Fancyapint? latest updates

UPDATED: King's Head, Enfield(not rated)

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:15:37 GMT

Shut for what seemed like an eternity, the King's Head reopened a few months ago. We popped in on a quiet Sunday shortly after it opened and found it a pleasant enough place, if somewhat quiet. As such, now its...

UPDATED: The Two Doves, Locksbottom (4 pints)

Tue, 24 May 2011 16:04:00 GMT

This little gem is Bromley's only Young's pub, and is relatively undiscovered being quite far out from the town centre (it's on the road that takes you from Bromley Common up to Biggin Hill). The clientele are a happy bunch...

UPDATED: Dean Swift Beer House, Bermondsey (4 pints)

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:14:01 GMT

The Dean Swift, is ever-so-slightly off the tourist trail and, as a result, is easily (and often) overlooked. Which is a pity, because after a recent refurbishment - and a minor name change - the Dean Swift has become a...

UPDATED: The Draft House, Bermondsey (4 pints)

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:18:40 GMT

We don't know what exactly is going on in this area, but some kind of gentrification is obviously taking place as the Draft House is another cracking pub in the area (along with the Bridge House only a few doors...

UPDATED: Latymers, Brook Green (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:27:27 GMT

Though maybe not the first pub in London to have its own Thai restaurant, Latymers is certainly one of the best, both for quality, service and value for money. The pub itself is late 80s modern and a bit too...

UPDATED: The Harrison , King's Cross (4 pints)

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:15:35 GMT

This back street pub has had a lick of paint and a change of furnishings in recent years. Thankfully nothing too dramatic though. It helps that even though the obligatory leather sofas have been installed, the period windows (with Watney's...

UPDATED: The Queen's Head, Brook Green (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:40 GMT

This pub looks tiny from the outside but appearances are deceiving - it's enormous on the inside. This is another old coaching inn, so there's a long history of the pub on the menu and plenty of copper stuff. The pub...

UPDATED: The Woolpack, Banstead (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:25 GMT

The Woolpack pub holds the majority share with the drinkers of Banstead and whilst it's good for business, it could do a little more to wow its visitors. A newish, default decorating job inside, complete with 'designed' chalkboards and glossy...

UPDATED: The Lord's Tavern, St. John's Wood(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:20 GMT

The Lord's Tavern has been refurbished, we'll get back there soon to re-review it...

UPDATED: Red Lion and Sun, Highgate (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:27:29 GMT

Our last review of the Red Lion and Sun was way back in 2007, shortly after it changed from a traditional style pub into a more up market affair. As such, we thought it was about time for another visit...

UPDATED: Scarsdale Arms, Kensington - Fancyapint best London pub 2005 award winner

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:23 GMT

This pub offers the sort of old world experience one would expect in this neck of the woods and the Scarsdale Arms is a cut above most of the nearby pubs. The darkened interior evokes a genuine atmosphere, as does...

UPDATED: The Spinning Wheel, Hanwell (1 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:07 GMT

our final review posted by quixote on 26/5/2005last rating: Irish pubs have long been a feature of this part of town, even before O'Neill's jigged into town, so even with a few well known Irish pictures on the walls, there...

UPDATED: Windsor Castle, Notting Hill (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:48 GMT

A fine old pub that wouldn't be out of place in a much more rural setting, the Windsor Castle has been a favourite with the Fancyapint? reviewers for years. It's a rambling, higgledy-piggledy place, with the sort of pub...

UPDATED: The Old Crown, Archway(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:20 GMT

Our two visits here in ten years have both been truly awful, but we've spied the fact there has been a paint job and a change of emphasis. It doesn't bode well though, with some of the pub renamed to...

UPDATED: Clachaig Inn, Glencoe (4 pints)

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:58:17 GMT

If you're a climber or hillwalker, especially one who's visited Glencoe, chances are you'll know this pub, but you don't have to be keen on outdoor pursuits to enjoy the Clachaig Inn. The two bars and a lounge offer an...

