London-Edinburgh vacation in July.

[M.K. Jeeves]

We will be going to London and Edinburgh in July. I have searched the sight http://fancyapint.com, as well as JD Wetherspoons http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/ and Camra from which I think I will download the current Good beer guide for my Tom-Tom gps.

We will either be staying in the Marylebone, or the Tower hill area while in London, Have'nt decided yet.

We should be staying near Holyrood palace at the end of the royal mile while in Edinburgh. We will be taking day trips from both cities to see some of the country side as well. Does anyone have any suggestions for a favorite local pub?

Thanks in advance, Steve

[steveh]

Just for me, please, go into the Oxford Pub in Edinburgh for a pint of 80 and report back. The Oxford is a supporting character in the Inspector Rebus novels by Ian Rankin -- brought up by a couple of us over at the What Are You Reading Now thread. The place sounds like it epitomizes true Edinburgh!

S.

[MeridianFC]

You'll get plenty of help with Londinium so I'll recommend a few of my favorite boozers in Auld Reekie. Holyrood is a far piece down the way (east) but Edinburgh is a great walking city.

The aforementioned The Oxford (8 Young Street EH2) aka the Ox, is a fine unpretentious boozer in the New Town. It has developed a reputation from the Rankin Rebus' novels, but it is in no way a tourist bar. The last time I was there I don't even recall if there was anything that would let you know of its place in the world of fiction. There's a front bar and a back room, lots of regulars and IIRC there are two beer engines. I'm sure Deuchars IPA will be on, probably the most common pint in all of Edinburgh. I'm not sure what the other will be maybe Caley's 80/- or guest. In any case a trip to the Ox is a must. Grab a pie from the front bar.

One of my favorite pubs in the world is the Bow Bar (80 West Bow EH1). It's situated on a road between the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket. To make it more confusing the "Bow" refers only to one half of the street (the southern side). A very small one room Booze Shop. There are somewhere between 6-8 air fonts, a device unique to Scotland, for dispensing Real Ale. I'm sure Deuchars IPA and at least one 80/- will be one in addition to several guest beers, Scottish figuring prominently. The pints are always very good. In addition there are more malt whiskys than you could shake a still at. Given it's location more tourists pop in, though every time I've been there it seems like a strongly home grown clientele. This is what a public house should be.

The Cafe Royal (17 West Register EH2) is a must see for many. The interior is world renowned. The ales, always two, are well kept. Apparently they do discos or some such nonsense at weekend evenings but I've never been around that time so I can't comment.

Now if you want classic Victorian stylings look no further than the Guildford Arms (1-5 West Register, just up from the Cafe Royal). I think there were 8-10 ales on last time I was there, quality from throughout Britain. Apparently the foods not bad though I've not eaten there. The Guildford always makes me think of the Abbotsford (3-5 Rose Street EH2) so do a compare and contrast between the two. I'm told and have read that the Jenners Department store next door was responsible for setting up the pub in the first place. In any case send the missus out to do some shopping while you prop up the bar. Magic!

Two further pubs for your approval.

The Starbank Inn (60-64 Laverockbank Road EH5) is out in deepest darket Leith. The Inn is right on the Firth of Forth so get a nice seat in the front window and gaze out on the water. Ignore the fact that the floor seems to be tilting ever so slightly to starboard. Eight Real Ales, four traditional (Belhaven is usually one) and four guests. A great rustic place well off the beaten path. Foods no bad either.

The final place I hesitate to divulge as it's very small and a secret of mine and I hate to see it get over run by tourists (even though I am one). Ok, you're here so you must be good people so I give you the Royal Oak (1 Infirmary Street EH1). A tiny place, well the upstairs anyways, there's a downstairs concert venue that is not big either. Folk music hangout so if you're at all trying to avoid hearing "Ye Jacobites" by some sessioners just hanging out don't bother. Most important: Late License! Very friendly folks and two Real Ales last time I was through. Highly recommended.

There are tons more pubs in the Scottish capital so I'll leave you to find 'em yourself. Edinburgh is the Real Ale drinking center for Scotland so you shouldn't have trouble finding a good pint. If you've got time visit the Caledonian Brewery (42 Slateford Road EH11). They're still holding on after all this time. There are plenty of other things to do while you're there; the Castle is obvious, there are two football teams in town (Hibernian & Heart of Midlothian) if the season is still underway, the national rugby stadium (Murrayfield) is in town, plenty of shopping on Princes Street, walks up Arthur's Seat, etc. Train service to Glasgow is cheap and quick if you want a trip out. There's quick access up the coast to Fife and points north.

[MeridianFC]

We will be going to London and Edinburgh in July. I have searched the sight http://fancyapint.com, as well as JD Wetherspoons http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/ and Camra from which I think I will download the current Good beer guide for my Tom-Tom gps.




