pub comments# beerintheevening.com

Lord Clyde, Borough

user reviews of the Lord Clyde, Borough

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Been visitin on and off for 30 yrs...Always consistently good and characterful, although it has possibly got a little on the pricey side

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mont62y - 22 Mar 2013 15:32

This is an excellent pub, went here with a friend after work. The decor, fixtures and fittings are great and its like stepping back in time. Staff friendly and a decent (somewhat standard?) range of real ales, all of which were well kept. Well worth a visit.

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WillfromWandsworth - 13 Mar 2013 12:10

A very nice locals pub, filled with real Londoners (a bit of a rarity for somewhere relatively central). Good selection of beers on handpull, friendly staff, a beautiful Truman’s tiled exterior and an interesting C1979 interior. A grand old place, worth seeking out.

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JoWard25 - 5 Feb 2013 10:04

I was very impressed by this pub. Not just for the classic exterior and interior, which makes it feel like a proper boozer, but the quality ales on offer. And above all, the friendly atmosphere that prevailed on the evening I visited, made it feel very welcoming. Worth seeking out.

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twohalves - 26 Jun 2012 19:57

Cracking pub, as aesthetically pleasing as any I've drank in. Good, friendly, professional service. Clean toilets. Nicely tucked away off the beaten track. Sky sports showing football and horse racing, without being obtrusive.

Only slight criticism I would have is drinks aren't cheap and not an amazing range of ales, but what they do have (TEA, Pride etc) is kept well enough. Great pub.

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Beer_in_the_morning - 1 Jun 2012 13:35

Splendid local, with good atmosphere, well kept beer and a sense of its history: the outside is magnificent, photo on the wall shows a party of customers going on a trip in the 1920s and it is unchanged. The inside looks as if it hasn't been 'improved' either. Highly recommended as an escape from the madness of Borough High Street.

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Schwalbe - 19 Nov 2011 21:09

I've been using this pub, on and off, since the early 1970's and still visit it 3 or 4 times a year. Unlike many other pubs in the area it remains a real pub. The only changes it notice over this time are the removal of the division between the old public, saloon and snug bars; a better choice of beers; hot food now being served; and the retirement of two generations of licensees - its now being run by the third generation of the same family. Food, beer, and good service in a real pub - what more can one ask?

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KingTancred - 27 Oct 2011 14:36

The pub has some good things going for it. It has friendly staff, some character, a bustling atmosphere and a number of fairly common real ales (e.g. Youngs, London Pride, Hogsback TEA, Doombar were on when I visited). However, I tried three of the ales and, while all were drinkable, none were as good as they could have been. What this pub needs is a bit more variety in the ales and more attention to how the beer is kept. Until then it's OK, but not worth going out of your way to visit.

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hitchinsampler - 7 Oct 2011 23:25

Step back in time to a wonderfully clad Victorian boozer. This pub has probably changed little since the second world war and would be a perfect period backdrop for tv or film. I don't manage to get here as often as I would like, when in the area. Its a little of the beaten track but well worth the visit. A very clean and relaxed atmosphere with well kept regional classics. This is a pub operated with an unusual tradition in the 21st century, that of father to son- long may it continue.

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huntsbeer - 12 Sep 2011 23:50

Really nice pub, second visit and a bit quieter this time due to the earlier hour, good looking pub from the outside and just as good inside. .My pint of youngs ordinary was as good as its likely to ever be since moving home. A spotlessly clean pub, a friendly landlord who obviously knows what he's talking about, all ingredients for a top pub.Borough 78 is obviously someone with a personal grudge or some kind of nutter. A must visit pub.

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Picasso09 - 27 Jun 2011 21:55

Fantastic little pub. Nice selection of ale, reasonable prices and an interior that seems not to have changed much since it was built - very charming! As an added bonus, it has one of the cleanest, well-kept ladies' toilets that I've ever seen in a pub. Well worth a trip - and if you live in the area it's almost guaranteed that you'll be back.

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abhowell - 21 May 2011 12:38

This pub is one pub in borough that I will never visit again. The " locals" are very unfriendly which is not normal for pubs around here. The landlady was rude and the perception seemed to be that my face simply didn't fit! The wine was warm and tasted like vinegar,.. The price definately suit the substandard wine, I was given.

There are many bars and pubs in the area, my advice is to stay away from this one especially at the weekend unless you support millwall!!!

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Borough78 - 27 Mar 2011 16:06

Fairly pedestrian beer range, but a really friendly backstreet pub that looks gorgeous from the outside and gets better still when you go through the door. Tucked away, but people in the know will seek this out and won't be disappointed.

