please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Can be one of the best when caught at right time - a Tuesday evening for instance (as opposed to a Saturday night when it's a fight to just get served) with an eclectic mix of patrons across all walks and a reasonable piano man. Still not too many bitters though. - and don't expect to pay by card
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They have found the obvious gap in the market for a proper pub but someone running the place seems to have an aversion to a proper bitter. Plenty of goldens, pales, stouts and ciders but no classic bitter. As commented on you do need to get in early - especially if you want a table to scoff your pork roll (very nice it was too). Good as it is the fact people are extolling how great a pub this is appears as more of an indictment on how poor London's pubs have become and particularly the NW postal districts with barely nothing of note outside NW1 and NW5.
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My most recent visit to the Southampton Arms was in mid-January. Very little has changed. It's still a vibrant pub sticking to its principles. Ales on this visit were Thornbridge Lord Marples, Kent Cobnut, Dark Star Revelation, Howling Hops AUPA, Summer Wine Stateside, Teleporter & Redwood, Gyle 59 Freedom Hiker, East London Orchid & Magic Rock Dark Arts. Ciders were Crone's Organic, Millwhites Hedgelayer, Perry, Ginger Gold & Blackberry Blush, Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits & Snail's Bank Very Perry. Fatty's Scrumpy & Orchard Pig Navel Gazer came on later. So did Brodie's Shoreditch Sunshine. Still my favourite pub. If I had one criticism, it would be with the ciders. There is too much of an emphasis towards Millwhiltes ciders, which aren't a particular favourite of mine. But maybe others do prefer them.
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An excellent, well-maintained pub of the bare floorboards and a log fire variety, although the room was a bit cool for me. Warm welcome from the barmaid and a great pint of Gun Brewery pale ale. You get your beer or cider in a pint or half-pint handled mugs here. They play vinyl LPs for the background music. Clean toilets, the gentlemen's outside via the garden. Quite busy on this Saturday lunch-time with a mostly younger aged clientele. We wish to return.
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Over a year on from my last visit, I'm still rating the Southampton Arms as the best pub in London. It still has the same amount of ales and ciders. The ales are continually changing. On entry, they had Dark Star Partridge, Revelation & Espresso, Gyle 59 The Rye Saisonnier, Marble Lagonda IPA, Magic Rock Ringmaster, Gipsy Hill Beatnik, Triple fff Pressed Rat and Warthog, Dark Arts Stout & Howling Hops Ruby Red. By the time we'd left, Howling Hops Amber Dexter & Running Beer, Harbour IPA & Burning Sky Aurora had all been pulled through instead of 4 of the original options. I hadn't noticed it before, but there is a small cabinet by the entrance door with the pumpclips for forthcoming ales. Ciders and perries were Cider Bus, Burrow Hill Farmhouse, Olivers Making Hay, Newton Court Gasping Goose, Grenadier Medium (possibly Millwhites), Fosseway Somerset Glory, Millwhites Rum Cask & Sandford Orchard's Fanny's Bramble. The food is typical pub snacks such as Scotch Eggs and sausage rolls. Along with the pork joint for sandwiches, it always looks tempting. But the prices are less so. My only problems with the place are that it is generally packed (you're best advised to get here at opening time when you can enjoy the pub and get a table) and it feels a little too trendy to be a decent alehouse. Nevertheless, it still scores a solid 9/10 from me.
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Fully agree with the previous report. Actually, a nice trad pub busy for Sunday night, blues music, murmur of conversation from a mixed bunch. Initial view of 12 pumps on the bar and 6 on the counter behind. As it happened, 8 of these were cider, which would not be an issue except when I asked for a traditional copper bitter, I was told that they don't tend to stock bitters! A taster was offered for as many of the citrus pale ales or dark brown or porters that I wanted to try, but with 10 available pumps on in an old fashioned British pub, why oh why would they not stock bitters? Camra are so far away from saving real ale, do not contemplate changing your focus now. We need it more than ever!
The Running Beer brown ale was well kept, but won't be staying for another, nor returning any time soon.
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All a bit much for me - too busy, too small - lots of choice of beer but nothing in the English Bitter category - all seemed to be pale ales and porters.
An experience, but one I would only repeat at a quieter time.
Photos at my walking blog - http://bit.ly/21Jz75P
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A return visit on Sunday, 5 years after the first, and again I loved the traditional boozer feel as much as very good Tiny Rebel and Millwhite cider. I've been lucky to get a seat, as the pub needs high footfall tomaintain quality over so many casks. Next time I'll eat - the meat counter is part of the appeal.
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Been meaning to try this place for a long time and what with the sun shining and my meeting up town finishing early on Friday I thought that there would be no better opportunity to go and see what all of the fuss is about.
Upon setting foot inside it kind of felt that I was stepping back into another era (in a good way) The Vinyl was spinning and the place filled with basic wooden tables with benches running along the back wall and a dusty old piano next to the bar. It's understated charm worked well and has a traditional feel which I am all in favour of. Give me this pub over any of the pretentious hipsterish dives in Canden or Shoreditch.
Beer was very reasonably priced for London with the beer range leaning towards the stronger end of the scale which again I am all for as I don't usually stay for more than a couple so don't see the point of drinking the less flavoursome session ales. Had a pint of Red Ipa to start with then finished off with another ipa which at 7.2% ABV was a bit of a badboy! Both beers were from the Gyle59 brewery which I had not come across before.
All in all I can't fault it and will try to get down their again the next time I'm in town!
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Still Grim Up North London. For those who need to put their 'drinking' in inverted commas - see below. Dear oh dear...
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If you like your real ale or cider and want a friendly pub with a large selection of well kept drinks, you can't do much better than the Southampton Arms.
Sure, it's a little on the small side inside and often standing room only, but that's a small price to pay for excellent ale, tasty and hearty bar snacks and pleasant staff to serve them both. Prices are fair for London, and there's even a small outside space out at the back. Better still, customers tend to be genuine real ale drinkers rather than underage hipsters looking for the latest craft ale.
We moved into the area six months ago and this quickly became our favourite "drinking" pub. They don't serve full meals and the decor is basic to say the least, but it's clean, tidy and friendly. If you're looking for the best pint in the area, this is the place to come.
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I'll echo the previous comment. This is once again my favourite pub in London again, especially since the Harp has been taken over by Fullers and the cider range has been reduced. The Southampton Arms was still as busy as ever on our Good Friday afternoon visit. But there was just enough room to find ourselves a seat. 10 ales and 8 ciders or perries are still served. Friday's selection was Hopcraft A Good Rogering, Magic Rock Villainous, Ringmaster & A Head In a Hat Tiffer, Dark Star Revelation, Mallinsons Beezelbub's Tears & Cascade, Rother Valley Blues, Gipsy Hill Southpaw & Triple fff Pressed Rat & Warthog. Ciders were Bridge Farm Dry, Crones, Tricky Sweet, Millwhites Rioja Cask, Parsons Choice Organic, Wilkins Farmhouse, Orchard Pig Scrumpy & Somerset Scrumpy Medium. The beers turn over quickly too. By the time we left (although we did have a reasonable session), Summer Wine Zenith & Clouded Minds Hazel Nutter were both on. Always worth the trip here. Almost a 10/10. Would award a 9.5 if I could.
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Indeed, you do wonder what some people want from a pub. Granted, it's a bit basic but that's made up for by a range of magnificently-kept beers and ciders (well, the ones I tried were), good staff, keen prices and great vinyl being played. Currently m y favourite pub in London
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Unsure about the last review. Decent pub everytime I've stopped in.
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We had heard a lot of good things about this pub,on the outside it looks rather old and neglected, the inside more of the same.We ordered three different ales and everyone was cloudy, they did have a wheat beer but we didn't order it. Showing the barman what he had served up he said that perhaps it was meant to be cloudy! What? All of them ??? A clear case of a pub going to pot after making a name for itself. The pub seemed rather dirty inside with a stuffed(taxidermy) Heron over the door( it look in poor comdition), I wouldn't eat in a place like this, very pleased to leave and won't bother in future.0/10
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This pub sets the standards for other pubs to try and follow in regard to drinks and music. Really well chilled lager and proper temperature cider. Other pubs take note. Great staff......only problem is it is hard to hear conversation so I think everyone yells a bit and not just because they are happily ensconced in an excellent pub.
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Was steaming in here. Replacement bus service at weekends til May. Season ticket holders, curly sandwiches, beers, wines, spirits. Change here for connections to planet trainman.
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Looks nothing from the outside but looks can be deceptive. Bohemian interior without being pretentious. Excellent range of beers from smaller breweries and helpful friendly bar staff. Would definitely return.
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Without doubt, the biggest cuntfest in NW5
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Enjoyed it very much. Smallish pub but extensive drinks selection and good atmosphere. Slightly younger crowd when we went. I'd definitely return.
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Now for review of the pub, after going last week. Was quiet-ish at first due to most punters enjoying the warm evening in the beergarden. Pianist started up about 8pm with steadily more people coming in, and atmosphere livened accordingly. Seemed at its busiest by around 9-10, comfortably full but not congested. Live piano session ended around same time replaced by equally enjoyable vinyl selection behind the bar. Had brief chat with guy over from Canada who was going through the 'range' of beers with a large group he'd brought with him. All beers great but Fyne Ales Jarl had to top the list. I just wish I could take the pub back north with me and have it as my local. Still 10/10
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Nowt wrong with the pub - still doing everything it has been, as per every review. Just one thing. DON'T try calling up the pub on the number displayed here. The Southampton has no phone and you will be charged by Beer In The Evening for making the call. This scam is as widespread as the amount of pubs in the country without a phone number or whose number has changed. The disclaimer at the bottom of BITE's homepage says how much you are charged but does not offer you any way to claim a refund for calls to numbers that do not exist but are still displayed on BITE. If you use the contact email address you will get an autoreply and nowt more than that.
