Its an awful review, I read it and thought, who the fff wants to know about "reading material on the bookshelf" (apart from the Pilot Football club bit). Complete waste of time.
Nice pub, I don't eat in pubs so can't comment on the food. The beer is not the best Fullers I've ever had. I think they take custom a bit for granted in there personally.
"Luckily, tucked away in the corner, I come across the appropriately named In the Shadow of the Dome: The Story of Pilot Football Club."
A book which also sits on my bookshelf, as Steve Dowman (the lifer) and myself get a mention for our involvement in the Old Pilotonians Cricket Club which rolled out of the football team when they got too old for soccer.
SOME people spend their lives looking for 'it'. They should go to Ladywell.
It is easy for pub reviewers to look so hard they forget what they are actually looking for, but The Ladywell Tavern jogged my memory.
Tastes obviously vary - some people prefer peanuts to cashews, Frost to Morse or even Arnie to Sly. It is important to remember, however, that I am right.
Not that this pub is perfect, of course. Paint flakes from the windowsills and doors and the loos are grotty.
Inside the tables are worn and sofas battered. Believe it or not, some of this is good. It is called character and it gives a place a lived-in charm that shows people have enjoyed spending time there.
My weary bones crumpled into the old leather couch like a kitten in a basket and I eyed the range of dog-eared board games forlornly, wishing I'd brought an accomplice.
An ancient jukebox in one corner kicked out old rock and roll tunes at a volume at which you could chat AND appreciate the music. Sounds simple but so many places falter.
Surrounded by pictures, old wooden clocks and numerous posters advertising events at the adjoining Misty Moon gallery - actual Jaws from James Bond, Richard Kiel is coming - I felt more comfortable than at home.
Although I did get that disappointing feeling of when you go to the cupboard but someone's eaten what you're looking for.
I was looking forward to a sample of the Brockley Brewing Company’s offering, as The Ladywell Tavern is only a handful of pubs to sell it, but was out of luck.
I settled for a reasonable Timothy Taylor Landlord, satisfyingly served in a stein, for £3.80.
The trendy young barmaid with a nose piercing and a cardigan - simultaneously rebellious and sensible - was happy, friendly and cool which makes a changed from some of the trolls you encounter in this job.
But my woes returned when I stepped back onto something, or someone. I'd only bloody nailed the pub dog, hadn't I?
Every pub should have a dog and this chappy was cute and friendly. Fortunately no harm was done.
The Ladywell Tavern is popular locally - it was crowned Lewisham Pub of the Year in 2010 - and has a full entertainment schedule including live bands, quiz nights, film screenings and karaoke.
When I left, the landlord stopped his conversation to bid me farewell and say 'take care'. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference.
The Ladywell Tavern, 80 Ladywell Road, SE13 7HS
How it rated:
Decor: **** (Shabby-chic. Very comfortable and plenty to look at)
Price: *** (£3.80 for a nice ale – I can’t complain)
Atmosphere: ***** (A place to feel at ease but with plenty to keep you interested)
The pub at the bottom of Barry Road, Peckham Rye (The Clock House ?) has just had a £825,000 "makeover" apparently. It looks like a toilet (all white tiles everywhere.........)
The pub at the bottom of Barry Road, Peckham Rye (The Clock House ?) has just had a £825,000 "makeover" apparently. It looks like a toilet (all white tiles everywhere.........)
Was in there yesterday - the makeover is a bit "gastropub" but they've improved their selection of local largers (2 x meantime and Camden)
IT is a sad truth that in life we can’t all be the star pupil or award-winning beauties.
And so it is with pubs, but we can at least make the best of what we have got and surround ourselves with friends.
That is what The Alfred in Sydenham does - welcoming the locals while leaving the flashy business to gastropubs down the road.
Sitting boldly on the corner of Sydenham Road, The Alfred is neat both on the outside and inside though it is not exactly the Ministry of Fun.
An open door was enough to persuade me the pub was open but the table and chairs blocking the doorway did make me feel a little like I was trying to burgle the place.
Comfy stools rounded the bar, half occupied by what looked like regulars, and I was greeted by a very neat middle aged publican in shirt and tie who served me a smooth St Austell Tribute for £2.90.
For a small pub, there is plenty to entertain including a pair of dart boards, a pool table and a TV which – if the posters on the walls are anything to go by – shows a lot of sport.
If you’re more the virtual reality type then you can also connect to wifi for free.
To say The Alfred is mediocre is tough, so let’s say it is comfortable with its place in the world. It does its best to fills itself with plenty to keep punters happy.
