tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257676461239677262024-03-13T04:48:28.004+00:00The Richmond Upon Thames Pub GuideA few friends, over sixty pubs, frequented on Tuesdays.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-72586079342099784542010-07-27T20:30:00.023+01:002010-07-30T19:54:24.695+01:00The Red LionA lot can be said about a pub from its brand of snacks. For example, Walkers crisps = bog standard chain, Mr Porky pork scratchings = independent, friendly and traditional. The Red Lion isn't either of those, as they stock Tyrells - crisps for the pretentious. I've mentioned it before, but no one likes expensive Play-doh flavoured crisps. No one. Nor do they want to sit and eat some pickled olives. For the love of god, just give us some good old roasted pig skin.<br />
It's no wonder most of the clientèle here are athletes (you'll see cricket bats and tennis rackets under almost every seat) they need to be, for the pub is so huge you need some good stamina to keep walking to the bar and back. We took the easy option and moved from the garden to inside. <br />
It is great to see non-smoking seating areas outside though, which many pubs lack. Inside is incredibly spacious without that lost empty feeling. The drinks on offer are okay, the usual Fuller ales, a very expensive wine list and some delicious farm apple juice. Just a shame about the snacks really.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Real ale<br />
Snacks (rubbish)<br />
WiFi<br />
Outside seating<br />
Carpark</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAYEhoA-6pcq0KwOdAErvGceSL2YATlIV801iS8eama-5u0IbxwCaGJGBuCnq5alBexlVBBKVdBeBdiEIUh9S7J4E2SbT8ohCE3y2ustSg3d8y2q0ae6SZOTEqPIzGrANi0aqUsoOnA/s320/redlion.jpg" title="If it were up to me that doddery old man using up two sofas would have been barred." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Orange & Amaretto, Ringden Farm apple juice:</span><br />
<br />
£5.83</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.1<br />
Dave - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-16094611617265623172010-07-20T20:30:00.021+01:002010-07-30T19:46:32.519+01:00The Tree HouseBit of an odd one. It's certainly not a pub, more of a European restaurant with a bar. There were a few things that happened during tonight's visit I've subcategorised them...<br />
<u>The Barman</u><br />
I think he was having a seriously bad day, there were a lot of angry noises upon asking for a glass of orange juice. He calmed down a bit on later rounds once he started to use cartons rather than bottles. Still it didn't stop him giving us warm glasses straight from the washing up bowl.<br />
<u>The Toilets</u><br />
Please note the giant letter on each of the the doors - G for Girls and L for Lads. If you get that right you'll end up sweating all the water out of your body and scolding yourself on the cold tap. Graffiti over the doors gives a feeling you're in an awesome crack den.<br />
<u>The Mosquito's</u><br />
Oh god! Waking up the next day, itching and covered in 30 bites is our way of saying stay out of the garden or risk a serious case of malaria.<br />
<u>Other Shit</u><br />
I don't know why there's permanent Xmas lights hanging from the front, or why there was a kids birthday party at 11pm.<br />
<u>Reasonable Things</u><br />
Good prices for food and drink and the staff (bar the barman) were actually quite friendly.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><a onmouseout="document.TREEHOUSE.src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdG05Q2IExfelK2v9X6HA9ZN4Zl1xeqTb6ilIDNJFBBbzwM-JE0qbmwWtunsPWkRCuJj6_lqIrpgXamQPze1VpGDrKjn2juBdX0f1Pu1NPFRmrbSpu-XHjXsxe3ud8EntNNRsQapijuA/s320/treehouse.jpg'" onmouseover="document.TREEHOUSE.src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4xqvS6rIM853jqIXMQi6Cjy8elJpllgXlFUuQ0i4VosuC4tqP7etgAFJxeN-aQxYnwd6ptALpX7laBUNzBQ6pCuyGcgudQcPlca2s1EZk-b9EL71hZk76tWlLuU81pMyq0dZJSVATg/s320/treehouse1.jpg'"><img name="TREEHOUSE" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdG05Q2IExfelK2v9X6HA9ZN4Zl1xeqTb6ilIDNJFBBbzwM-JE0qbmwWtunsPWkRCuJj6_lqIrpgXamQPze1VpGDrKjn2juBdX0f1Pu1NPFRmrbSpu-XHjXsxe3ud8EntNNRsQapijuA/s320/treehouse.jpg" title="Malariarghhh!!" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Bulmers, Orange & Ameretto x2, 1.5 pint coke:</span><br />
<br />
£16.00</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 5.4</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Andrew - ?<br />
Dave - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-41672858074479286172010-07-13T20:30:00.028+01:002010-07-27T19:10:15.522+01:00The Sun InnOpposite to the pond, there is no where we've been to in Barnes that was quite as crowded. The Sun Inn is big, it's busy and it's got lots of seating inside and out, even patio heaters. Other than those few facts, I found it to be pretty characterless and nondescript.<br />
Being such a large place it does have a somewhat impersonal feeling, mainly from the staff who'd rather ignore you than tell you one side of the bar is now closed.<br />
My guess is people come for the food - the chips were especially good and prices quite reasonable.<br />
<i>-Alex</i> <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
WiFi<br />
Outside seating<br />
Carpark</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMev3zKSWlA37BuypAYPNDYttWbQv68Qz5xiPimnejYWhg3JBNV7veDHEB1ckp8wWS5OxvhUwYJUO03qp2B2N2hshV1_yhqkgTm91nciMgLQzoueyQoRRy-hCsSKxrr6mb3TLpAYMDYA/s320/suninn.jpg" title="A night of comparing iPhones and synchronised jizzing." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">JD & Coke, Lemon & Lime Water, Pint of coke:</span><br />
<br />
£8.10</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 6.1<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Dave - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-75969014674463546482010-06-29T20:30:00.015+01:002010-07-26T18:37:09.090+01:00The Idle HourOne hundred Tuesdays of various pubs and this is where we've ended up. A small terraced hideaway which could easily be mistaken as someone's house. Once in through the door, you're met with dozens of clocks hung on the walls, hard floors and wooden tables. And a black Jaegermeister shot maker on the bar, odd.<br />
