphere. Nice mix of regulars and tourists, though would the latter please shut the door when looking at the cherry tree.The food is simple but does the job. I recommend a sausage sandwich. I don't recommend the pickled eggs. Contrary to the recollections of Mr Cameron (below), it was a scotch egg not a scotch pie but never mind.
There is a sign forbidding bicycles which, since I have never seen one in there in 5 years, is either very successful or unnecessary.
27 Jan 2010 20:57
Yes, this is a truly wonderful pub. And thank goodness that Fullers, who own the pub, allow a large variety of guest beers to be served! 22 Jan 2010 15:47
The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton
Address: 26, Wenlock Rd, London, N1 7TA [map]
Phone: 020 7608 3406
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: Old Street (0.5 miles), Angel (0.6 miles), Barbican (0.8 miles)
Nearest train stations: Old Street (0.5 miles), Essex Road (0.7 miles), London Barbican (0.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Theres alot of shananigans going on about the Wenlock.
It does what is says on the tin, old corner boozer, great selection of beer.
They have tidied the place up by scraping up the carpet.
Two women were running the bar and there were about a dozen locals in. One other visitor was telling us that he always calls in when in London. He was staying to go across the bar, albeit in halves. Probably a good idea, given the generous selection of real ale on offer.
Worth another visit for sure and well worth seeking out for a first time too.
It does what is says on the tin, old corner boozer, great selection of beer.
They have tidied the place up by scraping up the carpet.
28 Jan 2010 20:41
Visited here on Saturday, January 23rd at 1.00pm with a couple of friends on a London 'area' crawl. Only found out about the Krays connection post visit. Wonder what it was like when they were hanging around the manor?Two women were running the bar and there were about a dozen locals in. One other visitor was telling us that he always calls in when in London. He was staying to go across the bar, albeit in halves. Probably a good idea, given the generous selection of real ale on offer.
Worth another visit for sure and well worth seeking out for a first time too.
28 Jan 2010 16:44
Visited on the wednesday before new year . Got off to a bad start arriving just after 11 to find out it wasnt opening till 12. Once inside i started with a mild if i remember correctly by artbrew. One of my companions had the same the other had a golden bitter i cant rember which. None of us were happy with our choice which is very unusual in the wenlock, but the beers were new to us and i supose you cant like everything. The idea of the days trip was to have two or three pints in three or four of our favorite pubs as opposed to our normal one pint in eight or nine pubs on our regular london pub walks. But looking at the remaining ales available , mostly christmas specials as well as the fact we got started an hour late we decide to move on a little bit disapointed as the wenlock has been and still is one of my top five pubs in london. hopefuly this was a minor blip ill return soon.7 Jan 2010 23:38
The Andover Arms, Hammersmith
Address: 57, Aldensley Rd, London, W6 0DL [map]
Phone: 02087482155
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Nearest tube stations: Ravenscourt Park (0.2 miles), Hammersmith (0.4 miles), Goldhawk Road (0.5 miles)
Nearest train stations: Kensington Olympia (1 mile), Acton Central (1.7 miles), South Acton (1.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I have not been back to London W6 for quite some time
I was in four times to The Andover since New Year and these times got alot less P***d than last.( But my god it was great)
Great Vibe...Great Food and the service as always Brilliant. Micheal Jackson would be proud of the survival of a "Just A Graet Pub"( God Rest His Soul)
Well done Mr Landlord and team
James Haricott B
PS Where has All The Flowers Gone .........
Even though I can't claim to be a regular, I loved the opportunity to vist the pub when it was run by Tom and Moira ,and was intrigued to see the changes.
On my vist tonight, the pub was very busy - a god sign surely? The decor has changed, but it is sympathetic and warm, the staff are friendly and the food (and beer)excellent.
I shall be going back
I was in four times to The Andover since New Year and these times got alot less P***d than last.( But my god it was great)
Great Vibe...Great Food and the service as always Brilliant. Micheal Jackson would be proud of the survival of a "Just A Graet Pub"( God Rest His Soul)
Well done Mr Landlord and team
James Haricott B
PS Where has All The Flowers Gone .........
26 Jan 2010 12:26
No Axe to GrindEven though I can't claim to be a regular, I loved the opportunity to vist the pub when it was run by Tom and Moira ,and was intrigued to see the changes.
On my vist tonight, the pub was very busy - a god sign surely? The decor has changed, but it is sympathetic and warm, the staff are friendly and the food (and beer)excellent.
