Hello all,

Would like some good pubs to visit during our stay in London, March 7 - 14.

We're looking for atmosphere, real ale (good food is always a plus) & are willing to travel a little. We're staying near the South Kensington tube station.

Thanks,
Will

Crikey, there's about 30,000 pubs in London!

South Ken's a bit of a desert for boozers though. There's the Hoop and Toy just by the tube - but be warned it's the watering hole of choice if there's something on at the Albert Hall and can get rammed.

If you look over the road from there you will see Boujis where there's every possibility of seeing a pissed member of the Royal Family falling out, or you can go and ogle the Lamourghini showroom..

Here's a reliable guide:

http://www.fancyapint.com/area/00567.html

Hi C W,

I was hoping to hear from you...

I am familiar with fancyapint, & was hoping for some additional first hand info.

Again we do not necessarily have to stick around our area...we are willing to travel for something special.

By the way, what are your thoughts on Keane's return?

Will

What about the Anglesea Arms on Onslow Gardens, that's close to South Ken tube. Good food too. I could go for a pint of their prawns right now.

It's not really an area that we locals ever really go to. It's mainly full of tourists and foreigners.

I only really know the Hoop and the Anglesea Arms (which is nice, but more aimed at diners).

By the way, what are your thoughts on Keane's return?>>>

Vexed. Very vexed.

Thanks for your thoughts so far.

C W,

As a neutral observer, I never understood Rafa's use (or lack there of) of him.

What do you think will be his reception this weekend? Or are the Arsenal a greater concern?

Here's a reliable guide:

http://www.fancyapint.com/area/00567.html

i think what C W meant to type was

Here's a reliable guide:

http://www.fancypaint.com/area/00567.html

Consider a pub walk for a sampling. We took the Chelsea pub walk (londonwalks), which starts at Sloane square. I think that is only a tube stop or two away from you. I don't recall where it ends up.

Chelsea doesn't have so many pubs either. Our favorites though from our year living there last year are the Pig's Ear or the Phoenix. I am sure both are is the fancyapint website. I don't think they get the highest ratings there though as they are more contemporary than traditional but we liked the atmosphere and the food a lot and I prefer to drink wine even if my husband drinks beer and they both have a good wine selection. For Pig's Ear the pub is the ground floor and the restaurant is upstairs. For Phoenix the pub is in the front and the restaurant is in the back. You can eat the same menu in the pub as the restaurant in both. That is not always true with pubs attached to restaurants. For example I like the Admiral Codington which I believe is considered in South Ken, which is also a restaurant but you cannot order food in the pub. I forget what streets exactly Pig's Ear or Phoenix is on, but both are on one of the north/south streets -- not the same one but parallel and near each other -- between Kings Road and Cheyne Walk towards the Thames. A pretty and old part of Chelsea that is worth a wander over to one or the other or both.

Also if you don't already know the "campaign for real ale" in the UK, see this website. I had a great book while we were in London that was places to stay outside of London in or near pubs that are members of "real ale campaign".

posted too soon without website. http://www.camra.org.uk/

I could be very mistaken (many years ago), but I think on our walk we visited the Fox and Hounds, the King's head and Eight Bells, and maybe The Surprise. (Again, I may be confusing with another walk). Keep in mind, I'm not very discriminating: I've yet to meet an English pub that I didn't like.

Thanks again.

laurie ann,
Yes, I know about CAMRA & that is what we are looking for (particularly cask ale in a historic or unusual setting).

Any additional "special" places outside of our area? I'm sure we will be moving about quite a bit & will need to stop & rest (have a pint).

Will

Will: Please remember to post after your return so pub lovers can live vicariously through you.

Again, I'm not an expert and it's been far too long, but for history (but perhaps only visited by tourists) consider the Ye old Cheshire Cheese (near St. Paul's if I recall) and The George (on the other side of the Thames near Tower Bridge. I had an excellent lunch years ago at the Lamb and Flag near Covent Garden.

Here's Time Out's 50 best west end rub a dubs. I can't argue with their choices:

http://www.timeout.com/london/features/2511/4.html

Fitzrovia is probably he best place to go on a pub crawl IMHO. Lots of great pubs and plenty of restaurants to soak it up (and one pub that has a restaurant that only sells pies. Imagine how good that is !(it's called the Newman Arms I think)

Thanks all, for your suggestions.

Bitter,
I will definitely post my pub findings, including our 1 night in Manchester for a certain Champions League game (my friend that will be joining us is an Inter fan).

Will

The Olde Cheshire Cheese (it's on Fleet Street) is most certainly NOT just for tourists! Hardly at all actually. It's a lovely pub, and the beer is cheap too!

If you're going to Borough Market near London Bridge a pint at the Barrow Boy or Market Porter, both have lovely ale.