There are some strict rules about this place - you're not allowed to be in the garden after 10:30pm and if you are out there, there's a minimum number of people allowed per table. Since we were the only ones in the garden (or in the pub by the end), I don't think this mattered too much.<br />
The barmaid was quite taken aback there were actually people having a proper drink, finding it hard to find the right poison she exclaimed "This is the first time anyone's come in on a Tuesday for a session".<br />
There was a bottle of Brazilian rum sitting amongst the other bottles behind the bar, the label warning of '80% alcohol content' (that's 160 proof!). Allegedly illegal to sell in the shops, one shot of Stroh was evaporating even before it was brought back to the table. Any liquid that makes you hold your chest like you're having a coronary isn't to be trusted.<br />
<i>-Alex</i> <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served <br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sBOhdHpmISVVt_Q0iRLThw-jVlgYAmUt8Bx0DAbc6NxjXv10HtgQfu9IR_RR5CQnkEs2Yz_eDw-Z0StpR6ZB0nL3d0uymN9ooGsZblL4UBdozlpzQZiOjuQcvk8vva_f5EtKZvDXAA/s320/idlehour.jpg" title="Holy photoshopped doorway batman!" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Gaymers, Orange juice, Bourbon & coke, Amaretto & coke:</span><br />
<br />
£13.80</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 6.5<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-55791458954014688562010-06-22T20:30:00.071+01:002010-07-04T23:19:45.404+01:00Ye White HartThe only pub in Barnes where you can actually sit next to the river. There are three terraces and plenty of seating down on the Thames path to make the most of this. For those of a thin-skinned nature can also borrow a blanket to wrap themselves in, the sissies.<br />
Each round of drinks we ordered was greeted with with an monotone voice of "hello, how are you" from a barmaid, who said herself she'd been working there too long. Even asking her to list the dozen crisp flavours didn't seem to stir any passion!<br />
Sitting by the river is quite crowded affair, and if you can ignore the cigarette smoke, insects and rodents scurrying around, you'll find it a good place to watch the world go by and enjoy the evening sunset.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRyq9wwg5ooksXp0PYEs2HTEmxUcZkkKP0QzD5XL8YU1FP0AjbTbUPf9HhAQQelxLVn8_CmQ4wNeueft91minSQ5Q_607QzMIKfVEaWfqYSui2y9u7XkrZqCeHt7oOEdZpum_B95iCw/s320/whitehart.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Fosters, pint of Young's Special, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£9.23</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.6<br />
Dave - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-5516288344210563252010-06-15T20:30:00.136+01:002010-07-01T23:19:39.305+01:00Coach & HorsesTraditional in every sense of the word, C&H really holds onto its roots. There are some really great features dotted around - from the stain-glass window at the back looking over the charming garden, up past the bar and its many trinkets, though to the huge used-to-be wooden doors at the front. I guess it really was its namesake way back when. The inside is quite small, there isn't even a place for toilets, but there is for a private function room, which I found rather odd (if you want to do a number, you'll have to go outside and go into the door opposite!).<br />
Staff are very polite and friendly, which gave it that good homely feel. One big group of local lads came in and pushed us up on the couches, the fact that they were all at retirement age and we were whipper-snappers didn't deter them in the least! It's also very dog friendly.<br />
<i>-Alex</i> <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOAT5cV5LfBQ9ogppmpEMjVbC3SFN52YdjQGl8FbMXGUFInM3V0Qe8UGf-NWyryt-OrKULo22v89P0KLSapDWAoO9bHj5F1oHTIvZaUL2OaQgYIqYKeeV8MBefqiNE9_-ZlpA9LzEKg/s320/coachhorses.jpg" title="Fathers get a free pint on fathers day... unless your name is Genghis Khan." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Fosters, JD & coke, coke, Feel Good </span><br />
<br />
£13.00</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.9<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Dave - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-39476468483266018352010-06-08T20:30:00.135+01:002010-07-01T10:49:06.741+01:00The Bulls HeadTechnically a riverside pub, although the main road is between them, the Bulls Head is probably most famous for its jazz venue. Events happen most nights of the week and tickets cost an average of £10 as a first come first seated basis.<br />
'But what about the pub?' I hear you cry. Well, the large open area with the bar set in the middle suggests you could get served from practically any point, without having to carry your drinks very far. I like that. There are a fair few ales, ciders, wines, spirits and liqueurs, something for everyone I feel, and even when they did run out of Amaretto the friendly staff were more than happy to pop down to the cellar to get some more.<br />
We sat in the side room, comfortably ambient with the live music coming from the double doors at the far end. The only thing that didn't quite fit were the Thai restaurant menus dotted around - I guess they have a deal going on with next door.<br />
Seating outside is very limited if the sun's out, but I'd like to come back again and perhaps sample a bit of the jazz.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Live music<br />
No unsightly world cup flags </td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjFOnIICGMrPlhr0NZ4n5-daza-ccQC0DIxF3snRmksYZG-vlEQnKTNSNQAXVl4_6FVtQq8cBOLaf3oSMstfJtZln8Tt7iBsPuPzQuwbOXb4bc6mEFeR7EApE9Lxdp0Pnl3www5U1wA/s320/bullshead.jpg" title="What the f... that almost sounded like a normal review." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Amstel, pint of Young's, Amaretto & coke, 2x </span><span style="color: olive;">crisps</span><span style="color: olive;">:</span><br />