I shall be going back
30 Oct 2009 21:58
Visited on Sunday,beer condition was excellent,also the pies.Decor greatly improved.14 Oct 2009 18:00
The Royal Oak, Borough
Address: 44, Tabard St, London, SE1 4JU [map]
Phone: 020 7357 7173
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Nearest tube stations: Borough (0.1 miles), London Bridge (0.4 miles), Elephant and Castle (0.6 miles)
Nearest train stations: London Bridge (0.4 miles), Elephant & Castle (0.6 miles), Cannon Street (0.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Found this gem of a pub just over 3 years ago and can't get enough of it. The Harvey's beer is lovely particularly the Old Ale and all very well kept. Nice treat to find the Christmas Ale on hand pump in December and in bottles to stash at home! The food is also very good. Big portions of locally sourced, home cooked grub, massive ploughmans, game pie and the seasonal Sunday roast boasts grouse, partridge, duck, rabbit you name it, and all for very reasonable prices. The clientele are generally quiet folk who enjoy a good pint and the bar staff are always helpful. Generally doesn't get too busy as it's tucked away off the main thoroughfare.
28 Jan 2010 14:30
Don't work in the area anymore so my visits are far less frequent. Was good to be back for a couple of pints last night -the Old and Armada were very good. Usual pleasant laid back atmosphere. Frank and John the landlords here know how to run a pub brilliantly and how to keep it that way. 15 Jan 2010 10:37
Lovely pub. If the beer is not great it's likely you're not a fan of the southern way of serving beer. Friendly staff, good range of beers, a bit of a local feel. Varied clientele. I will definitely be back12 Jan 2010 23:43
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
Address: 55 Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5UQ [map]
Phone: 020 7490 4281
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.1 miles), Barbican (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles)
Nearest DLR station: Bank (0.9 miles)
Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.1 miles), London Barbican (0.3 miles), City Thameslink (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Reading the previous review this is obviously how St Peters Brewery want it to look like [it opened in 1996 and was previously a clockmaker's workshop amongst other things]. Personally I love it and friends I have taken there always want to return. Never had a bad beer there, never eaten there though. Worthwhile for any London real ale-loving visitors to call here, although it's closed at weekends.
Have to love a pub where you can drink 6 different well kept pints without a pint of malty brown garbage that must turn off young drinkers more than your granny not wearing her teeth.
21 Dec 2009 10:19
Old boozer which may have had a fiver spent on decor 80 years ago. I actually would prefer at least a lick of paint. Nonetheless extensive range of well kept St Peter's beers which it was not clear if they were served on gravity. Have to love a pub where you can drink 6 different well kept pints without a pint of malty brown garbage that must turn off young drinkers more than your granny not wearing her teeth.
21 Dec 2009 06:54
Can't believe I've never heard of this pub. Fantastic throwback to the days of real pubs - looks as though it's shut up from the front but inside it's the sort of look that Davey's Wine Bars used to try to recreate! Just old and wooden and very cosy. Fab beer - a range of 5 different St Peters Ales on draught. My Best Bitter was in top condition. Didn't get the warmest reception from the barman but we *were* hogging half the bar and he was trying to have his lunch - so I'll let him off. Will be back very soon. Food looked average, mind. We ate round the corner at Farm Collective in Cowcross St - excellent pies, sausage rolls and sandwiches :-)15 Dec 2009 18:14
The Doric Arch, Euston
Address: 1 Eversholt Street, Euston, London, NW1 2DN [map]
Phone: 020 7388 2221
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: Euston (0.1 miles), Euston Square (0.1 miles), Warren Street (0.4 miles)
Nearest train stations: London Euston (0.2 miles), London St Pancras (0.4 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Seems to have revived a bit in recent months. The staff were helpful and the food surprisingly good. My pint Pale Rider was fine. But it is clearly a place for rail and beer anoraks.
Having done that the pub itself is quite nice and with 10 pumps enough to give any anorak wearing CAMRA member an extra couple of inhes of beard growth. The 5 at my end of the bar offered Landlord, Centurion Ghost, Pride, Discovery and Kelham Island Brewery Pale Rider.
It's still a station pub though and for non-ale buffs like me doesn't really offer much to return to.
29 Jan 2010 13:12
8/10 Pleased that Fullers have kept guest ales at this pub after taking it over - remains an excellent pub. If only I could work out how to operate the code that opens the door to the toilets.... d'oh!11 Dec 2009 10:41
The main thing here is to try and forget this is a station pub on the mezz level of a 60s office block. Having done that the pub itself is quite nice and with 10 pumps enough to give any anorak wearing CAMRA member an extra couple of inhes of beard growth. The 5 at my end of the bar offered Landlord, Centurion Ghost, Pride, Discovery and Kelham Island Brewery Pale Rider.
It's still a station pub though and for non-ale buffs like me doesn't really offer much to return to.
2 Dec 2009 00:50
The Speaker, Westminster
Address: 46 Great Peter St, London, SW1P 2HA [map]
Phone: 020 7222 1749
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: St James's Park (0.2 miles), Westminster (0.4 miles), Victoria (0.6 miles)
Nearest train stations: London Victoria (0.6 miles), London Charing Cross (0.9 miles), Vauxhall (0.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Good pub;gay friendly,especially with Dennis 'behind' the bar;looks better than he does in the Saunas.
