So who is drinking where, now that the Bert is closed? [Archive]

tarannau

02-08-2005, 08:11

Hobgoblin's the frontrunner for me too. It's pulled itself together a bit recently and has settled into something a little more pleasant. It's a summer pub really - despite the concrete the beer garden's a popular and friendly spot.

The Effra's great at times, but the combination of jazz and a lack of seating away from the music area makes it a bit too much at others.

onenameshelley

02-08-2005, 08:39

I like the effra but its too noisy, the hob would be my choice but thats only so i can stagger the three mins home :)

rennie

02-08-2005, 09:19

hobgob for me! but only when it's warmand/or sunny so I can sit outside.

editor

02-08-2005, 09:22

I'm in the Dogstar tonight - two bands of a vaguely jazz/latin tint. FREE! :)

Ms T

02-08-2005, 09:37

The Effra, the Trinity Arms, the Lounge, The Commercial -- or, more likely, casa mea!

treefrog

02-08-2005, 10:09

Effra's a good choice (for me anyway :D ) but the jazz does get a little wearing. I think the Dogstar or the Lounge are also strong choices! :)

Mrs Magpie

02-08-2005, 11:05

tarannau

02-08-2005, 11:19

Don't knock the jazz at the Effra, it's one of the very few places left with free live jazz, of a very high standard too. Also there are two bars without the band, and the garden so I'm not entirely sure what tarranau means...there's not enough seating near the music IMO

I don't disagree with the standard of the jazz - some of it is excellent, other times overblown imo.

There isn't much seating in the Effra full stop. The Saloon Bar side is a little wider, but full of regulars from comparatively early on. The public bar is very narrow for most of the way - 2 or 3 tables and barely a corridor from the bar, before it opens up to the wider bit where there are more tables (about 4-5) and the kitchen. This is where you're more likely to find a seat ime, unfortunately it also happens to be directly where the band tends to play.

And if you're having a swift pint you're not always keen to have some Kenny-G parp-a-like trumpeting in your ear. You also want to pay the performers some respect, so conversation there can be a little difficult.

I tend to prefer the days when they've reggae or dub there. It's a much more sociable vibe if you ask me.

Mrs Magpie

02-08-2005, 11:47

Each to their own :)
Jazz in the Effra is so respected in Europe that people make specific trips to play there...a mate of mine (Sax player from Barcelona) did just that. It's not for the money (there wasn't any) it's for the playing with other very good Jazz musicians.

IntoStella

02-08-2005, 12:15

The Beehive.

top_biller

02-08-2005, 12:39

ChrisFilter

02-08-2005, 13:02

Dogstar.. I love the Elm Park Tavern, but not just gonna nip up there by myself on the off chance someone else is there.

gaijingirl

02-08-2005, 13:05

Does anyone have any experience of living close to the Hobgoblin? Might be moving very close by and wondered what the noise is like at closing time or at weekends. Although you can put up with quite a bit at £1.50 a pint I'll grant. And does anyone know when the comedy is starting up again?

The Effra was my local for two years and rates highly in my opinion, great pint of Guinness (which enhances the Jazz no end).

The Brixton Comedy Club isn't starting again until January 8th sadly. They always have a summer break, but for some reason they're breaking till next year this time.... :( but the good news is Daniel Kitson is coming back as MC and it's worth the trip just to see him...

editor

02-08-2005, 13:08

The Brixton Comedy Club isn't starting again until January 8th sadly. They always have a summer break, but for some reason they're breaking till next year this time.... :( but the good news is Daniel Kitson is coming back as MC and it's worth the trip just to see him...Send 'em to Offline!

:)

editor

02-08-2005, 13:09

Dogstar.. I love the Elm Park Tavern, but not just gonna nip up there by myself on the off chance someone else is there.Plus people usually run out the back door if they catch sight of you coming in.

tarannau

02-08-2005, 13:28

Does anyone have any experience of living close to the Hobgoblin? Might be moving very close by and wondered what the noise is like at closing time or at weekends. Although you can put up with quite a bit at £1.50 a pint I'll grant. And does anyone know when the comedy is starting up again?

The Effra was my local for two years and rates highly in my opinion, great pint of Guinness (which enhances the Jazz no end).

I reckon the Effra's as noisy as the Hobgoblin if I'm honest, if not more. LQ used to live down Kellett Road and the combination og the Effra's jazz and outside punters makes it pretty darn noisy.

The Hobgob's got the beer garden and all those people, but it's held in check by the road noise ime.

hendo

03-08-2005, 16:22

The Beehive.

House of Bottles.

editor

03-08-2005, 16:40

They do a nice pint of bitter at the Trinity.
Can't wait for the real ale at the Albert!

Ms T

03-08-2005, 16:50

I reckon the Effra's as noisy as the Hobgoblin if I'm honest, if not more. LQ used to live down Kellett Road and the combination og the Effra's jazz and outside punters makes it pretty darn noisy.

Yep -- used to live right opposite the Effra and it was noisy as hell. Remember storming over there one evening when I was in a particularly bad mood to request that the landlady kept the bloody doors shut so I could hear myself think. After seven years of it I'd had enough! :eek: :D

john x

03-08-2005, 17:36

Dogstar.. I love the Elm Park Tavern, but not just gonna nip up there by myself on the off chance someone else is there.

Nice to hear the Elm Park Tavern is OK. I used to live opposite and it was a well dodgy boozer full of NF types. I may take a wander up there.

john x

Bob

03-08-2005, 18:03

House of Bottles.

:) Good atmosphere, alcohol but tricky to find a seat...

Dubversion

03-08-2005, 18:28

Nice to hear the Elm Park Tavern is OK. I used to live opposite and it was a well dodgy boozer full of NF types. I may take a wander up there.

john x

wow.. how long ago was that? it was my local about 14 years ago and it was absolutely fine... an old irish geezer who used to sing too loudly and a vile ceiling were about the worst of it.

john x

03-08-2005, 18:42

wow.. how long ago was that?

1980-1.

About 25 years ago!

john x

Dubversion

03-08-2005, 18:49

ah, that would explain it then

Mrs Magpie

03-08-2005, 21:24

House of Bottles.
*warming to theme*

'D' Convenience Store

Shippou-Chan

03-08-2005, 21:28

went to the hob the other night then down to the dog ... both were good but the live band was dead bad at the dogstar .... too loud and not that good

Mrs Magpie

03-08-2005, 21:45

Nah, the Central Brixton sources of alcohol are the best...

Shippou-Chan

03-08-2005, 22:05

in my case it's the shop across from the bus stops

it sells sake ... woohooo! unfortunatly it's 9 quid per bottle .... still cheaper than the resturants though

gaijingirl

04-08-2005, 08:24

Well if we're talking cheap offys! The imaginatively named "Food and Wine" next to the Two Cockroaches... two bottles of red or white for a fiver!!! I've got a standing order going .... :D

onenameshelley

04-08-2005, 08:28

Just thinking will the Albert be back up and running before the 12th September??? Its just that i need somewhere central to have my "Being exiled to Kent Party" :( :(

Mrs Magpie

04-08-2005, 10:04

It should be...we were told three weeks. Even allowing for snagging you should be fine.

onenameshelley

04-08-2005, 10:24

It should be...we were told three weeks. Even allowing for snagging you should be fine.

