The Gipsy Hill Tavern, Upper Norwood

This pub has a great potential in terms of space and location but you are let down by the deco and the general atmosphere. The beers are ok but average choice. Though service is great, very friendly and prompt, the crowd seem not to be bothered to be there (probably I was just very unlucky).
I must confess that in the summer it gains loads of vitality and it almost seems a different pub.
Wish I could rate them higher as their staff really deserves it!

2 Feb 2007 15:36

The Royal Albert, Crystal Palace

I have been a couple of times to this cute, little, traditional Sunday-roast pub with no pretentiousness. The service is friendly and the food is decent. Did not stimulate my libido but I would go there again probably with the old folks.

2 Feb 2007 15:27

The Black Sheep Bar, Crystal Palace

If it wasn�t for the heavily smoky atmosphere I would have rated this pub higher. Thankfully the crowd of the Puzzle did not shift to the Black Sheep, leaving it immune from a more substantial �downgrade�.
The service is friendly and the atmosphere is nice, though I�d rather be able to speak to the other person standing in front of me rather than shout!
This combined with the passive smoke was a fatal mix for my throat. It took me 2 days to recover to full power!
I believe they will benefit from the smoke ban!

2 Feb 2007 15:24