UPDATED: The Isles Inn, Portree (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:28:08 GMT

The Isles Inn sits in a prominent position in Portree's main square, it's a popular pub with the locals, who come here primarily to watch sport on Sky/ESPN and for cheapish pub grub. It's an old, 19th Century or...

UPDATED: The Black Lion Hotel, Long Melford (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

Located on Long Melford's picture postcard village green, the Black Lion has always been a bit of a funny one in our books. OK, it's a hotel, albeit a small one, first and foremost, but they have a bar and...

UPDATED: The Bull Hotel, Long Melford (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

The Bull Hotel is a charming, historic high street coaching inn and has been since 1580. OK, the hoteliers have got their hands on it and upgraded it here and there but there's still the feeling inside of an old...

UPDATED: The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

This used to be just a sleepy country boozer on a busy crossroads in the maze of roads between Dorking and Gatwick Airport. Recently, it shut down and reopened with a swanky website. It also lost its old sign depicting...

UPDATED: The George, Soho (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:03 GMT

A late Victorian pub it may be, but this one is starting to look a little frayed around the edges. The bar staff are pleasant and efficient but there's not that great a range of choices on offer and the...

UPDATED: Macnabs Inn (Royal Hotel), Portree (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:16:52 GMT

The Royal Hotel is a traditional-looking, but modern, place in the centre of Portree and at one end of the block-long building sits Macnabs Inn - a pub-cum-hotel bar, named after McNab's Inn (where Bonnie Prince Charlie...

UPDATED: Merchants Bar (Bosville Hotel), Portree (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:27:30 GMT

The Bosville Hotel is a modernised terrace of houses located a little way up the hill from the centre of Portree and at one end of this terrace sits the Merchants Bar. The style of the bar is modern, a...

UPDATED: The Three Horseshoes, Sidlow (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

Located between Reigate and Gatwick in Sidlow, this one could easily be missed as it's not the main route. This is a pub that prides itself on its ales and with good reason. We visited here at the end of...

UPDATED: The Tongadale Hotel, Portree (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:27:31 GMT

The Tongadale Hotel is situated in the middle of a solid-looking terrace, in a street just off the main square in Portree. Although it is a hotel, the pub/bar is primarily a locals' hang-out, a place where...

UPDATED: The White Hart, Dorking (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

The White Hart is one of Dorking's genuine boozers. Located just off the high street, its appearance and nickname ("The Snakepit") is one that could put you off but it's well worth heading inside. A couple of good beers on...

UPDATED: Brew Wharf, Borough (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:18 GMT

Borough Market can be one of the happeningest, funkiest, liveliest, sparkiest, even edgiest areas in London. What a pity its newest venue is none of these things. Brew Wharf is the restaurant and beer-focused add-on to the "wine...

UPDATED: The Gunmakers (ex-William Wallace), Marylebone (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:25 GMT

Following a refit a few years ago, this pub has taken on a definite gun theme, from the small field guns outside the door to the shells displayed in glass frames attributed to the London Gun Co. The traditional (and...

UPDATED: The Market Porter, Borough - Fancyapint best London pub 2005 award winner

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:58 GMT

This is a gem of a pub - it's got something for everyone no matter what time or day of the week you choose to visit. It's a lively place on a Friday and Saturday nights with a mixed crowd and...

UPDATED: St. Stephens Tavern, Whitehall (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:53 GMT

This Grade II listed pub was one we didn't think would ever open again. Having been closed for the best part of 15 years, it quietly reopened its doors just before Christmas 2003. From our research, it appears that this...

UPDATED: Ain't Nothin' But... The Blues Bar, Soho (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:58 GMT

Something a bit different for Soho - or indeed London - a dedicated Blues bar. There's live music most nights of the week (with the add-on of a late license) but if the Blues ain't your thing, it's still a handy...

UPDATED: Black Lion, Plaistow (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:08 GMT

A former coaching inn, the Black Lion easily stands out in a landscape where little predates the twentieth century. Inside, a traditional low-ceilinged front bar and a larger back room offer plenty of space to test out the real...

