The Craft Beer Co, City of London

I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting here on a pre-opening press night, and quickly set about working my way through the cavalcade of top-quality draught beers in a thorough and professional manner.

My God they were good. And the rather spiffy branded glasses have room for a full measure plus a head � a sure signal for the beer drinker that he's come to a place where he's understood.

I would concur with Lad Newton about the refurb, though the seats are a bit Travelodge. The antique mirrored ceiling is a cracker, and I liked the Craft Beer Co wallpaper.

The real revelation for me, though, was the keg beers. It was late by the time I got on to those, and I may have had one over the eight, as they used to say round my way, but I was blown away.

CAMRA has recently been gnashing its teeth over the craft keg beer issue. And it seems they have decided to leave the keg people out in the cold. Could this be a Lutheran moment in the church of beer? Is a schism imminent?

Inevitably, some enterprising man or woman will come along and start a new organisation for lovers of craft beers of all stripes. If so, they could do worse than to nail their mission statement onto the front door of the Craft Beer Co, for this wonderful pub is surely destined to become the capital's new cathedral of beer.

Praise the Lor- I mean cheers!

30 Jun 2011 16:25

The Antelope, Tooting

Have been going here for a while and enjoying the food, ale and everything. However, last night, came across the rudest barmaid I've ever encountered. A short woman, haven't seen her before. Northern accent, I think.
I order a round, but as I'm ordering, she starts waving her hands around saying "No, no. There's no Aspall's and there's no Doombar".
Strange, I thought, as the pump clips for both were showing, but I kept calm and ordered an alternative cider and ale.
Next thing I know, she's poured the round, including three pints of ale.
"Er, are they all for me? I only wanted one," I say, quite reasonably.
"What d'you mean? You asked for a Doombar and a Purity Ale." (She doesn't mention the mysterious third ale).
"Er, no I didn't, you said there wasn't any Doombar, then you asked me what I wanted instead, and I asked for a Purity."
Without missing a beat, she shouts, "Look, which d'you want, the Doombar or the Purity?"
"Er, the Doombar," I reply.
Then, she takes the other two pints of ale (she still hasn't explained the third one) and, in a strop, pours them away.
Now that's service for you. Look out for her. It's almost entertaining in a way.
Think I'll give The Antelope a miss for a while though.

29 Oct 2010 10:31

The Lamb, Bloomsbury

Used to come here years ago, now and again, and it's definitely gone downhill. Appallingly long wait to get served on a quiet Wednesday evening. Menus were on tables in pewter tankards, but when we went to order, we were told they'd stopped doing food (at the arbitrary time of 8.45). Why hadn't they removed the menus, then? Poor organisation, unfriendly staff. The place generally looking a bit dirty and dishevelled, too, though the beer was fine. Cider offering was poor, though.
Verdict: resting on its laurels, p*ssing away the goodwill of customers with complacent attitude. Times are hard, Mr Lamb. Time to sharpen up your act.

9 Sep 2010 17:55