16 Jan 2010 22:07
Good pub - nice beer, reasonably priced, usually busy and no TV/music which is great!17 Dec 2009 17:04
The Speaker continues to be a haven of very well kept, interesting ales - there's a couple of interesting festivals coming up in the near future. Always a friendly welcome from Dennis upon arrival.12 Oct 2009 17:03
The Eagle Ale House, Clapham
Address: 104 Chatham Rd, Battersea, London, SW11 6HG [map]
Phone: 020 7228 2328
See full pub details
Nearest tube station: Clapham South (0.7 miles)
Nearest train stations: Wandsworth Common (0.6 miles), Clapham Junction (0.8 miles), Balham (1 mile)
Reviews by BITE users:
quite nice pub for a real ale, not likely to attract younger drinkers as not much to offer females
There are a couple of TVs that were off during my visit and I also spotted a rolled up projector above the front window. There is a sign outside stating that sporting events are shown, but I didn’t spot any signs for Sky Sports but as the pub info above states that Sky is present I’d imagine that they do have it.
I’m not sure that I’d make a special trip to visit here again, but I can see why it is popular with users of this site.
30 Jan 2010 07:19
Great friendly little pub with good choice of real ales well kept and at sensible prices.18 Jan 2010 11:58
I counted eight hand pumps on the bar, four of which were on, but the governor was in the middle of changing barrels and pulling pints through. There not much of a draught choice as this is primarily an ale drinker’s pub, but my Guinness was very good and the governor was polite. The other customers were at least a generation above me, but I did visit on a quiet week night.There are a couple of TVs that were off during my visit and I also spotted a rolled up projector above the front window. There is a sign outside stating that sporting events are shown, but I didn’t spot any signs for Sky Sports but as the pub info above states that Sky is present I’d imagine that they do have it.
I’m not sure that I’d make a special trip to visit here again, but I can see why it is popular with users of this site.
4 Jan 2010 21:48
The North Star, Leytonstone
Address: 24 Browning Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 3AR [map]
Phone: 020 8989 5777
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: Leytonstone (0.4 miles), Wanstead (0.7 miles), Snaresbrook (0.9 miles)
Nearest train stations: Leytonstone High Road (0.6 miles), Leyton Midland Road (1.1 miles), Wanstead Park (1.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Alway well kept beer in here. The Butcombe Bitter is always very good and a friendly landlord too.
4 Feb 2010 22:20
For a small pub such a fantastic range of real ales (at least 4). always in excellent condition. One of few top quality pubs in a 5 miles radius. 22 Nov 2009 01:59
Pub has been brightened up inside since my last visit. Lively local crowd, clean and tidy garden with enormous umbrella and smart lean to. Consumed a couple of pints of marvellous Betty Stogs bitter aswell. Only wish I could visit more often. http://www.skinnersbrewery.com/shop/betty-stogs-bitter17 Aug 2009 11:38
The Green Man, Putney Heath
Address: Putney Heath, London, SW15 3NG [map]
Phone: 020 8788 8096
See full pub details
Nearest tube stations: East Putney (0.6 miles), Southfields (0.9 miles)
Nearest train stations: Putney (0.6 miles), Barnes (1.4 miles), Earlsfield (1.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Good to know am not the only one having to listen to others 'language'. Trouble now is that they (usually 4/5 in number) have moved inside! Maybe one day management will issue a "YELLOW CARD" - even then it wouldn't be long before they were shown the RED!!! It's a shame that a minority spoil what used to be a great pub atmosphere.
Can I suggest the management simply show the individual/s a YELLOW CARD. and then take it from there? I think most people are very reasonable - but if they continue to use language that is obcene then the management of the Green Man must decide what the impcat is on othes.
30 Dec 2009 15:39
Yes - I can appeicate the previous person posting their comment. I really don't know if I have seen the same person/persons, but it is possible, and I have heard rather flowery laguage at times inside and outside. I drink on my own in the Green Man but have got to know some decent people, but I certainly woudn't want to take say a girlfriend to hear the language indicteted by the previous Emaler.Can I suggest the management simply show the individual/s a YELLOW CARD. and then take it from there? I think most people are very reasonable - but if they continue to use language that is obcene then the management of the Green Man must decide what the impcat is on othes.
14 Nov 2009 18:50
Wife and I been regulars for years, great pub. Food greatly improved. Pity about a small group over indulging and using foul language; its disgusting and embarrassing infront of ladies. Often my wife and I have left early because of this and now she doesn't always want to join me. Have complained to staff but to no avail, the offenders still use the pub and are still swearing not only outside but inside the pub as well. Anyone else experienced this?19 Oct 2009 17:17
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