Ok cool cos i would like to say goodbye to peeps properly before i get dragged kicking and screaming back into zone 5 :( . Although to be honest i wont be gone that long hopefully only till January, so you can all take "thank fuck she's gone" looks off your mushes ;) :p

Mrs Magpie

04-08-2005, 10:27

I don't see that much of you, Shells, but when I do, it's always an enjoyable experience...

onenameshelley

04-08-2005, 10:46

I don't see that much of you, Shells, but when I do, it's always an enjoyable experience...

:o aww cheers, i really dont want to leave brixton its the one place i felt "at home" in the minute i arrived, but as i say i will be back in the blink of an eye if i get my way. :D

IntoStella

04-08-2005, 11:14

*warming to theme* House of Bottles, in particular, was anticipating a dramatic fall in business during the Albert's closure. If you think how many people buy their ciggies and tinny/bottle for the gutter in there, that's a lot of money that's not coming their way at the moment. So don't go to Tescos, make a trip to H o B.

Mrs Magpie

04-08-2005, 11:25

Agreed, I love that offie.

Gramsci

07-08-2005, 16:33

Well if we're talking cheap offys! The imaginatively named "Food and Wine" next to the Two Cockroaches... two bottles of red or white for a fiver!!! I've got a standing order going .... :D

I dont no about wine but my offy-in CHL opposite the Dogstar-is the cheapest and best.Also around before "The House of Bottles" and "D" convenience store came along.Cheap cigs and does decent imported bottled beers-Czech and Polish.He got the Polish beers in at the request fo the local Poles.(I drink them now as well)So its a genuine local offy.Hes lost business to the likes of House of Bottles and "D".

gaijingirl

07-08-2005, 16:37

I dont no about wine but my offy-in CHL opposite the Dogstar-is the cheapest and best.Also around before "The House of Bottles" and "D" convenience store came along.Cheap cigs and does decent imported bottled beers-Czech and Polish.

Yeah well.... I don't smoke or drink beer.. I'll stick to my two bottles of wine for a fiver thank... :p :D

Gramsci

07-08-2005, 16:38

House of Bottles, in particular, was anticipating a dramatic fall in business during the Albert's closure. If you think how many people buy their ciggies and tinny/bottle for the gutter in there, that's a lot of money that's not coming their way at the moment. So don't go to Tescos, make a trip to H o B.

I see that theres a wooden stockade being built to keep the House of Bottles club members out of the front of the Albert. :p We will be able to stand out there in front of the new Albert watching the natives from behind our stockade. :D

Gramsci

07-08-2005, 16:42

Yeah well.... I don't smoke or drink beer.. I'll stick to my two bottles of wine for a fiver thank... :p :D

Fair enough.Wheres the Two Cockroaches? :)

Gramsci

07-08-2005, 16:48

At present Im drinking(the little I seem to do at the moment) in the Ritzy bar.I agree with posters about the Effra.Im not keen on jazz and you cant talk in there whan its playing.They used to play old Ska records in there a while back.It was my alternative to the Albert.

The Lounge is OK but pricy to drink in and the beers on tap are always running out.

I notice no one has suggested Harlem.They were giving out leaflets at the Tube last night.Is Harlem not doing that well?

hendo

07-08-2005, 18:45

.Is Harlem not doing that well?

I've never been in there; not sure why not. Just doesn't feel right. Does it do good beer does anyone know?

Ms T

07-08-2005, 19:54

I'm loving Mango Landin' now that the Bert is closed. It's got a really relaxed vibe. Me and hendo had a cheeky Saturday afternoon drink there yesterday and really enjoyed it. They have BBQs on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and though we didn't partake, the food smelled delicious.

Mrs Magpie

07-08-2005, 19:58

I've never been in there; not sure why not. Just doesn't feel right. Does it do good beer does anyone know?Dunno, every time I walk past I see people in there, but no-one ever seems to look like they're enjoying themselves in any way....a bit like an upmarket version of the Goose, really. Although the food must be better. The food in the Goose is the worst pub food I've eaten. Ever.

gaijingirl

07-08-2005, 20:16

Fair enough.Wheres the Two Cockroaches? :)

It's the Two Woodcocks, just up Tulse Hill from the Hobgoblin. Purely in the interests of research, I tried out the "Frontline", more or less opposite Ichiban this evening, but I'm sad to say the selection (of wine) was poor and expensive... :( More worryingly, Ichiban was closed. I'm sure I've eaten in there on a Sunday evening before... or is it always closed on Sunday... :confused: I was supposed to be buying a celebration dinner there... :(

gaijingirl

07-08-2005, 20:17

IntoStella

08-08-2005, 12:12

I see that theres a wooden stockade being built to keep the House of Bottles club members out of the front of the Albert. :p We will be able to stand out there in front of the new Albert watching the natives from behind our stockade. :D
That's not fair on House of Bottles. They can't make the ne'er-do-wells go away any more than the Albert has hitherto been able to. H o B went to the expense of installing cctv outside. It's not their fault if people ignored it.

fanta

08-08-2005, 12:20

The Beehive.

Even if they have installed a wretched camera in the gents...

...just hope they have a wide-angled lens for when Fanta gets his throbbing pork bayonet out!

Cheers!

tarannau

08-08-2005, 12:20

Were you there in time for the fruit and veg market? If so, what was it like?

I don't want to bust your bubble, but the fruit and veg market has consisted of a whole one stall every time I've ventured down. It's a nice enough stall mind, but you're probably still better off with a trip to Esme's and the market if you're not really close.

There is always the compensation of a richly deserved pint if you shop virtuously by the Landing though I suppose...

;)

IntoStella

08-08-2005, 12:26

Even if they have installed a wretched camera in the gents...

...just hope they have a wide-angled lens for when Fanta gets his throbbing pork bayonet out!
Has it got x 2000 zoom, then?

fanta

08-08-2005, 12:27

Allow me that fantasy!!! :mad:

Please. :o

Hollis

08-08-2005, 12:35

Well I'd acouple of pints in the Beehive on Friday followed by The Trinity- a very nice discovery .. I really really dunno what you lot see in the Albert.. :p

Mrs Magpie

08-08-2005, 12:39

That's not fair on House of Bottles. They can't make the ne'er-do-wells go away any more than the Albert has hitherto been able to. H o B went to the expense of installing cctv outside. It's not their fault if people ignored it.I totally agree with this. I have never seen the owner of HoB as relaxed and happy, sitting outside his shop with a lovely clear area for customers to enter free of ne'er-do-wells as just after the first wave of Operation Seafood.

Mrs Magpie

08-08-2005, 12:40

Well I'd acouple of pints in the Beehive on Friday followed by The Trinity- a very nice discovery .. I really really dunno what you lot see in the Albert.. :pProximity and the little garden and room to spread out a newspaper with a lunchtime pint, for me. And the possibility of a conversation with fanta.