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rob1981 - 21 Mar 2011 23:52

Visited yesterday about 1400 and found the place pretty busy.

Adnams, Pride, Young's Bitter, TEA and Doombar on offer at �3.20 or �3.30. Beer quality was good, service prompt and friendly. You really feel welcome in this place.

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cheshirecat - 10 Feb 2011 08:51

Very nice backstreet local, but welcoming to all; staff and punters all very friendly. Lovely old Trumans tiled on the outside, and cosy Victorian decor inside. Well worth visiting.

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tonyandrachel - 15 Jan 2011 14:33

Friendly, atmospheric old fashioned boozer. Can't quite understand the comment about the absence of locals - they're always in watching the racing on a Saturday afternoon, anyway. Unusual in having Pride, Youngs and Adnams - three common enough beers but you don't often see them together. They do a good pint of TEA as well. An excellent pub in an area that seems to specialise in them.

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paul154 - 30 Dec 2010 14:36

I like this place after one visit, it reminds me of what the Wenlock would be if smartened up...Nice xmas decs up. Very busy by 6pm....however the xmas opening times suggest locals don't use it much! Only gripe was the size of my salt beef sandwich, a bit on the dinky side. Doom bar was fine.

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loveleedshatebates - 23 Dec 2010 10:13

Impressive exterior and equally quality as a pub where you feel at home immediately upon entry even on a first visit. Buzzing on a Saturday afternoon despite or perhaps because of the snow and low temperature outside. True, some of the ales on offer are standard for the area, but the Pride was very much on form and there is also Doom Bar for those requiring something more exotic. Very efficient and busy barmaid who still had time to be pleasant with her customers. A definate place to revisit, the experience is well worth the effort.

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Stamfordian - 20 Dec 2010 11:09

There are a lot of decent pubs in the Borough area and a number of very good ones. The Lord Clyde stands comparison with any of them. It is located on a very small side street just off Marshalsea Rd in a fairly unpromising location up against an estate. The exterior appears completely unspoiled with Truman's motif on the wall and the two doors indicating public and saloon bars even though they open into the same space.

The main bar area is L-shaped with the bar in the centre and comfortable deep red decor with some particularly comfortable upholstered benches along some of the walls. As an added winter bonus there is an open fire on the left hand side of the room. A second smaller room is located to the right and rear of the bar. All the walls are covered in historical prints, posters and photographs and I was particularly interested to see a Truman's price chart for 1966 in the rear left corner - all pints around the two shilling mark.

There are 5 pumps with a fairly standard selection of Youngs Ordinary, Pride, Adnams, Doom Bar and the slightly more exotic Hogsback TEA. My pint of Doom Bar was fine. Basic but appetising food was being served when I was in with the burgers and doorstep sandwiches being the best looking.

This is an excellent local pub which is well worth making the effort to visit.

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murgatroyd - 7 Dec 2010 13:55

Called in Saturday afternoon on a crawl around Southwark.Pleasant landlady and bar maid. . Authentic interior with two seperate rooms, with one showing racing and the other football,The TEA was very good.

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covman45 - 2 Nov 2010 16:09

Very nice traditional pub, had lunch here a couple of times recently, food home cooked and very good, particularly like the salt beef sandwich. 5 beers on, the TEA and Pride were both well kept. Worth seeking out.

Oh and @LessThanJake you are reviewing the wrong pub, you were in the Royal Oak on Tabard St where you would have had a pint of Harvey's Kiss and sat at the little table in the corner by the books. Food there is normally great too.

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Tryp - 31 Oct 2010 00:40

Glad I hadn't read some of the recent posts about this impressive, clean, friendly local before visiting. TEA was in very good nick and, though clearly doing no food on Sundays, they produced a generous little platter of nibbles. Excellent pub.

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joegreen - 12 Oct 2010 21:25

Smasshing old school pub, good selection of ales on last night. The Hogsback TEA was very nice. Had a disagrement over what I was charged for beers when we first went in. Turned out that I was wrong. However, the Landlord handled it in a a very low key and professional way - he could have taken more umbridge at my mistake. Yet another reason to favour this decent, honest pub.

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Alfnoax - 9 Apr 2010 10:21

Yes, this pub has character. But, I've never had a decent pint in here. I've dropped in four times over the last year, always hoping (having read other comments). Last week my companion and I had insipid, stale tasting ales (one was the Hooky but it might have been any generic, complacently kept beer). Perhaps the management could devote their efforts to looking after the ales rather then the bickering on this site.

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alebarry - 25 Mar 2010 12:55

Just a few answers to the management of Lord Clyde.

First of all, I am not random talking, I can assure you I do not mistake this pub with another one, I had it written on my London map, as I always do in the UK, following the advices of this site.

