The Landor, Clapham

Good beer and fantastic food at this pub, especially Sunday roasts.

However.

Am I alone in finding the practice of reserving tables in a ‘public house’ abhorrent?

Turned up last Sunday to find nearly every table reserved but no-one sitting at them. We located a table round the back and were about to sit down when a surly member of staff asked ‘do you have to sit there? Can’t you sit here?’ pointing to a table for two (there were three of us) near the toilet door.

He went on to say if more people turn up there won’t be any space for them. I pointed out this was the only table not reserved and no-one was sitting at these anyway. He tutted and turned away. We were close to walking out but found a table near the bar which was ok.

It was worth hanging on for the food but I think certain members of staff there could benefit from a customer care course.

18 Dec 2012 16:43

The Priory Arms, Stockwell

A nice little pub with a great selection of ales and board games!

The bar staff were friendly although they did seem to prefer to have a chat instead of serving me at one point. I also got the impression one of them had been enjoying the beer more than the punters by closing time.

25 Jul 2010 03:47

Zigfrid, Hoxton

I always approach this area of London with a certain amount of trepidation and the name of this establishment was sending out a large warning so I was semi prepared for the fresh hell that awaited my friends and I.

It was packed wall to wall with preening, coked up bell-ends. It appeared that the DJ was being paid to plug in his ipod as all I saw him do was dance like a self important prawn as he smirked at various texts he was receiving.

When I was given the unenviable task of trying to get served I made it to the bar after 25 mins to be faced with an absolute car crash of a barman making 4 cocktails with the air of someone who truly believed they were creating something akin to an outstanding work of art.

There seemed to be children employed to collect glasses.

I was overlooked twice by other members of the bar staff in favour of some people who appeared to be holding (inexplicably) loyalty cards. I may well have been overlooked all night had I not been dragged out of there by my companions who were also near to tears at the tragedy of the place.

After wading through a sea of tossers I finally made it to the pavement outside never to return.

This place left me feeling cold, confused and angry.

No ales but the Czech lager was ok.

25 Jul 2010 03:33