UPDATED: Clachan, Soho (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:52 GMT

If you go into a Nicholson's pub and don't find an opulent Victorian interior, you should be disappointed. But don't worry, you definitely won't be disappointed here - the fixtures and fittings are everything you would expect of the brand and...

UPDATED: George and Dragon, Regent's Park (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:00 GMT

After a hard day's slaying of mythical beasts there can't be any better way to relax than with a nice pint and The George and Dragon, within a stone's throw of Great Portland Street and Warren Street, is certainly a...

UPDATED: The Gunmakers, Farringdon (5 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:59 GMT

Another pub in the area we've known for a few years now, the Gunmakers hasn't taken the nosedive a lot of pubs in its situation has - if anything, it's been consistently good since it opened. Hidden down a side road...

UPDATED: Harp, Covent Garden (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:02 GMT

Any tourist who dares wander just off the main stomping ground of Trafalgar Square will be very lucky indeed to find themselves pondering the choice of beers tantalising them in this small, handsome boozer. The walls are covered with fine...

UPDATED: Shakespeare's Head, Soho (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:55 GMT

Any pub called the Shakespeare's Head in an area as touristy as Carnaby Street would just have to be an olde worlde building with leaded glass windows and true to form, this one is. It hasn't changed at all in...

UPDATED: The Shaston Arms, Soho (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:54 GMT

Although it feels like it's been there for years, this one is a comparatively new pub. A decade ago, Hall and Woodhouse took the wine bar on the site and did their best to make it look like a pub...

UPDATED: Biddy's (ex Southern K), Kilburn(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:49 GMT

The sign outside may still claim to serve the "Coldest beer in town" but Southern K, the average Aussie bar it became Biddy's - an Irish bar and a name it held many moons ago. Now however, its a Ladbrokes. Gambling...

UPDATED: Gordon Arms, Chislehurst (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:29 GMT

The Gordon Arms is another of those suburban pubs we've been conscious of for years, but never actually got off our backsides to visit until recently. Located in Chislehurst, one of the more expensive parts of the Borough of Bromley...

UPDATED: Green Man, Regent's Park (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:04 GMT

Another one of those large pubs on the fringes of things that doesn't quite know what to do with itself. It's changed hands again, in the recent past, but the change of paint outside hasn't led to much radical change...

UPDATED: Jerusalem Tavern, Farringdon - Fancyapint best London pub 2007 award winner

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:53 GMT

We've known and loved the Jerusalem Tavern from when it first opened. The only pub to sell the excellent St. Peter's ales (and other good beers and wines), a pub with a quirky olde worlde interior, excellent and plentiful food...

UPDATED: The Masons Arms, Regent's Park (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:07 GMT

Tucked away, in a quiet spot, quite close to Great Portland Street tube station, the Masons Arms is a smart, well-kept pub. The beer on the three hand pumps is excellent, there's a good range of other beers, wines...

UPDATED: The Old Red Cow, Smithfield (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:41 GMT

Apart from one disastrous incarnation (as the Long Lane) we've long been fans of the the Old Red Cow, it's a handsome, quirky, old building that's always had a cheery aspect to it. And we're in illustrious company as it...

UPDATED: The Royal Oak, Rusper (5 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:24 GMT

The Royal Oak was closed when we first visited, shutting for the afternoon like many pubs out here in the sticks. However, after a nose through the window we decided we'd come back when the doors were open and aren't...

UPDATED: The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate (5 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:23 GMT

This pub's list of CAMRA awards in recent years (10 in a row for East and Mid-Surrey) says everything that you need to know about its ales. The quality and choice is always superb. Three regulars are Surrey Hills...

UPDATED: Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, Farringdon - Fancyapint best London pub 2006 award winner

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:42 GMT

Ye Olde Mitre Tavern is a well-concealed pub (in a little yard just off Hatton Garden) can often be an oasis in a somewhat manic area. Of course, like any pub in the City, it gets overrun at the...

