Marylebone Village – The Royal Oak Gastropub: Marylebone is one of those London ‘villages’ that many visitors miss, or if they do see some of it, it’s only because they visited Madame Tussauds’ and ventured to the other side of the road. Despite being so central, a mere stone’s throw from Baker Street and […]
Sir John Balcombe Reopens in Marylebone
Classic Pub Grub….with a modern twist Sir John Balcombe is a traditional English pub on Balcombe Street in Marylebone, centrally located just around the corner from Marylebone Station and a short walk from Baker Street. Balcombe Street rang a childhood bell……1974 was the year of the Balcombe Street siege where the Provisional IRA took hostages […]
Young’s Pubs get their head in the game this Autumn
Autumn – A Game Season: There’s no denying that there is a hint of autumn in the air and our long hot summer is finally drawing to a close. Whilst that’s sad in many respects, there is a lot to enjoy about the autumn; including a change of food and drink styles. Young’s are embracing […]
The Gun – An Historic Riverside Pub
The Gun Docklands – Great Food and a Fantastic Riverside Setting: I have to say that we were really looking forward to lunch at the Gun; we have friends living in Docklands, this part of London, and we have been there several times for the annual Carolling event, which comes complete with Dickensian Carol Singers […]
The Newman Arms – The British Pub Revival
The Newman Arms – Traditional Tap House in Fitzrovia: While ale may originally have been consumed simply because unadulterated water in England was unsafe to drink, there’s no doubt these days that it’s often far more of a craft product. Yet despite, or perhaps because of the growth of the gastropub, the traditional British pub […]
Imperial Arms Chelsea
Call to ‘Arms’: Victorian pub revived on Kings Road Long frequented by the Chelsea Set, The Imperial Arms is situated on the Fulham end of Kings Road, Chelsea in what is known as the Chelsea Design Quarter – there’s a wealth of top-end design, furniture and interiors shops. Once you’ve finished fitting out your luxury […]
Returning to my Manor – The Manor Arms in Streatham
To The Manor Born! Whilst born in Clapham, and living in Norbury throughout my childhood; I went to school in Streatham, and spent many evenings during my latter teens in a bar called the Grape Affair (long gone). I went away to university in Birmingham, and then lived in various places, but returned to Streatham […]
The Pickled Hen – Marylebone
The Pickled Hen Gastropub: Sitting in the Marriott Hotel behind Marble Arch The Pickled Hen is a largish Gastropub with an attractive white tile and wood interior and an intriguing all-day food offer. The menu has a modern European slant and ranges from a complete meal to sharing plates ideal for a visit with friends, family […]
The Tommyfield – a Pub with Hotel Rooms
The Tommyfield, Kennington – Review: I’ve often walked past the Tommyfield. No more than 8 minutes from where I live, it could be my local but for an even closer offering in the opposite direction. But, the Tommyfield looks different – more contemporary in style with a warehouse type interior. The layout is excellent, with […]
Aye Aye Admiral – lunch at the Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich: Greenwich is one of those London ‘villages’ that has as much attraction for the locals as it does for tourists. It’s one of my favourite places to take visitors to London; catch a boat from Westminster Pier eastwards and enjoy the scenery along the banks of the Thames (and the crew’s […]