A quick note, Fancyapint is great. Use it.

Wetherspoons, in general, serve very good beer but the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired. A whole lot.

[M.K. Jeeves]

Just for me, please, go into the Oxford Pub in Edinburgh for a pint of 80 and report back. The Oxford is a supporting character in the Inspector Rebus novels by Ian Rankin -- brought up by a couple of us over at the What Are You Reading Now thread. The place sounds like it epitomizes true Edinburgh!

S.

Done and done!

[M.K. Jeeves]

Thanks for the input Meridian, It looks like we have the same criteria for our pubs. Solid boozers with local/traditional flavor.

After Looking at Wetherspoons I see what you mean however, I'll probably be able to kill two birds with one stone as the food should appeal to my boss (she is not an adventerous eater).

I'm looking to get a descent bottle of single malt, I don't know alot about Whisky, but I'll figure it out after a few drams.

Good to hear Caledonian holds public tours I'll try to go, if not maybe Bellhaven. Thanks again, and I promise not to mess it up for the rest of us over there.;)

[chazwicke]

I posted a list for Edinburgh in another thread earlier today. I'll post a listing of some I've been to in London tomorrow. I'm headed across the pond in about 2 weeks for some real ale. I've got a little list going of places that I want to hit that are new to me and several that are old favs. CAMRA's pub guides and fancyapint are excellent sources.

I'm staying near Lancaster Gate / Hyde Park this trip.

The Weatherspoons Lord Moon on the Mall is a very good pub. It's in an old bank and has lots of room, good food, cheap and abundant real ales and is usually a little cheaper than some of the other London pubs. I go there because they will have 8 or 9 different ales on and some are obscure. There is another Wetherspoons over on Tower Hill that usually has a similar selection. Weatherspoons are not all bad and some are quite good.

[chazwicke]

I copied this from my other post in the reading thread:

There are some nice places to eat and drink in Edinburgh.

This is from my last visit. The pub followed by the beers supped. The Abbottsford on Rose St. is very good as is the Kenilworth. I have been to both a couple of times:

The Abbottsford – Edinburgh, Scotland
Hadrian Border Brewer’s Bramling Cross
Hadrian Border Brewer’s Legion
Broughten Ale’s Match Ale

Milnes – Edinburgh, Scotland
Deuchars IPA
Caledonian 80 Shilling
Theakston Cooper’s Butt

Kenilworth – Edinburgh, Scotland
Bateman’s Salem Porter
Woodforde’s Wherry
Caledonian 80 Shilling
Staropramen (Tap)


The Royal McGregor – Edinburgh, Scotland
Vale Brewery Special
Inveralmond Thrappledouser

Mitre – Edinburgh, Scotland
Caledonian 80 Shilling

Worlds End – Edinburgh, Scotland
Belhaven 80 Shilling
Abbot Ale

Tass – Edinburgh, Scotland
Inveralmond Thrappledouser


BTW The Abbotsford has excellent haggis, tatties and neeps (Haggis, potatos & Turnips)

[M.K. Jeeves]

The last time we were in London (2001) we stayed in the lancaster gate area directly across fom Hyde Park I can't remember the name of the hotel but it may have been part of the Thistle chain. It was between the Black lion and the Swan pub. Great location ! I loved being able to explore the park and Kensington area on a daily basis. This time around we will either be staying at the Hotel Americana right out side of Regents park or The london bridge hotel in the Tower hill area. Can't hardly wait.
I have yet to visit a Wetherspoons, (except on line) and it appeared that they looked modern and contemporary in the interior design,(which there is absolutely nothing wrong with), not the old, hard, dark wooded places I think about when some one mentions the word "Pub". One look at the cask Ale selection however sends my head spinning and and focuses my attention to the taps, and the business at hand. They have posted some of their prices and they look to be very reasonable.

I will try to visit Fullers or the Meantime brewery, I hope to get at least one brewery tour in.

In Edinburgh, we have decided to stay at the Holyrood Aparthotel which is a serviced apartment at the end of the royal mile.
This will be our first time in Scotland and as I said before, I can hardly wait.
Thanks for the reply, I like, and respect you guys opinions.

[MeridianFC]

Thanks for the input Meridian, It looks like we have the same criteria for our pubs. Solid boozers with local/traditional flavor.

After Looking at Wetherspoons I see what you mean however, I'll probably be able to kill two birds with one stone as the food should appeal to my boss (she is not an adventerous eater).

I'm looking to get a descent bottle of single malt, I don't know alot about Whisky, but I'll figure it out after a few drams.

Good to hear Caledonian holds public tours I'll try to go, if not maybe Bellhaven. Thanks again, and I promise not to mess it up for the rest of us over there.;)

No worries.