UPDATED: Assembly House, Kentish Town(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:39 GMT

currently closed and under refurbishment. Fingers crossed they don't ruin what's left of the pretty interior...

UPDATED: The Lion and Unicorn, Kentish Town (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:21 GMT

Such an imposing pub on a back street in Kentish Town couldn't remain a rough boozer much longer. Of course, once upon a time it would've simply been a 'normal pub', but the intervening years have seen almost every pub...

UPDATED: Oak and pastor (ex Drum and Monkey), Archway(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:56 GMT

Having recently passed this place, we can see that all traces of the Drum and Monkey have now gone. What has been uncovered is some beautiful tiling advertising 'Smith Garratts Special Mild', which appears to now be in the process...

UPDATED: Albanach, Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:42 GMT

Really whisky is what this place is all about - with vintage malts aplenty, and extensive ranges of various vintages. It's a jolly agreeable place to pop in for a 18-year old Talisker or a 23-year Highland Park or...

UPDATED: Bannerman's Bar , Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:30 GMT

Situated in a series of caverns under North Bridge, Bannerman's has a bit of a labyrinthine feel about it. It's a bit studenty, but that okay if you're in the mood for it. It's another one that's been here for...

UPDATED: The Bow Bar , Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

The Bow Bar is a smallish pub off the Royal Mile in Victoria Street. There's a great election of beers, with some eight pumps on the bar and if you don't mind a couple English ales mixed in with the...

UPDATED: City Limits (formerly Boundary Bar), Edinburgh(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

We used to know this one as the Boundary Bar - famous for being located across the boundary between Edinburgh and Leith, as the two had different licensing hours, one side of the bar would close and all the patrons would...

UPDATED: Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Edinburgh (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:45 GMT

Deacon Brodie's Tavern takes the prize for being the easiest pub to find anywhere, not just on the Royal Mile. Located on a busy intersection, it's no surprise that this is a very very popular tourist pub, with thousands that...

UPDATED: The Dome, Edinburgh (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:45 GMT

Situated in a grand Victorian bank, the Dome's prime attraction is its lavish interior and for many visiting here, that's enough. There's plenty on offer, eating, drinking, private functions, even weddings, but there's not a huge amount for the avid...

UPDATED: The Filling Station, Edinburgh (1 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

No surprises for guessing the theme here: petrol station themed bar, complete with pumps and other automotive paraphernalia. Not one for ale buffs of any description, this is a bar, with lager, lager, lager. Not one for purists, either, with...

UPDATED: Greyfriars Bobby Bar, Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:35 GMT

If you don't know the story of Greyfriars Bobby or haven't seen the film, Greyfriars Bobby was apparently a Skye Terrier who watched over the grave of his owner, John Gray, in the churchyard of Greyfriars Kirk until he died...

UPDATED: The Guildford Arms, Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:45 GMT

The Guildford Arms has a "Fantastique" interior with all the bells and whistles of a Victorian gin palace. Okay, it's been done up a bit, but the detail in the decoration is amazing and worth a visit on it's own...

UPDATED: Halfway House, Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:30 GMT

Famous but titchy real ale bar down a close from the Royal Mile. because of its size, it doesn't take much to fill it up. Calling itself "Edinburgh's smallest and friendliest pub, the Halfway House does traditional Scottish food and...

UPDATED: Jolly Judge, Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:15 GMT

Just off the Royal Mile where tourists vie to be the keenest to buy shite the victim will neither want, need nor appreciate (just buy a decent bottle of malt from the nearest off-license and be done with it...

UPDATED: The Kenilworth, Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:42 GMT

One of a string of boozers that line Rose Street, just on the edge of the Georgian New Town of Edinburgh, the Kenilworth is probably one of the more welcoming to passing strangers. It's certainly one of the most elegant...

UPDATED: The Last Drop , Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:30 GMT

A bit of a landmark in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh, we remember it being bigger, but we were probably a bit squiffy on those visits. The Grassmarket used to be the site of public executions, once upon a time...

