The Coach and Horses, Barnes

Went for a pre-dinner drink last night, and sat outside as inside was gloomy and depressing.

Unfortunately, outside was worse - no one had cleared or cleaned the tables, the bunting was lying around broken, the place was totally uncared for, the staff were uninterested and the piped music was the last thing that we wanted.

You would imagine in a catchment area like this that a pub would be able to thrive only by being at the top of its game, but obviously note. What a sad tale of mediocrity, and how the English seem to accept it.

17 Jun 2012 18:05

The Anglesey Arms, Halnaker

This is a very good pub with food, and has been since long before the term 'gastro-pub' was invented. You may need to book to eat there, either near the bar or in the restaurant or, on hot days (remember those) in a large garden. The food is simply very good: varied, good helpings, friendly service, not too expensive. Lots of beers on tap, and a wide selection of wines, not to mention a log fire for days like yesterday.
Well done to all the staff for maintaining such a high standard.

21 Feb 2010 11:07

The Hereford Arms, South Kensington

I went again with my family for supper on Saturday. It was delicious food (whitebait, linguine, steak pie, hamburger), attentive service and a lovely atmosphere. The Fuller's beer is well kept.

12 Jan 2010 11:47

The Sun Inn, Barnes

A very nice pub in a great area, cosy in the winter and a garden for sunnier times, which is often busy but usually friendly and good fun. If it can get a bit hectic, especially on the food front, you have to be patient and it will turn out OK.
There is a lovely flower stall right next door, well worth a visit if you have had one too many in the pub.

31 Dec 2009 18:55

The Hereford Arms, South Kensington

I have been to the Hereford on a number of occasions in the evening over the past four or five months, and I am impressed by the friendly service, the well-kept Fuller's beer and the food, which is served in a separate dining area or in the main part of the pub. The manager is approachable and takes pride in the pub, which is situated in a charming part of Chelsea.
I also went to a party there with about thirty others, and we were well looked after; everyone enjoyed the atmosphere. As the Hereford does not have live football on the two televisions in the room, it is calmer than other pubs in the area. There is seating outside in the warmer months.
The staff are always helpful, and I have heard them speaking in a wide range of languages to the cosmopolitan clientele. If I had a criticism, the menu is longer than it need be, but I understand that this may be changing in the new year.

28 Dec 2009 12:15