1) Maybe I have mistaken the name of the real ale, quite surely I was drinking Hooky (similar pronunciation in phonetic Italian)...and maybe I didn't see the other pumps because of the real mess, anyway I am 100% sure that two pumps were out of service, and this is not good in my humble opinion.

2) We ate in a round table near the book shelf (I was pleased to see one of Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell, I have them all), me and my girlfriend very packed with another couple, is that a large table? Don't think so really. Behind there is a sofa with another table but it was taken by two girls.

3) It was extremely hot, like being in a greenhouse, in everyone's opinion.

Poor beer range and average food, too hot and packed, we had a very very uncomfortable evening and I have reported it, saying also I will give this pub another try.

I think this is the spirit of this site.

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LessThanJake - 22 Mar 2010 17:58

Sorry, but I just don't get all this praise for what is a very average pub. Yes the interior is impressively unspoilt but so what? The pub sells Youngs, Adnams and Pride - boring safe choices. I always visit the pub when crawling in the area and the beer is well kept but No.5 in the the Top 40 pubs? That's a joke. Someone playing fast and loose with the ratings I think. To redress the balance I'm giving the pub a zero.

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stevieshears - 18 Mar 2010 23:09

Hello. With respect to LessThanJake I think he might have the wrong pub.
1st) We have 5 real ale pumps, so if 2 were off then there would still be a choice of 3 not 1. Hooky, T.E.A., Adnams, London Pride and Youngs nothing that resembles Kiss or similar.
2nd) The tables near our book shelf are the largest in the pub.
3rd) The weather has been quite cold recently so we do have the fires on, but if the pub gets too cold we would turn the fires off and turn on the extractor fans.

I hope this clarifies matters.

The Management

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thelordclyde - 15 Mar 2010 01:26

Doors open, but not serving tonight ~19:30, road outside dug up - possible pedestrianisation? If so, is alfresco society about to arrive at this otherwise classic pub?

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trainman - 14 Mar 2010 23:57

Hi, I am a real ale lover from Venice (Italy), visiting the UK very often.

We (me and my girlfriend) popped in a week ago at 6:15 pm to have a good pint and order some food.

Wrong choice. The pub was full, we had to share a little table with another couple (very nice guys) near the book shelves, above all it was extremely hot, everyone around us was sweating and complaining untill a window was finally opened, not a confortable dinner at all.

The food was just passable, two real ales were finished, so two hand pumps turned, out of service, only one choice (I don't know if in the other area of the pub there were other pumps but we simply couldn't move and reach that because of the real mess), Kiss or something with this word. My pint was ok.

The exterior of this pub is simply awesome, very traditional and chatty boozer, with a small selection of books inside, the staff is kind, but my advice is to avoid eating here, at least at dinner in week-ends; the food is not worth, and the pub too crowded for my taste, very very packed.

The Lord Clyde is clearly a drinkers pub, unfortunately also my real ale experience was not very good, because of the limited offer (only one pump on as written before) and it was about 6:20 pm when I ordered so not too late I think.

I'll give it another try for sure during my next trip to London.

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LessThanJake - 8 Mar 2010 14:38

After lunch in the super Royal Oak popped into this wonderful looking pub. This sort of place should be preserved by the Council, English Heritage or something. These places are fast disappearing and should be protected. The inside is a little bit disappointing but there are some great old pictures round the wall showing that the pub has hardly changed. A real gem and a good pint of Hooky to boot.

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lyeemoon - 18 Feb 2010 20:42

First impressions were great, the preserved tiled exterior, and the old Truman's Eagle presiding over the corner entrance door, all boded well. Once inside, just excellent, two rooms in the old traditional style, although the outside doors suggested the front bar was once two, the front room has the bar, a seperate area to the rear served via a hatch. Loads of interesting old photos, but my favourite bit of decor was the 1961 price list for Truman's Ales; Bitter at 1/5, best, 1/8 and mild at 1/2. Where is that Tardis when you want one!!
Fires lit in both rooms on a cold day, a real homely feel with curtains at the windows, spotless tables and carpets, even a chiming clock.
Great quality beer, Youngs Bitter, Pride, Adnams Bitter, Hogs Back TEA, and Hook Norton Hooky Bitter.
A superb pub with real character situated in an area of good pubs. Don't miss this one.

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Maldenman - 21 Jan 2010 21:47

After a visit to the Tate Modern, this was a truely welcomed recommendation.

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HarryScarlett - 16 Jan 2010 21:27

What a lovely pub in an unexpected place. Beer was fine. Staff welcoming. Clientele mixed. Compared to places like the trinity, light years ahead. I'm a convert and will be visiting this place regularly. I thought they'd closed down all these pubs!