IntoStella

08-08-2005, 12:46

I met a reader of a certain horticulture magazine in the Trinity on Friday. Well chuffed. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Mrs Magpie

08-08-2005, 12:49

Great...what did they think of the Passion Flower featue?

IntoStella

08-08-2005, 12:51

Great...what did they think of the Passion Flower featue?
They didn't say but I got the impression that passion could, indeed, flower. :o :o

Yes, a presentable, educated, straight male HW reader under 90. Amazing.

Hollis

08-08-2005, 13:03

Proximity and the little garden and room to spread out a newspaper with a lunchtime pint, for me. And the possibility of a conversation with fanta.

okay.. I understand. :cool: Much the same reasons I end up in the Goose at Wood Green then.

gaijingirl

08-08-2005, 13:13

I don't want to bust your bubble, but the fruit and veg market has consisted of a whole one stall every time I've ventured down. It's a nice enough stall mind, but you're probably still better off with a trip to Esme's and the market if you're not really close.

There is always the compensation of a richly deserved pint if you shop virtuously by the Landing though I suppose...

;)

Bubble well and truely burst. :( Bonfire pissed all over... :( TBH, I get my Abel & Cole delivery on Fridays, so not much need to buy more veg on a Saturday.. but I had visions of homemade pickle stalls and jams and improbably named cheeses.... :( It's a blessing in disguise as I'd only spend money I haven't really got.. :rolleyes:

Ms T

08-08-2005, 13:25

They didn't say but I got the impression that passion could, indeed, flower. :o :o

Yes, a presentable, educated, straight male HW reader under 90. Amazing.

Gossip!

Hollis

08-08-2005, 13:28

I could see the Trinity as a destination pub you'd go out your way to get to... its nice inside & loads of good beer.

lang rabbie

08-08-2005, 14:09

I could see the Trinity as a destination pub you'd go out your way to get to... its nice inside & loads of good beer.

I believe it is SW London CAMRA (http://www.swlcamra.org.uk/)'s "pub of the year" 2005.

Hollis

08-08-2005, 14:13

I'll go and give myself a pat on the back for my own good taste then! :D

Donna Ferentes

08-08-2005, 14:14

Well if we're talking cheap offys! The imaginatively named "Food and Wine" next to the Two Cockroaches... "Two Woodlice", surely?

gaijingirl

08-08-2005, 14:26

"Two Woodlice", surely?

Ah.. I hadn't heard that one before... but yes... it could be that too!! :)

IntoStella

08-08-2005, 15:05

Gossip!
Moi? :p

hipipol

09-08-2005, 12:49

Mango Landing, ex Babushkas. is rather fine
Equally, Harrys Bar at the Hilton does and excellent Manhatten
I look forward to seeing you all at both

RaverDrew

09-08-2005, 16:26

Anyone fancy a drink this evening ?

IntoStella

09-08-2005, 16:36

I fancy a drink EVERY evening. :o :o

LDR

09-08-2005, 17:27

William of Walworth

09-08-2005, 19:12

I could see the Trinity as a destination pub you'd go out your way to get to... its nice inside & loads of good beer.

After having a drink there on Friday, I cannot understand why people go to the Albert. The editor did say to me that it's quiet on weeknights but on Friday night, it was perfect.

It could be my new favourite pub in Brixton :)

I second those beer-fuelled emotions!! :D

I can never truly like the Albert for so long as it remains a proper beer free zone, with only Staropramen to recommend itself as any kind of acceptable second-best to real ale. I know the all new, all refurbished Albert has new, proper beer promised for it, but I don't now know whether that'll just be Greene King IPA (which is OK but fairly bland) or something else ...

You lager drinkers can drink ANYWHERE, us proper beer drinkers are forced to be fussier, it's not just preciousness or posing on our part, as is far too often hinted ...

Brixton, with the very qualified! exception of the Beehive, is largely a beer desert, and the Trinity, however rugby shirted its clientele occasionally is, is a shining exception. And I'm not even a particular fan of Youngs, but needs must! (They look after the Special very well at the Trinity mind :) )

Looking forward to seeing some people there on Thursday for Kinsales and Treefrog's little gathering :)

Donna Ferentes

09-08-2005, 19:15

I miss my evenings at the Trinity very much, I must say. Two bottles of Celebration or the Double Chocolate Stout and a copy of the London Review of Books.

William of Walworth

09-08-2005, 19:17

Just remembered some stories on Urban about them being deeply overzealous at chucking out time. Last time I was there, I didn't have that experience, but it would be one offputting factor ...

gabi

10-08-2005, 10:36

My number 1 in the absence of the Albert is the Hope & Anchor on Acre Lane. Fantastic huge garden, nice staff and great food (if a little bit pricey).

I have to admit I'm missing the Albert hugely though. Any word on how the renovations are going?

The Trinity's a bit 'rugby-shirted' as someone else said.. :D Tally-ho!

editor

10-08-2005, 10:54

After having a drink there on Friday, I cannot understand why people go to the Albert. For me the Albert wins because it's (generally) got a more eclectic range of drinkers, it's more lively, it's more friendly, it's got history, there's far more chance of hearing about a local party, the location is a bit more 'avin' it Brixton-stylee and it remains the pub where I've met more new people than any other pub I've ever been to.

I like the Trinity a lot, but it's not a place to go if you're on your own and you fancy a random chat.

It's booting out at closing time regime is pretty damn mean too (helped in no small part by the yuppie scum who moved in recently and starting whining about the noise).

editor

10-08-2005, 10:56

I have to admit I'm missing the Albert hugely though. Any word on how the renovations are going?As soon as I'm feeling a bit chipper, I'll post up some photos I took inside the Albert at the beginning of the renovation.

They weren't messing about, I can tell you!

Pie 1

10-08-2005, 11:47

Just remembered some stories on Urban about them being deeply overzealous at chucking out time. Last time I was there, I didn't have that experience, but it would be one offputting factor ...

Fergal runs a fucking good pub, he's easily one of the best landlords I've had at my local. As editor said, the main reason he's a bit on the sharp side at 11.30 is due to one particular arsehole who moved into the square about 3 years ago. He's just playing the sensible card.

gabi:
The Trinity's a bit 'rugby-shirted' as someone else said.. Tally-ho!

Sorry, but this is bollocks AFAIC. I really haven't seen a 'rugger bugger' in there and I ve been drinking there for 3 years.
Suits from the town hall & local busineses, yes. Some of the better off residents of the square & surrounding streets, yes. But not (IMO) 'rugger buggers'.

Choc

10-08-2005, 11:58

i will call on the fab duke of edinburghs beergarden tonight if the weather stays like this..

Donna Ferentes

10-08-2005, 12:01

Incidentally, what's the beer garden that's on your right when you're in the train approaching Brixton from the Battersea Park/Wandsworth Road direction?

