The Prince Alfred, Maida Vale (Rating 9.4) W9 1EE
This is an architectural wonder and is Grade II* listed. It is quite large but partitioned with ornate modesty screens which have very challenging apertures through which an average 9 year old may traverse fully upright but his or her elder siblings definitely cannot. It is a Young’s pub which, on the evidence of two visits, always has Redemption Brewery’s very fine Big Chief as a Guest Ale. I’m partial to a Young’s Special but Big Chief is in a class above and is served in very good condition. If one is allowed to say such a thing it makes a special pub, even more special without actually supping Special.
The Mad Hatter, Southwark (Rating 8.7) SE1 9NY
This hotel is very well appointed as one’s grandfather might opine. It looks grand from outside and is stylish inside. In a previous life it was actually a gentleman’s hat factory but today it is a fine pub, restaurant and hotel. It sports four Fuller’s ales including ESB which hit the spot nicely. I’m going again soon with two friends because it really is very good.
The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames (Rating 8.5) KT2 6LQ
In a side street a few minutes from Kingston’s rambling town centre, I ventured upon this local. It only offers two ales but one is Surrey Hills’ Shere Drop which is a very fine beer. The interior has been relatively recently overhauled and is smart but not ostentatious. The temperature of the Shere Drop was good and I will definitely revisit. I suggest it is one of the three best pubs in Kingston.
The Canonbury Tavern, Canonbury (Rating 8.0) N1 2NS
Within walking distance of Highbury & Islington station there are quite a few good pubs within stumbling distance of each other. This is possibly the smartest and is over 300 years old, with lots of character. The pub serves a range of Young’s ales. I had Special and it was as special as it should be. It has a large and attractive beer garden. It is probably the best pub within walking distance of Highbury & Islington station.
The Holy Tavern, Clerkenwell (Rating 8.3) EC1M 5DC
In my experience, there are often more people outside this pub than in it. The pub is small and arrayed over several floors. I would describe the pub’s character as quaint and quirky. It offers five ales including ones from Suffolk’s St Peter’s Brewery. The beers are all served at a very good temperature. On my visit I had Doom Bar. Next time I will sample the Suffolk ales.
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I recently decided to acquaint myself with the plethora of pubs in Surbiton. I have boarded and alighted from many a train in Surbiton over my career but until recently I don’t recall visiting any of the pubs. (Slap my wrists!) I’ve now been to nine and they are all within walking distance of the railway station. There isn’t a bad one among the nine but star billing goes to The Antelope, The Lamb and The Surbiton Flyer. The Antelope has a phenomenal range of real ales including Cellar Head IPA, The Lamb serves Shere Drop and the Surbiton Flyer does a good pint of Fuller’s London Pride. Apart from the quality of their beers, all three are very pleasant pubs. The Antelope currently features in my top 10 of all pubs I have visited in an SW postcode. I have visited it once a week since I first discovered it.