The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge

I wandered into this pub last Friday lunchtime, attracted by the daily specials on a blackboard outside. A range of real ales is uninspired but my pint of Doom Bar was perfectly fine. No gastropub and not aspiring to be, nevertheless the food is a cut above the usual pub fare and reasonably priced at the �8/9/10 mark. I had the 'Chorizo, duck confit, tomato and bean stew' which is almost cassoulet, but with tomato. I'm not sure from which cuisine it comes, it was nice enough but lacked the garlic that would have transformed it into something very nice.

With the very interesting cellar area, much more could be made of this pub, I feel.

10 Mar 2012 22:39

The Victoria, Bayswater

When visiting London, my girlfriend and I stay at a hotel on Sussex Gardens and a stroll to The Victoria is always a must. I can only echo all the other reviews; a proper Victorian era pub with fabulous period decor and a really welcoming "local" atmosphere, check. Really well-kept Fullers Ales, check. My girlfriend loves it and she doesn't really even drink.

I discovered it by accident a few years ago while staying in Sussex Gardens whilst on a work training course. On my own in the evenings, I explored the immediate area and can only say that stumbling across this pub was like finding an oasis in a desert of dispiriting and even dodgy looking pubs around Paddington.

I popped in again this week and was heartened to find everything still as it was. Very reassuring.

10 Mar 2012 21:43

Artillery Arms, Milton

Still friendly, still very much a local, still offers a selection of well kept ales, Sunday Roasts and homemade burgers and more on matchdays.

8 Nov 2011 22:17