The Royal Oak, Borough

Latest visit, of many, last night. Beer superb as always (especially the Old on this visit), food very good (and ver big), pub atmosphere great, interior and exterior of pub gorgeous. All up a REAL and (almost) perfect pub. I say almost, but the only thing that would really make it better is if I lived next to it...

14 Oct 2005 22:07

The Prince William Henry, Southwark

First went in just over a year ago when my job moved to the area. It was grim, unfriendly, awful beer (and only had 2 other customers - in a big pub on a night when everywhere else in the area was heaving). Uuggh!

Gave it another try about a week ago - what a transformation! Refurbished, new management, friendly, well kept beer, good cheap food. The decor's a bit eclectic but better than most (these days) - there's comfy seats, tables and at least it feels like a pub not a strobe-lit vertical drinking ghetto. I could do with the music turning down (or off) but it is at least music, not the top 20. And in good weather there's loads of room (25 picnic-style benches) outside on the patio to avoid it.

I've been back twice since and, while I think it's taking time to live it's old reputation down, it's getting more customers each time I go. I'll be back.

12 Aug 2005 17:21

The Dovetail, Clerkenwell

I've been here about once a week for 3 years. I love Belgian beer - lots of practice in Belgium ;o)

I've never found the staff or service to be anything but friendly (they're even urbane when asking people to leave - on the few occasions I've seen it done).

They carry a good, and slowly changing, range of over 100 Belgian beers, at reasonable prices (for Belgian beer in the UK), and any member of staff who's been there longer than a week knows the range well and how to serve it.

Their food is always excellent, for carnivores or vegetarians, and good value.

The decor is eclectic (which is very trad. Belgian) - although I'm not sure the latest bout of tiling was an improvement. I usually hate music in bars but not here.

15 Jul 2005 14:17

The Hogshead, Tower Hill

Dropped in last night (pub picked at random). Huge place. Only 2 real ales, Youngs Bitter and Charles Wells Bombardier. Ordered 3 pints of Youngs Ordinary.

Two of us never even tasted it, we could smell the vinegar when glass was still several inches from nose. Third one thirsty so took swig before realising - mistake!

After having to persuade the barman (and then the mgr.) that it really was off they gave us a sample of the Bombardier. Better (all things are relative) but not drinkable. Eventually, 10 mins after complaining we got 3 pints of some nitrokeg bitter - cold but complete abscence of taste (of anything).

We noted that neither of the bad beers was taken off. We won't be going there again. Uurggh!

15 Jul 2005 13:30