<br />
£11.90</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.5<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-26336635519906585262010-05-18T20:30:00.019+01:002010-06-14T23:22:28.107+01:00The Brown DogThis residential area of Barnes would be less claustrophobic if it was built inside a submarine. You can't even walk a pram down the road for all the wall-to-wall parking, let alone drive a car down here.<br />
After a head-to-head stand-off with a van, we finally found a parking space and headed towards the pub. First thing to notice it's not really a pub, it's more of a bistro type place where you feel a bit odd only ordering drinks. We found a dark area around the side with decaying framed photos for sale, a huge musty bookcase and a box full of various board-games. It's a bit like one of those boxes of toys local doctors had in their waiting rooms back in the 80's, all exciting until you try and use any of the contents, then realise most of the pieces are missing and you end up throwing them on the floor in a rage.<br />
As the name suggests, dogs are more than welcome here, which is quite bizarre with all the food coming and going. There's a good selection of crisps and drinks, and the staff are friendly enough. Check out the hoity-toity regulars who enjoy an endless chucklesome banter about who is better at tennis.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
WiFi<br />
Outside seating<br />
Dog friendly</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb46NdHmQmJAlRF3GSraUdt6poB25RJU8Qw74TIHUFHmD_-nhtaUgqgsGMqpjwYMMLwo-HiDvqDiodxRvsNivWu6rEBWinXU6IBCi0iXVuy3yZlmHWlaEtrlsM3Z0ZZ0j3sipCKJdR0A/s320/browndog.jpg" title="Today's Jenga was brought to you by the society of cerebral palsy." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Stiegl, amaretto & coke (double as standard), coke, apple juice:</span><br />
<br />
£13.62</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 5.8<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Dave - 6.4<br />
Oliver - 6.0 </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-67076065498584174212010-05-11T20:30:00.006+01:002010-06-14T23:22:37.441+01:00The BridgeLocated a brief walk from Hammersmith Bridge (hence the name, duh), this modern pub has a bright, comfortable feel to it. You're not going to be able to park round here, but you'll find it easy to make a detour from a summer walk along the Thames path.<br />
There are a good range of beverages available, although sadly all the ales were off on our visit. The barman seemed quite suspicious of us too, probably down to the fact we didn't have any large musical instruments or v-neck jumpers on. There's quite a large garden at the back with patio heaters, mainly enjoyed by those who enjoy a bit of carbon monoxide. Other than that, The Bridge isn't bad for a quick visit, no it isn't cheap, but that's not surprising located where it is.<br />
As a side note - if you want a laugh, check out their <a href="http://www.thebridgeinbarnes.com/">website</a>. Every page is an annoying PDF, including a menu dated 'February 25rd'. That really does give the <i>specials</i> menu a new meaning.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
WiFi<br />
Outside seating </td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYtyX5Un7vTurC0GoRjJ-IFQLX9yHIFhmxxBaiiY9ezQny0wE78Mn2nHXGqdtTdAYZyWsQzuBmeeOJ10eplNPdXRtxg-iUDu3vNYZk9AxD7ePh0XO-dJ3yzqK0kv5oBLwIXuv_4LDPQ/s320/bridge.jpg" title="The awkward double front doors are there to keep the wheelchairs out." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Fosters, Amaretto & coke, apple juice, passion fruit juice:</span><br />
<br />
£11.60</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.2</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Andrew - ?</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Dave - 6.5</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Oliver - 7.5</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-7426843668330709582010-05-04T20:30:00.025+01:002010-06-14T23:22:45.552+01:00Halfway HouseOne of the nicest little independent pubs I've been to, well worth a visit. It has a real welcoming atmosphere and with all the evening events going on, it's anything but a stale hangout for musty old men. Live music, open mic night, curry night. If they don't do the old fashioned meat auction on a Sunday, they so should.<br />
Being a Tuesday, we had a go at the quiz. A quid to gain entry, the usual picture round followed by a few questions on varying subjects and general knowledge. Quite nice they gave us a helping hand and included an idiot round for the likes of us, or we may not have got any right. But I think we faired okay.<br />
There are some good ales on tap, so good in fact the barman poured a London Pride when I ordered a Fosters. Perhaps it was his way of saying 'drink some real beer you whipper snapper', and who am I to argue.<br />
The owners have put a lot of effort into making this a good local and it really shows. Good stuff.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-size: auto auto; background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating<br />
Quiz night<br />
Live music<br />
WiFi</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eQZoBwjX2WpjRIk1BufSV-zDks9pmGjlUmSxzA-AfVH4vSvaDS9H5xkQqrpuLVyEgQP8F0qoWWJAFiv3sPvoTWOknubkDV3brELB_YVVRoSDmnw3CHZKT6_oUWitqOLc93ZiZT9s5Q/s320/halfwayhouse.jpg" title="That guy who won the quiz? What a smug bastard." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Bulmers, pint of Fosters, pint of London Pride, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£11.90</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 8.9</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Andrew - ?</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Dave - 7.0</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Oliver - 8.5 </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-46106110689609102392010-04-20T20:30:00.111+01:002010-06-14T23:22:53.826+01:00The Tapestry<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div>Looks like an old fashioned pub from the outside, but don't be deceived - get through the front door and you'll soon realise this is actually more of a restaurant with a bar than anything else.<br />
