Niksons Bar and Restaurant, Battersea

As one of the aforementioned yummy daddies, yeah, I wouldn't go in except in the evening when I could be assured of some peace and quiet.

Had a pint with some friends midweek and had a good night. Pleasant staff, good burgers, I was on Guinness which was perfectly fine for a London pint of the stuff. The refurbishment works well. Mixed crowd of older people out for some nice food, thirtysomethings having a catch-up and well-healed twentysomethings. Prices were average for the area i.e. expensive.

Nicer than a lot of the drinkeries on the Northcote road even if it lacks the Eagle's boozie charm, or the Holy Drinker's knowing hipness. I'll go back.

17 Feb 2009 16:40

The Hope, Wandsworth Common

I think the Hope looks quite nice since the refurb, and the outside space is pleasant in the summer, but the decor was never the problem - service and beer quality are what needs sorting out. I drink in here maybe once a month because it's half-way between a number of friend's places and convenient for the station, and every time I come away disappointed. Takes ages to get served even when it's quiet and the beer always tastes funny to me, like there's something wrong with the pipes. I get the feeling there's a huge turnover in staff so it never has the chance to improve.

With it's position on the common, it could be one of the best pubs in London, but I just find myself wishing it was still a Firkin - at least there were no delusions of grandeur.

2 Jan 2009 18:15

The Exhibit, Balham

Been drinking here off and on for about 8 years. Struggled to find its way in the last few (changed hands a bit I think), but it's still more hit than miss and I still tend to organise at least one gathering a year here which always goes well - areas reserved without trouble, staff are still good, prices have probably gone up like everywhere, but I never think to myself that it's over the top.

Restaurant has to watch itself - had some good meals here, but there are better places to eat in the area. Cocktail bar and cinema are good ideas though and work pretty well.

Clientele have always seemed okay to me - there are plenty more pretentious places all over London, or maybe I'm just a terrible sloane and never realised it before.

2 Jan 2009 18:03