UPDATED: The Mitre, Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

The Mitre's a ;large pub with plenty of seating for all the thirsty visitors. A Nicholsons pub, the beer is largely local and well looked after. Friendly staff, a certain number of visitors and some regulars, with the hardy souls...

UPDATED: Old Eagle, Camden (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:50 GMT

The Old Eagle is an excellent pub that has by and large resisted any major refurbishments or other unnecessary trappings. Instead it's a genuine, friendly local boozer, with a good mixed crowd and friendly service. Stripped floorboards jostle with fiddles...

UPDATED: Oxford Bar, Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:38 GMT

We've known this one for a couple of decades now and only recently discovered that it's novelist Ian Rankin's favourite pub (apparently). Can't say we're surprised as it's one of our favourites as well. One we haven't seen change in...

UPDATED: The Royal Mile, Edinburgh (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

A bit more bar than trad pub, the Royal Mile does a decent job. It's comfortable, friendly, and well situated on Royal Mile - although it's right next door to the Mitre, one wonders how they both manage, but there's probably...

UPDATED: Sandy Bell's Bar, Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:45 GMT

Many of the pubs in the centre of Edinburgh claim to be legendary and quite a few are, but Sandy's Bells is right up there with biggest - which is something of an irony as it's probably one of the smallest...

UPDATED: The Tass, Edinburgh (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

We're not sure why everyone's over the road at the Worlds end - this is far superior and more comfortable and pleasant to be in. The friendly staff agreed with us and provided very good beer - with their own 80% on...

UPDATED: The World's End, Edinburgh (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

Another one that's changed a bit since our last visit. Okay, it's still recognisable as a pub, but it's now got a seating area for those wishing to eat from the fairly standard pub menu - also available in the bar...

UPDATED: The Granary, Leith (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

This is a good turn up for the books. Many, many, many, years ago this space was occupied by a strange Tex-mex/Mongolian barbecue place and we're really happy it's been replaced by the Grange. While it may be...

UPDATED: Heroes (ex Flower Pot, ex Bullet Bar), Camden(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:05 GMT

Previously a dark and serious live music venue called Bullet Bar was replaced by a more bright and chummy music venue, the Flower Pot. This also closed soon after and it has now gone back to black with a new...

UPDATED: Malt and Hops, Leith (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:09 GMT

Situated in a prime spot on the waterfront in Leith, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Malt and Hops would be yet another trendy bar for the tourists and wealthier locals - there are plenty of those around here. Thankfully...

UPDATED: Salt House, St. John's Wood (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

Poor old Salt House was probably once a decent enough pub, but years of being mucked about with have left it unsure of its place in the world. It seems that owner Greene King have made a number of basic...

UPDATED: The Shore, Leith (5 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:10 GMT

This is a pub we've known for a very long time - and the best thing is, it hasn't changed! There's 80% on tap, decent wine list and a well thought out menu. There's a separate restaurant next door if you...

UPDATED: Teuchters Landing, Leith (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:09 GMT

Part of the redevelopment of the docks around Leith, Teuchters Landing is a welcome addition to the nightlife in these parts. It's a cosy place, part bar, part restaurant which normally is not our thing, but we're very happy to...

UPDATED: The Grange, Ealing (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:37 GMT

The Grange is an upmarket pub which has been owned by Young's for a couple of years and one which fits very well into it's elegant surroundings. A grand Victorian corner property, it overlooks Ealing Common, although the large alfresco...

UPDATED: El Comandante , Holloway (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:17 GMT

Holloway is a surprisingly decent area for pubs, but it was still nice to discover the El Comandante a few years ago. Formerly the Lord Palmerston, with its original name still visible, clues to its reinvention are subtle: a small...

UPDATED: Jackson's Wine Bar, Hanwell (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

Jackson's is a decent enough wine bar with real beer and lots of photos of dead film stars on the walls. Another converted bank, they've done a good job with it and are making a good go of it. Friendly...