Minnie_the_Minx

10-08-2005, 12:06

Incidentally, what's the beer garden that's on your right when you're in the train approaching Brixton from the Battersea Park/Wandsworth Road direction?

I've been wondering that. I get train from Victoria to Denmark Hill every day, but as I've no sense of direction whatsoever, I can't figure out where it is. :confused:

Pie 1

10-08-2005, 12:09

Incidentally, what's the beer garden that's on your right when you're in the train approaching Brixton from the Battersea Park/Wandsworth Road direction?

Duke Of Edinburgh

Gramsci

11-08-2005, 12:51

Sorry, but this is bollocks AFAIC. I really haven't seen a 'rugger bugger' in there and I ve been drinking there for 3 years.
Suits from the town hall & local busineses, yes. Some of the better off residents of the square & surrounding streets, yes. But not (IMO) 'rugger buggers'.

It did use to have that reputation and I remember it being a bit like that when I first came to Brixton.The Albert was deserted when I first came to Brixton.It gradually became the pub of choice for the "sane" alternative crowd.

top_biller

11-08-2005, 12:53

Popped into the Queen on Sunday to catch the football and noticed the horrible grafitti that they'd had done in the garden. Looked totally out of place and a waste of an opportunity with that garden, which could have been done quite nicely. And thats as a great admirer of real grafitti. :confused: :(

They never seem to have the draught ale working either.

fanta

11-08-2005, 12:54

The Albert was deserted when I first came to Brixton.It gradually became the pub of choice for the "sane" alternative crowd.

:D

Alternative crowd.

Ha ha ha.

:D

Gramsci

11-08-2005, 12:56

That's not fair on House of Bottles. They can't make the ne'er-do-wells go away any more than the Albert has hitherto been able to. H o B went to the expense of installing cctv outside. It's not their fault if people ignored it.

Was I blaming the HoB mge?I assume the owner wont mind the Albert "stockade" helping to keep them away.

editor

11-08-2005, 13:02

i will call on the fab duke of edinburghs beergarden tonight if the weather stays like this..Hasn't that suffered a clampdown on its opening hours thanks to some fuckwitted nu-yup whining too?

editor

11-08-2005, 13:05

Ms T

11-08-2005, 13:05

Hasn't that suffered a clampdown on its opening hours thanks to some fuckwitted nu-yup whining too?

I thought it was the people in the Alms Houses opposite who'd complained?

editor

11-08-2005, 13:14

I thought it was the people in the Alms Houses opposite who'd complained?Dunno, but I know the Edinburgh's gardens had been open late for years on end with no bother - and the alms houses are quite a way away and set back from the road (I took some pics there and got told off!).

I used to love a late pint in the pub's gardens on a summer's evening, especially during the time when it had a jazz approach to closing time (sadly now many years ago).

lang rabbie

11-08-2005, 13:20

Have you seen the size of the extended decking outside the Albert? It's huge, stretching over two metres out into Coldharbour Lane, leaving the poor window lurkers/dealers/crappers nowhere to do their stuff!

It's going to be quite odd having a balcony-ette type area to sup a beer.

I note that the status of the planning application is still "Pending Decision" - and the deadline for consultation responses was only a fortnight ago.

Hmm.... Let's just hope that no proprietor of other licensed premises in the area objected. :(

05/01648/FUL

418 Coldharbour Lane
London
SW9 8LF

Refurbishment of the building including front extension with new decked area, new shopfront with the installation of front and rear patio doors and a small rear extension along with associated alterations.

gaijingirl

11-08-2005, 13:26

Incidentally, what's the beer garden that's on your right when you're in the train approaching Brixton from the Battersea Park/Wandsworth Road direction?

There's also The Falcon:

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/show.shtml/3239/Falcon/Clapham_North

editor

11-08-2005, 13:43

I note that the status of the planning application is still "Pending Decision" - and the deadline for consultation responses was only a fortnight ago.Maybe they're taking a (small) leaf out of Living Bar Larry's "let's build what the fuck we like" weighty book ?

The Albert would be doing Coldharbour Lane a service by getting rid of that junkie/dealer/piss/shit alcove and putting the space to a good use.

rennie

11-08-2005, 13:46

so so right!

lang rabbie

11-08-2005, 13:55

The Albert would be doing Coldharbour Lane a service by getting rid of that junkie/dealer/piss/shit alcove and putting the space to a good use.

I hope that's the message that the Planning Department got, but given certain local residents' insistence on enforcement action to get rid of the drinking deck at certain premises a very short distance away the planners may be a tad overcautious.

Mrs Magpie

11-08-2005, 14:41

As I understand it, the refurb was postponed because Lambeth hadn't got their act together and so Greene King had to reschedule when they had....remember, the original refurb date was May, and then June, and then July, and now, finally August. I am most excited about the fact there will now be disabled access, so a mate of mine will no longer have to have her electric scooter manhandled through the door, and she'll be able to use the loo....

William of Walworth

11-08-2005, 15:15

i will call on the fab duke of edinburghs beergarden tonight if the weather stays like this..

The D of E does 'beer' ranging from shit (corporate fizz) to none (real ale)

Therefore, not fab. :(

William of Walworth

11-08-2005, 15:16

lang rabbie

11-08-2005, 15:18

As I understand it, the refurb was postponed because Lambeth hadn't got their act together and so Greene King had to reschedule when they had....remember, the original refurb date was May, and then June, and then July, and now, finally August. I

According to Lambeth Planning's website, the planning application wasn't received until 31 May. It could be as much down to Greene King's design team* not getting their act together. :mad:

* In my experience design firms working for the leisure industry have a "jazz" approach to planning regs - "Creative Union (http://www.creativeunion.net/)" of Lichfield, Staffs do have an architect as a partner who ought to know his way around these things.

[Let's hope their pub design is more user friendly than their Flash website]

top_biller

11-08-2005, 16:24

Theh Queen? Did they ever have any?

</sceptical on that point>

Well theres a tap which always has the sign thingy turned round towards the bar as if its just off. Should just get rid of the tap and stop getting people's hopes up. :rolleyes:

IntoStella

11-08-2005, 16:56

I hope that's the message that the Planning Department got, but given certain local residents' insistence on enforcement action to get rid of the drinking deck at certain premises a very short distance away the planners may be a tad overcautious. The planning officers didn't give a tinker's toss about Larry's shabby 'dick' or, indeed, about enforcing any of the stipulated alterations.

It was a good year before he actually did anything about it. So you're talking through your hat on that one. Besides, Larry's 'dick' left a piece of pavement about a foot wide that was unpassable by anyone in a wheelchair, as well as blocking the view of traffic trying to turn out of/into Electric Lane. Not true of the Albert.

And to suggest that those residents who stood up to Merrett's pisstaking have now had a detrimental knock-on effect on the Albert is not only untrue but just a bit snide. What is your point, caller?

Orang Utan

11-08-2005, 17:03

I thought it was the people in the Alms Houses opposite who'd complained?