The smell of food, the waitress asking you where you want to sit, the tab based billing system, even to a point where the waitress apologises for 'not having any mints' when paying. I can only guess 'service not included' written in bold at the bottom of the receipt, may have been something to do with that.<br />
If we were reviewing restaurants The Tapestry may have been given better score, but as it stands for somewhere to drink, it's stupidly expensive and you won't find any ales either. Just pop across the road to the Jolly Gardeners and save yourself a few quid.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-size: auto auto; background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
WiFi<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzYe0TykIvIIatsYbKFudcsOwkD7AzUULy7ZASIKLrOl1UvTyqHe_IHpzVQT5iS7b-Q_RRC3ut_ZWQYSNpGQTStwzYF6wDWJ2YcyFl-lLGIoudTX5phlKA0HRbmgO4Ec5kYmbtgyzkQ/s320/tapestry.jpg" title="I liked this pub because the candles looked like burning elephant foreskins. 10/10" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbI7BQ2ynrsX46yyE0EsPomW0cu_4DOI3qfJd5w7qb3ljW7DgXWz1TLWSduE3g1zxkQu2dHiW7hyphenhyphenKnW3Yh4Nx2YpfpeY0f0hgu7dz1hGD5DhRjCJIrfk1quPIpmX3oss0CfgSn9pqQw/s320/tapestry.png" title="How much for a pint of coke?!" /> </td><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 4.9</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Dave - 5.4</div><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Oliver - ? </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-39837516491362949162010-04-13T20:30:00.021+01:002010-05-21T13:39:09.455+01:00The ShipOnly two types of people know this pub exists - the locals and the people who love the annual boat race (well actually three if you include us pub geeks).<br />
It's hidden round the back of the Budweiser brewery, from the outside it doesn't look much... but it is humongous. I've been reliably informed The Ship hasn't always been this size, only extended when the new landlord decided to cater towards the food side of things.<br />
With so many places to sit, we headed off towards the back, having to squeeze past a young 'girl' in a puffer jacket. She was holding her pint up at the sports screen and shouting "you're havin' a larf!". It's always a worry when you go into a place and the females have more testosterone than the blokes.<br />
The resident dog was a scruffy little thing, he seemed to make a habit of running around the restaurant side (where we were sitting) and urinating against the legs of the chairs. Gave the place a wonderful aroma like a tramps six year old duffel coat.<br />
The staff were good though and I'd be interested to see what it's like on a summers afternoon, outside obviously.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-size: auto auto; background-attachment: scroll; background-color: ivory; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating<br />
Sport screen</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzVyl6cGIosUgycv8mmnjb-skz3C1CgIVFSaObFxvYVichsreuxHf7rVDvFtKk2DI64jM24p5j6RnmV9ff3XBHATQKPlNN6lZ9CqMuaTo3VUQdrgGOReJNhoqZmqkHPn8DApAB9URqg/s320/ship.jpg" title="We sat away from the toilets so we didn't have to smell piss, but it found us." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Amaretto & coke, coke, J20, packet crisps / nuts:</span><br />
<br />
£8.76</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 6.5<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-85351456184383748242010-03-30T20:30:00.040+01:002010-04-08T19:53:44.576+01:00The RailwayPossibly the most modern looking pub we've been to around Mortlake. The Railway still holds a traditional feel with its coal fireplace and large art on the walls, but now sporting a jukebox, TV screens and weirdly, an office chair (rather dangerous with the wood flooring).<br />
The barmaid was very accommodating and didn't mind helping us carry our drinks, and gave a friendly goodbye when we left. But a certain someone turned a bit cranky when she turned down the volume on his heavy metal track. It wasn't much later we later heard the poor barmaid fall down the stairs on her way to the basement. Yeah, you can call it a coincidence all you like Dave.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served <br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Sport screen <br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD05_89kjFgQ2BpQy20b_cy7jMuFqa7VHp011DbJ-7_Mn_10LwKUXmBW0eEPxBMiNix18Yo5KCQTxjWL71M9bX8yt2igsfc2qIcQgGX14QIWwmhcy3eeW6aPGq56LyrKGZgwYVhgdrg/s320/railway.jpg" title="'Help me, I've fallen down the stairs!'" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">JD & Coke, Coke, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£5.80</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.2<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Dave - 6.2<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-79449258231947418142010-03-23T20:30:00.022+00:002010-05-14T18:17:21.537+01:00Jolly GardenersBacking on to the famous Budweiser brewery, this Young's pub actually makes some good business in Mortlake. There's plenty to do - darts, watch football or check out the games room at the back which has couple of pool tables.<br />
The barman was younger than us so I'll forgive him for confusingly offering a bottle of Amaretto because he couldn't find any Amaretto (that is what happened, I'm not going crazy). Prices are cheap compared to Richmond and there are plenty of drunk, retired regulars propping up the bar.<br />