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Returned here last night after an absence of around a year. I still rate the Southampton Arms as the best pub in London. I'd tried a pub I hadn't been to beforehand - Tapping the Admiral (not listed on the site). This pub was nearby and was being presented with the North London CAMRA pub of the year award last night. But frankly, I'm not sure how it could possibly be rated better than the Southampton Arms. Maybe the same pub is not allowed to have the award two years running? In any case, I wish I'd have spent all the time available to me in the Southampton Arms instead. The beer and cider range is still second to none, with 8 ales and 8 ciders or perries regularly available. Snacks are tasty but expensive. The bar area often feels cramped, as the pub is so popular. But last night, it was a little less packed and therefore more relaxing. The small yard at the rear is also a pleasant place to sit in the summer and you may want to brave it in the winter too, if the bar is packed. All in all a great boozer. I just wish it wasn't tucked away in a fairly inaccessible part of Northwest London. But then if it wasn't, the place would be even more crowded.
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Me too. Excellent Cider range, quite rare thing in London. Love the vinyls and live piano music and 99% of clientele - eclectic mix of regulars and visitors. Thank **** the ladies loo is the inside one!
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Nothing bad to say about this pub..just wish it was my local...will revisit everytime I am in North London
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As usual the beer was top quality, the staff dealt well with the large number of people in here for a early Saturday afternoon drink and the pork pies were top quality too.
Opens at 1200 on a Saturday and you need to arrive early to get a seat or place by the bar.
Superb pub in every respect.
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Excellent extensive selection of well-kept ales, appreciative and friendly punters, and thus an unsurprisingly busy venue with seating at something of a premium. An early start is recommended. Only nit-picking quibble would be that the turnover of barrels is such it's hard to stick to a single beer in a session - a pretty churlish quibble, admittedly! And the lad got extensive, it was the smell of the pies that did it.
boony - 21 Nov 2012 12:16 |
Went in last night and got involved in a lovely conversation with two strangers. It's that type of pub.
Took my Dad there the other week and I've never seen him as happy in a pub. He said it took him back 50 years. It was full of good people, the beers were great and the music provided by the jazz trio and then the turntable perfect for the pub.
All the beers taste fresh, there's always a good selection and last night I found three under 4% which was refreshing in itself.
All in all, it's a wonderful pub. I will continue to visit. I just wish I lived a bit closer!
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Magic Rock mini festival last night, Dark Arts being the stand out beer. A good night out.
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This is near to perfection, its a must everytime i'm close to north london (i'll count bournemouth as close). John Mayalls bluesbreakers was playing on the old stereo, the beers were great, the prices not too steep. Oh yes.
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Fantastic range of excellent ale and cider. Good pub snacks. Tasteful decor and nice crowd. Has lost a bit of it's 'proper pub' feel bit too smart and stylish as a result of it's refit. Still definitely worth a visit.
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a beautiful old characterful boozer that has been turned into an ale drinkers paradise. 18 handpumps serving an amazing selection of beer and cider. fanatastic choice of beers/breweries.
friendly helpful and knowledgable staff. well worth a visit, close to gospel oak overground station.
bangor beertaster.
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Yes yes yes. This is what a pub should be!
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Disappointing return visit to this pub on Thursday. I tried two beers - London Fields Pale Ale and Pixie Spring Prince of Bengal IPA - both were flat and warm. Given the reputation of the place this isn't good enough. Most of the reviews on this site don't comment on the quality of the beer and of those that have, a few have found it wanting. I have a feeling that the pub is not looking after it's beer properly. A shame.
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Proper pub, real beer and cider, and only two kegs on. Compact but comfy garden, and friendly staff. Age range 18-100 all enjoy their beer side by side. Can overcrowd at weekends. Easy to reach from kentish town and gospel oak stations, about 5mins walk from either. Beware of one thing: no cards taken - that can leave you caught short as nearest cash points are a bus ride away. Food: pork, cheese, bread.
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This is how pubs should be, a element of simple understated cool. Ale , cider , meat.
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As usual with this pub eleven real ale on draught and, I think, 6 ciders.
All beer from small independent brewers and reasonably priced at �3.20 a pint (some of the stronger ones more expensive but clearly marked as such on the handpump)
Pleasant and efficient bar staff, on saturday they had to cope with a large number of CAMRA members on a pub crawl some of whom were a bit demanding.... if you think your pint needs topping up rather than make "snide" comments to your mates in the hearing of the bar staff just ask them to do it and they will happily oblige, as a customer at the time I feel the bar staff dealt well with these type of people.
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Outstanding in that it achieves that rare trick of appealing to old men and hipsters - the crowd on my visit was an exceedingly fashionable one replete with ridiculous hats and skinny trousers - and yet a couple of old gents were also quietly supping in the corner. No wonder too - a great selection of ales is supplemented by 4 or 5 ciders of obscure origin. The no nonsense British bar snacks - pies, Scotch eggs etc are also home made and delectable looking.
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Quality pub, well worth a visit. Loads of small brewery ales & a loads of cider. Wish there were more pubs like this. Nice staff & great atmosphere. Will be back
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Magnificent !!
We puposely visited this time at midday to get some seats,a good move.
We were greeted by friendly bar staff and an old The Rolling Stones vinyl album was playing in the background,set us up nicely for the day !!!
Beer and cider selection almost too good to be true in what is a drinking Oasis in this part of London.
I ended up sampling all the ciders,well,rude not to really !!
Ok this is very much a"what you see is what you get type pub",but the atmosphere was brilliant ,just typing this makes me want to return there right now.
This is one of my favourite pubs in the country.
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Not many good reasons for travelling to Kentish Town but this pub is definitely one of them. There's a nice old fashioned friendly feel to the place. Down to earth with bare floorboards, basic tables and chairs and a neat little area outside at the back. A nice touch was the background music was vinyl not digital.
It's a haven for real ale and cider. Unfortunately I couldn't stay for too long so only sampled 2 of the 8 ales available. There were also 6 ciders on.
From memory all the beers were from smaller independent breweries- no Fullers or Youngs in sight!
The Endless from Redwillow was excellent and the Notting Hill from Moncada, (I think that name's correct), was good as well.
Magic Rock, Thornbridge, Redemption and Triple fff were some of the other breweries featured.
The landlord told me the turnover of ales was swift so they've probably got a completely different batch of beers on now!
A pub well worth checking out!
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I echo everyone elses comments about the quality of the ale - and let's not forget the cider. The only downside of this pub is that it is always so damn busy - however if you hang around often enough you can usually grab a seat, and you inevitably end up making new friends as you perch on the end of someone elses table.
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What shoegazer said - this little boozer is brilliant. Top ales, the pork pie was good but that pork roll - never tasted better.
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I went for a couple of pre-Forum gig pints here and found a lovely oasis of tradition.
Good beer and in 'proper' 70s style pint pots. Very busy, even at 7pm on a Tuesday, so be prepared. I had a hot roast pork roll which was nice, and the pork pies looked tasty - and popular too.
Fair play to the hard working staff, incidentally. There's a real lack of pretension to The Southampton Arms which is a rare respite from copy and paste gastropubs colonising London. Let's face it, a pie, a pint and a convivial atmosphere is all you need, isn't it?
Just one small thing: It's cool to have the vinyl records playing, but you couldn't actually hear the music. Just a wee bit louder and this would be as perfect as a pub could be.
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This pub deserves all the praise it has received. It basically has it all one would want in a great pub. Well decorated and good atmosphere. Real fire for the winter and a small beer garden out back. The ale and cider selection is excellent, while not as large as say the Euston Taps it is very well edited and is more about british ales rather international micro brews. Good selection of real cider as well. And when you start to get the munchies after a couple pints there is a lovely pork bap to be had to fill you up and keep you going for a few more. The only down part is that it is quite a small space and it can get very busy. They also don't allow you to drink outside apart from the small garden in the back so if it's full you are going to struggle to enjoy your pint but nothing you can do about that. Although I have to say when I was there on a Monday night a group of people decided to make it a class reunion at the pub inviting 20+ of their closest friends for a pint.. not a good idea.. Please don't do that people at a pub like this unless you have somehow managed to pay to book it out, it's just too small to invite a few dozen of your closest mates, 3 or 4 is just enough to allow every one to come in and enjoy themselves. Lastly great touch having a real record player playing the music in the pub rather than MP3s coming from a laptop.
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Managed to beat the rush, just, by getting here just as it opened at 1200 on Saturday.
Usual excellent selection of beer and cider and a decent atmosphere with "beer tickers", football fans and other drinkers enjoying a decent pub.
Well worth the walk up from Kentish Town LU in the rain!-
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I managed to get over to this Pub a few days ago for the first time in years to see if it was as good as everyone says. I must say I found it an excellent Pub there was around 12 different Ales on tap and I sampled 5 Pints of different Ales which were all in excellent condition which makes a change for a Pub with so many on tap I wont bother naming them as the Ales continuously change. Only fault I could find is it was extremely packed even for late afternoon but thats what we need to keep Pubs going these days. I will definitely go in here again when passing lets hope I pick a time when its a bit less crowded. I would highly recommend a visit.
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Perhaps I am an old, cynical fart, but this felt like stepping into the Private Eye cartoon strip It's Grim Up North London. My pint was also rather average.
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Kind of a becoming a victim of it's own success. A tale of two halves yesterday - mid day stopped off for a couple of pints (Gadds No5 and some other brew I've forgot the name of) both were okay as opposed to good. Returned on the way back around 6pm and it was heaving... too manic to bother fighting to the bar just to get a pint so went down the road instead.
anonymous - 25 Mar 2012 11:47 |
For the moment my new favourite pub in london. For out of towners pop on the 214 bus nr St Pancras and it will drop you right outside the pub in 20mins !