UPDATED: The Nag's Head, Walthamstow (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:46 GMT

Jazz wafted through the air as we chose an excellent pint of Oscar Wilde Mild from the selection of four real ales on tap. But this isn't a Jazz bar. Or a real ale drinker's destination. Hidden away in peaceful...

UPDATED: William IV, Walthamstow (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:57 GMT

With an exterior covered in flowers this is a good looking pub from the outside, while the lush interior of King William IV didn't disappoint either. The pub's Victorian features seemed still pretty much intact, complete with an unusual S...

UPDATED: George Inn, Borough (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:40 GMT

This well-preserved galleried coaching house (owned by the National Trust) off Borough High Street serves a loyal following as well as the innumerable walking/coach tours that visit it. It serves a number of guest beers, including its own...

UPDATED: The Queensbury (ex The Green), Willesden Green (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:23 GMT

A change of owner, a facelift and a minor rethink re bar vs pub status, and this venue is much improved and rapidly becoming the go-to pub for the younger Willesden Green/Dollis Hill set, who do not have...

UPDATED: Shortlands Tavern, Bromley (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:05 GMT

Just under a year ago we had the unwanted task of downgrading the local of one of our reviewers. We are now delighted to report that the Tavern has been promoted back up to its former rating. It's not the...

UPDATED: Southwark Tavern, Borough (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:57 GMT

Victorian outside, predominately 1930s and later inside, the Southwark Tavern is a large pub prominently located on the periphery of Borough Market. The ground floor bar is a typical mix-and-match furniture affair, with a central bar serving a...

UPDATED: White Lion, City Road (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:49 GMT

The White Lion is a decent and down-to-earth pub, hidden away down a side street but close enough to Barbican and Old Street. Coming here, we have always found a couple of well kept ales, friendly service and...

UPDATED: Five Bells, East Finchley(not rated)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:04 GMT

The large pub with an impressive beer garden has been refurbished and changed from a John Barras pub, to 'Flaming Grill' steakhouse pub. Saying that its still owned by Punch, which means its a surprise this large piece of land...

UPDATED: Fox and Grapes, Wimbledon (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:26 GMT

From the outside, this pub looks like a traditional country pub; inside, it's now a modern bistro. At least it wasn't all set for lunch when we were in last and the accommodating staff pointed us to a free table...

UPDATED: The Gun, Docklands (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:44 GMT

We can think of few others pubs in London which crop up in the work of both Iain Sinclair and Brian Clemens and have significant historical connections. There has been a pub here for more than 250 years and, according...

UPDATED: Hand in Hand, Wimbledon (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:23 GMT

One of two neighbouring pubs on the edge of Wimbledon Common, the Hand in Hand is rustic in appearance (it was once a bakehouse) and traditional in feel. There's a bit more space inside this one than first impressions would...

UPDATED: The King's Head, Finsbury Park (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:06 GMT

The King's Head is a solid locals' pub with decent beer and no pretensions. Perhaps not in the same league as the Bank of Friendship up the road but a safe enough bet in a variable part of town...

UPDATED: The Nelson Arms, Colliers Wood station (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:05 GMT

There's been a change of style and decor at this one since we last called in, so we'll do our best to give it a closer look the next time we're in the area...

UPDATED: Red Lion, St. Mary Cray (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:12 GMT

our final review posted by venichka on 4/4/2006last rating: A charming, two-bar, villagey pub, in the charming, villagey part of St. Mary Cray, the Red Lion has a fair bit to commend it: a friendly landlord, a decent enough...

UPDATED: Scolt Head, Dalston (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:06 GMT

Not so long ago this was an unreconstructed local's pub called the Sussex, but the gentrification of De Beauvoir Town meant this grand property received a makeover. As is the norm now, the look errs towards upmarket. The daunting frosted...

UPDATED: The Angel, Covent Garden (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:59 GMT

The Angel is a lovely Victorian pub in the grey area between Covent Garden (Shaftesbury Avenue) and Tottenham Court Road. Because of its location, it can be a great place to meet/drink in town. It's got a lot of...