Aren't they full of fuck-witted nu-yups? :)
I don't see why 9.30 is so different from 11.00 - I thought 'noise' was generally allowed between 8.30am and 11.00pm anyway

Orang Utan

11-08-2005, 17:04

oops thought you were talking about the Trinity

Orang Utan

11-08-2005, 17:07

My number 1 in the absence of the Albert is the Hope & Anchor on Acre Lane. Fantastic huge garden, nice staff and great food (if a little bit pricey).

I discovered the beer garden on Saturday and it indeed huge.
The food is great - loads of choice. I thought it was pretty cheap actually - 2 courses for a tenner! I had some Vietnamese beef vermicelli salad and red mullet and it was delicious.

Orang Utan

11-08-2005, 17:09

I like the Trinity a lot, but it's not a place to go if you're on your own and you fancy a random chat.

Though it is a nice place if you want to go alone and have a read of the paper.

lang rabbie

11-08-2005, 17:14

The planning officers didn't give a tinker's toss about Larry's shabby 'dick' or, indeed, about enforcing any of the stipulated alterations.

It was a good year before he actually did anything about it. So you're talking through your hat on that one. Besides, Larry's 'dick' left a piece of pavement about a foot wide that was unpassable by anyone in a wheelchair, as well as blocking the view of traffic trying to turn out of/into Electric Lane. Not true of the Albert.

And to suggest that those residents who stood up to Merrett's pisstaking have now had a detrimental knock-on effect on the Albert is not only untrue but just a bit snide. What is your point, caller?

Oh FFS, IS :mad: I thought you understood the difference between lambeth's enforcement team, who remain woefully understaffed and with minimal legal back-up, and the development control team who process planning applications.

My concern is the dysfunctional nature of bureaucracies. Because of:
(i) a number of cases of changes to licensed premises around the borough, and in particular the one opposite,
(ii) clear indications from the independent-minded planning committee that they don't like "privatisation" of space
there's a risk that the planners are now into a simplistic "decks are a bad thing and need to be controlled" mentality.

Hopefully Greene King have talked to the "community safety" team and got their backing which would be a powerful countervailing force

William of Walworth

11-08-2005, 18:50

Well theres a tap which always has the sign thingy turned round towards the bar as if its just off. Should just get rid of the tap and stop getting people's hopes up. :rolleyes:

If anyone can testify to that tap ever having worked, I'll buy them a pint.

Common con trick by ale-ignorant pubs, that one :mad:

IntoStella

12-08-2005, 08:55

Oh FFS, IS :mad: I thought you understood the difference between lambeth's enforcement team, who remain woefully understaffed and with minimal legal back-up, and the development control team who process planning applications. <drone> <snip>Irrelevant, as is your absolutely pisspoor attempt to suggest local residents are to blame for the Albert's planning permission problems.

there's a risk that the planners are now into a simplistic "decks are a bad thing and need to be controlled" mentality. Horse eggs. There were crystal clear access, safety and traffic problems with the original deck Larry put up, another of which was that when people were queueing outside, pedestrians had to walk in the road to get round them. At night on a busy road.

NONE of these matters apply to the Albert and it has never been as simplisitc as "decks are bad, full stop".

You do talk rot, honestly.

lang rabbie

12-08-2005, 09:56

Just spoke to the case officer in planning.

There have been no external objections BUT Lambeth Highways HAVE raised concerns about the deck. I suggested he might want to get a view from Community Safety as well.

Gramsci

12-08-2005, 14:12

:D

Alternative crowd.

Ha ha ha.

:D

Try drinking in Dagengham or an estate pub .

Gramsci

12-08-2005, 14:17

editor

12-08-2005, 14:28

They may take it over.Especially if the bar staff are busy.I could see it becoming a problem.Not that im against it as an idea.Not if there's great big lights and CCTV beaming down on it, I reckon.

The previous appeal of the area was down to the fact that it was (a) dark, (b) free from CCTV and (c) secluded.

Gramsci

12-08-2005, 14:32

I hope that's the message that the Planning Department got, but given certain local residents' insistence on enforcement action to get rid of the drinking deck at certain premises a very short distance away the planners may be a tad overcautious.

From what I can remember of Larry and the Living Bar was that in the end the planners allowed the drinking deck (retrospectively) under several conditions,

1)It was rebuilt to fit in with the pub and be of a better standard of construction.

2)It would not be used late at night.This was so people queing to get in could queue on the deck not the pavement.

3)The retrospective planning approval for the deck and other works would be allowed on the conditon that Larry would rectify other works done without planning permission(ie the reinstatement of the sash windows).This Larry willingly agreed to and then did not keep to.Proving hes a liar.

The reason we complained about the deck was that it meant people queued on the pavement.Also I know some people thought it made the pavement to narrow at that point.We threw everything at Larry as he was causing so much trouble in CHL.

So the precedent set by the planners is to allow wooden drinking decks.I cant see how they could refuse this one as they allowed the Living Bar to have one.

editor

12-08-2005, 14:41

1)It was rebuilt to fit in with the pub and be of a better standard of construction. - It looks of cheap construction and is already looking half-knackered

2)It would not be used late at night. I've never seen people queuing on the deck - they've always been on the street as usual with a few bouncers lolling on the decking with a few laydees.

3)The retrospective planning approval for the deck and other works would be allowed on the conditon that Larry would rectify other works done without planning permission File under 'when Hell freezes over'!

Gramsci

12-08-2005, 14:43

My concern is the dysfunctional nature of bureaucracies. Because of:
(i) a number of cases of changes to licensed premises around the borough, and in particular the one opposite,
(ii) clear indications from the independent-minded planning committee that they don't like "privatisation" of space
there's a risk that the planners are now into a simplistic "decks are a bad thing and need to be controlled" mentality.

Im a bit concerned about the "privatisation" of space as well.It can look like a "stockade" to keep people out-as I intimated before.THe two other spots that have it are the Living Bar and Satay gallery-both of which employ security to police the space.I cant see the Albert hiring security(nor do Iwant them to it would be against the ethos of the Albert-which is why I think it may be a problem for the mge at the Albert.

When I first saw it I thought there is a rather a lot of this "privatisation" of space.Its understandable but has its downsides.The street scene could become divided between policed "privatised" space and the "wild west" outside.Which is why my previous post(which was taken the wrong way) called it a stockade.

If we are to have continental style drinking and hours this does not bode well.I would think that a continental streetscene would be an intermingling of passers by and those drinking/eating-thus having a calming self surveillance of the street.Cant see that happening in this country at the moment.

rennie

12-08-2005, 14:56

why not?

tarannau

12-08-2005, 15:16

why not?

To be honest, the prospect of looking out onto the glorious beeping traffic of CHL and the sounds of 'scuse mate, can I ask a favour...20p' doesn't really appeal to me too much. I reckon the little beer garden at the back's still going to be a better option.

