Sunday 10 September 2006

Observation: The term “pub” covers just about anyplace that will draw an ale. One of my “hobbies” is venturing into these establishments and sampling their wares. Typically, I’m drawn into them by name, and sometimes by invitation. Some of them are no more than just a bar, but what I’ve come to really enjoy are the traditional pubs. Those with history, detailed lead glass, dark wood trim and creaky floors.

Below is my list so far (in chonological order of visit):

1. The Iron Duke: Pub located in Victoria Station.
2. The Albert: My favourite local traditional pub, built in 1864 and just a 5 minute walk from the flat. Pretty good Sunday Roast.
3. Ye Olde Watling: 17th century pub built by Christopher Wren to “nourish” his construction crews rebuilding churches after the great fire.
4. Princess of Wales: Between Embankment tube stop and the theatre district, nice stop before/after show.
5. The Wig and Quill: Original 16th century pub in Salisbury.
6. Slug and Lettuce: Great name, but just a bar. Did watch my first World Cup game here.
7. The Elusive Camel: Again, a modern sports bar, but it is literally below our balcony so it’s quite handy.
8. The Nightingale: Small neighbourhood pub about 10 minute walk from my office.
9. The Crooked Surgeon: Located near Leicester Square. Modernized on the inside, but again close to the theatre district.
10. Rose and Crown: Village pub located in Stelling Minnis. Stopped here for lunch during a Sunday bike ride.
11. Hedgehog and Pheasant: Great name, right around the corner from the flat, not so good pub. Not a single ale.
12. Greencoat Boy: Another traditional pub within a five minute walk from the flat.
13. The Stonehenge Inn: A country pub. I’ll give you one guess as to where it’s near. Very good pub lunch.
14. The White Swan: Stopped in for a pre-rugby match drink (or two) at this traditional 17th century pub located on the river in Twickenham across from Eel Pie Island.
15. The Albany: Again in Twickenham. A refurbished “gastropub” where we had a post rugby match drink.
16. The Cardinal: Traditional pub built in the mid 1800’s near Westminster Cathedral where we attend Mass. Lots of dark wood panelling and etched mirrors.
17. Lamb and Flag: Considered the oldest pub in London established in the late 1600’s. Tucked away from the main streets, you have to wind your way down some side streets to find it.
18. Salisbury: Relatively “modern” pub built in 1892, but it was the mirrors and the cool Victorian light fixtures that was the best part of the interior.
19. Duke of York: Located next to the Victorian Palace Theatre and a five minute walk from our flat. Built in the 1820’s, it’s a nice place for dinner AFTER the Billy Elliot show starts.
20. The Shakespeare: Located across the street from Victoria Station and again just a five minute walk from the flat (ok… maybe 10 minutes). Need to go back one night and check out the attached piano bar.
21. The Sherlock Holmes: Not near Baker St. (actually between Embankment and Trafalgar Square), but a neat “themed” pub with a traditional feel. Constantly showing old Sherlock Holmes’ movies.
22. The Jugged Hare: A refurbished bank building with a nice older “feel”, but not an authentic pub. We like the food there (try their Poacher’s Pie) and the high ceilings make for less smoke. Plus they serve Fuller’s ESB, my fav-o-rite ale.
23. The Clachan: SoHo area pub built in the late 1890’s and near The Palladium Theatre. Stopped in for a few before seeing The Sound of Music. Nothing special and not sure what the name implies.
24. Dover Castle: Small, HIDDEN pub built in 1777. Not very ornate inside, just your basic original, creaky, quaint, friendly “local” pub tucked back in a maze of alleyways near Regent’s Park. Worth a try to find, but bring a map.
25. Cock & Lion: Drawn in by name alone, and was disappointed with the upstairs portion. Very modern. The downstairs seemed more authentic, but it was way too crowded.
26. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: A MUST see!! Built in 1677 on Fleet St, but still need to know where it is as the entrance is off a small alley. Really cool series of small rooms, hallways and stairs. Like nothing I’ve visited so far. Dickens-esque.
27. Seven Stars: Built in 1602 and survived The Great Fire. Located behind the Royal Courts and part of the pub is an olde wig shop. It was supposed to have won an award for being one of the best dinner pubs, but find that hard to believe as there was a small pile of cat food on the bar.
28. St. George: Small local refurbished pub on the backside of our flat. Several TV screens and off the beaten path might make this a nice one to re-visit for watching a rugby match.
29. Audley: VERY roomy Victorian pub in Mayfair. Crystal chandeliers, dark panelling, and a LONG ornate bar benefiting from either being well preserved or having a “non-altering” renovation.
30. The Guinea: Tuck away amongst the mews in Mayfair, parts of it go back to the 1600’s. Cosy little place more know for its food as it is the 3-time winner of Britain’s Best Steak & Kidney Pie. (attached restaurant was frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Liz Taylor)
31. Ye Grapes: Tucked away in Shepherd Market away from the Mayfair bustle. Built in 1882, it has surprisingly high ceilings and cool wood carvings over the bar.
32. Red Lion: Near Parliament built in the late 19th century. Etched mirrors behind the bar. Not bad, just not “special”.
33. Cock & Bull: Modern Fuller’s pub (much like The Jugged Hare) in Sutton. Literally can see it from my office window. Scene of a couple “businessman” lunches.
34. The Old Star: Right next to St. James’ Park tube stop and claims to be a traditional pub. Sorry… but if you offer free WiFi… you’re NOT a traditional pub.
35. The Feather: Again in the St. James’ Park area. Was built in the late 1870’s, but the victim of a modernizing refurbishment that reduces its character.
36. The Strutten Arms: A neat dark, local pub built in 1848 with neat little alcoves along the side wall. Seems Peter Sellers and friends developed the old BBC radio show “The Goons” here.
37. Horse and Groom: An equine “themed” Victorian traditional pub that was quite cozy. Nothing outstanding, but still maintains that old style charm.
38. The Cock Tavern: (Regent’s Park) Really neat exterior with large lanterns hanging from above its facade. Inside was just as interesting with dark wood paneling. Highlight was the room divider with the clock atop of the detailed carved wood.
39. Argyll Arms: VERY busy as it was mid Saturday afternoon and near the Palladium Theatre, but an excellently decorated 18th century pub. Several small divided areas downstairs. We ate upstairs and while not nearly as interesting as downstairs is was still worthy of a return.
40. Trafalgar Tavern: HUGE riverfront pub on the Thames in Greenwich. Over 150 years old, but very, very crowded as it is the place to be for tourists.
41. O’Neill’s:(Dublin Pub) Recommended by our taxi driver for dinner. Excellent traditional Irish pub with winding lined rooms, dark wood walls, chandeliers and great food (carvery style).
42. The Auld Dubliner:(Dublin Pub) How could we NOT go in (Amy’s maiden name is Aulds for those of you unaware)? Again with the small, narrow interconnected rooms. Still a nice traditional type place.
43. The Gin Palace:(Dublin Pub) Refurbished traditional pub that seemed to lose it charm, although the bar was very ornate.
44. O’Donohue’s:(Dublin Pub) A small, cramped but cozy pub. Actually sat in a nook in the stairwell and watched the Six Nations matches.
45. The Red Lion: (Crowns’ Passage) Near St. James’ Palace by where the Royal Guard stands. In a tiny, tiny pedestrian passage (which I have NEVER noticed before) that is lit by gas lamps. Small cozy village “feel” on the inside. Just me and one other gent on a Saturday afternoon. Claims to have the second oldest beer license in London.
46. The Golden Lion: Right around the corner from above mentioned pub. Built in 1900, but a pub has been on this site since 1762. Leaded, stained glass window and nice dark woods on the inside. Plus a rarity… an American tending bar.
