The Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Now I have to say that living in London for most of my life, this is the type of pub I would have avoided going into. It looks a little menacing from the outside. The kind of place where you expect o see everyone turn round as you enter and eye ball you till you leave. However, I was pleasantly surprised. In and around Waterloo it is difficult to find a traditional pub which isn�t trying too hard (and failing) to be gastro chic. Full of city boys or uber skinny girls. A fairly eclectic mix of people coming through, some for after work drinks and others who looked like they were settling for the evening. So eclectic in fact that some of us wondered whether this was this was a gay bar in disguise. Another good sign was the sprinkling of miserable ruddy faced men propped up at the bar, who were locals. ...staring up at the tv. There were no problems getting served, by a bar man// landlord who seemed very nice and tolerated 12 or so rowdy kiwis. All the regular beer on tap including a nice guest ale, which went down very well. All reasonably priced, 4 beers for just over a tenner. Also a good selection of sprits although I didn�t hand around long enough for the shots. With kiwis being some of the most uncouth travellers to come to these shores, there was quite a bit of excitement about the crisp selection. It seems that roast beef and mustard is the way to go if you want to tame a team of all blacks.
Sadly the pub never really got busy enough for the buzzing and glass clinking atmosphere that people crave in traditional London boozers. I think if we hadn�t been there I am not sure how they would paid the electricity bill for that evening. My only other concern was the duct tape on the back of toilet...not sure what to say about that other then direct you back reference about the clientele.

22 Jan 2010 09:24

The Golden Eagle, Bond Street

FTB bowled along to the Golden Eagle with hopes high given the high standard P. Chum usually exhibits in all he does. We weren't let down. Although very quiet, there was a pleasing ambience about the place. We found the bar staff very pleasant and prices were cheap enough with a good range of ales and a couple of lagers. The addition of a friendly cat made the place all the more homely. Would definitely go back, but not for a big night. Great place for a few quiets with friends and after 1 or 2 more, to have a sing-a-long with the piano. Only shame was the lack of hot food, there are only so many crisps one can eat!

23 Oct 2009 18:26

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross

Top Joint (TJ). Could offer tonic with the strong stuff however.

Poetic environment with plenty of newcomers.

4 Oct 2009 16:36