This pub has character and charm, beer in jugs (from a fine selection of microbrews), a crackin (lin) pork roll. Music , no jukebox , but the stack of lps behind the bar q up to jump on the record player. Service usually quick good and friendly (one dodgy young barmaid who was too busy chewing to talk , just a please or thank you would have been nice) SOmeone has taken alot of effort to put together the perfect pub.
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Just the place to end a pub crawl on freezing February evening: the mulled cider, if a little heavy on the cinnamon, was a perfect way of thawing out. Painted on the side wall: ALE, CIDER, MEAT -- what more could you ask for in a pub?
hadda - 20 Feb 2012 19:14 |
Top pub. If you can't find something you like amongst the ~12 ales and ~6 ciders, then stay out of pubs for good.
If you are a tweeter you can find out what they've got in at the mo (@southamptonNW5).
Worth a trip out of your way. And have a pork bap whilst there.
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Sadly the price of a pint has gone up to �3.15 recently, still good value for money with a impressive line up of beers, some very good strong ones on my last visit.
Gets very busy on a weekend afternoon, the excelent bar staff more than capable of good friendly service even then.
Make an effort to get to this pub if you are in London, it is well worth the trip.
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Became a touch thirsty strolling down from Parliament Hill. What a lovely intimate pub. Roaring fireplace, friendly staff, excellent "snacks" (no kitchen) including succulent pork. So many many beers and ciders. Right by the bus stop too.
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More -or-less perfect pub. Great atmosphere, fantastic range of ales (including strong ones) and good service. Also has a friendly dog.
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Absolutely tremendous. Popped in for a swift one and stayed for four. One of the best pubd I know; rickety furniture, friendly atmosphere, superb range of ale and cider plus free range pork pies; what's not to like?
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Proper locals London Pub, open fire, warm and friendly, approx 10 guest ales on and 6 handpulled ciders! Great atmosphere, 2 old boys at the back playing the piano and clarinet added to the entertainment. Very diffecult to leave. 5 mins walk from Gospel Oak station. Can't see how it could be any better.
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Much more down to earth on this visit. It was like a proper old man's drinking pub this afternoon and the Welton brew (some harvest name) went down well. It actually looked and felt like an old school pub today.
anonymous - 25 Nov 2011 17:59 |
I'd echo 'beershots' comments below. Its would be great to grab a table for the afternoon and evening and run thru the whole range of beers. The owners have got it right, great beer, great service...simple .
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Proper drinkers pub located a short walk form Kentish Town LU station, not very big inside and has a small outside seating/smoking area at back of pub.
Quality selection of real ale and cider, about 10 ales and 5 ciders, served in jugs with a handle and costing from �2.95 a pint.
All beers tried were excellent quality and the bar staff were knowledgeable and friendly.
Serves simple pub food, pork pies and roast pork baps etc, did not try the food but it was selling well and looked good.
Well worth a visit on a pub crawl.
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Visited in July when having a two day break in London. Had already visited back in May and was impressed. Beer is served in old-fashioned dimpled glass tankards and are all priced at �2.95 with the curious exception of the ones from the local brewery in Camden. Won't bother detailing what beers were on sale as there were so many and change regularly.
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Yet another visit here early yesterday evening and another good night. 8 ales and 8 ciders/perries are on and they tend to turn over fairly quickly. The ciders/perries last night included Burrow Hill Cider, Ciderbus, Crones Perry, Severn Blakeney Perry & Summerset Glory. For the first time, we sat in the garden at the rear which as usual was packed. In fact, you'll be very lucky to get a seat in here such is its growing popularity. Currently my favourite pub in London. My only complaints would be the lack of seating and the fairly primitive nature of the outdoor gents toilets.
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This is a pub for people who like pubs. The beer is well kept and the choice changes frequently. The food is decent, value for money pub grub and I could hardly move after my cheese and pickle roll, it was so generously filled. Dogs are welcome, and a bowl of clean water is readily available from the staff who are fun and chatty when it's quiet, efficient and fast when it's busy. Some lovely old bloke plays the piano in there occasionally and it was in danger of developing into a knees-up the last time I was in. Try the Rapture red ale if it's on. Delicious!
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This pub has only been open for 1.75 years and already has been voted London cider pub of the year , North London CAMRA branch pub of the year and now Greater London pub of the year . For a pub to be this popular so quick is testament to it's good food ale and cider, what more could you want ?
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NIce pub. Good selection of beers. Loved the thornbridge ( cant remember which one). Great music ( vinyl only). Didnt try the food and had to drag my salivating mate and his dog away from the pork and crackling.
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People who go to a "pub" expecting them to automatically accept cards should be banned from drinking. Did you really go out for a few pints with your mates and have no money!!!!
This is a pub which had been saved from probable closure but has been brought back to life by serving a range of real ales and ciders. It is not posh it is not a bistro/gastro/cafe bar - it is a basic boozer for beer drinkers. Don't expect anything else. Local beers plus a few from further afield. Rolls and proper R&B music played on a record player!!! It's a good walk from Kentish Town stations but probably nearer Gospel Oak - anyway,make the effort it is worth it for the beer and music if nothing else. Live piano playing and a you can nominate a guest beer.
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A lovely looking little ale house with a fine selection of beers, unfortunately all served flat, perhaps this is what the customers want but it is imo a waste of time getting brews from many parts of the country and then serving them lifeless.
Its a disservice to the brewer not trying to serve ale as he would in his own tap house.
It would be so easy to turn this into a 10 pub as everything else about the place seemed so right for a real ale enthusiast, but it has to be about the beer.
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Not sure about some of the earlier comments about it being pretentious and the bar staff rude, because that definitely wasn't the case when I finally got around to checking the Southampton Arms out yesterday.
Staff were very friendly, happy to offer advice on the different beers and ciders, plus tasters, and certainly not at all pretentious.
Ditto the pub, which as far as I can see is concentrating. doing what all boozers should - serving decent, well-kept beer at reasonable prices.
Had nine or ten ales on yesterday, plus six ciders and two Camden lagers. Very varied selection, with the Dark Star IPA probably the most mainstream.
Didn't try any of the food on offer (four types of pork pie, roast pork rolls and vegetarian scotch eggs) but apparently all were very good.
Quite small inside and when the garden is closed at 10pm and everyone has to cram inside, can get pretty crowded, but that's about the only grumble. Can see why though, as the neighbours are very close.
Just a warning too, that they weren't taking cards at the bar yesterday. Not sure if that's always the case, though.
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Very pretentious.
DBNW5 - 23 Jul 2011 08:07 |
I've been here twice now and I think it's become my favourite pub (and one I would visit a lot more frequently if I lived closer). In a previous comment I remarked that it seemed like an impersonation of an old-fashioned pub, but I've revised my opinion. I think inevitably it has an element of impersonation, but the people who run it seem to be pursuing this entirely sincerely, not as part of some fake 'hipster' stance.
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What is the point of this place? Love the principle, but I will not be snarled at by ignorant little chimps. Lose the bad attitude, pull up your trousers and try a bit harder. Didn't have a beer as the barmen were quite frankly tossers.
Ended up at the Bull & Last. Not much better, but at least a hello & a smile.
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quite easily in the top handful of proper ales pubs in london, keen prices excellent range of ales ans ciders
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Visited for the first time recently, and it's getting a tentative "10". Excellent range of ales and ciders from lesser known producers, and knowledgeable staff. Very willing to give tasters. Constant supply of pork behind the bar.
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i AGREE WITH YOU LOT, i PUT A REVIEW IN FOR A NEW LOCAL BREWPUB IN fARINGDON MONTHS AGO, NO SIGN OF IT BEING ADDED, i EVEN SUBMITTED IT AGAIN? WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO TAKE SO LONG?
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Mmmmmmmm wonder how many pubs are waiting to be added? Dozens? Hundreds?
One of my suggestions from last year was added a couple of months ago. I'd forgotten about it and in the meantime the pub has closed!
I'm still awaiting several other suggestions from over a year ago.
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This is not a review, but a leap on the bandwagon.
I suggested a pub last August, another in October and yet another in March this year - Still no sign.
I have sent a couple of chase-up e-mails, but haven't had a reply yet.
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suggestion_tryAnewBeer
I'm waiting for pubs that I suggested last September to be added! I think the admin side of this site is just getting worse and worse. I've e-mailed them about things several times but (surprise, surprise) no replies!
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false postings yaaawn
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Site moderators, where are you. For months no new pubs reported by me have been added; no against-policy, etc., reviews reported have been removed. Other than a pub owner paying to use the site has anyone had anything done by the site in recent months?
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Many pubs can suffer from being over hyped or having reviews 'doctored'. I cannot say that about the Southampton.
During my Thursday afternoon visit there was a steady vibrant trade. The beers I tried were all excellent as was the eclected music on the turntable.
Beer prices amazingly fair. Not so the soft drinks. Some young posh girls were brought in by a lad who obviously chose the pub after tennis for the cider. The girls paid �2.20 for a bottle of coke, but serves em right for being tasteless.
I thought �1.50 was a bit harsh for a bag of pork scratchings, but it's a good incentive for me to stick to my diet. If such prices subsidise the beer prices, then please keep it that way.
Definitely a pub I'll take the trouble to catch the train to for an occasional treat.
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Could things get any better since my last visit in November? The answer is YES. Lively crowd in the pub two days ago, and no shortage of top-notch beers. Another thing, very competitive pricing on the real ales which they manage to keep under �3/pint.
Wish I lived near enough to visit everyday.
