The Old School Yard, Borough  

If anything, we're surprised it didn't happen sooner. What with popular nostalgia-fests such as School Disco and the raft of "We Love the..." TV programmes (usually featuring Stuart Maconie waxing lyrical about Space Hoppers and Raleigh Choppers), a playground-themed pub doesn't seem entirely crazy. Old lockers, a teacher's desk, various computer games and a ceiling painted to look like the sky are the standout features which fill this old pub. Once a Wenlock Brewery pub called the George (as you can still make out from the frontage), it's still fairly pubby, complete with the old bar, but the retro touches make it seem slightly reminiscent of a sixth form rec room. The standard drink selection is very limited, but their focus is cocktails, presented in fun comic book style menus. Our Thursday early evening visit found it very quiet here, but hopefully it picks up later; presumably they're hoping to attract people of a certain age who can identify with the nostalgia on offer. It's certainly a theme with a lot of scope and we think they could do even more to give it that 'playground' feel. Even so, it's a novel idea and refreshing to find a refurbished pub which hasn't just taken the usual gastro route.

reviewed:
04/09/2008

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beer garden

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