The Cat's Back, Wandsworth

Not a bad place to have as a local, although you wouldn't go out of your way to travel there. It's tiny for a start, so there are only a few tables. The staff have always been friendly when I've been in, and I like the fact that they allow dogs inside too - always the sign of a decent boozer. Have only drunk Guiness there so can't vouch for the quality of the bitter.

The one thing I have found slightly random about this place is that amongst all the bric-a-brac on the walls, there are at least two gollywogs! And you don't see many of those in this age of political correctness!

17 Dec 2008 13:55

The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common

Have been here a few times over the years and always been impressed by the friendly atmosphere - there is plenty of banter between the staff and the regulars.

Also nice to see a pub that welcomes dogs (of the four legged variety).

The last time I went (a couple of months ago) it was about to close for refurbishment, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they've done to the place.

The food is very good here - I had a beef roast on my last visit which was exceptional, probably one of the best roasts I've ever had in a pub. It was pretty expensive, about �12 I think, but worth every penny as the servings were huge.

One point to consider is that you get lots of families with young kids turning up for food at weekends, which isn't always the most relaxing experience, so be warned if you turn up expecting a quiet pub lunch.

Overall this place is highly recommended though - a top pub!

22 May 2008 13:58

The Worlds End, Camden

Visited for the first time in a couple of years on Friday, and was pretty much as I remembered. The front part of pub is the more 'normal' bit, and the bigger area at the back is where you're more likely to find the 'alternative' types (where you may feel out of place if not dressed in black and covered in tatoos). Having said that, everyone seems pretty tolerant and able to get along with each other.

The draught selection is pretty standard apart from the Lowenbrau which you don't see too often, and I have to agree with other comments regarding the toilets - they are pretty shabby and ridiculously small for the size of the place. The raised area at the back is probably the best place to sit if you can get a table, although watch out for the narrow spiral staircase once you've had a few.

Overall, the location opposite Camden Town tube means that this is always going to be a good place to meet, and it's not a bad place to stay for longer either.

11 Jun 2007 13:17

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross

Paid a visit to "the pub of two halves" on Friday night after having read the encouraging reviews on BITE, and wasn't disappointed.

I didn't go into the larger 'smoking' half, but the non-smoking half (on the left if you approach from Villiers St) was small but cosy, with an attentive, friendly barmaid and a decent beer selection on offer. Both the Badger and Tanglefoot went down particularly well.

There isn't a lot of seating inside (unless you know where to look), but as the pub is situated on a passage rather than a road there is plenty of standing room outside between the two halves of the pub.

Just as importantly, the clientele was also nice and mixed. This included a variety of post-work suits, casual drinkers and travellers (of the rucksack-type not the gypsy-type!).

I would definitely recommend if you are near Charing Cross or Embankment stations as this is one of the better options in the area.

16 Oct 2006 14:31