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Another visit, another great session! I stayed off the cider this time but got an Italian friend hooked on the apple. Food just right and beer very fine. Enemies of pissy keg lager should try the Camden Brewery bespoke version.
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Just one year on from my first visit I returned and was not disappointed. This remains a great pub with an excellent selection of ales and ciders served by knowledgeable people, if unsure of one's choice of tipple a sample is offered without hesitation. A great little pub. I'm even upping my score for this place- it deserves a 9.
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The Southampton has just been voted CAMRA North London Pub of the Year. A richly deserved award, well done to all concerned.
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Am reliably informed that this will be an entry in the 2012 Good Beer Guide , quite rightly so. 10 real ales and 8 real ciders , it's on the short list for Camra pub of the year 2011.
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Absolutely superb. 10 ales and 8 trad. ciders on. A wonderfull atmosphere. Highly recommended. We shall go back
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liked the vibe in here with the Jazz on Vinly, not as beer geekery as expected. 12 ales and about five ciders so is a beervana for those like me who like ale. . The beers included brewdog and Thornbridge beers who mostly deliver the goods.Shame the Gospel oak station doesnt seem to have trains at weekends as would be visiting more often.
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Visited on the recommendation of my good friend virginiaplain and was not disappointed. Every detail was excellent, from the vinyl LPs to the wide and fascinating selection of ales. A splendid establishment.
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I visited the Southampton Arms a couple of months back having seen from the bus it had undergone something of a transformation. As others have said, it's an impressive place. A superb number of handpumps (something like thirteen or fourteen - seriously) with lots of different ales and a large number of ciders too. On my visit I thought that there was maybe too much focus on "specialty" ales - milds, blonde ales, ales with funny fruity tastes etc. - and not enough more mainstream fare, but that does feel a bit quibbly and there's no doubt this is a mightily impressive addition to the north London ale scene. It's a really very small pub, sadly, which meant it was very busy on my visit - and it's certainly not a place for a relaxing pint. But well worth a visit in any case!
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This must be the best pub in London. Publicans who think stocking Millwhites or Westons Organic makes their pub a serious cider house should come here to see how it should be done. Currently has Burrow Hill (in top condition, too) & Gwatkin ciders and a very good Butford dry perry. Sells pork pies, pork or cheese baps, vegi Scotch eggs, etc. Board on the wall claims there is a resident "beautiful dog, Fred".
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So excited to have found this place, it's a bit like stepping back in time. Really simple, winning formula . There's so many beers to choose from I wasn't sure where to start, but the bar staff were really helpful and let me try 3/4 ales and a couple of of ciders before making my choice.
Love the way it's be renovated - not too fancy, just in keeping with the simple ethos of the place.
Planning to go back a few more times and work my way through the whole range.
Also had a great sausage roll.
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I just wanted to say, because a lot of comments have mentioned that there is no lager here; there is ONE lager here.
At the moment at the end of the bar there are 2 pumps serving Camden Town Brewery Helles Lager and CTB (gassed) Pale Ale, both very drinkable!
The current photo is out of date, but photo's 2, 3, and 4 are current.
Its also worth noting that there are some great spirits here too, Bullet Bourbon (sp?), Oban Malt, Laphroag (sp?) Sailor Jerry's and probably loads more...
It can get a bit rammed now that its reputation is spreading like wildfire, but the bar staff seem to remain friendly and relaxed even when they are rushed off their feet.
Well worth a visit.
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Amazing!
Little more than a year ago this was the kind of pub you crossed the road to avoid and boy, what an extraordinary transformation. Walking in is like travelling back in time 70 years. What is really remarkable is the phalanx of 12 old-fashioned beer pumps serving esoteric real ales and scrumpy with just one discreet lager tap; tastings are welcomed. This is certainly not the place to go if you want alcopops or a bottle of Magners.
Music comes courtesy of vinyl played behind the bar on a turntable (Vera Lynn perhaps?) and food is basic in the form of quality pies and pork-filled buns. There's a coal fire too. Service isn't a strong point but this is an unfortunate result of this pub's new-found popularity. For the same reason, it can get quite crowded and seats are hard to come by.
If you like period interiors and love real ale or scrumpy, this is the sort of place you must visit at least once, in fact this is now one of my top three favourite London pubs.
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Hoo hoo! Rattled a few cages there.
Like I said "calm down". It's not a bad place, but obviously it's taken a bit too seriously by serious people.
Its a nice "pub", but it is just "pub" light.
I hold by my view that the beer has frequently lost its bottle, for want of a better pun.
I will continue to drink there while my legs hold up. I will just make sure I taste, as they so kindly offer, before I buy. I can then leave the stuff thats past its best, to you boys & girls who enjoy it so much!
Peace & love, Baz
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I drink a couple of times a week in the Southampton and haven't had a single flat beer over the past few months. The place has become very popular and can be a bit of a squeeze at times, but that's simply a function of the fact that it's a really excellent place for a pint. Keep up the good work.
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Bazzerboozer: richardhammondisatwat is correct.
I'll also repeat what I said a while ago. The beers are turning over every two days or so. Demand is so high they introduced another 3 pumps to allow beers time to settle in better.
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I think it's right to shout about this place, it's excellent. Yeah, maybe a pastiche but it feels in no way pretentious or self concious. I struggle to find anything bad to say about it, certainly didn't find the beer flat. There is no lager and at times it can look like a bit of a beardy CAMRA meeting, but as I don't drink much lager and have a beard, this doesn't bother me much. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the bar staff is infectious and the bar snacks are very tasty and then there is all that lovely beer! I thought I�d died and gone to heaven when I first wandered in there. I hope they make a big success of this place and that others follow their lead.
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So called 'flat beer' is not a function of it sitting around too long. Beer that has been on for too long goes cloudy, vinegary and undrinkable. Flat beer is flat from day one and simply a result of poor brewing.
Fortunately haven�t experienced flat or stale beer at the Southampton and I have had many many many beers there. They turn over very quickly, I seriously doubt they are in any danger of going off.
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Calm down.
It's alright, but really just a pastiche of an old fashioned boozer.
Beer is frequently flat. You can't keep that many beers on & keep them all in good nick when you are as small as this place. (Bree Louise, take note)
Worthy & full of passionate drinkers. Shame they are dazzled by a load of pump clips above quality of beer. Nice touch with the pork baps. Not great, but at 3 & a half nicker they should be better, dry pork & bread. Hmmm Gastro!
Keep going though boys. You may just get it right.
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Marble beers on throughout November. Dobber was excellent and so was Manchester Bitter last week. There is more weekday entertainment too, with the pleasant surprise of a pub pianist in the evening last Tuesday. The pub is going from strength to strength and deserves an entry in the GBG. Also note that there are at least 8 ciders on tap as well as the ales.
Still difficult to believe what this pub was a year ago!
My mark with this review goes up from a 6 to an 8.
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Having read the previous comments I was intrigued, so paid a visit just recently. I was really impressed with the way this small pub has been tastefully renovated, the excellent array of ales and ciders on offer, plus the friendly and efficient service. I opted for a pint of Lurcher stout, which proved highly enjoyable. I didn't try the food but it looked appetizing enough. My only criticism (or, to be fair, an observation, not a criticism) is that this is effectively a genteel pastiche of what 50 to 100 years ago would have been a rough and ready London pub. To repeat, it's not really a criticism. In fact the balance they have struck suits me down to the ground, but I did think it worthy of note.
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The Southampton Arms has been one that both my girlfriend and I visit as often as we can. The Southampton Arms serves real ale and cider, of a consistently high standard. A 'suggestions' sheet is helpfully nailed to the wall by the bar, where you can request favourites from private and micro-breweries. These suggestions are followed through, routinely, and it is a good indicator of the pubs' efforts that the sheet is so often full of names.
The staff are helpful, friendly and know what they're talking about. Equally, they offer tasters of the drinks, even if the bar is heaving with customers.
The atmosphere of the pub has a 'traditional' feel to it, meaning, I think, that it is not layered in multicoloured carpets and filled with gambling machines. The bar is simple, well lit, and uses only standardised hand pumps for the drinks, which gives it an uncluttered appearance. In addition, there are always LPs playing in the background, and on Wednesdays (also Sundays?) there is live jazz and other music, which never drowns conversation. Furthermore, the bar has the same feel throughout the day, whether it is busy or quiet. There are copies of CAMRA newsletters and fliers on the tables, as well as good quality food which is always welcome (as well as cheap). Saying this, the beer (c. �2.80) and cider (c. �3.20) is also cheap per pint. A flagon (about four pints) can be purchased to take home. This works out as a bit cheaper than buying the pints per pint.
Finally, there is outside seating, and plenty of it indoors.
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First visit last weekend. This pub is an amazing transformation of its former forboding self. My prayers of May 2006 were answered! Opened out inside and turned over to real ales and ciders from micros. Very reasonably priced and huge variety. Liked the choice of records played. Staff are friendly, professional and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere buzzes.
Strange developments at closing time though, after everyone being asked to finish their drinks and leave, three foreign tourists arrived twenty minutes after the last bell and got served!
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Great array of real ales and real ciders (if you don't mind the inevitable hangover) and if your friends are so inclined a couple of decent lagers from small breweries. Can't go wrong with the food either with cheese boards and the hot pork sandwiches a must, proper honest grub.
Only negative is it can get pretty rammed and therefore it's hard to find a seat but that's only due to it success so can't be helped. oh, and avoid monday nights if your not going to do the quiz, you'll get shouted at by the beardy real ale crew which makes you feel like you're being bullied by nerds at a Games Workshop convention.
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Fantastic pub with a great atmosphere. Why is it not in the GBG 2001. My only advice is get there early because it can get very crowded. We will be back.
