The Sutton Arms, Clerkenwell

I first started drinking in this pub in 1978. It has seen a change of ownership and a tasteful refurb since those days, and I have also moved on (to Edinburgh) but this is still my go-to pub when I return to London. Beer is excellent, food is top notch, and as has already been said the service is quick and friendly. An old school pub of the best kind. - Ray.

1 Jan 2015 17:26

The Starbank Inn, Edinburgh

I think it's fair to say that this pub isn't quite the homespun real ale heaven that it was before the refurbishment in 2010, but nor has it deteriorated into the formula-driven clone bar that many (most?) other pubs have. During my visit (Friday 12th Jan) I had excellent pints of Landlord, Lia Faill and Abbott Ale, while my pal drank Green King IPA. One pint wasn't topped up (something else that wouldn't have happened pre-refurb) but on the plus side I didn't notice the TVs or piped music and the foodie shift seemed to have evacuated by the time we turned up. Overall, a pleasant few pints in a convivial atmosphere.

15 Jan 2011 22:20

Ye Olde Inn, Davidsons Mains

A pub run by the staff, for the staff, who seem to outnumber the customers, but are too intent on watching music videos on the blaring TVs to actually serve anyone. A pale shadow of what this pub used to be like, it's gone from a 'proper' local with decent beer and a friendly atmosphere to a largely deserted pseudo-sports-bar that seems to attract just a few die-hards and the odd steaming ned (who seeks to resolve the ongoing customer service issues in his or her own, usually very 'direct', fashion). A crying shame.

8 Dec 2008 11:56