The Fentiman Arms, Kennington

This used to be a nice down to earth pub but in the last couple of years its made a definite attempt to go up market. Unfortunately in doing this it has lost all of its charm, The sign outside read 'showing Rugby, NOT football' which sums up the kind of Bolly swigging rahs they intend to attract (incidentally, they were showing the football). These pretentions unfortunately also extend to the food which is overpriced (�10 for a tiny portion of bangers and mash), measly (small portions meant we were all still hungry after we finished) and uninspiring (Thai chicken noodles looked and tasted microwaved, and again was tiny). Our waitress was rude (my friend asked if they did pizza and she repled sniffily 'do you see pizza on the menu?) which wasnt answering the question was it? The other customers look like they would be more at home in Clapham. Rugby shirts, fat bellys and upturned noses made for a dull, bland atmosphere. All in all not good. Its a shame as the beer garden is quite nice, although a tad overdone (theres such a thing as TOO much decking). This pub has pretentions but unfortunately neither the atmosphere nor the food live up to them. OK for a pint but dont eat here - you will leave hungry and unsatisfied. Restaurant prices for tiny portions of average food in a noisy smoky boozer full of loud mouthed, fat bellied, uptight bankers. Yuk. 2/10

7 Sep 2003 14:32