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Been in a lot recently. Range is always good. They've gone up to 10 beers and 6 or so ciders. They've taken my advice and stayed cash only. Hard to find a pub that only accepts real money now days. One of the indicators of a proper pub.
Pork in a bap really tasty. Making the place my new hang out because I can't see things changing here anytime soon, more power to em.
Really disagree with the comment that there should be fizzy piss "cider". If you want that, go elsewhere, plenty do it...
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Nice newly converted real ale pub.
A bus ride away fom Camden.
8 ales and similar no. of ciders - girlfriend loves these.
Pork pies and sandwiches.
Vinyl LPs played.
Staff very friendly and give tasters.
One regular female punter loud and rude.
Lovely beer garden.
Cheap.
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Simply magnificent session here on Tuesday. All ales sampled on nectareous top form. Some classy jazz from Jamie Cullum was playing unobtrusively in the background. Top pub.
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So so simple, yet so so superb.
This is my idea of how I'd run a pub ... well maybe with a few Belgian bottled beers thrown in.
Some cool jazz vinyl spinning on the turntable behind the bar on our arrival. This was followed by the excellent Muddy Waters.
Nice mix of people during our visit on a Saturday afternoon creating a very relaxed laid back feel.
My only minor complained is that they only have real cider. I love cider and like experimenting with real cider, but I don't think I could drink real cider for an entire evening. After 2 or 3 pints I think I would be craving a nice Addlestones or something with a little bit of fizz.
But otherwise, this is an excellent pub.
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Visited in the summer with a mate who enjoys real ale, having read about the place on a cider website. Can only join the chorus of general approval - although, as someone who enjoys experimenting with cider, I found most of them so acidic/dry as to be barely drinkable. Which was half the fun. We washed the lot down with some excellent pork-based products, while sampling everything the bar had to offer, by halves. Friendly staff, great nosh, 'interesting' booze and a table in the sunshine. We were raving about the place when we finally emerged, not merely because of our alcohol content.
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Good local pub with an attractive welcoming atmosphere. Nice mix of trendy bar and real ale pub. I'd be happy to have this as my local. Good to see a pub offering vegetarian Scotch eggs. Good selection of cask beers. Place is smallish, and seating can be a bit tight. Well worth visiting if in the area (and a decent pub crawl can be made out of pubs in and around Kentish Town), though not worth leaving the pubs in central London just to come here.
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spot on foghorn the GBG is always out of date. pisses me off because the pubs to avoid list is always a year behind. maybe if the bores spent less time picking food out of their beards and more time checking the pubs i would know where to feck off a bit quicker.
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A pub making the efforts that the Southampton Arms does, certailnly ought to be in the GBG, and its omission from the '11 guide is unfortunate. But it continues to thrive on an energetic tide of "word of mouth" recommendations, some from this site and from social networks. One thing to beware of is the Southampton gets rammed full on Saturday evenings and seats are hard to come by.
I have paid two visits in recent days, and haven't found the need to moan about any of the beers I've tried.
A friendly, eclectic clientele has established itself in the pub, and whether you visit on your own or in a group you'll always end up in a conversation with someone.
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Finally paid my first visit here yesterday and was impressed by the atmosphere, the decor and the range of beers and ciders. Yesterday's beer selection was Dawkins Iris Hill, Triple fff Stairway, Green Demon Helles, Williams Ceilidh, Mauldons Micawber's Mild, Ascot Penguin Porter, Nethergate Growler Wheat and Otley O2. Ciders were Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor & Katy, Burrow Hill Farmhouse, Cider Bus, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and Millwhites Blackberry. All beers and ciders appeared to be changing quite rapidly with Downton New Forest and a Darkstar wheat beer appearing and Gwynt y Ddraig Old Timer and Millwhites Rum Cask ciders also appearing after we initially walked in. Along with other reviewers, I liked the ideas of serving only beers and ciders from independent breweries and producers. I also liked the idea of vinyl music and the suggestions board. The toilets outside at the rear were characterful to say the least. I did find the long narrow tables to be a little uncomfortable, if I had to be critical. Sitting at one end of a bench was like sitting on a see-saw, whilst the narrow tables left you sitting uncomfortably close to the person opposite you. Although this did leave room for standing in what is a relatively small bar. The clientele were mostly young groups and couples and the atmosphere was fairly lively. Overall, I will score this place 9/10 and will undoubtedly make a return visit soon. Keep up the good work!
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Mickyosan the main reason is it's to new, secondly the North London branch of CamRA OS at our maximum of 45 pubs, possibly next year.
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The question is, why isn't this pub in the new 2011 Good Beer Guide? I'm not complaining as it's busy enough as it is. A gem of a pub.
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moclips2002: the beers are turning over every two days or so. Demand is so high they intorduced another 3 pumps to allow beers time to settle in better.
May have been another cause of/issue with flatness? That said, can't say I have a problem here with the ale quality myself though.
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wonderful pub, relaxed, friendly bar staff, but...... too many beers everyone i tried - totally flat... management needs to be realistic - not enough punters to support so many hand pumps.... shame as said lovely pub
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Top top pub. Beers are only *only* from independent breweries, so a refreshing change from the usual suspects. About 8 on from memory, so a great choice. Likewise with the ciders. Such a welcoming sight to not be greeted by a 'mainstream' ale or cider - let alone no lagers. At all. Brilliant.
Food was also of the 'real' variety - pies (and a selection here as well), filled rolls, sausage rolls etc. Simple but effective. My pork pie was excellent - and good value at �3 for a couple of big slices.
Service was also very good - friendly, welcoming with a smile and, that rarity of things, a voice. You know... 'hello'... 'what can i get you?' etc. As opposed to the eyebrow raise employed in many establishments these days.
Can't recommend this place highly enough. Should be on any '1000 pubs to visit before you die' lists immediately!
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Excellent pub. Right out of the 60s in terms of look and feel and serving copious real ales and real ciders. Lovely pub grub too, pickled eggs, pork baps, sausage rolls, pork pies, cheese, blah blah.
If you like a classy old fashioned pub that serves good honest produce, this is yer bag.
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Was there on Monday 9th and caught the tail end of their quiz - it may as well been Saturday night it was so raucious and lively an atmosphere. Beer range was extremely interesting & everything appears to be served in traditional jars. Wines were well chosen, music was on vinyl - this is a very good pub. Easy to find if coming from Gospel Oak Overground too - just turn left under the bridge and walk up to the first junction.
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Paid my first ever visit the other Saturday,and can only second recent comments made: very impressive microbrewery ale range, helpful attentive staff, handled jars by default(!), good atmosphere, plus a very tasty pie with pickle condiment. Thoroughly recommended.
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Lovin this pub, great beers, great snacks great times.
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Exceptional. Eight ales, seven or eight real ciders, and two Meantime lagers served in proper glasses by friendly and enthusiastic staff. The (many) drinks I tried were varied and well kept. Everything about the pub worked; the homemade bar snacks and the record player seemed to compliment the relaxed atmosphere and not hinder it. The locals were a friendly mix of young professionals and more mature types. The pub itself is a pleasent suprise, I was expecting a pokey little place but it was big enough for a busy Friday night and has a cosy courtyard at the back. A brilliant pub.
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Visited a couple of weeks ago on the strength of other users' comments and was not disappointed - only had time for one delicious pint, but there seemed to be an impressive range of ales, and the music was good quality and unobtrusive. I'm eager to return later in the summer and work my way along the pumps, good to see St Peter's produce amongst those on tap
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First visit yesterday, left extremely impressed with the place. Some excellent beers from Saltaire, St Peter's, Kelham Island and Dark Star to name just a few. Reasonable range of bar snacks but no hot food, proper drinking pub. Nice twist on the background music with the bar staff putting on vinyl records but not to a level where it was not easy to chat-definately will return.
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Very nice pub with good beer and pickled eggs, although I do wish they would top up glasses without being asked.
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Decent no frills pub with a good selection of ales and ciders. Very quiet early saturday afternoon, just the three of us plus a couple of people in the pleasant courtyard garden at the rear of the pub. A few more people had arrived by the time we left ,i would imagine there would be a good atmosphere when busier.this pub has a good feel to and im sure i will return.
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Just 3 weeks to go for all cider drinkers as on monday July 26 this pub receives the CAMRA London cider pub of the year award . As well as 8 ciders they also have 7 real ales usually including one from Williams Bros of Alloa , at the moment it's Midnight Sun a wonderful stout at 5.6 % , they also have Brentwood and Red Squirrel , so it's well worth a visit .
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Arrived by bus which drops you right outside the front door, 3 steps and you are in. This Pub has a stripped back feel, back to basics and that's what makes it so good. There was a great range of beer on our visit, didn't try the ciders, but the ales i tried were from Williams Bros, Red Squirrel, Tring and Brentwood. The service was excellent, discussing the beers, sorting out a taster or two. We had just had a big breakfast, so we didn't try the bar snacks. I have to comment on how quiet it was on a Saturday lunchtime, at time there were just the 4 of us, but that did enable us to get the copper topped table in the big window and spend a very relaxed time in there. This is a Pub that we will revisit as regularly as we can, it covers all the essentials, loved it.
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My first visit was on Saturday evening after an all day pub crawl. I've heard a lot about it and went with two people who know the place. Had two pints of ale, sorry can't remember, but both were in very good condition and a cheese bap. Impressed not only by the ale and cider range, but that the service was friendly and quick. Good to see a youngish crowd enjoying the place and it deserves great support. Only criticism is the size of the pub and that can't be helped, it was crowded whilst on the first pint, but a large group of circuit drinkers left and we were able to sit down for our second pint and snack. Will definitely return
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Excellent pub with distressed , retro decor including an old vinyl
turntable.