Most of our night was spent playing darts, well, one game which lasted a very long time. Somewhat down to a certain someone who wouldn't wear their glasses, but it was mainly down to us being rather sh*t. Apologies for the many holes in the carpet.<br />
<i>-Alex</i> <br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-size: auto auto; background-attachment: scroll; background-color: ivory; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Real ale<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Pool tables<br />
Dartboard<br />
Sport screen <br />
Outside seating <br />
<br />
</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor-Ohusk7Ps4sIYiRNDi_1LaPh3v-9wyEbI2aj-WbSEg4A_pAR6lK5vOOFkFk9P_5f7GArcJvcPYtBUwVwhkRzAGyqFLvM_ncm8kR8BelUu5pMB_kY_3ivFl4nYSg-uF-aMm69A6_5A/s320/jollygardeners.jpg" title="No women allowed."/></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Carlsberg, Amaretto & Coke, 3x coke:</span><br />
<br />
£10.15</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.0<br />
Andrew - ?<br />
Dave - 5.7<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-91887489406015631372010-03-16T20:30:00.007+00:002010-05-14T18:19:49.343+01:00Charlie ButlerMortlake is a strange suburb. Many decades ago it used to have a lively high-street with its own bus station. With that gone, the only thing left worthy of note are the half dozen public houses.<br />
You can't normally go wrong with a Young's pub, but it was unusual to see one so empty, I expected to at least see some regulars. But no, it was us and the barman in a room that didn't look as if it had changed since the 80's.<br />
The barman was a peculiar chap, early twenties from up north. Spent most of his time pouring himself pints, switching the lights on and off, and tuning the TV to a programme about violent drunken yobs clashing with police. It worked out quite well though, the more he drank the less able he was to use the 'new till'. At one point we got our drinks and it was ten minutes later before he came back and asked for any money. As we left he thrusted a mobile phone in our hand, and asked us "how t' view messages on eet", then after fiddling with it, he took it back and showed us how to do it. It was all very odd.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-size: auto auto; background-attachment: scroll; background-color: ivory; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Real ale<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Sports screen<br />
Outside seating<br />
Carpark</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmQla5S2PKhTbufGTF9E7dfG_ygtMEbGPmXa8Zwut_t-AZPGNPWixCzBGNJKxPG1ZhzLIa2dJKTLFSI6H4vqwL3TrejTTqLpE73hGMJ_5HKr2Qq-ZVvfXNSjBhrRXjZywdreee9W6Ig/s320/charliebutler.jpg" title="Named after the guy who founded it, if only he could see it now..."/></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">JD & coke, lemonade, J20, crisps x2, pork scratchings:</span><br />
<br />
£8.65</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 6.3<br />
Dave - 5.3<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-11874593572702780742010-02-23T20:30:00.074+00:002010-05-03T18:07:48.608+01:00The VictoriaTo those who want to own a pub, keep riff-raff out and still attract the pretentious who have more money than sense, here are some golden rules for you:<br />
<ul><li>Place a random sculpture outside, to most it will look like a bronze turd, to your target market a beautiful work of art.</li>
<li>Have a 'magicians' curtain round the entrance, this will give your customer a feeling of amazement when they walk in.</li>
<li>Charge at least £5 for a liqueur, then put a service charge on it.</li>
<li>Leave posh sounding cookery books piled up to buy on a table and place a premium on the signed copies. Don't forget to place a random glass vase next to them.</li>
<li>All snacks must be served from jars and given out on a tiny dish. Again, don't forget the service charge.</li>
<li>Place at least two candles on each table.</li>
<li>Now and again, spend some time walking around loudly fluffing cushions.</li>
<li>Start a traditional wood fire. It doesn't matter if your flue is inadequate, your self-important customers will accept the clouds of wood smoke as something rather chic.</li>
</ul>This place tries so hard to be something it's not. If I were in Mayfair, I'd expect stupid prices and good service. For a place based in a tiny backstreet in Sheen with below average staff it's a complete rip-off.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
Got here about half an hour before the others this evening but this may have been the fact that it is in the middle of suburbia, at one point I was expecting the road I was driving on to just....stop. unbelievably this place has to be the most expensive place we have been to in either the Richmond or Kingston pub guides, for a standard shot and mixer to be over £5 and then add a percentage charge to all food orders, including a tray of chilli bar snacks, this venue appears to think they are trading in the centre of the city not the outskirts of a suburb. Having a £16+ round when only one alcoholic drink out of 4 is being purchased is a definite deterrent from coming back here again, if you have a small island to mortgage then you probably could have this as your local, but otherwise I would recommend heading elsewhere.<br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Wine menu<br />
Real ale<br />
WiFi<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmgarqh2pKJ7UISNjv2FKGBjKc36q_NCS3GXYLG_d2mLZmxaDl9qj_QUZFGGTbMB4QO8tqFp5maqNJW51Xi7Q93q_Fxu8g1OkyiAoesk4-ota9AQQ-Q_bG48LztRY23NTBuZ5E5llyw/s320/thevictoria.jpg" title="Compare this with the photo on their website... hmm." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Amaretto & coke, pint of coke x2, orange juice, chilli snacks:</span><br />
<br />
£16.35 (!)</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 3.1<br />
Andrew - 2.0<br />
Dave - 3.6<br />