UPDATED: The Champion, Fitzrovia - Fancyapint best London pub 2006 award winner

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:12 GMT

If you're worn out by the shopping hordes of Oxford Street and need a drink, the Champion is a good place to go. It's a beautifully appointed pub with a lovely exterior and fantastic champion-themed stained glass windows. It...

UPDATED: Fitzroy Tavern, Fitzrovia (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:37 GMT

The Fitzroy is a big old pub with literary pretensions. Dylan Thomas used to drink (heavily) here and there are photos dotted about alluding to him and his bohemian friends' patronage here. The interior, however, is rather more gloomy than...

UPDATED: The King's Arms (ex-The Larrik), Parsons Green (0 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:31 GMT

One minute it's the King's Arms, next it's the Larrik, then it's the King's Arms again, and then it's closed... awaiting to reopen as the Larrik Inn. We passed it yesterday and it was swathed in a coat of sky...

UPDATED: Leicester Arms, Piccadilly (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:08 GMT

Now rebranded as a Taylor Walker pub, the Leicester Arms does its best to gleam and glitter and evoke the Victorian feel of pubs past. It does a fair job in this regard, but it's hardly one of London's untouched...

UPDATED: Nanobyte, Soho (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:03 GMT

our final review posted by jack on 02/06/2009last rating: Once a bank, then a Wetherspoon, now it's Nanobyte - a name the people behind may have thought was trendy but only comes across as quaint. There's still a Wetherspoony feel to...

UPDATED: Northumberland Arms, Fitzrovia (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:37 GMT

We know in property, the mantra's always 'location, location, location', and it seems like there are pubs that suffer from this malaise, too. While this pub could be an enjoyable oasis, its location at the busy junction of Charlotte Street...

UPDATED: Surbiton Flyer, Kingston Upon Thames (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:29 GMT

This one breaks the mould: a rather fine railway pub. That said, it's not actually within the station but right next door. The Surbiton Flyer has certain gastro features - solid wooden square tables, stained wooden floors and walls (we think...

UPDATED: The Toucan Bar, Soho (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:46:55 GMT

The Toucan is a tiny, tiny Irish pub, with quite a jolly, vibrant atmosphere (which is kind of ironic, given how dark the place is). There's a good pint of Guinness, naturally, and good service (when you can get to...

UPDATED: White Horse, Soho (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:00 GMT

Given the location, it should come as no surprise that the White Horse tends to be crowded with people from nearby offices, which means of course, primarily people from the agencies, production companies and facilities houses, with the odd lost...

UPDATED: Earl Ferrers, Streatham (5 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:02 GMT

It's been a while since we've been out to this one and we're delighted that it's remained a great boozer. Located round the back of Streatham Go-Karting track, on the corner in a grid of Victorian terrace houses, this...

UPDATED: The Marquis of Granby, Epsom (4 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:16 GMT

What's the opposite of a blot on the landscape? What's the noun for a bit of sheer delight leaping out from mundanity? Whatever it is, it applies to this absolutely cracking pub. The Marquis of Granby is a biggish, almost...

UPDATED: The Landseer, Archway (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:58 GMT

The Landseer is a big airy gastropub on a quiet corner in Holloway. It feels like a place more for eating than drinking, although most of its clientele was to be found drinking on the tables outside during our visit...

UPDATED: Park Tavern, Finsbury Park (2 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:47:06 GMT

The Park Tavern is a pub of two halves. The front bar is small and dark, slightly tatty with an aged red carpet and a clientele consisting of older gentlemen. The back bar was a lighter, airier affair and seemed...

UPDATED: The Plough, Finsbury Park (1 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:49:31 GMT

If your few regulars are complaining that Wetherspoon pubs aren't actually that cheap, it could be considered a warning sign. Perhaps time to make a bit more of an effort with the place. The Plough consists of one large room...

UPDATED: The Stag's Head, Hoxton (3 pints)

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:43 GMT

This old Truman's pub with a rather rare interior had been attempting to attract a new breed of younger drinker in the last couple of years and been doing a good job at it until it shut in 2010. The...