My only small quibble would be that I'd prefer a couple
more ales instead of, the in my opinion OTT range of ciders.
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A fine pub. 7 ales from small brewers at �2.90 and 8 ciders at �3.20. Quality was great this lunchtime despite it being very quiet.
Not sure about the music - old 45's on a record player. Why?
Well worth visiting but I can't see what all the excitement is about.
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Have to add my fourpence hapenny worth to the accolades though I did find the place just a little pretentious, maybe becuase it's trying a tad too hard. Loads of ales on (tried the White Horse Dragon Hill and it was spot on) and simple scoff in the form of pies and Scotch eggs. Can't really fault it otherwise.
anonymous - 6 Jun 2010 21:25 |
This fine pub has just been voted CAMRA london cider pub of the year , a worthy reward indeed as it has not been open for six months yet . The Millwhites Rum Cask is one of the best , let us hope it comes back soon .
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Not much one can add to this veritable tsunami of rave reviews.
Undoubltedly this is a great venue for real ale and cider fans.
BUT, if I could be picky boys, Bing Crosby on the sound system! Leave me alone!
I can stand a lot of things in this life, dogs, women, ill-health and Tories, but listening to Crosby's turgid groaning and mumbling aint one of them. It fair curdled me wits and drove me screaming onto the Heath for sanctuary. But I'll be back, Bing permitting, when they let me out.
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Excellent pub. Great range of beers. Decent mix of people. Their sign says Beer, Cider, Meat. And the fayre is pork pies, scotch eggs, ham/cheese rolls. Be wary though, the food does run out!
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Simply a great pub. Welcome touches include the beer nominations list and the welcomed requests from the record collection. Great range of real ale (including some unusual ones - seaweed beer was available last time) from cross the spectrum (read milds, porters and stouts included in addition to standard types). In addition, the back to basics interior, friendly and knowledgable staff and good pork baps and pies (slightly limited food range if you don't eat pork...) really top it off.
Absolute gem, I've travelled across central London now a couple of times just to go for a drink here.
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Totally awesome pub. Came in Sunday from an afternoon by the ponds, and couldn't beleve my eyes when I saw all the ciders on top of 7 beers, all in one tiny pub. Quite old fashioned with an outside loo, and the pub's stripped bare inside. Good to hear some real jazz piano music from a lady that I think I remember from the Wenlock years back.
Guys, there's a good vibe here now and it's brought real ale to Gospel Oak. Great stuff, I'll be back.
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Didn't realise I hadn't put a reiew of this place from my earlier visit. Not much to add to other reviews, just to say this is a cracking pub which was even recommended by a barman in the Wenlock tonight. Had to tell him we had been in earlier today. One of London's must visits.
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Annoyingly, this pub opened just after I moved away from the immediate area. But it's still only a twenty minute walk away for me and well worth the trip. On my first visit a few days ago, had 4 ales, including a very fine mild that for the life of me I can't remember the name of, all of which were excellent. Simple grub is available - didn't try it but looks pretty tasty. Good mix of people, decent prices and a generally excellent atmosphere. Was in on a Thursday and it was pretty busy. Hope it stays that way. Highly recommended.
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Popped in there last night prior to Alabama 3 gig at the forum. What a surprise, never expected to see such a place in London. Lovely old fashioned bar, good mix of people and an absolutely wonderful selection of cider from some of the smaller producers. Will return with friends ASAP.
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A great addition to this area... A shame I'm moving out of the area to a bit of an oasis called Wood Green.
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a refreshing addition imho. nice atmosphere, pleasant customers. will defo visit after roaming the heath.
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Fair dos, dimple_mug. You'll be happy to hear it is still cash only. Just remeber to get out your money at the tube or you'll be stuffed.
Funnily enough Brodies and Redemption were back on tonight. Good to see a Kelham Island brew though. Actually tonight there were 9 ciders on. I guess this makes it more of a real cider pub?
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Single-roomed bare-boards ale and cider house which I visited as a result of reading previous reviews on BITE. Much of the interior looks genuinely 'old' rather than having been themed into an alehouse, which is great. On my visit there were 8 real ales on offer which I feared was a bit optimistic given the level of trade- however the 2 I tried were in perfect condition. All the ales were offered at the same price- �2.90- which made the stronger ones a real bargain. There were also 4 real ciders and 2 London-brewed lagers, no fizzy national brands at all. Food was very basic, just pork pie, scotch eggs etc. All in all this an absolute gem, I have no doubt at all it will be in CAMRA's 2011 Good Beer Guide and can only grow in popularity.
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You are talking to someone who buys vinyl exclusively, by the way. A nice Blind Willie McTell collection was in when I was in last and I very much enjoyed it.
When I said those things were gimmicks, that wasn't to say it loses points or I have a particular dislike for them.
One thing I forgot to say...when I was there last, the board behind the bar said they were cash only for now...in my opinion it should stay that way, though I doubt they still are...go back to it then...be a real pub and banish those punters that like to inconvenience others so they don't have to carry cash.
I didn't point out obvious good things becasue they've already been mentioned. I actually like the atmos and the 8 I gave it reflects this. And I did say I would be returning.
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Dimple_mug: Goodness, I thought I was cynical. While its refreshing to find that attribute in someone so young, some of your critique is, I think, unwarranted.
Firstly, vinyl. Some people - mainly those in the 30s or above - have a great affection for the stuff. Some, like me, grew up with it. MP3 can't compete. The owner and manager fit into this category. There is nothing ironic about it. Irony for 'old things', is usually the preserve of the under 25s.
Secondly, the reason for the suggestion board is I suspect two fold. Imagine starting a pub from scratch with only the idea for only selling beer from small brewers. There are hundreds of them. Where do you go? The web. Camra. But you can also ask the punters. Contrary to being 'bourgeois', I think its the first example I've ever seen of egalitarianism in a pub. Suggestions are used, too - it's not a Wetherspoon's suggestion box.
As for 'trendy' London brewers (there's that word again!), imagine, if you will, you have a limited pot of cash for your new pub. One saving you can employ is to order from local brewers. Brodies produce some excellent beers at very good prices. Redemption are an impossibly small brewer and it is very nice to see them occasionally offered. The Urban Dusk is fantastic.
As for the clientele, (I'm surprised the word trendy wasn't used), the location is smack bang between the Gospel Oak council estates, the old money of Highgate and the flatshare land of Kentish Town. People come from all those areas, plus a fair few Camra members. If you found them all 'homogeneous and uninteresting', that a lot of different people you�re dismissing.
Overall I suggest you should maybe chance a return visit (so long as that's not what the trendy people do) and not massively over-analyse the owner's decisions.
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Visited a couple months ago so it's about time I put up the review.
All the main features have been pointed out by others.
When I was there, there was a lack of a proper bitter on, malty offerings from Redemption and Brodie's instead. I was unlucky. I know it's now very trendy to have London brewer as the mainstay, and local brewers should of course be supported. Just that, to my mind, Redemption need to prove themselves pronto with a decently hopped bitter. A decent obscure stout went off after I'd had one. Perennially poor brewer Oxfordshire was on the handpumps in force.
I of course approve of dimple mugs by default. New Stokey pub the Jolly Butcher's doing that as well, probably influenced by the Southampton.
Might be a surprise to some, but I do actually regard the 'vinyl behind the bar' and the suggestion sheets as bourgeois gimmicks. As for the former, a pub bar seems like a place that'll end up damaging your vinyl (though I guess the view is that more cracks equals more irony...), and I just don't see the point of the latter if the cellerman/orderer knows what he's doing.
A disgraceful berating of JohnBonser by "Sitwell" earlier on this page. Useless and meaningless references to "lonely friendless no-marks" and "large, fun-loving groups". High opinion of herself clearly. I think the comments were well made...again, it's a trendy thing now to have large tables and pews, etc. but I think it's ultimately detrimental to the pub experience. Why self-regarding actions have brought such abuse is a mystery, and if the implication is that "what pubs make money out of" is the deciding factor in what's right, just goes to show how little this member knows about pubs.
Due to the location, the clientele is homogenous and uninteresting, but since there is decent beer in good condition we proper drinkers will return.
8
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What an excellent little boozer this is. Great range of traditionally brewed ciders. The scotch eggs seem expensive at 2.50 GBP a throw but these were the best that I've ever come across and one of these is sufficient for lunch unless you have a very big appetite. It's hard to believe that this place could be as quiet as it was on the Monday afternoon that I visited, however, it was getting quite busy by the time I left (8pm).
Another point of interest is that the unobtrusive music comes from real vinyl on a real turntable.
This place really deserves to do well but, being selfish, I hope it doesn't do so well that it becomes uncomfortably busy.
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Well went back after my unsuccessful attempt at a visit the other week - and I'm very glad I did! A cracking addition to the London pub scene. Great range of decent ale from top micro breweries, the food looked great and a very nice atmosphere. Staff and owners were very pleasant and the barmaid on her first shift was a diamond - hope they keep her. All in all a great pub and I'll be back.
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Would have liked to have posted a review on this pub today. However, I got there at 17.00 last night to find a note saying that due to circumstances beyond their control they would not be opening on Wednesday, but would be open as usual on Thursday. Shame was looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about! Will have to try again.
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Nelly should note that the pub re-opened as an ale (&cider) pub in Dec, hence the flurry of positive comment. If I hadn't been too drunk to take note, mine would have been amongst them. What a shame sitwell had to stick an oar in - didn't do the pub any favours by suggesting it aims to cater for idiots like her.
The ratings spoilers are already on the case anyway, as always happens in this devalued 'top' chart.