Oliver - 4.0</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-75605957790477417942010-02-16T20:30:00.011+00:002010-05-14T18:22:03.908+01:00The PloughIt's a quiet Tuesday, not many people to serve, but somehow we still had to wait until someone had finished telling his 'what do you call a blind deer?' joke to the barmaid before we were attended to. When we did get served, the Guinness was left half poured under the pump and she disappeared to fill up the dishwasher round the back. She did come back after 10 minutes and was confused to why we were staring, waiting with our coats still on. The barman wasn't much better, after ordering another round, he took our money and left the drinks behind the bar. It's a quiet Tuesday for god sake!<br />
One thing did amuse me though were the menus. Black type printed on a black patterned background is a huge fail for those of us who like to use our eyes.<br />
A nice comfortable pub with ordinary prices, it's just a shame the staff haven't got a clue.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
Having arrived quite late it was not long off me getting in a round at the rather modern looking pub. I was slightly bemused when after placing the order the barman disappeared, I assumed to pour out the drinks, and then reappear a few minuted later to take payment, after cash has exchanged hand he stood there waiting for the next customer not realising I was still waiting to be given the drinks I had just purchased and after a few seconds of eye contact and the whirring of bring cogs, he remembers only after I ask him if I could take the drinks back to the table. This may sound like a long winded moan about it but unfortunately the rest of the pub did not have much else that memorable, apart form a deceptive step on the way to the bathroom that I am sure had I had at least 6 or 7 more drinks, and alcoholic ones at that, I may well have stacked it. You have been warned!<br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-size: auto auto; background-attachment: scroll; background-color: ivory; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYjoAFlyAdIGcwHVWAql7QUmuXrQfjvy2LTLQkQuIMt8SJtSbelb_VAN-s6XUozQn_BwLJRNKZhyNeNmKMkLh1tLeRIMqHDQCw_kBhXDaxcHeW73lWNCK0uF8d9CEEzBijMqRze5mxA/s320/theplough.jpg" title="'No idea'... geddit har har har. Die." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Guinness, Amaretto & coke, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£9.10</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 6.6<br />
Andrew - 7.0<br />
Dave - 6.3<br />
Oliver - 7.0</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-43111513371963024332010-02-09T20:30:00.018+00:002010-05-14T18:22:58.246+01:00Pig and WhistleIf you like your pubs full of blokes whom are into sports, you'll love the Pig and Whistle. Hordes of loud West-London middle-aged geezers drinking pints of larger, propping up the bar whilst cheering on football at every given opportunity. Impressive then the pub still manages to have an dry atmosphere.<br />
Not being big fans of football we jumped on the quiz machine. We were given a simple question: 'Which of these numbers is a square root? A. 9 or B. 16'... now I'm no mathematician but when we picked answer B. we didn't expect a big fat Game Over sign to appear... what the f...? And quite difficult to prove if you wanted to contest it!<br />
After the football ended we were left in an empty pub, with poker on the TV and some disgusting Big D pork scratchings. Probably won't be coming back.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
A very large open plan pub with a bar that spans the full length of the back wall, quick service was very welcomed. The website advertises a car park but after a certain time the gates are shut and your left to find a place on the street to park. Not an issue but if you advertise a car park, surely it should be open when the pub is. Not much happened to not this evening, just the general chit chat and catch up since last week, and apart form a mathematically challenged quiz machine I cannot think of a negative point for the pub itself, but then again I find it hard to find a remarkable positive point either.<br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Real ale<br />
WiFi<br />
Carpark</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rga7ut594zZJ676kOXxqvWS44xo3l0fzx3tD9MV26s-yZyF6TdQxvRlEE8H3M0j15dvXLzkbDwmB4c_tTG3HwyD8GJezITdKq7fz9GgNQZIbOooQNIQelqE5Y4ZX4XRqDZhhZ-qDyA/s320/pigandwhistle.jpg" title="Obesity is not an excuse to take up 90% of the bar" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of coke x2, amaretto & coke, crisps x2:</span><br />
<br />
£8.25</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 4.8<br />
Andrew - 6.5<br />
Dave - 5.6<br />
Oliver - 5.0</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-91724859895149868682010-01-26T20:30:00.068+00:002010-05-14T18:28:03.383+01:00The Naked TurtleJazz club... nice. The Naked Turtle has a bar, a restaurant, a lounging areas and even seating outside for the alfresco types. Relaxing and listening to a pianist coupled with a professional singing waitress is quite a unique experience (at least for me). With the friendly table service and subdued lights, it really sets the ambiance of the place to a good standard.<br />
I really enjoyed visiting here, if I was to come back I'd definitely like to sample the food. Bravo!<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
Was not too sure what to expect with this place, met the others inside as I was a bit late and they had sat in the bar area waiting for us to arrive, after ordering some drinks we relocated to the entrance of the restaurant bit, sharing a small areas with a family having a meal on the other side of the room and an open curtain to the performance area/seating so we could hear when one of the waitresses got up to do a number. Quite a nice place and the table service was not expected but very welcomed. I would definitely like to come back on a Friday/Saturday evening to see what the atmosphere is like then.<br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Wine list<br />
