The King William IV, Chigwell

I visited at 6pm mid-week and it was heaving. The bar was very shortstaffed but the two guys working it were friendly and very efficient. Female manager was quite snotty but otherwise staff were excellent.
Nice beer garden though people were diving about everywhere as they were attacked by wasps... maybe some pest control would be good for the punters' comfort.
Locals weren't very friendly - elbowing and pushing to get to the front of the bar and some very young chavs were being served alcohol. The food was the best part of the visit, really good for a pub.
Overall a nice place just beware of the unfortunate 'edge' created by a few of the pushier regulars.

14 Aug 2009 14:29

The Windsor Castle, Hounslow

I was too late to eat here but enjoyed the drink - I got one for free with their bar game. Bar staff was mostly very friendly, enjoyed the atmosphere very much. Not the kind of place you could have a quiet drink, it's pretty social, even if you're by yourself.

13 Aug 2009 16:32

The Defector's Weld, Shepherds Bush

Typical gastro pub - nice seating area, decent atmosphere and menu. I've been twice and both times the service really let it down. Surly, unfriendly bar staff - couldn't crack a smile, no communication etc. Very slow service - bar staff don't keep track of the next in line. There are much cheaper bars in the area where you get treated as a valued customer.

11 May 2009 11:44

The Raven, Stamford Brook

Great place - warm, friendly atmosphere, super bar staff and loads of sitting space. VERY expensive (almost �6 for a glass of house wine) and the food menu is nice but more suited a full service restaurant. Would recommend this if you're in the area, a welcome change from the snobbery and attitude you get in pubs on the High Road.

11 May 2009 11:40

The Sun, Clapham

Nice atmosphere and great garden area but the service is shockingly bad. Surly, unfriendly service and it seems to be whoever shouts the loudest gets served first, the staff have no interest in keeping tabs on people's waiting time. Didn't try the food but the wine selection was excellent, if overpriced.

11 May 2009 11:38

The Monkhams Inn, Buckhurst Hill

Visited this pub for the first time this week and was really impressed. Great wine (and cheap!) and the food was at the upper end of the pub-grub scale. The bar staff are some of the friendliest I've ever met, definitely worth the visit.

7 May 2009 10:58