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29 comments since October 2009, yet just a few between 2003 and October 2009. Is this passing strange that this pub goes from nowhere to number 1 almost overnight? This has happened to other pubs before and BITE has 'adjusted' their scores. By the way, I haven't rated this pub because I've never been, I'm sure it's a decent pub, but ..........
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no point in adding more, other than not a bad spot to start/end a good walk over the Heath. Fifteen minutes walk to Camden Town
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Amazing pub. Amazing ales. Amazing ciders. Amazing pub food. Friendly staff and music all on vinyl. Best pub in North London.
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lovely beer so many to choose from and only �2.90 each
4 types of pork pie.
only prob was they ran out of scotch eggs
the best pub i have been to for ages
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I went here last week and its great. Purely in terms of beer its the best pub I've ever been too. Everything I had was in superb condition. There is a good turnover and you can even recommend new beer. The d�cor is good and the crowd is a pleasant mix, and much younger than you would expect for a pub that only sells ales and real cider. My only complaint is that it is too small. If it was three times bigger it would be pretty much perfect.
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just fantastic guys ! stripped down to what is needed...fantastic beers, good snacks and great atmosphere. the vinyl is a class touch.
congratulations !!!
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Visited and witnessed 31st March
R30
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Quality ale house with an excellent ranges of beers. Overjoyed to see them serving Mild as I hadn't had a pint of it since moving down south. The Porters & Stouts are are treat as well. Cosy one room pub with real fire and great atmosphere. Only problem is that its next to the bus stop I get off on my way home so I'm drawn in everytime!
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Just back from an impromptu swift one at the Southampton, and good to see it doing well. Not filled to the rafters at 1030pm, but doing a fair old trade. Good to see a varied clientele of all ages, and a mix of groups and individual drinkers enjoying the beers and ciders. I must remark on how excellently the Thornbridge Jaipur IPA was kept and note that Stonehenge Ale's "Sign of Spring" was a good conversation starter with its lime green colour!
Pub certainly seems to be gaining popularity, but I'm sure there'll still be room for everyone. Although visiting the pub alone this time I still ended up in conversation with a couple of drinkers at the bar one of whom was visiting from the Orkneys and was equally impressed with tonight's beer range.
Music volume was just right, and the collection of LPs seems to be growing.
Apologies if this has been mentioned before by previous reviewers, but note the request sheets on the left of the bar by the piano. You can suggest beers and the pub will try and get them in.
Keep it up.
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We were wandering past yesterday, and decided to pop in for a quick pint. Had several one-for-the-roads, and eventually left five hours later; it�s that sort of place. Pretty much my idea of a perfect pub; friendly and welcoming bar staff who were happy to let us sample the excellent beers (and even the wine), busy but not rammed, Neil Young on the record player, and possibly the finest Scotch egg that I�ve ever eaten. We liked it a lot.
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I was a first-time customer the other week and I have to say I really enjoyed the evening spent there with an old mate. We enjoyed the first ale we tried so much that we stuck with it - Sambrooks. The simple food is just what you need in a place like this; the music was played on a record player; and the ambience was just right.Oh, and the serving of all pints in old-style jugs was a nice touch. One for my "I wish it was my local" list of pubs.
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To Heather, John Bonser and Mr Alastair, who variously but similarly complain about this pub offering too few places for lone drinkers to lurk and contemplate their lonely lives (Heather), or complain no-one kissed their arse because they were sitting like an oddball making notes on their surroundings (John Bonser) or suggest one gets there before it gets too popular (Mr Alastair) ...
PUBS DON'T MAKE MONEY OUT OF LONELY, FRIENDLESS NO-MARKS CLOGGING UP A WHOLE TABLE WHILE THEY DRINK A HALF BY THEMSELVES. Pubs make money from normal people, who have friends, coming to have a good time with said friends, rather than scribbling in a notebook and fretting because others around them are younger, better-looking, and more sociable.
I visited here with my boyfriend to discover a lively scene full of people in large, fun-loving groups enjoying ale and cider. That's a good thing.
10/10
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Loved this place. Was served a robust pint of porter and plumped for a bar snack of a sausage roll, served with a dollop of English mustard. Nice. Options of pork rolls and cheese platters too. Also loved the vinyl-only policy (and only music that was recorded before 1969 - although they seemed surprised when I asked if they had any Velvet Underground); Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisted playing when I entered.
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Great to see a pub of this calibre opening (well, re-opening).
Obviously great beer and cider as the other posters have noted. I thought the staff were great and friendly and obviousloy were able to suggest good beers (usefull as this place ONLY serves beer from small independent brewereries)
also although the food range isn't great and they aren't serving roast belly of pork with jus, the scotch eggs and pies were excellent. the cheese board looked pretty tempting as well.. perfect pub grub.
get there before it gets too popular
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Great addition to the NW5 real ale scene - well done lads. You can do a great crawl in NW5 - start at the Pineapple, move on the the Junction Tavern, down to the Southampton & over to the Bull & Last. One criticism though - the service isn't great (bordering on disinterested) & the food isn't terribly good quality. But the ales are fabulous!!!
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I popped in here last week for the first time on hearing this place is a new kid on the block. 8 Real ciders and 7 Real Ales. I was impressed with the quality. A one roomed bar with plenty going for it. The new owners deserve to do well.
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I popped in here last week for the first time on hearing this place is a new kid on the block. 8 Real ciders and 7 Real Ales. I was impressed with the quality. A one roomed bar with plenty going for it. The new owners deserve to do well.
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This is an interesting little pub with 7 real ales and 8 real ciders .They have something called Sacred Gin distilled in Highgate.It seems to be concentrating on local products with an eclectic music selection all on vinyl plus an old johanna in the corner .It is most certainly a pub you should get along to.
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Smallish, traditional narrow single bar pub situated on the main Highgate Road to the north of Kentish Town.
I never visited, or even knew, this pub in its previous incarnation, but I gather its now been going for approx 6 weeks, as an independently run free house specialising in ales and ciders from independent micro - breweries. The trademark cockerel pub sign outside would indicate that it was a Courage pub in days gone by.
Having heard about this pub from a fellow BITE regular, I paid my first visit to this pub last Saturday lunchtime.
The pub has bare floorboards and long wooden church pew like benches which, as previously reported, lead to seating options which are much less than ideal.There's no TV's or fruit machines. Quietish background music is provided from an old style record player, the likes of which I haven't seen for yonks!
Decor is quite traditional, with a collection of portraits on the left hand wall and, on the other wall, a splendid Lacons of Yarmouth Ales Stout and Porter mirror. There's a Bass mirror down the far end and a piano. Lighting is mainly provided by bare light bulbs, which, when taken into account with the lack of any soft furnishings, give the place a rather stark and cold atmosphere, although there was a coal lit fire directly opposite the bar on my visit. Some Victorian style lampshades would make quite a bit of difference, as would also a carpet or even a couple of rugs to break up the rather echoey feel to the place. There's some rather unusual - but notable - factory / industrial style tiling behind thebar, which is on the right hand side. For the nostalgia addicts amongst us, there's rather basic outside gents toilets at the rear of the building.
The pub is clearly pitching for the CAMRA trade and stocks of London Drinker and The Full Pint were by the bar. There's a notice board where customers can suggest future beers - a nice touch this.
There's a fine bank of 12 handpumps on the bar - 7 real ales and 5 ciders when I was there. 3 additional ciders were also available on gravity. In addition, 2 lagers from the Meantime London Brewery were available, as was warm mulled cider from a large bowl on the bar. It seems churlish to be critical, but the fact that there's more ciders than ales seems slightly surprising.
Beers sampled by me - Sambrooks Junction, Nelsons Revenge and Dark Star were all on good form - priced at � 2.90p. Other brews on - those that I can remember - included beers from Banks and Taylor and Otley ( Pontypridd ). Slightly irritatingly, and rather oddly, beer is automatically served in jugs unless you specify otherwise, but, in all fairness, I was readily served a pint in a "straight" with good grace.
On the food front, hot roast pork baps were available, as were a variety of pork pies plus sausage rolls, scotch eggs etc.
Despite the fact that I was sitting there writing the skeleton of this review in a barely disguised manner, neither of the 2 bar staff on duty made any effort to speak with me or to ask if I was enjoying my visit. For aventure that has been going for less than 2 months - and is probably now getting a good number of first time visitors and potential new regulars - I find this somewhat surprising, even for London. This fact, coupled with the seating arrangements, leads me to wonder if the pub is focusing more on attracting larger groups ( and I did notice that 4 pint pitchers were available at a discount ) - if so, I feel this may be a mistaken route to go down.
In conclusion, whilst I'm not entirely won over by this establishment, its enterprising beer range means a return visit is on the cards in the not too distant future. If you're in the area, it's worth seeking out.
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I agree with all the other comments, especially mojo_moschops. Arriving on a Sunday night it was bustling with people of all ages. The transformation couldn't have been more astonishing. My first words to the barman were "bloody hell" - and he knew what I was referring to.
The atmosphere, the amazing beer, the brilliant service, the music coming from the 45s, hot pork sandwiches at the bar. It feels as if it's been like this for years.
Well done to those involved. Ingenious in it's simplicity, others would have stripped it and called it a 'bar and kitchen'.
This place should give the Wenlock Arms something to think about, which is rather resting on its laurels these days, what with it's gaggle of aggressive regulars and abysmal service.
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From previous reviews the Southampton has clearly changed beyond recognition in the last few months, but on visiting for the first time last night it felt as if it had always been this way.
7 ales and 5 ciders on tap last night. All ales from smaller independant breweries which last night had a London emphasis including a Meantime Pale, Sambrook Wandle, Twickenham Naked Ladies, and an excellent dark strong beer called Lord Essex - I think from Felstar. There was also a stout and a mild.