I went past Hofb yesterday and that decking thing seems to be growing daily - even Tony was looking at it in a slightly bemused fashion. It's not the most pleasant looking thing I've seen...

gaijingirl

12-08-2005, 15:32

rennie

12-08-2005, 15:42

I have a dream...

ianw

12-08-2005, 15:42

your not the first person to suggest that gg
i quite like the idea too

IntoStella

12-08-2005, 16:34

I went past Hofb yesterday and that decking thing seems to be growing daily - even Tony was looking at it in a slightly bemused fashion. It's not finished yet. Pat is going to sharpen the posts so he can impale customers who misbehave on them. ;)

Or the severed heads of oregano dealers, perhaps.

IntoStella

12-08-2005, 16:37

1)It was rebuilt to fit in with the pub and be of a better standard of construction. - It looks of cheap construction and is already looking half-knackeredIt was held together with tatty bits of gaffer tape from day one. ... 3)The retrospective planning approval for the deck and other works would be allowed on the conditon that Larry would rectify other works done without planning permission File under 'when Hell freezes over'! You can say that again. :eek: :(

rennie

12-08-2005, 16:51

I am mango landing tonight.

editor

12-08-2005, 17:04

I am mango landing tonight.I am landing at the Trinity tonight.

rennie

12-08-2005, 17:14

safe journey n all...

Crispy

12-08-2005, 17:46

I know it's never going to happen and would cause traffic chaos - and probably has tons of possible problems.. but I can't help thinking it would be great if the section of CHL between The Ritzy and The Dogstar was pedestrianised... I can imagine lovely summer evenings drinking out there..

Hmmm. How would you route the traffic? Atlantic Road from the North (and that would be tricky enough), but from the south you're pretty screwed.

Maybe a workable idea would be to have no parking, confine the road to the middle and cobble it. Have a couple of loading bays for the businesses and put a chicane/narrowing device at either end. You'd free up a lot of paving space.

But yeah, a pedestrian CHL would be lovely.

Mrs Magpie

12-08-2005, 17:48

It was made one-way for a short time about 10 or 15 years ago iirc...it was hell for the people in Saltoun (or was is Kellet?) Road.

Hollis

12-08-2005, 18:12

Hmmm. How would you route the traffic? Atlantic Road from the North (and that would be tricky enough), but from the south you're pretty screwed.

Your starting points all wrong. Fuck the traffic! That them work that one out.

citydreams

12-08-2005, 19:09

Your starting points all wrong. Fuck the traffic! Letthem work that one out.

:D

rennie

13-08-2005, 09:18

I am mango landing tonight.

back at work and my head hurts. :(

Gramsci

13-08-2005, 15:20

It's not finished yet. Pat is going to sharpen the posts so he can impale customers who misbehave on them. ;)

Or the severed heads of oregano dealers, perhaps.

Why does that bring into my mind the end of Apocalypse Now? :)

CHL=Apocalypse Now or is that just my fevered imagination? :eek:

Gramsci

13-08-2005, 15:23

Hmmm. How would you route the traffic? Atlantic Road from the North (and that would be tricky enough), but from the south you're pretty screwed.

Maybe a workable idea would be to have no parking, confine the road to the middle and cobble it. Have a couple of loading bays for the businesses and put a chicane/narrowing device at either end. You'd free up a lot of paving space.

But yeah, a pedestrian CHL would be lovely.

One way is to leave it open early morning and close it after mid day.This was tried in Soho(Old Compton st) but the shopkeepers didnt like it so it was stopped.But people still treat it as as pedestrian area.That worked in Neal st (Covent Gdn)where traffic is allowed but takes second place to pedesrians.That is what is the problem-the mindset of traffic that pedestrians should take second place to cars.Theres no reason why it cant be reversed.

Gramsci

13-08-2005, 15:25

why not?

The drinking culture in this country is binge drinking not continental social drinking.

Mrs Magpie

13-08-2005, 15:28

I agree Gramsci. Also on the continent most alcohol is drunk with food. In the UK if anything is consumed along with the booze, it's more likely to be a packet of crisps, or something salty which encourages you to drink even more.

rennie

13-08-2005, 16:31

The drinking culture in this country is binge drinking not continental social drinking.

true... but it doesn't HAVE to be this way.

Donna Ferentes

13-08-2005, 16:33

I have this mental picture of Rennie standing in a typical High Street as people pour into (and out of) the various JD Wetherspoons, Yates' Wine Lodges and other vertical drinking establishments, and crying out to the people going past:

"No! You don't need to do this! It doesn't have to be this way!"

rennie

13-08-2005, 16:36

my mom is a teacher you know! :D

IntoStella

14-08-2005, 12:30

I went to Mango Landnig for the first time yesterday afternoon. Had a Caffrey's, which I haven't had for years. Which was nice. Didn't know you could still get it. Would have checked out the garden but it was pissing down. Seemed a pleasant place.

john x

15-08-2005, 07:30

I went to Mango Landing for the first time Saturday evening. Had a Guinness, which I haven't had for days. Which was nice. Did know you could still get it. Would have checked out the garden but it was pissing down. Seemed a pleasant place.

john x

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 10:57

Hasn't that suffered a clampdown on its opening hours thanks to some fuckwitted nu-yup whining too?

No, many house holds have opposed the recent application for a licence application because of:

Punters pissing against peoples front walls.
Punters in and out of cars parked outside residents houses snorting coke
Punters drinking pissed on the street, shouting, puking, smashing glasses (neither cleaned up) and fighting.
Music pumping out of the open windows and doors late at night.
Punters talking loudly on mobile phones outside the pub late at night.

How dare the "fuckwitted nu-yups" :rolleyes: not put up with that?

editor

15-08-2005, 11:08

No, many house holds have opposed the recent application for a licence application because of:

Punters pissing against peoples front walls.
Punters in and out of cars parked outside residents houses snorting coke
Punters drinking pissed on the street, shouting, puking, smashing glasses (neither cleaned up) and fighting.
Music pumping out of the open windows and doors late at night.
Punters talking loudly on mobile phones outside the pub late at night.
I'm amazed that the mass scenes of Wild West-style illegal activity you've just described haven't attracted the attention of the police.

But what's all that claimed Biblical excess, street brawls and mass urination got to do with the opening hours of the Edinburgh's beer garden?

PS I think you'll find people "talk loudly on their phones" all over Brixton, regardless of their proximity to a pub.

ianw

15-08-2005, 11:11

have to say i found the trinity deeply unimpressive on saturday night. i haven't been to mango landing yet though, so maybe that's the next one to try.

when's the albert reopening?

tarannau

15-08-2005, 11:16

Points taken Mr R, but I honestly can't remember the Duke of Edinburgh ever being quieter than it was before the recent licence application shenanigans. If anything it's been a shadow of its old lively self for much of the past few years. To an occasional visitor like me, it's hard to see how things could have got worse for residents over the last few years - the DofE is more restrained than I ever remember it being in the past.

Haven't been for there since last year admittedly and perhaps I'm missing the new, noisy direction of the place. But last year the management seemed embattled - music levels were kept very low, people were shuffled out of the garden 'early,' rowdyish customers were ssshed quickly and trade seemed to be suffering as a result. Has it got worse recently?

editor

15-08-2005, 11:18

Last time I went there (five months ago) it was a really pale shadow of its former lively self. I used to love the boozer in the old days!