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dry_riser_inlet - 12 Jan 2010 23:38

Thoroughly recommended. I visited here a couple of days ago & would like to post here my thanks for the gentleman who gave up his bar stool by the fire for my sister as soon as we walked in. This made for a great first impression of this lovely pub. Lots of character (and characters!) with a friendly chap behind the bar serving. Good beer selection.

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rjb1973 - 5 Jan 2010 10:31

Why is the user rating for this pub{at the time of writing}only 7.6 ,it should be 10.there are too few traditional pubs and this is one of the best I have seen!

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SwanageRailwayfan - 4 Jan 2010 16:07

A London classic; highly recommended to true beer drinkers.

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CityBobby - 30 Dec 2009 12:51

Splendidly traditional, unpretentious smallish neighbourhood local situated in a quiet side street off Marshalsea Road. An inn has apparently been on this site for nearly 300 years, although the current building only dates back to 1913. The distinctive Truman Hanbury Buxton exterior - including the trademark eagle logo - is noteworthy, which, combined with the unspoilt original internal features, gives the pub a place in CAMRA's London Regional Inventory.

Old style heavy-duty red curtains have been retained by the two entrances and these lead to an interior with much wood pannelling, brass fittings and leather banquettes. Pub windows retain etched glass and those windows that bear the inscription "saloon bar" and "public bar" confirm what the separate entrances suggest - namely that this used to be a multi-room pub. It's now one main single L shaped cosy and comfortable carpeted bar, but with a separate adjoining public bar at the back serviced via a hatch. The pub is decorated with a number of old photographs of the area. Note also the splendid large mirror advertising "Unrivalled Mild Ales and Double Stout".

On my recent Wednesday evening visit, it was noticeable how the pub clearly appeals to a wide cross section of customers - both youmg and old - and of both sexes. Apologies for getting on my soapbox again - but this is the type of old school traditional pub that the marketing department gurus of the bigf pubco's would have us believe that no-one goes in any more. Well, guess what chaps if you're reading this - you're so wrong. When I started pubbing in the late 1970's, all pubs seemed to be like this and it's a crying shame that they're disappearing so fast.

5 real ales were on - London Pride, GK IPA, Youngs, Adnams and Hogs Back TEA. The latter - � 3.20p - was on good form. Some previous posters have expressed disappointment at the beer range. I suppose that this is a reflection on how CAMRA and the increased availability of real ale, combined with the number of new micro breweries have raised people's expectations in recent years. For my part, whilst understanding the disappointment, I would rather drink a "mainstream" real ale in a pub like this in preference to drinking a micro brewery beer in a so called contemporary pub, complete with its stripped out interior, pine floorboards, uncomfortable wooden seats and poncey arty-farty food.

The Lord Clyde remains one of my favourite London pubs - long may it continue to flourish and prosper.

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JohnBonser - 14 Dec 2009 13:47

Popped in for a swift pint as I was staying local & it's in the book of historic London pubs- great tiled exterior complete with Trumans Eagle & a proper pub inside too. I enjoyed my Hogsback TEA. Glad I made the effort to find it.

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pcummings - 29 Nov 2009 19:12

Four beers on - excellent 'Tea'. Slightly pricey but I'll ignore that and the extra handpump with Greene shyte IPA. What a pub should be like. Great relief!

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baggydave - 13 Nov 2009 21:22

Yes A very nice good Looking Pub from outside and still has several small bars Inside. I had A few Pints of Pride that was in good condition when I went in. I would say Its a good Pub overall. But only spoilt for me when I went in by the TV showing the football being on far too loud.

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Alesonly - 8 Oct 2009 14:22

Poor beer range as stated in the last review and a average pub with nothing really going for it in my opinion. Any pub that shows Racing UK during the day doesnt deserve to be in the Top 40 on this site

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superseagulls - 3 Sep 2009 19:42

I tend to agree with the last couple of reviews. The pub is an interesting survivor and well looked after. Beer range was a bit disappointing - Pride, Youngs Bitter, Adnams and GK IPA at �3.10 or �3.20. With 4 handpumps, I'd have thought one guest won't go admiss. The Pride was excellent though and the lady serving very friendly.

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cheshirecat - 25 Aug 2009 09:46

I think the two previous reviewers are spot on, this is a good pub but is rather overshadowed by the fact there are better pubs in the SE1 proximity. The tiled exterior of this place is fantastic, and should be preserved for that alone, but the range of beers was a little predictable - Pride, Adnams, Youngs Bitter and the ubiquitous Greene King IPA, all priced at the �3 mark. My Adnams was in very reasonable form and it was filled with locals on a saturday afternoon. I'd consider giving it another shot but Borough has better.

