The Marlborough, Kingston Upon Thames

Oh dear... looks like I spoke too soon. I fear the Marlborough is already living on borrowed time. What looked so promising 3 months ago has rapidly gone downhill. Last couple of times I've been in the staff have frankly been pretty hopeless. Friendly enough, but seemingly unable to fulfill simple simple orders for beer or coffee without some sort of problem or a ridiculous wait (despite the fact there are no other customers!). They need to get their act together to save what could be a really decent business and a good local pub. What happened to the selection of ales, decent food menu and having live music? Now they only have one ale, just Sunday roasts (no veggie option) and the staff entertain themselves with karaoke on a Friday night.

8 Apr 2007 17:10

The Marlborough, Kingston Upon Thames

Big improvements here. Under new management now and a totally different pub. No more scenes from 'Booze-Britain' outside of a Friday night, no fruit machine and although there is still a big screen, its rarely used. Good selection of drinks (including 3 real ales) and a decent roast on Sundays. Nice atmosphere last time I went in: chilled out music and a mixed of couples and small groups having a quiet pint. Decor is quirky but comfortable. The new manager says he is hoping to have live jazz on some nights.

1 Dec 2006 10:13

The Vale Bar, Dulwich

Yes, I got the 'no tap water' rubbish last time I went in. Sadly its the nearest bar to where I work, but I think I'll make the effort to go somewhere decent in future. No atmosphere and pretty unfriendly bar staff, plus having music going at the same time as bloody eastenders on a big screen is a definite turn-off!

2 Jul 2004 16:30

The Hook, Line and Sinker, Twickenham

Very ordinary. Totally agree with comments below from James, Jim & Mighty Matt.

14 May 2004 11:12

The Barmy Arms, Twickenham

Yep, great pub for a pint by the river. Also good to get a seat near the fire in the winter. Good atmosphere and friendly staff - never been very impressed with the food though.

14 May 2004 11:07

The Cabbage Patch, Twickenham

A pretty good pub. A little pricey & can lack atmosphere in the week, but the food is OK & the bar staff always seem friendly enough. The club upstairs is a bit embarrassing (unless you're over 30 and stuck in a timewarp)!

14 May 2004 11:01

Cristalz, Twickenham

This place is hilariously naff! Started off with presumptions to being some sort of oyster and champagne bar, that didn't work. Then added a disco ball & big screen & ditched the dress code. Now seems to survive off the fact that it has a late license and buses people off to the seedy club down the road. To be avoided unless you fancy a laugh at how incongruous it all is!

14 May 2004 10:57

The Sorting Room, Twickenham

This place tries to be a pub, club and fast food joint and fails miserably on all three. Appears as though it were designed to serve up cheap booze to kids with fake IDs. Noisy, dark and unfriendly.

14 May 2004 10:51

The Vale Bar, Dulwich

Have also heard the racism rumour, but have witnessed nothing myself. Not a great pub really, although the beer garden is a big plus in the summer. Food was good when it first reopened but have been pretty average on my last couple of visits. Unless you want to sit in the beer garden, I'd suggest heading further down the road to the EDT.

12 May 2004 14:04

The Eel Pie, Twickenham

Best pub in Twickenham without a doubt. Fantastic beer (usually at least 5 real ales), good mixed crowd, friendly bar staff and the foods not bad either.

5 Apr 2004 17:27