47. The Red Lion: Considered a “must see” on all pub lists. Small place with an island bar, but the walls are covered with cut glass mirrors. Built in 1821, the outside doesn’t look like much, but the inside was impressive.
48. The Black Lion: OK… just north of Hyde Park, it claims to have been built in 1720. Maybe the outside building, but the inside doesn’t do it justice as it has been completely “modernized”. BIG disappointment.
49. The Old Bank: A refurbished bank building in Sutton. Nothing special, but right next to the train station.
50. The Masons Arms:While the outside may truly be traditional, this is another case of modernization robbing any old word “feel”. Plus they served my ale in a MUG!! -gasp-
51: The Nag’s Head: Off the beaten path near Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner and tucked away amongst the mews. This pub has CHARACTER!! Tiny place with a strict “No Mobile Phone” policy. Creaky, bare wood, but just very “special”. Easily in my Top 5.
52: The Grenadier: Another small pub hidden in some mews. Nice traditional, but very crowded and didn’t get to appreciate it much.
53. Marquis of Westminster: Smallish, newer pub around the corner from the flat. Nothing special, but decent place for a “swifty”.
54. Penny Black: Non-traditional pub, but still good for a lunch boozer in Leatherhead. Nice large outside beer garden though.
55. Prince of Wales (Highgate): Traditional village pub with cool little benched booths and small rooms. Cozy atmosphere, but as with some others no pub grub, just a Thai menu.
56. The Flask: A Highgate classic, although extremely popular with the young and beautiful crowd on a nice weekend afternoon. Said to be over 300 years old, it is one of those low-ceiling, interconnecting rooms type pubs. We actually sat behind the original bar. Old pub with a fancy beer garden attached.
57. Prince of Wales (Victoria): Tiny traditional below our flat, but has been way too smoky until now. Great friendly place to sit outside on the sidewalk picnic tables to people watch.
58. The Phoenix: Newer gastro-pub with a cozy back garden area that we stumbled across by accident coming out the back of Cardinal Place.
59. The Dog and Duck: Small Victorian pub in Soho with some quirky stairs down to the Gent’s toilet and some excellent original tilework on the walls. Have actually been back two more times as it makes for a good spot to people watch.
60. The Queen’s Head: Just off Piccadilly Circus. Part of my Werewolves of London crawl. Just an “ok” place, as refurbishment seems to have cost it the original feel.
61. The Running Horse: In Leatherhead near the River Mole. One of those cool “village” type pubs with low beamed ceilings that I kept hitting my head against.
62. The Clarence: Touristy place near Parliament. Not a bad place, per se, just not the traditional type I prefer.
63. Angel and Crown: One of those “Hey… there’s a pub we haven’t been into, let’s try it” type visits. Another in a long line of rebuilt clean interiors. Only had a ½ pint as to not stay too long.
64. Cross Keys: On the edge of Covent Garden, off the beaten path. VERY dark and almost a dingy feel, but that was part of the charm of this traditional. Actually… not a bad place. The walls are absolutely covered in old pictures and nick-knacks.
65. Blue Posts: In an alley off of Piccadilly. Tiny place that was PACKED on a Sunday afternoon as a 6 piece swing band was playing and actually taking up ¼ of the pub. Nice fun, “local” place.
66. The Plough: Another local “village” type pub in Leatherhead. Eh…no big deal.
67: Ivy House: Local neighborhood pub near Nunhead/Peckham Rye. Quite cozy actually, but the back dining room area with its curtained stage was pretty cool.
68. Clockhouse: Peckham Rye area gastro-pub. While a decent enough place to have a pint it is by NO means a traditional pub.
69. Page 2: Another Nunhead/Peckham area pub. Jumped in to get out of the rain (my other choice was a church). Skankiest beer EVER! The ale was actually warm… WARM!! Like it was sitting next to the boiler. Shame, because the place itself had a certain local charm to it.
