The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

Revisted this pub (Thursday evening) and enjoyed the quiz. Decided to post an updated review of a positive nature in terms of this place's progress, only to find I've been accused of being a "Sock-puppet" (which smacks of irony given it's by a user who's only comment on BITE comes after being asked to post "by the chef").

Seriously guys, take the criticisms given with a pinch of salt, or take on board what people are saying. I've never been asked to leave any pub, let alone this one - get over the fact that people are expressing their individual opinions and concentrate on making your business your priority.

I praised the landlady for her welcoming attitude in my last review, but if this is how her chef acts in a public forum (even if it is out of loyalty and pride) you have to wonder if he'll have a job come the New Year?

24 Dec 2010 19:30

The Railway, Clapham North

The decor (comic book portraits, bowls made from vinyl LPs, kinda rockabilly vibe) doesn't match the atmosphere, which is virtually non-existant - and the music certainly doesn't fit. I suspect the sorts of people who appreciate this aesthetic have decamped to the brilliant and more authentic little cafe over the road in the arches.

Went there for a roast on Sunday. Terrible.

Greasy, boiled (not roasted) potatoes, a scraggily (if generous) portion of chicken and a splat of cabbage. The horseradish condiment have grown a skin and had obviously been put out earlier. Massive disappointment. Could barely eat half of it.

Wouldn't recommend it for food, especially with the likes of The Landor nearby.

Shame really, because it's a good space - I just can't think of a reason for ever going again.

26 Oct 2010 13:36

The Wheatsheaf, Vauxhall

The outside of The Wheatsheaf is now a glossy dog-parp brown.

I'll pass.

12 Oct 2010 17:34

The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

I've rated this pub a 7 because it's very promising, but there's lots of room for improvement. Am local and have been here 10 or 11 times now since the start of summer.

The positives: the landlady (at least I assume she is) is very friendly, welcoming, and on quiet times I've yet to see her not interact with any new customers or regulars. You just don't get this level of enthusiasm and attention from most publicans.

Good selections of drinks, attentive bar staff, pool table and all sorts of other entertainments including a big screen TV and what appears to be a cinema screen in the garden!

Negatives: I'm afraid, the one thing I'd echo would be about the food. I've eaten here twice. The first time was during the summer - it was a BBQ. Potato salad was well made but had been left to sit in the sun along with the salad and accompaniments. These should be kept chilled - it's just standard. The burger itself was OK, but didn't really stand up to the WOW-factor that the garden, impressive BBQ set-up and general atmosphere had created. If those burgers were perfected, it's be busy all summer long.

The second time, and another burger (this time indoors 2 weeks back), whilst it looked good it was virtually impossible to cut in to.

What I'd recommend is finding a good burger recipe and sticking to the can't-go-wrong staples (especially as it's almost winter) of Ham, Egg & Chips, Chillis, Jacket Potatoes and Sunday Roasts. Please don't take the criticisms to heart (I've read the previous comments) - the reason your punters are commenting on the food is because it's the only weak point of an otherwise amazing local pub. Perhaps you should look around at some of the others locals offering food?

Have a menu relaunch, because if you nail the food you'll be rammed.

Oh... and get rid of that horrible wicker chair!

12 Oct 2010 17:19