In Search of Pubfection: September 2012

Brighton 25/8/2012 E&P

1). The Greys. A nice pub with wooden features, brightly painted outer walls and a local but friendly vibe. It was really a Belgium beer pub so I felt compelled to oblige. A lovely bottle of Satan Red. Liked the place and it was worth the walk up the hill. 7/10

2). The Quadrant. A busy city centre pub with lovely glass windows and old ornate features. It was busily and had a nice vibe. A couple of ales on tap which were most enjoyable, friendly staff too. Very good 8/10.

3). Craft. A modern craft beer pub, with a sister pub in London. The beer selection was amazing, so many to choose from. The staff are brilliant and let you try whatever you want. The pub itself is nice, airy will a good feel. I also managed to make a few OAP friends. Great place and can't wait to return. 8/10

4). Battle of Trafalgar. An oldie pub with old features and a nice outside bit. The furnishings are a bit tired but still very enjoyable with a couple of lovely ales on tap. A sure 7/10.

Excellent day out.

Highgate 11/8/2012 Sarah, Jonnie, Louise, Sarah, Cathy

Highgate 11/8/2012 Sarah, Jonnie, Louise, Sarah, Cathy.

1). The Flask. A fantastic day so we sat outside but it is a great pub inside too. Lots of little rooms and coves. I was impressed. It is a Fullers pub so had the usual beers with also a guest. Very enjoyable and would like to return on a colder day to appreciate the inside. 8/10.

2). The Winchester Hotel. A large hotel but still kept some old features. The bar was one of those central wooden large curved ones. It had a couple of ales available and the staff opened the outside for us. Pleasant but not very atmospheric. 6/10

3). The Wrestlers. I didn’t really venture inside much as I sat outside but it seemed a very pleasant pub with great ales and an old wooden feel to it. Needs more investigating but 7/10.

4). The Bull. This is a modern pub which is a brew pub I believe. It did have lots of ales to choose from – so much I had two halves! It was nice and airy and despite seeming gastro didn’t feel too pretentious. Another good pub. 7/10.

London Kentish Town 10/08/2012 Jane, Vicki, Kathy, Emily, Caroline, Russ, Becky.

Highlight of my year Jane was taking me too the infamous Southampton Arms and then a brewery pub. How could life get better!

1). Southampton Arms. A true pub pub. Still got the old features and wooden bar while a little bit out the back. Lots of Handpumps but the selection was not as good as I had hoped. Great if you are a porter drinker but I am not! Very enjoyable and a lovely pub just not pubfection I had been hoping for. Would definitely return 8/10

2). Tapping the Admiral. A nice pub quite plain and simple inside but had a good few ales on. It had a lovely yard where we based ourselves. Atmosphere was quiet due to the time of day but very nice. 7/10

3). Camden Town Brewery. Great atmposhere due to the type of bar it is (outside) and the weather being so great. A good couple of ales well lagers really. Nothing amazing about it though and a bit too lagery. 7/10.

4). The Assembly. Very busy and by this time we were hungry for chips! A good laugh though 7/10.

London Waterloo 21/07/2012 Anna, Rich, Jim, Pete, Jase, Friend.

1). Rose and Crown. A Shepherd Neame family pub. Quite traditional and very friendly and pleasant. It was a nice day so we sat in the garden. 6/10

2). The Ring. A modern style pub/bar right opposite Southwark, it had an excellent range of beers and lagers though to keep everyone happy. Again sat outside and we all enjoyed this place. A good 7/10

3). The Lord Nelson. This place has a Caribbean feel and décor to it. Quite a vibrant atmppsohere but no ales and a bit grotty. I would have scored this place lower. 6/10.

4). The Wheatsheaf. From the outside we weren’t sure about this place, looked dark and dingy but inside was really cool. Loads of ales on tap and it is a nice building with coves and photos on the wall. Very enjoyable. 7/10.

5). Olde Kings Head. This pub was ok. Had a couple of ales on and it is quite traditional. A bit over used and under cared for though in my opinion. 6/10.

6) The Rake. A famous bar for its selection of beers and lagers. The selection was impressive and as a result very busy so we ended up standing outside by the bins! For this reason scores lower than it could do. 6.5/10

Warwick/Leamington 30/06/2012 Ally, Pete

1). Millwright Arms. A friendly pub which is a nice black and white building with a lovely big garden out the back. We sat outside until the rain started! They have a couple of well kept ales. Very nice pub. 6.5/10.

2) New Bowling Green. Again a nice old building retaining some of its original features but has a modern refit. A few ales but not ones to my liking so I always opt for a lager here. The beer garden is lovely though and in the sun it is a great place to come. 7/10.

3). The Moorings. A canal side pub on the edge of Leamington. It used to be a traditional large pub but now is more of a modern bar/restaurant. Still it does have a couple of ales and good premium lagers. It has a nice outside bit too. 6/10.

4). The Cricketers. A friendly traditional pub with a couple of ales and nice staff. It even has a little outdoor area. I really like it here and has a good atmosphere. Favourite of the day. 7.5/10.

Brighton 03/06/2012 E&P

Brighton 03/06/2012 E&P

1). Hand in Hand. It did have its own brewery but it only has guest ales at the moment, a good selection though. It is a very old fashioned pub with old memorabilia and photos for its décor. It has a nice wooden bar and seating. I like it. 7/10.

2). The Colonade. The theatre bar which is very flamboyant and well decorated inside but in a good way. We actually sat outside to listen to the music from the park. It had a couple of good ales, I would recommend it. 8/10.

3). The Eagle. A busy pub with all wooden floors and furniture. Had a studenty vibe. A good couple of ales to choose from and was very pleasant, just nothing special. 5.5/10.

4). The Caxon. A Shepherd Neame pub near to the station. It was nice and cosy and the staff were fun. Again another lovely pub. 7/10.