Can't say I've ever seen a fight there either in all the years I've been going there, tbh. Has this just started recently, MrR?

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 11:22

I'm amazed that the mass scenes of Wild West-style illegal activity you've just described haven't attracted the attention of the police.

The police have been to the Duke of Edinburgh many, many times. But I'm not really worried about the police, just the planning committee

But what's all that claimed Biblical excess got to do with the opening hours of the Edinburgh's beer garden?

The use of the word "claimed" suggests you don't believe me. I will go under oath and back up my claims.

Because of the noise - pumping music, fighting, smashing glass, shouting etc. I thought I mentioned that :confused:

PS I think you'l find people "talk loudly on their phones" all over Brixton, regardless of their proximity to a pub.

Indeed they do. But people are entitled not to have to put up with it, when they are shouting drunkenly down the phone outside their homes when they try to sleep.

Several hundred people live near the Duke. Many of them are very aged. Others I've spoken to have different concerns to the ones I've mentioned and experienced. It is both ignorant and insensitive to dismiss the people as as "fuckwitted nu yups" and their concers as "Biblical Excess".

editor

15-08-2005, 11:26

The use of the word "claimed" suggests you don't believe me. I will go under oath and back up my claims. I am having a little trouble equating your scene of gangs of street-pissing punters, coke-snorting car shufflers, noise pumpers and shouting, puking, glass-smashing street brawlers with my experience of the place, but if you say that's what's going on, I'll believe you.

How does the pub stay open with all that behaviour going on?

RaverDrew

15-08-2005, 12:32

Shame, cos I really like the DofE :(

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 12:50

I am having a little trouble equating your scene of gangs of street-pissing punters, coke-snorting car shufflers, noise pumpers and shouting, puking, glass-smashing street brawlers with my experience of the place, but if you say that's what's going on, I'll believe you.

How does the pub stay open with all that behaviour going on?

Where did I say gangs? Please don't try to twist my words to undermine my point. And with respect, given you go there every 5 months you are in no position to comment.

I have experienced all of the list. I see at least one of that list at least once a week. I'm normally out myself so am not around to see more of it.

It is also directly related to the amount of booze people may have consumed. On say, a saturday if there is an early international football match (and if I had nothing better to do) I would notice all of that behaviour. The most recent was during the first cricket test when a DoE tosser took a leisurely lengthy piss against my front wall.

It doesn't particularly bother me at the moment and as I say I'm normally out myself when most of the Friday/Saturday revelry takes place. Most of my neighbours are not out so have to put up with it. As I say many are old and such behaviour is very intimidating and distressing to them.

A later legal opening time or application of "jazz" (as you love to describe them) opening times and would quickly make the situation intolerant.

IntoStella

15-08-2005, 12:55

when's the albert reopening? This Friday at 7 if all goes well.

WOOOO HOOOO!!

Crispy

15-08-2005, 13:02

This Friday at 7 if all goes well.

WOOOO HOOOO!!

We should let them know not to bother cleaning the windows first. The horder of slathering urbanites outside should be able to lick them clean :)

tarannau

15-08-2005, 13:04

Out of interest has the D of E got any worse over recent years Mr R?

Maybe I'm being naive here, but the place seems quieter (both in customer numbers and in terms of reputation) than any other time I can recall. Certainly it seems far more restrained and less busy than it used to be 5+ years ago, when you used to be able to sit in the back garden for much longer without the fear of being ssshhed at by the management.

No doubts it's a difficult balance to strike, but my impression was that the new(ish) management had made genuine efforts to quieten the place , seemingly shedding customers in the process - one of the reasons I haven't been back for some time. I can appreciate why residents may complain, but I also sympathise with the licencee who probably feels as though they've suffering from some complaints that didn't seem to be such a huge factor before.

editor

15-08-2005, 13:09

And with respect, given you go there every 5 months you are in no position to comment. You've got that wrong. I used to go there quite regularly for many years, but I haven't been there for the last five months. That's what I asked you:
"Has this just started recently, MrR?"

editor

15-08-2005, 13:10

Maybe I'm being naive here, but the place seems quieter (both in customer numbers and in terms of reputation) than any other time I can recall. Certainly it seems far more restrained and less busy than it used to be 5+ years ago, when you used to be able to sit in the back garden for much longer without the fear of being ssshhed at by the management. The fact that it had gone so quiet was one of the reasons I stopped going.

I used to love long summer evenings in DoE garden. It was like a mini-festie!

ianw

15-08-2005, 13:19

I used to love long summer evenings in DoE garden. It was like a mini-festie!

me too. but it's been *years* since those days. i went about a year and a half ago and it had changed completely - lots of moneyed geezers and an atmosphere out the back that i didn't feel i fitted into.

but, oh back in the day...

mental nights in the landor, back when the dj was a bloke in an orange dress playing "puff the magic dragon", followed up with more of the same at the bagelodeon
mini-fest nights out the back of the duke of edinburgh/prince of darkness, followed up with more of the same til all hours at the queen.

now...

:(

tarannau

15-08-2005, 13:24

Sad isn't it?A good few pints in the Duke of E's massive beergarden, followed by some jazz-hours style lateness in The Queen used to be quite the summer tonic.

And now, next to nobody I know actually goes to either of those two places. Even in summer and with all that garden...

:(

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 13:27

I have no idea if it's got worse or not. I'm commenting on what I see on a weekly basis as per my post above.

However, I'm very friendly with the person who looks after the Alms houses and their residents. I've no doubt the person would be happy to have a pint with anybody who is genuinely interested and tell you if he believes it's got worse and explain why he, a long time resident, is very opposed to an extension to DoE licence.

The "new" manager drove lots of punters away - she was very poor and managed to alienate most regulars which were her bread and butter when the sun wasn't shining and the beer garden not drawing people from further away. On New Years Eve she herself was to be seen out on the street screaming and being held back from customer.

The "new new" manager (3 months or so) is keeping a low profile.

Unfortunately low profile meant when she decided to apply again for a late licence there was no consultation with residents or even a letter allaying the fears people raised the last time the bar applied for a late licence (which not only did they not achieve, they very nearly lost their normal licence too).

ianw

15-08-2005, 13:29

oddly enough one of my happiest memories of the DofE was going there the day after the riot in the middle of the nineties. there was a bunch of people with mandolins and the like having some sort of medieval jam, and the atmosphere was lovely.

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 13:35

me too. but it's been *years* since those days. i went about a year and a half ago and it had changed completely - lots of moneyed geezers and an atmosphere out the back that i didn't feel i fitted into.

:(

That is probably the answer to Tarannau's question about weather the pub has gotten worse. These are perhaps the kind of people who don't give a fuck about the pub or area they drink in. Same as people taxiing in and out of Living in the Larry days.