As far as your criteria for what your boss is looking for, Wetherspoons will definitely fit the bill. Again their ales are always really well kept and they generally have a very good selection with some stripe of local flavor being represented. The food is solid if unspectacular and I find the style to be very good for more staid American patrons.

In regards to Malt Whisky, have a few drams when you're out and about to see what you like. Lowland tend be the most mild, Islay the most extreme, Campbelltown the most well rounded, etc. There's a shop right on the royal mile the specializes in said spirits. Maybe not the cheapest but they've got anything you'd be looking for. I'll see if I can find a better off license in the city for you. Take the tour at the Whisky Heritage Center just outside the castle. It's a riot, straight out of some 60s pseudo Disneyland fallen on hard times scene.

Double check with the Caley to make sure they still do tours (I think they do). There's been some upheaval there in recent years. BTW Belhaven is in Dunbar which is ~30miles outside of Edinburgh

As far as London, Fullers is well worth a visit. Since the demise of Youngs it's the only big game in town. Meantime is a bit trickier, they don't do regular tours (or didn't last time I was there). Contact the Brewery directly, I'm sure Alistair Hook will respond to you directly (he did to me). He's very nice and may well try to accommodate you. If you get a chance the main tap is in Greenwich (naturally) and there's a very nice Youngs Pub (Richard I) next door so it's a good twofer.

[M.K. Jeeves]

I will Definitely go to Greenwich this time around, as I work in the Maritme industry and missed out last time. If no tour is availible, a pint (or three) of their Porter will do me fine.
Fullers is pretty much a lock, I am using a London journey planner to map my route. We plan on getting an oyster card and usually stick with the tube/walking as a means of getting around.
As for the Whisky, I would like to spend about $30-$50 for 750ml, I have perused some of the prices on line and most of the quantities in this price range is in the 50-70cl range which seems steep for about a pint (US) of whisky. The duty free at Heathrow or Edinburgh airports may have the best bang for the buck, (with limited selection however). The tour at the heritage center sounds like a lock also.

I did a new conversion and found that 70cl = 750ml or 25 us ounces so thats not as bad I thought.

[steveh]

Fullers is pretty much a lock,

D'oh! Now you gotta do something else for me (or you don't), the Fuller's restaurant (attached to the brewery) makes a mean Stilton on brown bread with sweet chutney that goes terrifically with the ESB! If you're into that sort of thing... :)

S.

[M.K. Jeeves]

Steve, I accept both of the tasks with a smile on my face
Thank you sir may I have another?:D

[chazwicke]

D'oh! Now you gotta do something else for me (or you don't), the Fuller's restaurant (attached to the brewery) makes a mean Stilton on brown bread with sweet chutney that goes terrifically with the ESB! If you're into that sort of thing... :)

S.


You can be certian I will be partaking in stilton. My source is Neals Dairy Yard either in Covent Garden or Borough Market. (It's across the side street from Market Porter one of the best pubs in London.):)

[MeridianFC]

You can be certian I will be partaking in stilton. My source is Neals Dairy Yard either in Covent Garden or Borough Market. (It's across the side street from Market Porter one of the best pubs in London.):)

Neals in Covent Garden is one of the most intense smelling places on earth. I love it.

[chazwicke]

A few of the beers I've supped in London and where I drank them:

Shepherd Neame Spitfire Hand and Flower
Everard's Tiger Best Bitter Hand and Flower
Gales HSB GBBF Olympia
Higate Dark Mild GBBF Olympia
Glastonbury Mystery Tor GBBF Olympia
Timothy Taylor Landlord GBBF Olympia
Woodfordes Wherry Best Bitter GBBF Olympia
Hook Norton Best Bitter GBBF Olympia
Titanic Mild GBBF Olympia
Ridley's IPA GBBF Olympia
Marston's Pedigree GBBF Olympia
Vale Black Swan Dark Mild GBBF Olympia
Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted GBBF Olympia 2003 Best of Show Scotland
Greene King 1799 Bicentennial Ale GBBF Olympia
Coniston Bluebird GBBF Olympia
Schlenkerla Rauch Maerzen GBBF Olympia Germany
Olde Trip Ale GBBF Olympia
Caledonian Deucher's IPA GBBF Olympia 2002 Best of Show Scotland
Badger Fursty Ferret GBBF Olympia
Caines Triple Hop GBBF Olympia
Boat Brewery Lockys Liquor Locker GBBF Olympia
Harvey's Sussex XX Mild Ale GBBF Olympia
Holden's Black Country Bitter GBBF Olympia
Crouch Vale Brewers Gold GBBF Olympia Silver Award Winner
Wadworth 6X GBBF Olympia
Hobson's Hop Garden Gold GBBF Olympia
Salamander Mudpuppy GBBF Olympia
Young's Special GBBF Olympia
Ceylon Lion Stout GBBF Olympia Bottled Sri Lanka
Hopdaemon Skrimshander IPA GBBF Olympia
Bridge of Allan Lomond Gold GBBF Olympia Scotland
Black Sheep Emmerdale GBBF Olympia
Fuller's 1845 GBBF Olympia Bottled
Greene King IPA Paxton's Head Knightsbridge
Hampshire Gold Reserve GBBF Olympia
Old Mill Traditional Mild GBBF Olympia
Highwood Tom Woods Shepherd's Delight GBBF Olympia
Greene King XX Mild GBBF Olympia
Charles Wells Banana Bread Beer GBBF Olympia
Adnam's Best Bitter GBBF Olympia
Bateman's Dark Mild GBBF Olympia
Everard's Beacon Bitter GBBF Olympia
Courage Director's Bitter Goat Kensington
Murphy's Stout Fox and Hendersons Nitro Kensington
Young's Special Duke of Wellington Portebello road
Fuller's London Pride Churchill Arms 1999 Best Pub Notting Hill / Kensington
St. Austell Black Prince GBBF Olympia
Lidstone' s Rowley Mild GBBF Olympia
Green Tye Union Jack GBBF Olympia
Organic Black Rock GBBF Olympia
Hexhampshire Devil's Elbow GBBF Olympia
Beaver Bitter GBBF Olympia
Ridley's Rumpus GBBF Olympia
Thwaites Best Mild GBBF Olympia
Fuller's ESB GBBF Olympia
Marston's Bitter GBBF Olympia
Fuller's London Pride Elephant and Castle Kensington
Old Speckled Hen Prince of Wales Kensington
Caledonian 80/ William Wallace Marleborne (Scotland)
Adnam's Best Bitter Duke of York Oxford Street
Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Bitter Lyceum Tavern Strand
Shepherd Neame Master Brew Freemasons Arms Covent Garden
Sweet William Brewery William the Conquorer The Cross Key Covent Garden
Greene King IPA Marquis of Granby Soho
Palmer Brewery Dorset Gold Marquis of Granby Soho
Smiles Bristol IPA Britania Great Pub Kensington
Fuller's London Pride The Coal House Strand
McMullen AK Nag's Head Covent Garden
Country Best Bitter Nag's Head Covent Garden
Timothy Taylor Landlord White Lion Covent Garden
Timothy Taylor Landlord Pontefract Castle Marleborne
Greene King IPA Cock and Lion Marleborne
Brakspears Bitter Westminster Arms Westminster
Bateman's Summer Swallow Two Chairmen Great Pub Westminster
Theakston's Old Peculiar Adam and Eve Westminster / Victoria
Young's Bitter Buckingham Arms Great Pub Westminster / Victoria
Abbot Ale The Colonies Westminster / Victoria
Shepherd Neame Best Bitter Cask and Glass Westminster / Victoria
Fuller's London Pride Bag O Nails Victoria
Exe Valley Weatherspoons Victoria
Brain's SA Weatherspoons Victoria (Wales)


Hilton Metropole
Guinness from Dublin (Can)

Market Porter - Borough Market
Solitaire Cascade Pale
Harvey’s Sussex Bitter
Archer’s Tinderbox
Mayfield Conqueror

Brew Wharf – Borough Market
Meantime Kolsch
Meantime Pils

Atlas – Earls Court
Duechars IPA
Tim Taylors Landlord

Mitre – Greenwich
Greene King IPA
Adnan’s Bitter

Spanish Galleon – Greenwich
Sheperd Neame Master Brew
Sheperd Neame Spitfire

Restaurant – Chinatown
Tiger (Can)

The Green Man – Marleborne
Director’s Bitter

Royal Exchange – Marleborne
Adnan’s Bitter
Brakspear Bitter

Rob Roy – Marleborne
Deuchars IPA
Great Western – Marleborne
Green King IPA

Lord Moon On The Mall (Wetherspoons)- Whitehall
White Horse Dragon Hill
Cotleigh Tawney Owl

Coal Hole – Strand
Smiles Frosty Jack

Opera Tavern – Covent Garden
Brain’s Bread of Heaven
Gale’s Swing Low
Wychwood Dirty Tackle
Marsdon’s Pedigree

Wellington – Strand
Tim Taylor Landlord
Abbot Ale




Plough and Harrow (Wetherspoons) - Hammersmith
Butcombe Brewery Bitter
Brasserie D’ Ecaussinnes Belgian Amber (Belgian Cask)

[M.K. Jeeves]

That is a formidable list Chaz. It gives me a good idea of what to look for. I think Borough Market is within walking distance of the tower hill area, Great beer and fresh food, I might not come back home.

[chazwicke]

That's just a couple of trips. I've got some first class pubs picked out over in Borough area, I'll look at my notes and post them here a bit later.

