Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

A pub that, based on its location and guaranteed stream of wealthy clientele, should by all rights be one of London's best. However, during my numerous visits, it rarely fails to disappoint.

Just two dull as ditchwater brown ales on my last visit on Tuesday evening. On a couple of previous occasions in the summer they have run out of beer altogether. Whilst the ale is always Adnams and Sharps dominated, the lager and Belgian draft range has at least been recently expanded. Bar staff seem to be working quite hard but the wait is always a chore, even when the place is half empty and I'm sure they ignore me on purpose in preference of other punters who arrive after me. This being London, no one corrects their mistake and points out who's genuinely next in line.

The location is just stunning, with unrivaled views overlooking the Thames and the Dome both inside and out and the reason we keep coming back. Never eaten here because I'm not a lottery winner. It's not awful but I'm devastated when I think how good it could be with a little bit of imagination.

4 May 2012 18:03

The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace

As good as the beer and the relaxed atmosphere is in this place, I've been let down on a couple of occasions when wanting to eat here after persuading family and friends to go out of there way to come here. The first time was a few months ago when we turned up on a Thursday, only to find it heaving with no free tables and the loudest, most obtrusive pub quiz ever. OK, my fault, should have checked ahead what events were on first.

The second time, yesterday, I did just that. Only a book club meeting showing up on the events listings on the website, confirmed that food is served Tuesday to Sunday. Even checked the Twitter feed @thgrapeandgrain to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything. However, when we arrived there were no menus out and after inquiring I was told there was no food on because the chef had friends over. Of course, they're entitled to close the kitchen when they want but they could have gone to the minimal effort of tapping out a tweet to alert customers. Quite an annoyance when we'd travelled a distance to eat there. We ended up having a steak club dinner at the Wetherspoons round the corner.

29 Feb 2012 17:46

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

Tidy little boozer to the North of the market, bustling of a weekday evening with drinkers spilling out the front. The excellent Brodie's Beers served in finer fettle than at the brewery tap in Leyton. Look no further when in the area.

11 Jul 2011 21:09