The Hand and Racquet, Covent Garden

This pubs is definitely shut, it's like the Marie Celeste, with glasses still on the bar and all the christmas decor still up. I've never been in but it's quite sad to see nonethless, another one of the 5 pubs closing in Britain every day...

9 Sep 2008 13:28

The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham

I'm afraid reviewer "baggydave" is right, and it's getting worse. I went for a pint on Saturday lunchtime and discovered that as of Sunday (7th Sept) the pub is closed for 6 weeks for refurbishment. Time will tell but I was told the (historic) bar was going to be removed and the restaurant extended, as well as, inevitably, dogs being banned. I also had a chat with a couple of locals including one of the darts team who were equally upset, especially as darts does not seem to fit in with the management's idea of a pub - or restaurant - as this is clearly what they want to turn this into.

I'm not averse to change if it is for the better and there's no doubt the toilets, for example, are in dire need of a refurb, but I have a fear that the management are going to destroy what was left of the locals bar and replace it with more "covers". Missing the point that the issue with this place is that the food is overpriced and very very average.

I don't even live in the area yet but have been looking to buy locally and inbetween house viewings have popped into the pub on many occasions. I consider the Dulwich Woodhouse to be one of the area's assets. I hope this remains the case but I do fear that the lifeblood of the place will effectively be thrown out along with the old fixtures and fittings...I hope I'm wrong but previous experience suggests otherwise!

8 Sep 2008 12:43

The Gladstone Arms, Borough

A fanastic, quirky, homely and friendly pub. I wish I lived near enough to call it my local. It deserves a much higher rating than it has. There's live music on a saturday night and personally i think it's the best pub in the area by miles.

18 Aug 2008 13:07

Nancy's, Pall Mall

Now called "Nancy's" and seems confused about what it's trying to be...somehow it doesn't quite work. Plus points were very friendly and nice barman, negatives were the extortionate prices (�4.65 for a small glass of wine), faceless decor and inane quotes on the walls.

23 Jul 2008 09:26

The Rising Sun, Kemsing

Personally I think some visitors to the pub have missed the point. The appeal to me is the fact that it's quirky and different. It's a real country pub and is a bit dirty and run down, there are plenty of clinically clean, soulless pubs serving food at extortionate prices in this area and I think this pub is a rare find, a pub with character which lets dogs in and generally contains a fair few eccentrics. Pubs like this should be celebrated and for people who don't find this to their taste, I suggest they return to their slug and lettuces and the like.

7 Apr 2008 15:17

The Duke Of Wellington, Marylebone

I totally agree with the last comment. Except this isn't "virtually" a restaurant, it is one. I went there on Saturday, admittedly lunchtime, and it was full of prams and people eating in hushed tones. I never went to this pub unfortunately but I can imagine it was a lot more interesting than my experience on Saturday. The food was incredibly expensive and not up to much too.

28 Jan 2008 17:07

Moby Dick, Surrey Quays

Just to echo the previous comment, I have also been refused a glass of tap water, despite the fact I was buying a large glass of wine at the same time. There are plenty of local pubs which will appreciate your custom more eg: the Ship and Whale or the Wibbley Wobbley...

6 Jun 2006 18:14

Lazy, Tower Bridge

A great example of how a bar should be run - brilliant service, great decor - it manages to be down to earth and trendy at the same time. There should be more bars like this in London...my only gripe is the recent addition of a plasma screen but I realise I'm probably in a minority and no doubt it helps gets the punters in (& as I hope the bar does really well I guess that's a worthwhile sacrifice). Ladies are on the left and Men on the right fyi...

12 Apr 2006 09:23

The Kings Arms, London Bridge

While I agree that this pub is aesthetically pleasing inside, I think it's ridiculous that they only sell wine in 250 ml measures. I know it is up to the individual to drink responsibly and this isn't the business of a landlady/government or anyone else but to actively encourage irresponsible drinking still seems somewhat out of sync with common sense.

I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to have the option of buying a small glass of wine rather than quarter of a litre - and the landlady's attitude in suggesting I find someone to share it with did not further endear me to her.

Not a pub I'll be revisiting or recommmending.

29 Nov 2004 13:24

The Nags Head, Belgravia

If anyone knows of a more perfect pub in London than this one, please let me know. It seems unlikely.

29 Sep 2004 16:38