June 2023. London.
After that little bit of negativity, let’s get positive again as we cross the Grand Union into Warwick Avenue
Loads of nice looking pubs, like the Bridge House by the, er, bridge, but often disappointing experiences with tired beers and tip boxes.
Oh yes, Little Venice, not as good as the real one (in Birmingham).
Luckily, the Warwick Castle both looks gorgeous outside,
surprisingly unfussy and homely within,
and has a charmer of a landlady.
The music is cheery and eclectic,
OK, you’re not going to get excited by the Untappd potential if that’s your bag (I reckon the house beer is GK IPA),
but it’s cool and tasty (NBSS 3+), even in a rogue Peroni glass.
“Do you prefer cash or card ?” I ask.
“I prefer card” . I adore people who tell you their payment preference, the only preference that matters.
Only £2.50 your half on Warwick Avenue. Blimey. It’s like 2015 all over again.
It’s a friendly pub, I feel very welcome, and when the hardworking landlady taps me on my shoulder to stretch for the dog bowl I just hope she isn’t reading my notes.
At the door I say “Thank you“, and she says “It’s a pleasure“.
People really DO make the world go round.
retiredmartin 
And before anyone comments, yes I do realise “Made of Ale” is a pun on, well, y’know.
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“I adore people who tell you their payment preference”
I just like those who offer a choice. The same as “cask or fizz”, “straight or handled”, “plain or salt and vinegar”, etc., etc.
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Agree, Paul. But if I say “I’ve got cash or card, which do YOU prefer ?” it’s nice to be told what the pub prefers, lest they say afterwards “wish you’d paid cash” as happened at the Harvey’s brewery recently.
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Ah, I see.
The Warwick Castle was very crowded when I was there a few years ago but it’s a nice Proper Pub.
I quite easily get Warwick Castle and Windsor Castle mixed up at my age though they’re quite different buildings, as are the pubs.
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You take notes? So that’s where I’m going wrong.
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If I didn’t take notes I’d have to talk to people, and that never ends well in London.
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It’s pubs that don’t take notes nowadays that I don’t like.
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