70. The Wellington: HUGE pub on the edge of Covent Garden. Spruced up interior, but still some of that old time feel. Decent enough place to visit before or after the theatre.
71. The Cider Press: (Torquay pub) “Perhaps” an old school pub as it had interior stone walls and fireplaces, but the beams (for whatever reason) seemed fake. Still seemed to be a fun place though.
72. The Seven Stars: (Dartmouth pub) The oldest pub in Dartmouth built in 1780. Pew-like bench seating and a low beamed (hit my head twice) ceiling. Lots of character and characters. If this was in London it would be one of those I would take visitors to see.
73. The Royal Dart: (Kingsware pub) The building has been there since the late 1700’s but the pub located there now reflects NONE of that tradition.
74. The Black Friar: Holy Crap!! Built originally in 1875 the interior of this pub was magnificent. Marbled walls, arched entrances to a back room, and cool little nooks with benches. Very different. In a good way.
75. The Punch Tavern: OK… take an older pub with carved jester styled heads detailing the original skylight and bar, throw in etched mirrored walls, but then throw in a bright, cheery, let me wait on you at your table atmosphere (which says anything BUT “pub”) and there you have this confused place. Nice enough, but still.
76. The Star Tavern:A very quaint traditional pub tucked away in the residential mews of Belgravia. Interesting stained glass “star” windows. Very low key place for a Saturday afternoon pint.
77. The Antelope:Another authentic Belgravia pub that seems to reflect the neighborhood it is located in. Genteel or quaint describes these well. I’d frequent these more if I weren’t afraid of getting lost in the maze of mews. Both places also served ESB ale which for me… is a bonus.
78. Nell Gwynne Tavern:An excellent tiny pub located in an alleyway just off The Strand. Very small and quite crowded as most people spill into the alley most likely to catch a smoke which was great for us as we had a nice seat inside. Great atmosphere.
79. Coal Hole:Large art deco interior in the Savoy building. Outside doesn’t do its interior justice. Not really Victorian, but still an early 1900’s pub. Well worth a visit to see something a bit different.
80. Coach & Horses:(Mayfair-Bruton St.) Very interesting Tudor exterior on this corner pub that is somewhat small once you make it inside. Was pleasantly surprised with the visit.
81. Cask & Glass:Corner pub off of Victoria St.. Small and cozy and worth a stop if you’re near, but not enough to make a special visit.
82. The Ship:Bright red exterior and built into an inside curve of an isolated alleyway in the City of London make this traditional worth another visit if I’m around during the week. Shame most City of London pubs close on the weekends.
83. The Old Doctor Butler’s Head:Ok… I’ll admit it. I got sucked into this one strictly on the name alone, but it did have a nice dark wood interior with a traditional Victorian front, but something about it just didn’t seem traditional. Still… great name.
84. Olde Cock Tavern:Another of the City of London pubs I’ve had on my list to visit if I could make it there during the week, but honestly I was disappointed. Another old place with great stories that gets lost in its refurbishments. Sad.
85. The Counting House:A Fuller’s rebuilt bank building, but all I can say is WOW! Large island bar, columns and an interior glass dome make this a very impressive place to enjoy an ESB ale even if it isn’t a “traditional” pub.
86. Old Bank of England:Yet another Fuller’s bank building “redo” and actually more impressive than the previous pub. It was almost like drinking in a museum. While not a true traditional the building itself dates back to 1888, with large columns that reach to an ornate plaster ceiling.
87. Prince of Wales:Near Earl’s Court and not very good. Gastro-style place that managed to serve an almost hot pint of London Pride. –blech-
88. White Swan:Another gastro-pub mistake. Stopped in for lunch near the Tate Britain and it will be the last. No ales at all. The only character was the clientele which gave us some minor entertainment.
89. Plumbers Arms: Decent traditional on the other side of Victoria Station from the flat. Always very crowded, and honestly nothing spectacular about it.