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ChrisP87 - 29 Mar 2009 11:00

always very busy considering it's location and all the other great pubs in the area ,the beer is in top condition although they could do with a regular guest ale, on the couple of occaisions I've been in they only have Adnams and Pride, not my favs,but they seem to go down well with the locals,personally I'd prefer it if they had a couple of booths or alcoves that you could hide away in

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vinnnie - 12 Feb 2009 12:33

Went in here one summer afternoon im 2008. It was fairly busy with as many drinking outside on the pavement as indoors. We managed to get a table in the small rear bar. Not overly impressed. There are better pubs in the Borough area in my opinion.

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blue_scrumpy - 1 Feb 2009 18:07

I've been popping in here on and off for about five years and love it. Tucked away round a corner you can feel it's your secret especiallly given the hospitality of the staff .
I agree with everything that has been said - great atmosphere, good range of beer well kept , looks like a proper London boozer should look - television only on when required for sport etc. It seems churlish to pick on a detail but I wish the cleaner would lighten up on the furniture polish, the place reeks of it and it is so overpowering as to interfere with the taste of the beer. Longer sessions can leave you with a headache , and not for the usual reasons. I'm sorry to sound to cast a shadow over otherwise glowing reports but I find it raelly does make a difference

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fitzonthepiss - 15 Jan 2009 11:14

This is a great pub with excellent staff and good clientele.

There is a dartboard case on the wall, but there were tables and chairs set out on the oche so I�m not sure if there is actually a board in there. There is also a plasma screen in the back bar above the gents door so don�t worry if you walk out of it and think that everyone is staring at you.

The curtains around the doors were worth their weight in gold as it was freezing outside, but they kept the heat in. I wish that more pubs would add little touches like this to make their patrons more comfortable.

This pub certainly stands out in an area of great drinking establishments and I would make a special trip to drink here again.

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Strongers - 7 Jan 2009 13:28

Buzzing on New Years Day when the Borough Market pubs weren't open. Excellent Adnams available, inobtrusive racing on TV. Glad I called here on the offchance.

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TiaMariaJim - 5 Jan 2009 15:14

Very welcoming local pub. Good range of beer, although nothing out of the ordinary.

Cracking lunchtime sarnies.

Top couple running it and always plesant staff.

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gaiusoctavianvs - 22 Oct 2008 12:40

A great, traditional boozer with a very friendly atmosphere. Five real ales on - always in excellent condition - albeit with a rather unadventurous choice of London Pride, Spitfire, Greene King IPA, Youngs Ordinary and Broadside. Well worth a visit.

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rpadam - 1 Oct 2008 21:55

Very nice place indeed; certainly worth a visit on Bankside tour.

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SUSSEXSAXON - 27 Sep 2008 06:52

I won the Daily Mirror prize for selecting this pub years ago as the best in the London area; it hasn't changed. Superb! Run by Michael who went to school with my eldest brother Jim at La Salete at London Bridge. This is one of the best pubs in the country and a marvellous film/tv set. Hurry along and enjoy!

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anonymous - 25 Sep 2008 01:00

Friendly staff. Good boozer. Nice drinks.

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Maggie8 - 11 Aug 2008 18:45

Happened across this pub on an unplanned trip to the area, was half expecting for me and my mate (mid twenties)to be treated as outsiders / unwelcome youngsters.
Couldn't have been more wrong - we recieved an excelent welcome from the (presumably) couple behind the bar, the service was impeccable and the spitfire was lovely, regrettably didn't have more time to spend a try a couple of others

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SWmell0 - 18 Jul 2008 16:10

In here last night as part of the BITE regulars meet up. Good old fashioned pub although they were showing the football. Back room had a hatch through to the bar. Beers as listed below, Adnams was ok.

According to the stattos this pub is in the shortest street in London.

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GuideDogSaint - 14 Jun 2008 12:33

I've read a lot about this pub, and to be honest I was slightly disappointed when I finally got around to visit. As the previous poster mentions the ales on offer are not exactly adventurous. The staff and guests were friendly, but I had this feeling of being a stranger invading their pub. Might have been there on a bad day, though. Will probably give it another try.

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Bard - 29 May 2008 23:17

Visited on a Thursday lunchtime. I've read the last few reviews, and there's little to add. A lovely, traditional looking pub. I don't know if its ever had a makeover, but its easy to imagine that its looked more or less as it does for many years.

Staff were very friendly and quick, although the place wasn't busy. I didn't try the food.

