Despite my reservations on this site about the gentrification of London’s pubs, and inconsistent beer quality, I do still love the place. Weekends are the time to visit, with Travelcards less than half-price and those yummy-mummy Sunday lunches to enjoy. A light drizzle wasn’t stopping me finishing off South-east and South-west London’s Beer Guide entries.… Continue reading THE 179 FROM CROYDON TO PECKHAM
Tag: London pubs
SURBITON IN THE SNOW
I didn’t actually realise Surbiton was a place until I started visiting the Beer Guide pubs in SW London. I’d always thought it was a borough name like Elmbridge or Merton. The geography around the Kingston/Surrey borders takes some getting used to. I’m still not quite sure what distinguishes it from Long Ditton and Kingston, but I guess… Continue reading SURBITON IN THE SNOW
THE RESTING HARE, EUSTON
Not sure the strong beers in Waterloo Tap were a good way to warm up for the powerboat trip along the Thames, but our stomachs just about survived. Only (!) 35mph along the Thames, but incredibly bumpy and more fun than much of Thorpe Park. The hail and lightning added to the theatre. Tourist sights… Continue reading THE RESTING HARE, EUSTON
WATERLOO TAP
Mrs RM and I are in London for a powerboat trip down the Thames I kindly received as a retirement present. The trip to Cropton brewery later this year feels safer. Later we intend to do justice to Jeff Bell’s new venture in Euston, but for our pre-trip lunch we’re testing the cuisine at it’s… Continue reading WATERLOO TAP
MICRO PERFECTION IN PETTS WOOD
Since the latest Beer Guide came out at the end of August I’ve been to another forty micropubs, and a good hundred overall, with mixed feelings. Their best feature, chatty owners and locals, can also mean they’re not great places to visit if you want a bit of time to yourself. One of my bug… Continue reading MICRO PERFECTION IN PETTS WOOD
LAST 5 STANDING – THE STAR TAVERN, BELGRAVIA
I’ve been revisiting the last five surviving pubs in every edition of the Beer Guide, and wrote positively about the Buckingham Arms and Queen’s Head last year. On Saturday I took the chance to test standards in the Star Tavern in Belgravia. The Star has a head start already as it’s such a beautiful approach to it through… Continue reading LAST 5 STANDING – THE STAR TAVERN, BELGRAVIA
HIGHGATE HILL
No big walks last week due to a gammy leg, but by Sunday afternoon I was up for a proper stretch. Mrs RM had chosen Mansfield over Camden the day before, so it only seemed fair to give North London another chance to impress. London’s micro-climate meant ideal conditions for an aimless ramble north of King’s Cross,… Continue reading HIGHGATE HILL
A SATURDAY IN E1
Yesterday I took Mrs RM for a leisurely 15 mile walk around the City of London. I think I may have told her 5 miles; sure she’ll start talking to me again soon. I think she’ll insist on the Bermondsey mile next time. Mrs RM is the ideal company when you’re trying to visit several… Continue reading A SATURDAY IN E1
GOOD BEER GUIDE – LAST FIVE STANDING
Five pubs have appeared in every edition (43) of the Good Beer Guide, and it did occur to me that at some point we will be down to one. When you retire these things matter, you know. In 1998 my wife and I visited the 25 pubs that had survived 25 editions; we got a couple… Continue reading GOOD BEER GUIDE – LAST FIVE STANDING