The William IV, Leyton

A wonderful find on a drizzly Saturday afternoon. Home of the Brodie's brewery and all their own label pints are an absolute bargain at �1.99. The football was on in the front room but could hardly be heard in the comfy back room. The staff know about beer and the choice of ales on offer really does cater for all tastes. Didn't try the food but from plates coming out for others the portion sizes looked generous and were not too pricey. Definitely worth a visit if only to confirm that it is still possible to get a decent, well kept ale in London for under �2 a pint

6 May 2010 13:47

The Earl of Lonsdale, Notting Hill

Nice enough pub and can't complain about the beer, however, when I asked for my pint to be filled to the line I was told that "this is the way we serve beer here" - I pointed out that the bottom of the head of my pint was well below the line and was again told that was how they served beer here. A request to speak to the manager was met with "He's in the kitchen" so a further request to ask him to come to the bar had to be made. The manager was possibly the rudest person I've had the misfortune to meet in a pub to date - he tipped my glass so that the bottom of the head was on the line and said there you go it's on the line - I told him that was unacceptable and that at the least the bottom of the head should be on the line when the glass is flat at which point he snatched the glass from me added the smallest extra splash of beer, slammed the glass back down and walked off. Obviously in this neck of the woods bar staff are under the impression that the number of tourists which frequent their pub mean that they can act like ignorant morons to anyone who questions them and not loose custom - and I'm sure the fact that I will never again darken their door will matter not one iota to them but I wanted to leave this comment as a warning to anyone contemplating visiting here.

6 May 2010 13:36

The Royal Oak, Borough

Found this gem of a pub just over 3 years ago and can't get enough of it. The Harvey's beer is lovely particularly the Old Ale and all very well kept. Nice treat to find the Christmas Ale on hand pump in December and in bottles to stash at home! The food is also very good. Big portions of locally sourced, home cooked grub, massive ploughmans, game pie and the seasonal Sunday roast boasts grouse, partridge, duck, rabbit you name it, and all for very reasonable prices. The clientele are generally quiet folk who enjoy a good pint and the bar staff are always helpful. Generally doesn't get too busy as it's tucked away off the main thoroughfare.

28 Jan 2010 14:30