We got a seat by the small coal and log fire which was a great spot on a cold evening. Pub was busy without being crowded and the atmosphere excellent with a good hum of conversation and the old records playing.
Would be nice to see a couple of beers from further afield next time, but for my money this go's straight into the "elite group" of London pubs for real ale lovers. Like lad_newton (see below) I am rating 9/10
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Went in here last night, most surprised how busy it was with mainly younger persons drinking beers and ciders out of jugs. As has been mentioned before seating is somewhat restricted if you're there on your own. A friend visited on Wednesday night when the piano was in use. Looking forward to returning here.
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I lived across the road from the grotty old Southampton for years, and everytime I passed, I'd daydream about what I'd do to the place if I could take it over..... a roaring coal fire, great beers and ciders you can't get elsewhere, a record player hissing and crackling on the bar.....and....and...
They've done it. They've actually done it. I spent my first visit slack jawed, just looking around in disbelief. All these years, hidden under the layers of woodchip and formica, lay lovely old edwardian pub fittings and tiling, which the new owners have carefully restored, but not too much. What they've created is a timeless space for drinking, laughing and conversing- and nothing else- no gastrofood, no plasma screen sport- just people and booze. The perfect combination. There's even an old upright piano in the corner, and the promise of piano evenings to come. All that's missing is a dog lying in front of the hearth, though with Hampstead Heath five minutes away, I'm sure that'll be corrected soon.
Now it's just down to NW5ers to put there money where their mouths are, get down there, and get drinking.
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While I agree the pub has slightly improved, there is an issue with seating. There is barely anywhere to sit on your own, you have to sit with other people as there are long wooden tables or tables lumped very closely together so you ae forced to sit very close to people. This is a real turnoff.
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I never knew this pub in it's former incarnation, but I paid a very pleasant visit tonight. Decor wise it is a bit on the sparse side - a large single room with the bar on the right, an old fireplace opposite and a piano at the back. With the exception of three lights suspended over the bar the place is lit by bare light bulbs.
There were twelve handpumps serving, amongst others, five real ciders, two German-style lagers from Meantime, Sambrook's Junction, a Morrissey-Fox ale and O'Hanlons Port Stout. I tried the Port Stout and one of the Meantime beers -both were good. There was only one pump not in use - it had been serving a Brewdog beer which I haven't tried.
On this visit I found the ale selection a little disappointing but the pub is committed to only selling ales and ciders from small independent breweries and for this it is to be commended.
I wish the pub success and hope many more pubs will follow it's lead.
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What a transformation!
The Southampton Arms has reopened as a dedicated ale and cider house. As mentioned below most of the old furniture has been stripped out opening up the pub into a more spacious and accommodating one, having retained the original woodpanelling, fireplace, piano, mirrors and tiled wall behind the bar. Tungsten lighting keeps it traditional.
Enough rambling about what it looks like, their adventurous beer policy is enough to drive even the least curious drinker in to have a look. Twelve handpumps serve up to 8 ales at any time with the remaining four given to ciders and perries. One or two extra ciders were noted behind the bar. Two German lagers are also available on draught. Beers and ciders mainly from small to micro breweries: Sambrooks Wandle and Dark Star Espresso both on very good form.
Food is limited (and I know some of you will like this) to pork pies, scotch eggs, nuts and crisps as the pub has no kitchen and little intention of installing one.
Friendly, enthusiastic young staff behind the bar. Whilst there I noted the majority of people inside were drinking real ale, and as standard the beers were served in jugs unless you asked for a straight glass. And for music, don't think Spotify, iPod or CDs - think VINYL!
The reopening of this pub as an alehouse, welcoming to everyone, is excellent news for the Gospel Oak area where good real ale pubs are fairly few and far between. I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit and wish the pub every success.
9/10
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Well how wrong can you be? It has now re-opened and has morphed into a real alers paradise! I went in there last night, and I was very impressed. Real ale isn't my thing but I think the Camra crowd will love this place - there were about a dozen on tap (don't ask me which ones) proper hand pumps and everything, as well as a couple of decent lagers for drinkers like me. OUT have gone the tv's, the fruit machines, the stinking furniture, the stinking punters - and the miserable vibe that went with them - and yes, the boxing photos too! A radical transformation and a hugely successful one by the look of it. I predict this place is going to be very popular, as it's just what this area needed - a decent proper pub that's not a snotty gastro, a youth club or a sports dump. A big thumbs up!
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Looks like it will be staying a pub, as they've painted the outside black - in itself an improvement on the fading red it was before. I'll be surprised if much else changes inside though, as the place is too small to do much with. It'll probably get smartened up a bit (which wouldn't take much TBF!) but smartening up the punters is probably too much to expect. I imagine it will be the same old crowd when it re-opens. But will all that boxing paraphenalia survive? Watch this space...
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In the last week this pub has been closed, windows boarded up and the interior has been gutted. I cannot yet ascertain whether this is for a refurbishment or for a change of use. I will update BITE as soon as more info is available.
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A rose amongst thorns! I�ve lived in the area for 40 years but I�ve never ventured... until now. You walk in...and if there were a piano player in the corner he�d stop playing! Tumble weed would blow across your path! It wouldn�t surprise me if one of the locals cried �Tool�s out Gumbo� This place is pure class...It�s like going back to 1979. Sticky carpets and not a leather sofa, financial times or Thai meal in site! You can smell the men�s toilet before you open the door! Boxing posters and a couple of TV�s showing the footie and the dogs. Although smoking in pubs has been banned for a few years, you can still smell it in this place...and it feels right. If you want a quick fix of how it used to be and long for I time when women danced round their hand bags and real men drunk pints then visit the Southampton. The Kronenburg was probably the best I�ve tasted I any pub In Camden.
Long live the Southampton...
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I also love these old boozers that time has forgotten, but have to agree that this one is bad. I think that Edward Heath was in power the last time this place saw a lick of paint and a few of the locals haven�t worked since then.
The draught selection is sparse with Fosters, Kronenburg, John Smiths, Guinness and Strongbow all available. I opted for the Fosters, which wasn�t cheap coming in at three quid.
There is a projector screen on the wall for the showing of Sky Sports and Setanta. There is also a small TV that had the racing channel flicking on it. It was good to see a dart board in the corner of the pub, not that anyone was playing. There is a lot of boxing memorabilia on the walls and you could tell that a few of the blokes had faded memories of a dodgy past life.
As I said, I�m a big fan of these places, but try as I did I just didn�t like it in here.
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It's great that pubs like this still exist. Get in before we lose this one too.
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I love a grotty old man's pub as much (or more) than anyone. But the last comment's right- having a pint in here is like staring into black heart of infinity.
I tried to use it as a local (I live across the street), but the bar staff and regulars just don't want anyone else intruding on their miserable Samuel Beckett style establishment. Even if you walk in quietly, order a drink, sit in the corner and drink it in silence, you will feel the pub's collective disaproval push your chair telekinetically towards the door.
Phucough, if the lease comes up and I win the lottery, I'll go halves with you- we could do with a pub round here which isn't a gastro/art gallery kind of place.
anonymous - 9 Mar 2007 13:58 |
On a sat nite was empty except for some regulars at one end of the bar. Magic FM on the radio, priceless. Really depressing place, as if it was in the dead centre of a black hole. It'll take more than a mild on draught to change this 1970's relic.
anonymous - 12 Sep 2006 15:43 |
All that's missing is a couple of handpumps, serving a mild and a bitter. Place would get packed then. It is unlikely that such an idea would be heeded as it looks like the same people have been running the pub (and drinking in it) for decades and for them a sudden change would be unsettling. If for any reason the pub changes hands PLEASE read this note.
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Bust a move in here on the best all dayer of my life. We had just staggered down from Hampstead heath with a bag full of about 16 Carlsberg Exports which we had set ourself the challenge (it was a 24 pack and we'd already smashed 8 of them, mind you to be fair they were only half pint bottles so not as bad as it sounds). We were understandably busting for a slash so went in here. Really comedy little place. Stuck in a time warp. Quiet with just a few giro cashers sitting at the bar. Strange outdoor loo arrangement I seem to remember. There were some framed cartoons on the wall that seemed to indicate this was a betting pub - reinforced by the racing results being on Ceefax on the corner telly.
Hilarious stop off on a great day.
anonymous - 6 Mar 2006 11:39 |
Nothing like the comment below,On Friday & Saturday nights (I should say every night) they have a maximum of 5 ppl in there at a push and that includes the Guv'nors family at the end of the bar. Even with the live sky sports on which you get a sore neck watching as it projected from a poor 20 inch Tv on a cranky shelf it is still a poor pub, you just dont feel welcome in it!
No Music no life - such a boring pub !!
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great locals pub nice little beer garden all sky sports shown join the locals in a game of darts not many traditional pubs left this is one to definatley visit
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the past 35 years of the pub world have passed this place by, and long may the years continue to do so . the pub wouldn't no pretensions if the pub re-named itself Pretensions
dan - 7 Jun 2004 13:45 |
a locals pub was made to feel very welcome best pint fosters around
ricky - 24 Feb 2004 12:47 |
how small is this place toilets seem to be in the back garden and baz tav is right this place is a proper local boozer was like something out of a western when i steeped through the door although as soon as they realised i wasnt the police the people inside didnt really care who i was and just kept on suppin their beer
Bill - 2 Jan 2004 16:52 |
one of the smallest pubs around,open the door,the music stops and everyone looks at ya.very local pub.not bad for a very quick pint
baz tav - 29 Oct 2003 16:22 |
A very traditional London pub, very much a locals' local though. Sadly there is no real ale, but lager and Guinness drinkers won't be disappointed. Occasional live music.
Lee - 16 Oct 2003 18:05 |