Outside seating<br />
Jazz<br />
Singing barmaids</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img 0.2cm;="" border:="" medium="" olive;="" padding:="" solid="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclWcmUgo42y9bdclkWaAGJ-h8ukx3cvv5eKApy-GgFa9VQlBEq6t2K94Wu270dRN1d9gs-aMkebWShndRF6bm7d7x6tITG0h-ORnwzr4LGsbj-MgLRzc8C4Sx24dshn3msQl9NQC8VQ/s320/nakedturtle.jpg" title="♪ ♫" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Amaretto and coke x2, pineapple juice x2:</span><br />
<br />
£9.60</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 8.6<br />
Andrew - 7.4<br />
Dave - 7.8<br />
Oliver - 8.0</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-28428269187662658942010-01-19T20:30:00.081+00:002010-04-08T19:51:22.950+01:00The Hare & HoundsA gastro family orientated pub. Has a strange feeling of emptiness, probably due to the hugeness of the whole place, giving it that distinct lack of character There's a strange cocktail lounge for 'private parties', that you can privately hire. If you're wanting a good time, for the love of god, please go into Richmond town.<br />
Food looked okay, although steep prices for a place that feels like a foyer. Very, very ordinary. Zzz...<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Wine menu<br />
Real ale<br />
Scrabble</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBLwdpLcIVJV2umjQVDIgCKHJu3a4QZEnP_oXhY7dav5TqVyeZz4V6gbnyyrhytzZXDVBocHhH4KhHw_sIq8jojK8sLVZJlp71Hll7HzljQsT9eAfRyUhmeYPa-TyHE8AsqX3yjPywg/s320/harehounds.jpg" title="The Harvester and Hounds (sic)" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Amaretto & coke, orange & lemonade, Feel Good juice:</span><br />
<br />
£9.61</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 4.0<br />
Dave - 5.4<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-71005157293414773272010-01-12T20:30:00.133+00:002010-05-03T18:10:23.867+01:00The Royal OakHesitantly pushing the wooden door open from the dark, cold street, we entered and walked up to the small bar. The biggest woman I have ever seen loomed over us and began pouring our drinks (I had to check the floor behind the bar wasn't a raised platform, she was of such colossal size). Glancing at TV as we paid, I noticed the screen was frozen on a certain meerkat advert, and one of the locals was chatting about how he "doesn't get it". I can assume the lack of intelligence was limited due to months of staring at a broken Freeview box.<br />
A shady character sat in the corner on his own, he never moved from his seat and the barmaid took all his drinks directly to him. Upon near closing time, he abruptly got up and left, leaving an untouched pint on his table. This started a domestic between the barmaid and the owner. It was at this point we felt it was time to go.<br />
I like traditional pubs but The Royal Oak was lacking energy and on the whole, felt rather stale.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
Another pub off the beaten track, well, the main road between Kingston and Richmond at least, the royal oak appears a lot bigger on the outside then inside, the bar itself seems to take up a majority of the floorspace, but this didn't seem to be much of a problem this evening as the level of trade was relatively low, the half of the pub we sat in only had the four of us and one lone mane reading the paper at the back. There is something very unremarkable about this place, it is defiantly a local and I think its more of a place you go to with a few friends for a catch up than an evening out as the amenities within are very few. <br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Sandwiches served<br />
Bar snacks<br />
<strike>Real ale</strike> (was off)<br />
Dartboard<br />
Sports screen</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNWnodIg9rB8aEYK3ooY4W5Q-aZ95jNLF2cVsnIqEXRywlF4_I8a84aghd7KmoxgDfaXXhFIMyqAx4_TrD6D6l-mqQIZfwDKMSgB9R_1mVohgIlY7P3elP9R1FNshF9rM4lhu4r7sNw/s320/royaloak.jpg" title="Check out the 1940's laserjet typewriter" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Fosters, pint of Guinness, JD & Coke J20:</span><br />
<br />
£11.20</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 4.7<br />
Andrew - 5.0<br />
Dave - 6.1<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-57198815558192775652010-01-05T20:30:00.102+00:002010-05-03T18:11:21.320+01:00The New InnDespite the first snow in 2010 forecast for this evening, we actually turned up hoping by the end we'd be snowed in and have to resort to surviving on beer and crisps for a few days. Just as well that didn't happen really, this is one of the few pubs I've been to where they didn't have any Amaretto, no pork scratchings and ignore numerous requests for 'no ice'. To their advantage though they did have some tasty Pickled Onion Monster Munch.<br />
The only other people in the pub were the four locals sitting behind us. As a special treat (probably for life service to the pub), a birthday cake was produced from behind the bar and presented with the usual song. That was about as electrifying at the atmosphere got.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
A standard out of town type pub, level of trade was quite low but then by the time we left there was enough snowfall to have a bit of a snowball fight as well as slide about in the car before getting onto a gritted road (which was actually quite fun, in a non dangerous sort of way....honest). a pretty uneventful evening once again however this may be because we were wondering if there was enough snow to get a day off work the next day.<br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76jUHl3MDmtLqrrY0q24RSrh8eFYGmeMObaZdb79ZTLqa0hfvzM24P9vq8Xic7Tt3Kefq6_LeTy92HesB4YUpMR_XdyaGeop4sEUElUfvt2koE6g8xHTizQp4TQ-bbA8Or7udbcJtrg/s320/newinn.jpg" title="Hey Andrew, how's the ear? That'll teach you for driving past with the window open." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Bulmers, JD & coke, pint of orange and lemonade, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£12.00</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 6.4<br />