[chazwicke]

My son and I made it to 55 pubs on this trip to London. (Well, we drank in 55. There were probably 20 more if you count stopping to pee.) 9 of these pubs were repeats for me. The rest were new for both of us. We drank a total of 111 Imperial pints during our 8 day stay. That may sound like a lot but if you consider that we started around 11am each day and finished up around 11pm and that most of these brews were in the 4.5% or lower alcohol range with some being in the low 3%s it does not sound so bad. It equates to a little over 1 beer every 2 hours. We tried to focus on heritage or historic pubs and there were some very fine pubs indeed. Here is the list and every beer on here was from cask:


3/6/09
Black Lion – Bayswater
2 Green King IPA
2 Fuller’s London Pride
Prince Alfred – Bayswater
Director’s Bitter
Courage Bitter
Redan – Bayswater
2 Charles Well’s Bombardier
Prince Alfred – Maida Vaile
2 Young’s Bitter
(Excellent Victorian woodwork, back bar, snugs, glass, and snob screens)
Warrick Hotel – Maida Vaile
Adnam’s Broadside
Shepherd Neame Spitfire
(Excellent Art -Nuveau décor. Horseshoe shaped bar.)
Dickens’ Inn – Paddington
2 Bateman’s Winter Cheer
Leinster Arms – Lancaster Gate
2 Tim Taylor’s Landlord
3/7/09
The World’s End – Camden
2 Speckled Hen
The Camden Eye – Camden
2 Theakston’s Best Bitter
Northumberland Arms – Fitzrovia
Sharps Doombar (Rock Cornwall)
Jenning’s Cumberland Ale
Carpenter’s Arms – Fitzrovia
2 Highgate Irish Whisky Ale
Marquis De Granby – Soho
Brains S.A.
Cotleigh’s Buzzard Dark
The Wheatshaff – Soho
Brakspar Bitter
(Frequented by Orwell and Dylan Thomas)
The Black Horse – Soho
2 Morrissey Fox Blonde Ale
Pillars of Hercules
Thwaite’s Wainwright
Bateman’s GHA
3/08/09
Lord Moon on the Mall – Westminster
Nethergate’s Old Growler (Champion Winter Beer)
Pitchfork
White House Sarsen Stones
Flanker’s Tackle
(Repeat visit. Weatherspoon’s pub)
The Glassblower – Soho
George Gale’s Swing Low
Butcombe Bitter
The Crown – Soho
Holden Golden Glow
Adnam’s East Green
Dog and Duck – Soho
2 Tim Taylor’s Landlord
Thwaite’s Lancaster Bomber
(Small but nice)
The Cambridge – Soho
Twaite’s Lancaster Bomber
Fuller’s Chiswick Bitter
The Spice of Life – Charing Cross
McMullen AK
Sweet Chariot
Porcupine – Charing Cross
Adnam’s Bitter
Fuller’s London Pride
Bear and Staff – Charring Cross
Bearly Spring (Beartown Brewery)
3/09/09
Tattersall Tavern – Knightsbridge
2 Blacksheep Bitter
Paxton’s Head – Knightsbridge
2 Deutchers IPA
(Repeat visit. Nice Pub – Victorian remnants)
Wilton Arms – Belgravia
Shepherd Neame Bishop’s Finger
Shepherd Neame Master Brew
(Nice pub)
Nags Head – Belgravia
Adnam’s Broadside
Adnam’s Bitter
(Quaint and rustic)
Star Tavern – Belgravia
Fuller’s ESB
Fuller’s Discovery
(Very nice place – interesting history)
Grenadier - BelgraviaTimothy Taylor’s Landlord
George Gale’s Swing Low
(Repeat visit. Always a favorite)
Jerusalem Tavern – Farringdon
St. Peter’s Golden Ale
St. Peter’s Ruby Red Ale
St. Peter’s Porter
(Interesting place)
Ye Old Mitre – Chancery Place
2 Daleside Old Leg Over
(Hard to find but worth it)
Ye Old Cheshire Cheese – Fleet Street
Samuel Smith’s Bitter
(Repeat visit)
Old Bell – Fleet Street
St. Austell’s Tribute
Everard’s Sun Chaser
Black Friar’s – Black Friars
Brewdog Trashy Blonde
(Repeat visit. Interesting décor)
Leinster Arms – Lancaster Gate
Splendid Tackle
(Repeat visit)
Cleveland Arms – Lancaster Gate
Bass Ale
3/10/09
Market Porter – Borough
Pictish Brewery’s Glacier
Harvey’s Sussex Bitter
(Repeat visit. Another favorite)
The George – Borough
Abbott Ale
George Inn Ale (Greene King)
(May be the 2nd oldest pub in London. Historic and a neat pub)
Kings Arms – Borough
2 Sharps Doom Bar
(Another fine old pub with the crest of the old London Bridge hanging out front. Ca. 1700)
The Blue Eyed Maid – Borough
2 Timothy Taylor’s Landlord
The Royal Oak – Borough
2 Harvey’s Mild
Harvey’s Porter
(A fine old Victorian pub)
Lord Clyde – Borough
Fuller’s London Pride
Crosse Keys – City
Westerham Grasshopper
(Huge Weatherspoon’s pub with 21 Real Ales listed as available)
3/11/09
Cricketeer – Canterbury
Shepherd Neame Spitfire
Shepherd Neame Master Brew
(This one dates to the 1500’s)
Penderel’s Oak – Holborn
York Brewery’s Constantine
Phoenix Brewery Thirsty Moon
(Weatherspoon’s pub with nice selection)
Cittie of York – Holborn
2 Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Bitter
(Unusual and interesting pub)
Old Red Lion – Holborn
Holden’s Golden Glow
Speckled Hen
Princess Louise – Holborn
2 Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Bitter
(This is an exquisite pub – beautiful Victorian, mirror, glass and tile work, snugs, snob screens and even the jons)
Victoria – Lancaster Gate
Fuller’s ESB
Ossett Black Bull Bitter
(Repeat visit)
The Swan
Young’s Special Bitter
3/12/09
St. Stephen’s – Westminster
Badger Hopping Hare
Badger Tanglefoot
Ye Old Watling – St. Paul’s
Harvey’s Sussex Bitter
Hop Back Crop Circle
The George – St. Paul’s
Hammerpot Red Hunter
Sorry Hill Shere Drop
The Mitre – Lancaster Gate
Charles Well’s Bombardier
Young’s Bitter
Victoria – Lancaster Gate
Fuller’s London Pride
Fuller’s ESB
(Repeat visit to this fine authentic Victorian pub)
3/13/09
Bridge restaurant – Heathrow
2 Fuller’s London Pride (Yes – on cask)

