The Narrow Street Pub & Dining Room, Limehouse

Surprisingly shabby and uncared for in places - bar staff were removed.

I'm not surprised Gordon's had to sell his Ferrari.

Clientele were mixture of Friday night boozers and overdressed diners - clearly a big night out!

Didn't eat but the menu looked overpriced.

Great for views down the river and you can smoke too.

Beer was OK but left feeling like I'd just exited a Wetherspoons for the middle classes.

Poor.

11 Jul 2009 19:29

The Grapes, Limehouse

Tiny ancient boozer; all dark wood, uneven floors and low ceilings.

Very good Adnams on the pumps. Tiny jetty out the back where you can stand over a bend in the Thames with Docklands to the East and the Tower of London and then the London Eye just visible to the West. Unfortunately you can't smoke out there which is the only advantage that the Narrow down the road has.

Shame about the tourists.

Go on a summer's evening at high tide.

11 Jul 2009 19:16

The Hermits Cave, Camberwell

Best pub in Camberwell, Dulwich or Brixton.

Clientele is a mixture of alcoholics, art students and the lucky residents of Camberwell Grove. No music but can be loud nevertheless. Moira and her dad run a tight ship, but they're genuinely very decent people - when I told them I was leaving the area they bought me a pint! Also, on St Patrick's day they throw on half-decent free Irish Stew; walk in and get your fill.

At its best in winter when the two fires are on full tilt. Summer and you can watch the street gangs and King's mental patients amble around Church Street from the pavement outside.

Great variety of beer and arguably one of the best real ales in the country: Shrimpers.

If you take your girlfriend there, and she likes it, marry her quick.

11 Jul 2009 18:40