The only slight disappointment was the beer options. The selection - Pride, Adnams, Youngs, Spitfire, and Greene King IPA - are common all over town. I was on the last one and must say it was the best pint of GK IPA I've had for quite some time. So, well kept beer, just a shame about the choice.

I imagine this place is already on real ale drinkers' lists. I'd give it an 8.5.

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Mercurial - 23 May 2008 14:26

Stumbled upon this pub by chance. Good selection of ales, comfortable interior and friendly bar staff. I'll be back!

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pomona - 21 May 2008 00:58

You'll love it!

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gonetolunch - 9 May 2008 22:27

Nice old school London secret boozer a bit out the way buts a nice wee pub to have a few pints in. Was in here for a couple last monday afternoon with one of my work colleagues. Foods cheap and cheerful aswell.

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dgriffin - 7 Apr 2008 16:22

Try the warm salt beef sarnies.....joy!

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mrse1 - 5 Mar 2008 17:20

Good beer, good people, good pub.

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pretaminger - 4 Mar 2008 09:41

I love the Clyde, have been back a few times with some friends who have also left mighty impressed.

A hidden gem - lovely.

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Quinno - 3 Feb 2008 20:40

A really simple review to be honest

Came here about six months ago and being honest, had forgotten the same of the pub which is why the delay in review. Will not do this again as the place is a great find, particularly with fierce competition in the area.

What is nice is that this predominantly a local pub, but yet also allows you to feel part of the furiniture. Beer choice is reasonable and well kept, staff friendly and accomodating, and decor is old fashioned and as a pub should be.

I've ranted a lot in the past about tradition and keeping pubs as pubs, and it always makes me smile when I can actually go in a boozer and feel it is a real old fashioned boozer and not feel it's either some pseudo art-house pub (Hoxton) or a pubclub where the worst of both worlds live. Thankfully this is like a tin of Ronseal - it does what it does exactly what it says on the tin.

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rampantwurzel - 10 Jan 2008 14:28

Beer and company always good. A really well kept boozer, that is, and feels very local in a positive way.

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mrse1 - 12 Dec 2007 14:29

Another very enjoyable visit last night en route to a Xmas Dinner with work colleagues in the Royal Oak.

Splendidly unspoilt interior - rather reminiscent of the majority of Youngs pubs in the 70's when I did the 135 tour.

Previous comments say most of what needs saying, but this pubs ticks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned.

I'm slightly surprised that more of the "usual suspects" who regularly post on this site don't seem to have been here - this is a neglect of duty that you are recommended to rectify sooner rather than later ! You won't be disappointed.

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JohnBonser - 11 Dec 2007 12:47

A great pub but falls short of being a 9/10 out of 10 by the boring selection of real ales. It looks great and the service was excellent. The pictures around the pub and the general feel is second to none and the sausage baguette I had was good. However, the beer selection didn�t grab me. Youngs, Pride, Adnams, GK IPA and Spitfire are all readily available in London so something a bit different would have been the clincher for me. Saying that still well worth a visit.

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TheHorsesMouth - 19 Jul 2007 09:27

Friendly local pub - the last review said it all...

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jonnyt - 9 Jul 2007 13:19

Nice boozer, with friendly locals who are still local, which is increasingly rare in London. Nice old interior too, and good beer.

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PeoplesPalace - 5 Jul 2007 19:55

One of the finest pubs in London.

Totally unspoilt/undeveloped, with superb beer, great bar staff, and a proper pub atmosphere.

A bit weird in the winter, as they have curtains around the doors, to prevent draughts, so its a bit like going on stage, when you enter the pub.

Brilliant. Let's hope it never gets spoilt

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fishcox - 18 Jun 2007 10:47

What a magnificent pub. Real beer, real people, great staff, proper landlord, tourist free, proper light and bitter (i.e. there's some left in the bottle after you've topped up to the pint mark), no music (at least while I was there). The kind of pub that makes life worth living.

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cfcmark - 15 Jun 2007 14:34

An absolutely wonderful old-skool local, with a friendly and convivial welcome on Friday.

Got some nice heritage factors (glass work on the doors) it's nicely lit and would be a very easy place to settle in on a winters night for a couple of hours. And I really dig those red curtains round the door too.

Four mainstream handpulls on the go, the Adnams Bitter and Spitfire were both on good form. Shame there wasn't a slightly more eclectic selection - this is the right kind of area (and pub) in which to shift it.

My personal favourite in the Borough area right now, a must-visit when out with your mates. Misses out on a 10 by the lack of originality on the beer front, but otherwise fabulous.

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Quinno - 28 Feb 2007 22:53

Played darts in here in a separate room. The Youngs in here is always excellent, often better than many Youngs pubs. In fact it was so good that I didnt try the Adnams or the Fullers Pride. -Excellent service and the football on the TV added to my enjoyment.