90. Spotted Horse: Just a bar and quite honestly a very disappointing start to a Putney Pub Night.
91. The Duke’s Head:Another Putney pub that retains most of its Victorian furnishings, most noticeably the dividers to the Private Club. Might be fun to visit during the day as it has a large riverside deck.
92. Bricklayers Arms:The last of our Putney Pub night and was the absolute best of the night. A true local boozer with a great old school feel to it. Nothing fancy, but a great, great atmosphere. 93. The Crown Bar (Belfast):Simply an OUTSTANDING place to have a drink. Built in 1849, it contains privacy booths complete with their own doors, very detailed ceiling tiles and wall mouldings, stained glass windows, and a magnificent marble bar. A must see if you are in Belfast. 94. The Morning Star (Belfast): Cool pub/eatery with dark wood booths for lunch/dinner and a round island bar in the middle.
95. Nancy’s (Audara, County Donegal): Excellent local pub. Tiny connecting rooms with the smallest of bars. Just a hodge, podge of local memorabilia all about with low door jambs, creaky floors and loads of character. MY sort of pub.
96. Fox and Hounds: Great little neighborhood pub tucked away in Belgravia. Almost like having a drink in an old library. I like it… a lot.
97. Coach and Horses: This had such potential. Neighborhood pub off of Vauxhaul Road with no ales (although they had pumps), and loud, pulsing music. Won’t be back.
98. The Coastguard (Dover): While not in the “traditional” sense, this was a great visit as it was located on the beach beneath the White Cliffs. Nice choice of local ales plus Leffe. Very nice.
99. Marlborough Head: Campy “goth” type pub with a weird Halloween theme. The cool part was the gents/ladies toilets were located behind hidden doors in a fake bookcase.
100. The Constitution: Cozy local pub in Pimlico with an obvious nautical theme. Real homey feel that should see more visits as it is within five minutes walk of the flat.
101. The Marquis of Granby: (Westminster) Tucked away amongst the office buildings near Parliament and a decent place with the traditional dark wood paneling.
102. The Pig’s Ear: I won’t lie… I got sucked in by the name. A local Chelsea pub w/ bench seating. If you’re in the area? Sure stop in, but it’s nothing special to look for.
103. Museum Tavern: Oddly… across the street from the British Museum. Located in a listed building this 18th century pub has been visited by the likes of Sir A Conan Doyle and Karl Marx. Though not while we were there.
104. The Pough: A pleasant surprise!! Nice Victorian pub with private/public bar dividing walls near the British Museum.
105. The Crown: Another cool Bloomsbury pub with partitioned seating and a great outside area (although it was far too cold on our visit).
106. The George Inn: Tucked away in a cobblestone courtyard, this is the only surviving galleried coaches inn left in London. A series of small bars now occupy its rooms. Very historic/authentic this 17th century building was a hangout of Charles Dickens.
107. Lord Clyde: Neighbourhood Borough area pub. GO SEE THIS PLACE. If it were more convenient for me I would go more often. Wedged shape building with interesting tiled exterior and partitioned Saloon/Public rooms. The coolest part was the draped entries past the exterior door. A must see!!
108. The Market Porter: Large and VERY crowded pub across from the Borough Market. Couldn’t appreciate the inside as it was too difficult to move around because of the market crowds.
109. Bunch of Grapes: Southside/London Bridge area pub in a listed building. Nice little place w/ a cozy atmosphere complete with cool little nooks and booths.
110. Globe Tavern: Near Southwark Cathedral/London Bridge. Seen in the Bridget Jones Diary movies it was built in 1872. Far more impressive from the outside and not a lot of seats on the inside.
111. The Cockpit: I was looking for so much more from this 1840’s pub that claims to have hosted the last “legal” cock fight in London. Wedged shaped exterior located amongst some narrow streets make it worth the visit, but I was a bit disappointed.
112. Opera Tavern: Built in 1870 on the edge of Theatreland and maintains its tradition roots. Dark and creaky… just as I like them.