[MeridianFC]

Damn.

Color me impressed. And jealous.

[M.K. Jeeves]

I'm with Meridian, good work! I have been reading the book, 300 beers to try before you die by Roger Prost. Chaz, I think if you had a few more days over there you would have his list whipped. :)
I am looking forward to getting my hands on some Timothy Taylors, Wells bombardier, and Bishops finger. I haven't had any of these, but from what I've read they seem to fit bill as solid Bitters readily avalible at a lot of pubs.

Man I can't wait, the last time I was over there, I had no idea what real ale was. Now after being in the know, the variety is staggering, however, I'm up for the task.

[MeridianFC]

Chaz, what brews really stood out? Which pubs?

[chazwicke]

Pubs are hard to choose. I have some old favorites and now some new ones.

From this trip:

Coolest and most Victorian:

Princess Louise- Holborne (Stunning Glass, Mirrors, Snugs, Tilework)
Dog and Duck- Soho
Prince Alfred in Maida Vaile (Lots of glass, snob screens, separate snugs)
The Warrick Hotel- Maida Vaile (beautiful Art Nuveau and had a nice horseshoe shaped bar.)
Ye Old Mitre - (Hard to find but worth it)
Paxton's Head-Knightsbridge (Been here before)
Royal Oak - (one of my fav's with nearly the full range of Harvey's beers)


Historic:

The George in Borough (1500's May be the 2nd oldest in London.)

Fav's for just because:

Wilton Arms - Belgravia
Nag's Head - Belgravia (Rustic)
The Star - Belgravia
Grenadier - Belgravia (Been here before)
Market Porter - Borough (Been here before)
Kings Arms - Borough
Jerusalem Taven - (St. Peter's Brewery tied house - interesting place)
Cittie of York - Holborn (Huge old vats interesting place)
Victoria - Lancaster Gate (Been here before - reliably comfortable and authentic Victorian pub)

Reliable Wetherspoons pubs with large selection of real ale:

Lord Moon on the Mall (Been here before)
Crosse Keyes (21 real ales!)
Penderels Oak - Holborne

AS to beers, That's also extremely hard. I have to say there was not one I did not like. Best might go to the Theakston's Best Bitters that morning at Tattersall Tavern although the pub was nothing special and Tim Taylors Landlord always tops my list. Bishops Finger and Master Brew at Wilton Arms were excellent too. It's really hard to point to just one this trip.

I'm supposed to visit Belgium in early September for a beer fest in Brussells with a friend and local beer reporter. I'm wondering if he'd rather seitch to early August and we can hit the GBBF. I've been before but I don't think he has. I'm already jonesing for my next trip to the UK.

