Wednesday 28 February 2007

Pub Update
For my complete list click on the link in the right margin.
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 cluttered 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.