The Hand and Racquet, Covent Garden

This pubs is definitely shut, it's like the Marie Celeste, with glasses still on the bar and all the christmas decor still up. I've never been in but it's quite sad to see nonethless, another one of the 5 pubs closing in Britain every day...

9 Sep 2008 13:28

The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham

I'm afraid reviewer "baggydave" is right, and it's getting worse. I went for a pint on Saturday lunchtime and discovered that as of Sunday (7th Sept) the pub is closed for 6 weeks for refurbishment. Time will tell but I was told the (historic) bar was going to be removed and the restaurant extended, as well as, inevitably, dogs being banned. I also had a chat with a couple of locals including one of the darts team who were equally upset, especially as darts does not seem to fit in with the management's idea of a pub - or restaurant - as this is clearly what they want to turn this into.

I'm not averse to change if it is for the better and there's no doubt the toilets, for example, are in dire need of a refurb, but I have a fear that the management are going to destroy what was left of the locals bar and replace it with more "covers". Missing the point that the issue with this place is that the food is overpriced and very very average.

I don't even live in the area yet but have been looking to buy locally and inbetween house viewings have popped into the pub on many occasions. I consider the Dulwich Woodhouse to be one of the area's assets. I hope this remains the case but I do fear that the lifeblood of the place will effectively be thrown out along with the old fixtures and fittings...I hope I'm wrong but previous experience suggests otherwise!

8 Sep 2008 12:43

The Gladstone Arms, Borough

A fanastic, quirky, homely and friendly pub. I wish I lived near enough to call it my local. It deserves a much higher rating than it has. There's live music on a saturday night and personally i think it's the best pub in the area by miles.

18 Aug 2008 13:07