The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

I've lived just across the railway for nearly 20 years and never gone in. I'd noticed signs of new ownership but still never bothered until someone, actually, an estate agerixnt doing a valuation on my place mentioned it and called it a "destination pub". Given the general reliability of estate agents I'd not given much thought to it, but in a rare moment of sun this weekend thought why not.

I'm quite glad I did.

First the downside. Some sort of important football event meant the place was packed. Literally sardine style claphamites/brixtonites.

Plus points in no particular order. The back yard is massive and will be rammed come summer proper. Lots of benches, pergolas for shade, bean bag things. An outside bar. Probably outside BBQ in summer, and a big outdoor screen (which was fine until the soccerites demanded the volume up, and to be honest not that intrusive after). Eclectic decor.

They probably sell lager, but ale was Sam Brooks Junction (nice), Tribute (yawn) and a summer guest from Bath Ales (nice). Sunday roasts, including Brixton hat tip, 1/2 jerk chicken looked pretty good but I didn't eat. Advert up for Cider and Perry festival at the end of the month. That they referred to it as Perry rather than "Pear Cider" speaks volumes.

I don't have a local as such. The closest would be the Canton Arms on South Lambeth Road as it intersects my cycle ride home, but this might turn into one.

Giving 8/10. Brixton isn't big on decent pubs - particularly not in residential areas, and especially not 5 minutes walk from my place.

15 May 2012 16:34