[M.K. Jeeves]

Just got back from the UK 5 July. What a scorcher it was, temps in the high 80's and no fun for the locals. As the bartender for the Royal oak pub told me,"We Scots are waterproof, we are not sunproof or heat proof."
The only news the BBC, ITV, Daily mail, Telegraph, or the Scotsman found newsworthy was the death of Micheal Jackson, every effin' day for the last week plus :mad: . I don't think the Queen herself would have rated that much attention if she had snuffed it!

Down to business, we stayed in Westminister in London for 6 days. beers drank were as follows; Abbot ale, Adnams broad side, Badger, Buckingham, Bishops finger,black sheep bitter Doom bar, Fullers (ESB, london pride, Chiswick bitter, summer ale) Green king IPA Wells spitfire, bombadier and Marstons pedigree.

In Edinburgh we stayed at the George hotel on George street (one Street up from Rose street) Had some Deuchars IPA, Caledonia top banana, 80/-, wildcat, Wadworth 6x among others.

It was a good trip, didn't hit any breweries this time though. I got to tip my hat to JD Wetherspoons for their variety, service, and value for money spent. I was paying an average of 3 pounds ten ($5.04) for a pint of cask marque in the regular pubs. I paid an average of 2 pounds 35 ($3.82) in Wetherspoons, Deuchars was even cheaper @1 pound 25.
I have got to plug European destinations.com http://www.europeandestinations.com/ They were the overall easiest and least expensive booking agency I have ever used.
Cheers.

[chazwicke]

Sounds like a great time. I'll be back over in less than a month for GBBF. Which pubs were your fav?

[beerking]

The only news the BBC, ITV, Daily mail, Telegraph, or the Scotsman found newsworthy was the death of Micheal Jackson, every effin' day for the last week plus :mad: . I don't think the Queen herself would have rated that much attention if she had snuffed it!

Been the same over here!

[M.K. Jeeves]

Sounds like a great time. I'll be back over in less than a month for GBBF. Which pubs were your fav?

In London it was the Bag o' nails because of the proximity to our hotel,right across the street. There were several in the Leicester square/Picadilly/Convent garden area which were quite good as well, I'll have to consult my pictures as it all becomes a blur.

In Edinburgh I'll say, The last drop, The Beehive inn, and The standing order were excellent. The standing order is a Wetherspoons pub, and it became our go to for supper almost every night as the price service and atmosphere were very good. I also have to mention the Royal oak pub, (thanks Meridian), we found this one on our way to the surgeons museum. It was exactly what a pub should be, we became locals instantly when we stopped in, trading stories, Jokes, and opinions. A good time was had by all, next time we will have to visit it when they have their live music sessions, although it will be a tight squeeze as it is quite small.

[chazwicke]

Been to the Bag O' Nails Many times. You must have stayed at the Rubens Hotel. I've stayed there several times and the Bag O' Nails was my local. You were pretty close to some other very good pubs. The Buckingham Arms in Petty France which is a Youngs pub and where I've met up with Richard English a few times. Also, one of the smallest pubs in London the Cask and Glass is an easy walk. And in Belgravia there are some very fine and unique pubs. The Grenadier, The Star, The Wilton Arms and the Nags Head. When I am there in August I'll for certain hit the last 4. I agree with you on Wetherspoons as well. They usually have a decent range of guest brews at lower prices and in the days before the smoking ban - many were smoke free.
There is a Wetherspoons in Victoria Station where I imagine you caught the tube most often, and one fairly near between Whitehall and Trafalgar Square called Lord Moon On The Mall which usually has 8 or 9 guest casks on. Wetherspoons might not be totally authentic but they are still nice places to drink. The Nicholson pubs are good places to drink as well.

[surfadelic23]

I liked the Bag O' Nails too. Nice spot when I'm in that area.
Is that the Nags Head that's the Adnams house?
Lord Moon On The Mall is nice and convenient to most touristy stuff...

[chazwicke]

Is that the Nags Head that's the Adnams house?


Yes it's Adnams. It's old and rustic with lots of memorabilia inside. I saw some dusty, old, full bottles of brews from the 70s and 80s up on the walls amongst the clutter. Wonder what they'd taste like now.

This Nags head is back in the mews on the same street as the Wilton Arms
(which is Shepherd Neame) and the Star (which is Fuller's.) It's closer to the Wilton but it between the Wilton and the Star. Tucked bak on the other side of the mews is Grenadier which is small and has the only pewter bar top in London. I've been there a few times. It's kind of hard to find as it's tucked back up a dead end backstreet in the mews.

[chazwicke]

I'n all of my travels over the years to London, I don't recall spending much time inthe Chelsea district or the Kings Road area there. I plan on checking it out this trip as I also want to explore the Bromton Cemetary. Hope it's as neat as Highgate. Also gonna head up to Hampstead. Anyone know of any decent pubs in Chelsea or Hampstead?