113. Ship and Shovell: Not misspelled, this quirky pub is split into halves, but connected by a cellar passages under the street. We drank in the larger refurbished “half”, but the one across the street (which was closed) seemed far more cozy and older.
114. The Bridge House: Canal-side pub near Paddington. Gastro-pubbish on the inside, but outside seating on a nice day has potential.
115. The Mitre: Wide open two bar Victorian pub with some nice cut glass panels. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it down to the “Cellar Bar”, but still an nice place.
116. The Victoria:Great Place!! Corner pub. Cool clock above a mirror backed bar dating back to 1864. Upstairs rooms are pretty cool as well. Mind the influx of roller bladers near closing time.
117. The Elgin:Large corner pub in Notting Hill. Built in 1860 most of its interior has unfortunately been “modernized”. BUT… go to the back saloon section where the original tiling and etched glass still remain.
118. The Anchor Inn:(Cowes, Isle of Wight) An 18th century coaches inn that still offers accommodations. Lovely bar area, but very modernized interior. Excellent food however, and the local ale (Fuddle De Dum) was SUBERB!!!
119. The Grapes:(Oxford) Very narrow traditional Victorian boozer with paneled booths. Dark wood walls were adorned with local theatre posters.
120. The Kings Arms:(Oxford) Another historic Oxford pub established as a coaching house in 1607. Rambling collection of odd shaped rooms and small bars added to the quirkiness of the obvious “Uni” atmosphere.
121. The Turf Tavern:(Oxford) Considered Oxford’s best know pub located down a winding alleyway. Pub itself dates back to 1200’s and is a tiny, TINY place that I could not allow me to stand upright. Surrounded by several beer gardens, it was a shame that the house ale was absolute CRAP.
122. The Bear:(Oxford) Reported to be the oldest pub in Oxford. Present building dates back to 1770. We sat outside as it was quite warm, but the inside displays several thousand ties on its walls. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed.
123. The Vines:(Liverpool) Built in 1867 and now a listed building. EXCELLENT paneled booths and ornate wood sculptures. Several different rooms including a full dining hall that included etched glass windows and plaster reliefs along the ceiling.
124. The Philharmonic:(Liverpool) Widely regarded as the most ornate pub in ALL of the U.K. and I just might have to agree. Grand rooms with detailed reliefs and stained glass windows highlight this extraordinary Victorian palace. One of the best pubs I’ve visited.
125. The Princess Louise: A must see!! A completely restored Victorian pub dating back to 1872, one could actually get lost in its unique maze of paneled enclosures and connecting rooms. Every wall is covered with intricate tiling and etched mirrors, and don’t forget to check out the gents’ toilets. If you’re a gent that is.
126. Cittie of Yorke : A very unique place. The rear bar resembles a Tudor style dining hall. A long bar traverses one wall as the other is occupied by small cubicles. Rebuilt in the 1920’s a pub has been on this sight since the 15th century.
127. The Lamb: Nothing special on the outside, but this traditional still maintains its original tiled walls. The bar still has the original “snob screens”. Not special, but still interesting.
128. The Bear: (Oxshott) Large garden type neighbourhood “bar” that was nice enough, but no where near the traditional pubs that I prefer.
129. New Bowling Green: (Warwick) The original pub was quite cozy and homey with a nice fireplace and window booth. However, the expansion into a dining area gives it a more “gastro” feel. It’s very fitting there are two entrances for the two very different areas.
130. Crown & Castle: (Warwick) A traditional coach’s inn with a refurbished interior. Still maintained some its private booths, and had some nice regional ales. OK… not spectacular.
131. The Mudlark: A Nicholson’s pub in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral. The refit has it losing a lot of its traditional feel, but nice enough place for a pint.
132. Barrowboy and Banker: A Fuller’s Ale & Pie shop that follows their typical pattern. A refurbished bank building that has a very striking interior. Highlight of this one was its curved stairway leading to the balcony dining area.
