The Queens Arms, New Barnet

I popped in before a late afternoon visit to the new Everyman cinema and I agree with the earlier reviewer who says it's improved quite a bit, though some work remains to be done. The bar staff were polite and friendly and the decor is clean, if not terribly interesting. In the past I've often found the real ale to be 'off' and even so now there was only one beer of three to be had (an acceptable pint of AK Mild) but I was assured this was temporary and the other two would be back shortly. There are still a few dodgy customers, nervously/intensely checking out whoever who walks in through the door, but I had no bother all the time I was there. I'm still not sure I'd want to hang around after dark but it's OK for a quick pre-cinema pint.

15 Apr 2016 12:36

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

I was questioned rather suspiciously and unnecessarily for daring to want to use the toilet before buying a drink on my last visit. This always leaves a bad impression and I really wish pub staff would not take this as a personal affront. That moan aside, this is the best pub in Covent Garden by a country mile with well kept Brodies beers and pub food that's generous and hearty but not expensive or pretentious. It's small and likely to get busy, but I'd sooner drink here than anywhere else in the area.

24 Dec 2012 07:56

The Alehouse, Reading

I've been drinking here for twelve years and it's still my favourite pub in Reading. When I started it has served around 2,300 different real ales and now it's up to well over 6,500. You might find the decor a little basic, you might have your nose put out of joint because you can't get crap lager or even Guinness or anything more than a packet of crisps to eat, but if you're here for the beer you will never be disappointed. The staff are lovely too, they just have little tolerance for tossers which is just as it should be.

9 Sep 2012 08:55