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Secretary - 22 Feb 2007 11:27

Excellent place and can't get there enough - living 5 miles away is a major irritant but worth trips to the area just for the Clyde. The locals seem decent and friendly- have ended up in many an interesting chat with people I wouldn't have met otherwise.

The staff really seem to make the pub: always friendly. You will get served quickly AND in the order you get to the bar... unlike some of the nearby pubs. I know some of the other posters have criticised the scope of the ale selection (fair enough), but it is always well kept: good cellar obviously.

The food looks great (haven't tried it yet). Overall this is a proper old London boozer and I hope it stays that way.

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arctral - 18 Feb 2007 18:06

Nice to see a good honest traditional local like this at No 1 in the BITE listings. Well done

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JohnBonser - 9 Feb 2007 13:36

I thought this was a great pub. Although I feel that it should be called a battle cruiser rather than a pub. Cosy and warming on a cold Sunday evening, with amajor warming atmosphere to match. Seems to have stayed pretty similar for the last 50 years or so, with the only really modern addition being the Sky Sports, which I felt wasn't too intrusive (since I don't really follow the footie). Beer was OK, all the standard London ales avaliable (by which I mean Pride, Youngs, Adnams and Greene King IPA). There are other pubs nearby with better selctions, but this is place has a really nice feel so I would recommend it anyway.

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Muzthing - 8 Jan 2007 20:35

An oasis in a mad world.
A couple of pints of well kept IPA are often sufficient to tempt a few to follow in this lovely, classic, comfortable, friendly pub.

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mchumph - 13 Dec 2006 16:58

I'm not sure what Dartman means. The pub has only one darts team, but we play in two leagues. This is a fantastic pub, and whether you want to throw darts or not, its worth a visit. Just please don't sit by the dart board on Wednesday or Thursday evenings, thanks.

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cliffpatte - 13 Dec 2006 11:25

Lovely familiy run pub and have used it over the past 20 years. Mike the landlord has prided himself of giving what the punters want. A no-nonsense but friendly establishment serving a good array of beers. The back room is the perfect size for a private party and the famous 'hatch' is the perfect loophole for a quick pint. Try it, you will be surprised, thou I would say, be careful leaving a car in the vicinity as its locale is slighty off the beaten path, within the shadow of a some shady looking tenements.

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flatcapman - 11 Dec 2006 01:18

A pub which is the home venue for a couple of darts teams, though in the absence of organised darts you can often turn up and find a table on the oche with a family of 12 tucking into their dinner. Good beer.

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Dart_Man - 29 Nov 2006 13:31

What can I say, I didn't believe this was a good pub for so long on someone else's sayso but after repeated visits over the last 18 months I can say that person was talking out of their datehole and this is a gem. The ale selection although well 'behaved' isn't inspiring compared to the Dickens or Porter or Royal Oak but there are enough to keep you happ.

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mitomighty - 10 Nov 2006 22:55

Nice place, clean and well run. Food is decent, it's not going to win any michelin stars but good standard fare.

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mralistair - 11 Oct 2006 23:51

Very nice indeed - it's been run by the same family for 50 years and it has that friendly feel to it. Five real ales on offer - a classic 'old school' pub.

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pubcollector - 29 Sep 2006 22:50

A classic boozer

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McMitsouko - 19 Sep 2006 12:58

Classic backstreet local. Very welcoming, serves up an excellent pint of Spitfire.

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BlindTiger - 27 Aug 2006 15:34

Agree with other comments, a truly great pub. Went in whilst in London at the GBBF. a couple of weeks ago, on my afternoon off. Very impressed.Would recommend it, all that a friendly corner local should be, the beer is good too!!

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glossopowl - 20 Aug 2006 09:39

Pretty standard range of real ales, but still a great pub. All round traditional feel, some nice mirrors and interesting tiles in the gents! Real locals feel about the place, but always very welcoming. 8/10

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NoLasher - 30 Jun 2006 18:41

Popped in for a quick half after lunch today. Favourably impressed. Will definitely return after which I will do a longer write-up.

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malcolmw - 15 May 2006 20:42

Definitely an absolute corker. Lovely exterior and quite plush divided interior, nice and friendly staff and regulars. They even had a platter of whelks out in the back room when I was here on grand national day!

Great to see four hand pumps in operation but I do have a gripe - the beer choice was Young's bitter, Fuller's London Pride, Shep Neame Spitfire, Adnam's Bitter and GK IPA. Perhaps the most uninspring choice imaginable - three of them decent beers, fine, but a bit of variety might be nice. Applies to so many pubs - if you are going to make the effort to have five different real ales on, why offer such a bland choice?

