Hoopers Bar, Camberwell

Nice to see Hoopers is finally on here. A welcome antidote to the pretentiousness of most of the East Dulwich bars - a spruced up, old fashioned pub without the sticky carpets, overflowing ashtrays etc. Nice, friendly guvnor and bar staff who know their beers, and what beers they are - there's usually a couple of Harveys beers on alongside two or more guests. An interesting Belgian selection in the fridge as well. It's not that far off the beaten track (about 3 mins walk from the main road) - go on, give it a try!

26 Jun 2007 23:58

The Brockwell Park Tavern, Herne Hill

Well, jharryj, I'm afraid you're wrong for they do indeed dispense, and even brew, real ale on the premises. They brew a v. good beer called Weasel - citrussy and hoppy. Alongside that they've got Adnams Explorer and Broadside, Maredsous Blond, Aspalls Cyder, Meantime IPA and Erdinger (the only lager was Budvar). And there's a fair selection of bottled beers in the fridge if none of those take your fancy.

It's a huge place - smarter than your average gastropub, no knick-nacks and battered sofas - so there's plenty of room (particularly liked the booth-style seating arrangements by the front windows) with an enormous garden patio area out back and a conservatory area too. Pretty good food too (mains are between the �6-�9 mark). Only (small) downside is that it inevitably attracts the 3-wheel buggy brigade though they tended to stay in the more restauranty area out back.

All in all, well worth a look.

26 Jun 2007 23:49