[surfadelic23]

Had a hell of a time finding the Nag's Head! LOL! There was a fire house near there and I asked the guys where it was figuring either firemen or police would know where it was. They sorted me out. I was there when some group was having a scavenger hunt. Every ten minutes or so another group of folks would come in drink a pint and take notes and pictures while my wife and I and some locals looked on... Good times...

[surfadelic23]

.re Chelsea pubs, I spend a lot of time in that area as it's near Stamford Bridge. I've heard the cemetary is VERY cool. I will try to check it out this trip as I'm staying out there again.
The Whitehorse is AMAZING and a 1-2 minute walk from the Parson's Green tube station. It can get crowded on match days but it's an older, mellower crowd. Great selection of real ale AND interesting imports too lpus they do great food and I good cheese platter.
I'm over this October, so if I see anything else, I'll let you know...

[M.K. Jeeves]

Has anyone been to the Meantime brewery in Greenwich? We went to the Maritime museum and the royal observatory and struck out for the brewery afterwards but we couldnt find any locals who could give us clear directions, most of the people we asked were oblivious to the fact that Greenwich even had a brewery and this included a museum guide I asked in the gift shop while holding a bottle of Meantime Porter. He told me "that stuff comes straight out of the river and is bottled and sold to tourists". Any way we walked towards the train station and wasted a good amount of time at a craft fair. We had Theatre tickets that evening and time was getting tight, so we left.
By the way the Cutty Sark is being refurbished so that was a bust as well, However, the Royal observatory and museum were worth the trip.

[surfadelic23]

Never went to meantime. REALLY enjoyed touring the observatory and seeing the longitude clocks though. Greenwich is really a pretty area too...
I DID tour Fullers and would recc. it highly...

[Windigstadt]

I don't know if you've already left for Edinburgh (I just joined the forum yesterday), but I was just there in late May and would highly recommend the Halfway House... it was definitely the smallest and coziest pub I visited and the staff was incredibly friendly and put up with my dumb questions about cellaring. I would also check out the Guildford Arms... a beautiful bar that poured the best real ale I had there: Orkney Dark Island. I posted a recap of my visit to Edinburgh on my blog, which you can check out here (http://chibebrau.blogspot.com/2009/05/scotland-trip-recap-part-1-edinburgh.html). Hope that helps you plan your trip, and hope you enjoy it out there. Scotland's a beautiful country.

[cynical_writer]

Sweet, I'll be in London and Edinburgh in Mid Aug and all this will help me as well.

[chazwicke]

Has anyone been to the Meantime brewery in Greenwich? We went to the Maritime museum and the royal observatory and struck out for the brewery afterwards but we couldnt find any locals who could give us clear directions, most of the people we asked were oblivious to the fact that Greenwich even had a brewery and this included a museum guide I asked in the gift shop while holding a bottle of Meantime Porter. He told me "that stuff comes straight out of the river and is bottled and sold to tourists". Any way we walked towards the train station and wasted a good amount of time at a craft fair. We had Theatre tickets that evening and time was getting tight, so we left.
By the way the Cutty Sark is being refurbished so that was a bust as well, However, the Royal observatory and museum were worth the trip.

I've been to Greenwich several times. It is indeed a neat place. I've not visited the Maentime brewery either but I have supped Real Ale at 4 or 5 pubs there. I did have Meantime brews at another brewery though - Brew Wharf in Borough. I may actually get back there this trip though as I always visit the Borough Market, Market Porter pub and Neals Dairy Yard for some Stilton.

[chazwicke]

..
The Whitehorse is AMAZING and a 1-2 minute walk from the Parson's Green tube station. It can get crowded on match days but it's an older, mellower crowd. Great selection of real ale AND interesting imports too lpus they do great food and I good cheese platter.
I'm over this October, so if I see anything else, I'll let you know...

I have been to the White Horse in Parson Green. I met up with an old realbeer member there - Stronk. It was a nice evening. I wonder how old Stronk is doing.

[chazwicke]

Sweet, I'll be in London and Edinburgh in Mid Aug and all this will help me as well.


I'll be in London 3 - 11th of August. You there then?

[chazwicke]

see attached pictures of Cutty Sark, Observatory and a pub in Greenwich

[chazwicke]

Heading over for GBBF on Monday. Got Tix to all sessions.:) I'll be meeting up with Richard English at GBBF Friday - 8/7 noon at the Youngs stand if any other Realbeerians are gonna be across the pond for the fest.

[M.K. Jeeves]

I'd love to Chaz, but it's not going to happen this year.
Quick question about the fest, is it a pay one price at the gate all inclusive, or do you have to pay as you go?

[chazwicke]

It's an entrance fee and then pay a nominal fee for a pint or half pint. The Fest is 4 days with day and evening sessions. Being a CAMRA member I get a discount on admission. But for the all encompassing pass it might only be 27 Brit pounds. IT's an awesome fest.