The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell

I was in here last week with Miss Jones who commented that here was a pub "like they used to be". Friendly, mature staff wear ties and address customers with civility and courtesy. The beer is fine and there's a relaxed and friendly feel about the place. I was pleased to see a picture of the Queen Mother on the wall. Lovely.

4 Apr 2006 09:47

The Goat, St Albans

I'm getting quite frustrated with The Goat; I was in on a Friday night recently with Miss Jones and again had occasion to rue my decision to eat there. The upside of waiting an hour for food is that you get a chance to sample the well-kept ales. Still an hour is a long time and, sensing Miss Jones' growing impatience, I asked the bar staff what was happening. They then explained to me - in the style of a teacher addressing a particularly dim pupil - that the wait was due to the pub being busy. On a Friday? Who knew? My advice would be to go early in the week and eat elsewhere.

4 Apr 2006 09:29

The Clachan, Soho

Well, this is that rare beast - a decent ale pub in the badlands of Regent Street / Piccadilly. There were five ales on last night: Pride (as you'd expect) along with Timothy Taylor Landlord and a Hook Norton beer all of which were in good condition. It's a busy pub full of workers rather than tourists; that's the benefit of being hidden down a side street. A useful bolt hole if you're in the area.

2 Mar 2006 10:05

The Plumbers Arms, Victoria

This pub boasts a real(ish) fire which, on a February night, is as welcome as real ale. Talking of which... ...the ale was fine (I sampled Caledonian Six Nations which was great). In all, I think there were four ales on tap.

It was a busy night and the place appeared to be full of estate agents which was alarming. That apart it was a welcoming watering hole in the wilderness of Victoria.

16 Feb 2006 14:47