Andrew - 6.0<br />
Dave - 6.1<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-10028200500781198962009-12-15T20:30:00.056+00:002010-05-14T18:29:20.506+01:00The Hand and FlowerI try not to be influenced by other peoples reviews when looking for the next pub to visit, but this one was looking extremely ominous. From the comments on <a href="http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/21/215/Hand_and_Flower/Ham">beerintheevening</a> I was expecting to get captured by a family of Chavs, thrown in he back of a van, and driven around for three weeks until the news had got bored of the story and then dumped me under a bridge somewhere.<br />
Disappointingly, it turned out to be nothing of the sort. Friendly staff, good service and cosy surroundings. I'm impressed at the way they've kept the traditional pub at the front, keeping the restaurant separate towards the back. It appears to be doing quite good trade with the locals, being the only table free had us sitting on a kid sized choir bench. Bah.<br />
<i>-Alex</i> <br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqhR9l-rHzWoLSsK1WTulu-Hwh8SecJ819DcLeyjEUJKpW1mPJQoMXwtehDDy3W8cLovTQbSNWPg80NtNFHBGlRuiNQDR91yNpW5BmG0WYWDWFvtUCb_pStPZO2SctExxCMOWzvvijg/s320/hand&flower.jpg" title="Not quite a name you associate with thuggery is it."/></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Amaretto & coke, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£4.80</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.7<br />
Dave - 6.8<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-16622767888672234252009-12-08T20:30:00.039+00:002009-12-20T16:53:52.984+00:00The Ham Brewery TapUnless you live locally you're not going to find this place without a map. Which is a shame, because it's a pretty good pub. Events happen almost every night - from Poker, karaoke, quizzes, Sunday meat auctions to the occasional live music. And if that doesn't keep you entertained there's always the pool tables, darts and a couple of one arm bandits.<br />
I'll forgive the barmaid for not knowing what the Amaretto was, as she was easily entertained by the number of Pork Scratchings (or as the barman put it, hairy pig hooves) one human-being can consume in one night.<br />
Couple of things need sorting by the door - if smokers waft doesn't get you, deep vein thrombosis from being stuck under the tiny table with the bed-lamp will. Also, look out for the bloke who looks like a serial killer (I'm too scared to give out a more detailed description than that).<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: rgb(255, 255, 240) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody></tbody></table><table style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: rgb(255, 255, 240) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Food served<br />
Bar snacks <br />
Real ale<br />
Pool table<br />
Dartboard<br />
Sport screens<br />
Outside seating<br />
</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfwjrPX5YX7Zl0jsHckrYkU77HFFEdD6ygbJN4Op7UxIFCDQi1G8qzRDApFx7G2-L3AY0MVtmgPjM22jl3QMOH5Ez7Da1lKaoX9I0DINvACRVTxY8kB4fW1XCBSBRgtfHiD2k6kQKuA/s320/hambrewerytap.jpg" title="Best excuse ever for turning up late: Car sunroof has a leak, Satnav falls off, and short-circuits in a puddle. Nice one Dave :)" /><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Amaretto & coke</span><span style="color: olive;">, J20 x2:</span><br />
<br />
£6.50<br />
</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.6<br />
Dave - 6.2<br />
Oliver - ?<br />
Sandeep - ? <br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25767646123967726.post-79349147910386796032009-12-01T20:30:00.008+00:002010-05-03T18:11:38.800+01:00The Victoria InnThis has to be the smallest pub I've ever been to, it was much like intruding in someone's living room at first. There are no distractions from quiz machines or huge plasma screens, and when it gets busy (well, busy as in 15 people), I must say it does get rather cosy.<br />
The barmaid is great, the second time we went up for a round she'd memorised our order from before so all I had to do was give a nod. She got a bit excited when we didn't tell her our glasses were empty though.<br />
Apart from two loud girls by the door, behaving like it they were auditioning for an episode of Sex and the City, it was a jolly good night.<br />
If you're looking for a friendly, traditional, personal pub you can't go wrong here.<br />
<i>-Alex</i><br />
<br />
Tiny, that pretty much sums it up to be honest. Impressive service form the barmaid, and a really nice atmosphere I would love to come here again, however as there are only 5 or 6 tables in the place there might be a pot luck for entry let alone getting a seat during a mildly busy time.<br />
<i>-Andrew</i><br />
<br />
<table style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 240); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pub facilities / features:</span><br />
<br />
Real ale<br />
Bar snacks<br />
Sports screens<br />
Outside seating</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; text-align: center;" valign="middle"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEyzCkRSnSC1dmqycRwJaRCnm1XsuC6UmLb7qyAmHmgrJggsugjt-zOlbxCsn6WrXIuUfuHD_MvqwnSA1I9Ldj5bGsC9RSLKTEp5QsY2cXFDEuRWEY3NR2Hd9dGNz5eSTVvQwHZ1D3g/s320/victoriainn.jpg" title="Look at the size of that cat flap." /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: medium solid olive; padding: 0.2cm;" valign="middle" width="170"><span style="color: olive;">Pint of Youngs, pint of Fosters, coke, J20:</span><br />
<br />
£9.20</td> <td style="border: medium solid olive; padding-left: 2cm;" valign="middle"><div style="color: olive; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Alex - 7.9<br />
Andrew - 8.5<br />
Dave - 8.7<br />
Oliver - ?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369889403570201403noreply@blogger.com0