BITE user comments - alesofsummer
Comments by alesofsummer
One of two long-standing pubs that bookend St John's Hill with the Beehive at the other end. I've been around here long enough to remember when this was the Prince's Puzzle (as I recall, from a previous phase of the Puzzle Group, when they were going for a more bijou Firkin kinda thing, rather than taking over huge corner-houses and homogenising them) but it's been Churchills for years now.
It's been very much the same pub for years too: a locals' pub, long and narrow, seats and a garden towards the back, past the bar. It might look a bit intimidating as you first step in the door, but it's worth persevering. Rough and ready for sure, but also relaxed and even friendly at heart. Usually full for Chelsea games, but the banter's cheerful rather than threatening should you not be a Blue yourself. From what I've seen, the management have a zero-tolerance policy towards serving the tipsy, the reeling and the drop-down pissed, which indicates a well-run ship.
Only London Pride as far as ales go (though a decent enough pint of it). This hasn't always been the case - I had a few very fine pints of Tribute as recently as 2008, and I'm sure I recall an even wider range before that.
I've never tried the Thai food, but it's seriously popular and has been for as long as I can remember, so I reckon they're probably doing something right there too.
5 Apr 2010 14:19
Second time here. Small traditional pub, pretty unspoilt - one room with the bar in the centre, divided by screens into a larger, light and airy main bar and a smaller, cosy back bar. I didn't check out the covered, outdoors-ish area at the back, but it looks nice enough.
8 hand pumps serving 5 ales, all popular rather than spectacular choices, and none above 4% (so clearly a good place for a session). I had a slowly clearing but good Brakspears Bitter, a perfectly respectable Oxford Gold and a sharp, clean-tasting Ringwood Bitter. All good.
The consistent smattering of critical remarks about the staff over the last couple of years is a slight worry; bad/rude service is a bane, and if you're running a service business it really should be easy enough to treat customers well. However I have to say that on both my visits here I've experienced nothing negative. This time round I was served by a likeable young guy who saw that I was working my way round the ales and offered constructive and enthusiastic opinions. Maybe things are different when it's busier or different staff are on, but no complaints from me so far.
5 Apr 2010 13:19
The Fettler and Firkin, Paddington
Still closed and sadly ringfenced by construction hoardings. Sadly because though I remember it being run-down in its later years, it was a nicely-placed mews corner pub that had potential (though competing with the Cleveland just down the road must have been hard). I knew the very pleasant Kiwi lady who used to run it with her husband all of 15 years ago - nice couple. Wonder where they are now?
28 Mar 2010 16:17
Yup, real pub all right. I've been walking past this place for years - seriously, over 15 years - without once setting foot inside. I was finally persuaded in by the rain yesterday (OK, and the pub's good reputation too) and not at all disappointed.
The interior is homely but well-kept, and it's a locals' pub, but in a good way - you might feel like you're stepping into someone else's front room as you cross the threshold, but you're likely to quickly feel comfortable and indeed welcome. Three ales offered, including one oft-rotating guest. I had a pint of the staple Timothy Taylor Landlord (they've recently switched from Harvey's) but the real joy was the guest, Adnam's Dry Irish Stout - absolutely delicious.
Well worthy of its place on the CAMRA West London shortlist as far as I can see.
28 Mar 2010 16:12
The Royal Standard, Blackheath
It's had a chequered history including seriously rough periods in the past, but the current management are doing really well with this place. A small selection of ales, but well-kept - a terrific, flavoursome London Pride and a decent Adnams Broadside on my last visit, and also currently selling a rare Cottage Marathon Hound. As Raistlin said, the guv'nor knows his ales and is keen to chat about them.
All sorts going on here as far as I can tell - quiz, most football shown etc - so not always the quietest if that's your thing, but service always seems good and the rare lairy customer I've seen has been handled calmly and effectively. Being in such a prominent place in the area, the Standard has always had the potential to be a blight or an adornment to the neighbourhood depending on how it's run; right now it's definitely the latter.
26 Mar 2010 14:46
The Mucky Pup, Angel, Islington
Heard about this place for years; every bit as good as I'd expected. The many plusses are listed below by others, but to recap: Good beer (Black Sheep and Landlord when I turned up as first customer at 4pm), gentlemanly service, a free jukebox including the best of the Only Ones (Britain's finest band) among many others, and of course the dog. The dog is superb. On top of all that, the place has that indefinable "something" that would keep me coming back. Call it soul if you like.
18 Mar 2010 17:55
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The Duke Of Wellington, Portobello Road
Pleasant and lively Youngs pub in the heart of Portobello Road with decent standard beers. Without trying to sound like Nigel Farage, I am slightly concerned by their staffing policy, having been served by two different people with little English, less knowledge of what drinks they were serving and, in one case, an apparent perplexity at the concept of British currency. To be fair, there was also a ginger English barman who looked right through me for 2-3 minutes (while I was waving my wallet) before serving someone else who'd just turned up. Decent but flawed place.
15 Nov 2014 21:03