133. Bag O’ Nails: Comfy little corner pub near the flat that has escaped my visit until now. Smallish bar area with booths and interesting light fixtures. Great name.
134. Ye Olde Rose & Crown: (Greenwich) A happy little place that was OK for a quick pint after finishing the hike up to the Royal Observatory. Something tells me this place is more fun in the evenings.
135. Warrington Hotel: One of those pubs that is like having a pint in a museum. Magnificent exterior façade with an interior to match. Marble columns, stained glass and ornate moulding. Simply awe-inspiring.
136. The Globe: Large pub on the corner of Marylebone and Baker St. that caters to the tourists. Nothing special.
137. The Prince Regent: Purple walls and somewhat gaudy furnishings for a pub. A “pretty” place. Not a surprise the girls liked it.
138. The King’s Head: I LIKED this place!! A very quiet, quaint pub with strong local feel. Not to mention a cool wrap-a-round bar. If it were closer, I’d visit more often.
139. The Golden Eagle: Cool exterior on this corner pub with a refurbished interior, taking away any traditional feel. Tiny, TINY place. Mind your head when going down the stairs to the Gents toilet.
140. Pontefract Castle: Interesting 3 level pub with a very cool spiral staircase. Main bar is far better than the other levels. Decent enough place.
141. Duke of York: Small corner, Samuel Smith pub with a nice brass trimmed bar and small partitioned booths.
142. Bricklayers Arms: Boothed seating and nothing more that would make this one memorable.
143. Carpenters Arms: Simple corner place with some nice Victorian tiling. Shame the only thing on the telly was Olympic women’s shotput.
144. Windsor Castle: Odd place simply covered in an eclectic mix of celebrity/royal photographs and collections of small bric-a-brac. Quirky enough to lure me back.
145. Wargrave Arms: Newer Young’s pub with a wide open bar area. Nothing really noteworthy.
146. The Dove: Supposedly the smallest bar in all of Britain. Not so sure about that. The original pub area has low beamed ceilings, but the highlight of this 17th century riverside beauty is its great location overlooking the Thames. A classic.
147. The Black Lion: A 200 year old Hammersmith area place that has a great country pub feel to it. Must be the creaky bare floorboards. Garden area has a huge chestnut tree said to be older than the pub itself.
148. The Cross Keys: 19th Century pub that still has the original etched glass near the entry. Has been refurbished and expanded towards the rear for dining.
149. Andover Arms: I absolutely LOVED this place. Hidden back in a residential area, but made all the work finding it worthwhile. Separate entries for the Saloon/Public bar that was also divided by heavy draperies. Another quiet local pub that I could have spent all day in.
150. The Lamb Tavern: Located in Leadenhall Market, I’m not sure which was more impressive. Dated back to the 1760’s with paneling and etched glass, but it was the tiled staircase up to the dining area that was the most impressive.
151. Dirty Dick’s: Interesting place with a rustic cellar feel to it. Stored casks, beamed ceilings with odd nooks and crannies. Cellar bar was not open, which was a shame.
152. The Ten Bells: Living solely on its Jack the Ripper fame, it was a DIS-A-PPOINTMENT. One large gutted room w/ dodgy music almost resembling a punk feel. Shame… as the Victorian tile work on two of the wall still remain.
153. Buckingham Arms: Lovely frontage from the early 1800’s, but interior has been completely “modernized”. However, sitting in the front bay window does have a nice feel to it. Probably the safest place to have a pint as it is near New Scotland Yard.
154. Swan Tavern: HOW have I missed this one till now. I must have walked past it several times on my walks. Tucked away in an alleyway near Monument tube stop it has the tiniest of bar spaces downstairs with another equally interesting upstairs bar. VERY cool little spot if you’re about during the week.
155. Cock & Woolpack: Best thing about this very sterile pub in the Square Mile was the adventure it took to find it. Not worth the effort re-visiting, despite the name.