The Alfred, 178 Sydenham Road, Sydenham, London SE26 5RP
Comments
You know what I mean.
I should have said .... Why have a woman like that doing Pub reviews? One who doesn't drink beer.
Sorry.
Nice pub, crap food mind.
A book which also sits on my bookshelf, as Steve Dowman (the lifer) and myself get a mention for our involvement in the Old Pilotonians Cricket Club which rolled out of the football team when they got too old for soccer.
*Interesting fact No 344883*
Review__The_Ladywell_Tavern
SOME people spend their lives looking for 'it'. They should go to Ladywell.
It is easy for pub reviewers to look so hard they forget what they are actually looking for, but The Ladywell Tavern jogged my memory.
Tastes obviously vary - some people prefer peanuts to cashews, Frost to Morse or even Arnie to Sly. It is important to remember, however, that I am right.
Not that this pub is perfect, of course. Paint flakes from the windowsills and doors and the loos are grotty.
Inside the tables are worn and sofas battered. Believe it or not, some of this is good. It is called character and it gives a place a lived-in charm that shows people have enjoyed spending time there.
My weary bones crumpled into the old leather couch like a kitten in a basket and I eyed the range of dog-eared board games forlornly, wishing I'd brought an accomplice.
An ancient jukebox in one corner kicked out old rock and roll tunes at a volume at which you could chat AND appreciate the music. Sounds simple but so many places falter.
Surrounded by pictures, old wooden clocks and numerous posters advertising events at the adjoining Misty Moon gallery - actual Jaws from James Bond, Richard Kiel is coming - I felt more comfortable than at home.
Although I did get that disappointing feeling of when you go to the cupboard but someone's eaten what you're looking for.
I was looking forward to a sample of the Brockley Brewing Company’s offering, as The Ladywell Tavern is only a handful of pubs to sell it, but was out of luck.
I settled for a reasonable Timothy Taylor Landlord, satisfyingly served in a stein, for £3.80.
The trendy young barmaid with a nose piercing and a cardigan - simultaneously rebellious and sensible - was happy, friendly and cool which makes a changed from some of the trolls you encounter in this job.
But my woes returned when I stepped back onto something, or someone. I'd only bloody nailed the pub dog, hadn't I?
Every pub should have a dog and this chappy was cute and friendly. Fortunately no harm was done.
The Ladywell Tavern is popular locally - it was crowned Lewisham Pub of the Year in 2010 - and has a full entertainment schedule including live bands, quiz nights, film screenings and karaoke.
When I left, the landlord stopped his conversation to bid me farewell and say 'take care'. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference.
The Ladywell Tavern, 80 Ladywell Road, SE13 7HS
How it rated:
Decor: **** (Shabby-chic. Very comfortable and plenty to look at)
Price: *** (£3.80 for a nice ale – I can’t complain)
Atmosphere: ***** (A place to feel at ease but with plenty to keep you interested)
Staff: ***** (Friendly and warm, yet cool)
PG Tips Spy anyone?
http://www.hogsback.co.uk/shop/t-e-a-traditional-english-ale-case-of-12/
Odd/shit set of choices there.
Still, that's the News Hopper for you. Odd/shit.
The Alfred, Sydenham
IT is a sad truth that in life we can’t all be the star pupil or award-winning beauties.
And so it is with pubs, but we can at least make the best of what we have got and surround ourselves with friends.
That is what The Alfred in Sydenham does - welcoming the locals while leaving the flashy business to gastropubs down the road.
Sitting boldly on the corner of Sydenham Road, The Alfred is neat both on the outside and inside though it is not exactly the Ministry of Fun.
An open door was enough to persuade me the pub was open but the table and chairs blocking the doorway did make me feel a little like I was trying to burgle the place.
Comfy stools rounded the bar, half occupied by what looked like regulars, and I was greeted by a very neat middle aged publican in shirt and tie who served me a smooth St Austell Tribute for £2.90.
For a small pub, there is plenty to entertain including a pair of dart boards, a pool table and a TV which – if the posters on the walls are anything to go by – shows a lot of sport.
If you’re more the virtual reality type then you can also connect to wifi for free.
To say The Alfred is mediocre is tough, so let’s say it is comfortable with its place in the world.
It does its best to fills itself with plenty to keep punters happy.
The Alfred, 178 Sydenham Road, Sydenham, London SE26 5RP
How The Alfred rated:
Decor *** (Neat and tidy)
Drink *** (Covers all the bases)
Price *** (Not bad)
Atmosphere *** (Good for locals)
Staff *** (Smart and efficient)