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anonymous - 25 Apr 2006 17:41

A classic - this is what pubs should be like - long may it remain so. Highly recommended

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JohnBonser - 25 Apr 2006 17:26

Everything a pub should be. Decent beer, friendly staff, nice atmosphere. Not the biggest of pubs but there always seems to be somewhere to sit. The kind of place you can happily while away a wet January afternoon

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gatecrasher - 4 Jan 2006 22:47

Dropped in with a friend last night after fleeing from the madness of the Market Porter. The range of five ales is unimaginative: Spitfire, London Pride, Young's, Adnams, Greene King IPA in decending order of strength; the first two @�2.80 and the rest �2.70, which is too expensive to be frank, but other than that everything about the place gets full marks. The London Pride, probably my favourite mainstream beer was excellent, the landlord greeted us in a friendly manner as soon as we got to the bar and we got comfortable seats and a table near to a blazing fire - most welcome on the coldest day of the winter so far. The whole atmosphere was pleasant with classic pop music playing at a sensible volume and just the right number of people to make it feel lively without being crowded. The place is also tastefully fitted out, with old photographs of the pub and neighbourhood on the walls.

If you like the Royal Oak (a few minutes walk away across the other side of Borough High Street) the chances are you'll like the Lord Clyde too.

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Rich66 - 18 Dec 2005 14:15

A good selection of ales which are invariably in excellent condition. Great atmosphere, particularly on a darts night.

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ChrisF - 9 Dec 2005 10:46

Great - virtually everything you want in a pub

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anonymous - 7 Dec 2005 23:20

wonderful pub. been in the same family for many years,good food and beer.always worth a visit if you are in the area.

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stevenbailey - 7 Dec 2005 23:15

Yup, great pub. After just one Friday night visit, it's right up there. Two guys who were playing darts when we got in there dissapeared shortly after, only to return later with the gorgeous Kiera Knightly in tow. Obviously not in tow like some old water tender or similar.

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danrkelly - 13 Nov 2005 07:39

Went for the first time on Friday. Nice place, nice beer, and nice staff. And just enough out of the way so it's not too busy.

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jamesleek - 25 Jul 2005 11:48

I popped in here last weekend and th beer was very well kept indeed. I first visited back in the late 80's when I was a postman in the area. It's always been a consistently nice backstreet local, but with strangers able to blend in comfortably too.

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Rich66 - 4 Jul 2005 15:48

I'm getting dead fons of backstreet boozers, this is a find locals pub hidden in Borough. It's like popping back in to the early eighties world of pubs, a bit rough but well worth it.

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MrScott - 4 Jul 2005 13:11

Absolutely solid boozer. Lots of locals. The ale was very well kept.

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anonymous - 27 Mar 2005 03:14

Haven't really got much to add to the previous comments: good back street local, architecturally interesting, well kept beer and friendly atmosphere. If you go here during a week day or evening, pay the Royal Oak in nearby Tabard Street a visit also.

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thequaffer - 17 Mar 2005 12:57

Splendidly traditional unspoilt local. On the CAMRA Regional Inventory for its outstanding architecture, both inside and out.
5 draught beers on - Youngs Ordinary, Sheps Spitfire, Fullers London Priide, Greene King IPA and Adnams.
Highly recommended.

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JohnBonser - 11 Mar 2005 10:44

I wholly concur with the comments left below. This is a great place to while away a lunch hour with a tabloid and a pint. Food is indeed fairly priced, with sandwiches at around �3 and main meals under a fiver. Thanks for the suggestion C.

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Loz - loz@beerintheevening.com - 13 Oct 2004 13:47

This pub is a gem. Lovely, well kept, predoninantly red interior. Non-intrusive music. Reasonable prices and good selection of ales. Wine satifactory. No nasty advertising paraphenalia on tables. Extremely well run by friendly but not over familiar staff. Food available (not gourmet but at fair prices ie �5 for steak n kidney pie and potatoes or chips). Toilets clean.
The only problem? you go for one pint and its so nice......
Point of interest -- situated on 9possibly0 the shortest street in London - so it may not be on your A-Z.

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Orla - 28 Jul 2004 11:29

this is a fantastic pub - old fashioned architectue, traditionasl style, good beer (spitfire, ipa, fullers) and locals atmosphere.The four tv screens spoil it a bit but I love this place.

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steve - 19 Jul 2004 12:57

Traditional family pub, small and hot, full of old geezers and some local charity staff. Not much excitement here, but friendly enough.

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C - 12 Nov 2003 17:48

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Lord Clyde, Borough

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