156. Hoop & Grapes: The exterior frontage is the highlight here as it has the original timber front that survived the Great Fire of 1666. Grab a pint and sit in front as the interior has been gastro-pubbed.
157. The Ship: Round the corner from Tower Hill. While it is in an interesting enough building, again the rest has been lost as the inside has been completely modernized.
158. The Wykeham Arms: (Winchester) VERY unique former 18th century coach’s in with an odd collection of knick-knacks hanging from the walls. I liked it. Not everyday one can sit in an old school desk complete with inkwell and enjoy a nice pint.
159. The Black Boy: (Winchester) Multi-levels, multi-roomed, creaky floors almost “musty” atmosphere with stacks of books, stuffed animals, movie posters… Yeah. I could drink in this place everyday. Gives “character” a whole new meaning.
160. The Crown & Anchor: (Winchester) On the High Street and nothing special. Very sterile refurbished interior.
161. Hyde Tavern: (Winchester) A very small “local” place in an old building (crooked walls & uneven floors) and a little out of the way, but not bad even considering the modern furnishings that took away a bit of its authenticity.
162. Town of Ramsgate: (Wapping) Small, narrow place dating back to the 17th century. Small terrace in back overlooking the Thames adds a bit to this very authentic pub with a great local feel to it.
163. Captain Kidd: (Wapping) Only about 10 years old, but made to feel older. Timbered ceilings and stone floor aren’t bad on the inside, but has a very expansive outside area w/ views of the Thames. Not bad.
164. Prospect of Whitby: (Wapping) Considered the oldest riverside pub in London. Stone floors and a really cool pewter trimmed bar. Hangman’s noose swings near the riverside balcony as it is located next to Execution Dock. Really liked this place and its small nooks to sit and drink.
165. The Chamberlain Hotel: A Fuller’s remake, but instead of a bank building this is in the hotel lobby. Very nicely done as is most Fuller’s creations. Very clean and decorated like a proper study hall.
166. Ladbroke Arms: Nice enough little local type place, but inside has gone gastropub. Grab a pint and sit outside in front.
167. The Uxbridge Arms: Tucked away from the rush near Notting Hill, this is a great small traditional “local” pub. Nice little wrap-a-round bar with a friendly atmosphere.
168. Windsor Castle:(Notting Hill) Simply a great place, a rambling mix of interconnected small rooms with VERY low doorways in the partitions making for an almost maze-like feel. One of those quirky type places I enjoy so much.
169. Churchill Arms: Inside and out considered one of the great pubs of London. COVERED in blooming flowers on the outside, the inside is an eclectic mix of all sorts of decorations. Go see it for yourself!!
170. Watermill Inn:(Ings, Cumbria) Great pub that brews its own ales. Several rooms with a lodge feel: low ceilings and wood burning fireplaces. Try their Collie Wobbles ale. Good stuff.
171. Queen’s Head Hotel: (Troutbeck, Cumbria) Excellent inn-styled pub with several local ales and nice food. Two separate fireplaces and a quirky four poster bed bar and to its character.
172. The Golden Rule: (Ambleside, Cumbria) Nice enough place that’s popular with the walkers. Cozy with several well kept regional cask ales.
173. Drunken Duck: (Cumbria) Out of the way place that is known for brewing its own ales and its views. Seems now it’s more interested in being a restaurant rather than a pub. View? Only if you are interested in crossing the road and sitting on their picnic tables.
174. Badger Bar: (Rydal, Cumbria) Part of the Glen Rothay Hotel. Lovely rustic pub feel with a great assortment of regional ales. Beamed ceilings, old school furnishings and creaking floorboards. My kind of place. I quite enjoyed it.
175. The Sun Hotel: (Coniston, Cumbria) Pub associated with the 16th century inn. Some places maintain their rustic, authentic feel, but this place just seemed a bit run down.
176. The Duke of Lancaster: (Lancaster) Avoid this place like the plague. Seriously.