The people who you describe as frequenting the pubs "back in the day" in my experience have more respect and are much less likely to engage in the type of behaviour residents experience around the DoE.

editor

15-08-2005, 13:41

The people who you describe as frequenting the pubs "back in the day" in my experience have more respect and are much less likely to engage in the type of behaviour residents experience around the DoE.So where do you think these unsavoury new people are coming from?

It's not like the DoE's on the main drag or anything, neither does the pub seem to offer anything that wold make people want to drive miles to visit the place.

gabi

15-08-2005, 13:42

Its a good place for football watching - or used to be. I too haven't felt the urge to visit for a while, but now that the Premiership season has kicked off, I might.

Donna Ferentes

15-08-2005, 13:43

Do you mean "the football season"?

gabi

15-08-2005, 13:47

Do you mean "the football season"?

No, the Premiership. I'm a relatively recent convert to the world of football, so haven't quite got to the point where the 2nd division or whatever its called interests me much. Do they even screen it on tv? (serious question)...

ianw

15-08-2005, 13:52

So where do you think these unsavoury new people are coming from?

It's not like the DoE's on the main drag or anything, neither does the pub seem to offer anything that wold make people want to drive miles to visit the place.

on the clapham borders, big beer garden, footy on the telly. i don't think people are driving in though. just local lads i should think.

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 14:00

So where do you think these unsavoury new people are coming from?

It's not like the DoE's on the main drag or anything, neither does the pub seem to offer anything that wold make people want to drive miles to visit the place.

I don't know where they are coming from, nor do I give a fuck. For all I care they could be parachuting from a U2 spy plane or Shaun of the Dead type zombies. All I care about is their behaviour in my neighbourhood.

editor

15-08-2005, 14:02

I don't know where they are coming from, nor do I give a fuck. For all I care they could be parachuting from a U2 spy plane or Shaun of the Dead type zombies. All I care about is their behaviour in my neighbourhood.Greeeeat attitude mate!

:rolleyes:

Have you considered that the types you find so unsavoury may be residents from your neighbourhood too?

ianw

15-08-2005, 14:07

Greeeeat attitude mate!

:rolleyes:

Have you considered that the types you find so unsavoury may be residents from your neighbourhood too?

almost certainly all from sw9/sw4 i should think.

once again, back in the day, i had a pint glass thrown at me when i was walking past the DoE. not from the pub, but from the flats opposite. luckily they missed and i was pissed enough not to think twice about it .

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 14:12

Greeeeat attitude mate!

:rolleyes:

Have you considered that the types you find so unsavoury may be residents from your neighbourhood too?

They are not from my neighbourhood in so much as I have lived here for 6 years and never recognised anybody that caused trouble.

Why is it important to care where thet come from?

Should I take your great attitude that dismisses my neighbours as "fuckwitted nu-yups" and sarcastically dismiss their real concerns as "Biblical Excesses", mate?

Crispy

15-08-2005, 15:14

Gentlemen, choose your weapons:

http://www.thehitchinpost.com/images/handbags.jpg

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 15:21

Gentlemen, choose your weapons:

http://www.thehitchinpost.com/images/handbags.jpg
:D

Choc

15-08-2005, 15:38

regarding the DoE. i reckon people who mind noises should not move next to a beergarden, hence the beergarden has always the first right to stay where it has always been. an additional point in favour of a beer garden in england would be that the pubs closing time is still at 11pm already plus the summer is only about 2 weeks long as well...

btw it is really lovely there we all should meet soon

rennie

15-08-2005, 15:45

Orang Utan

15-08-2005, 15:48

They seem to have given up on the BBQs

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 15:55

rennie

15-08-2005, 15:58

They seem to have given up on the BBQs

What an absolute shame! it used to attract quite a few people n I loved it. one less reason to go... i mean it's a HUGE beer garden!

Orang Utan

15-08-2005, 15:59

I've kind of defected to the Hope and Anchor for beer garden fun and games

tarannau

15-08-2005, 16:03

do they still do yummi BBQs on the weekend? i spent quite a few sundays in that beer garden two years ago... wasn't in Brixton all last summer but did manage to go once or twice. no visits yet this year, not too sure why.

Because no-one else goes there after the last management pissed everyone off with noise restrictions, early closing and general shite service? It's far from a horrible pub, with a fantastic beer garden, but you're not alone in not visiting there recently - you barely hear a peep about the place now.

Inclined to agree with Choc though - I'd never consider moving next to a successful pub with an established and sizable beer garden and then complain about the noise. Unless, that is, the character of the pub changed massively, which I'm not sure is the case with the DoE.

Edited to add: not sure why you're rolling your eyes at choc though Mr R - seems a fair enough comment to me. Surely you were more than aware of the pub when you moved there - it's not really a surprise to hear noise from a pub with a generous garden like that is it?

Not trying to be bloody minded, but we've got to cut existing businesses some slack. It's hardly an Imperial Garden type situation perhaps, but I'm always wary of comparatively recent residents complaining about long existing hostelries.

rennie

15-08-2005, 16:05

I've kind of defected to the Hope and Anchor for beer garden fun and games

do they do BBQs? Ive been there twice but it was in winter so no beer garden.

Orang Utan

15-08-2005, 16:22

do they do BBQs? Ive been there twice but it was in winter so no beer garden.

No, but they do lovely food at good prices and they bring it out to you

tarannau

15-08-2005, 16:37

No, but they do lovely food at good prices and they bring it out to you

Great beer garden in there, with some lovely suntrap areas. One of those surprises that you'd never expect from the outside.

Thought the food was a little bit overpriced and too fussed around with to be honest though. They took the gastropub ideal a little too far imo - we recently went for a sunday roast in there and I'll admit to rolling my eyes at the wordy and entirely unnecessarily ponced-up descriptions. Sadly the skills in the kitchen didn't seem to match the flowery verbosity of the menu.

That said, the staff were friendly and it's a nice place. It's hard to knock as a great venue for a summer drink.

What's happening to the old Fridge Bar by the way? That grand piano and classy interior suggests something different a'brewing.

Orang Utan

15-08-2005, 16:54

Great beer garden in there, with some lovely suntrap areas. One of those surprises that you'd never expect from the outside.

Thought the food was a little bit overpriced and too fussed around with to be honest though. They took the gastropub ideal a little too far imo - we recently went for a sunday roast in there and I'll admit to rolling my eyes at the wordy and entirely unnecessarily ponced-up descriptions. Sadly the skills in the kitchen didn't seem to match the flowery verbosity of the menu.

Overpriced? It was a tenner for two courses.
I don't remember any descriptions on the menu - just a list of dishes.
I had some lovely red mullet in there.

Orang Utan

15-08-2005, 16:56

What's happening to the old Fridge Bar by the way? That grand piano and classy interior suggests something different a'brewing.

Did it used to be a Fridge bar? The sign on it used to be the Fridge Gallery - I've seen the piano and thought 'oh no' - Brixton doesn't really need a piano bar does it?

Mrs Magpie

15-08-2005, 17:08

I fall between Mr Retro and editor/choc on this. Last time I was in the DoE (a while ago) it made the Dogstar on a weekend night sound like you could hear a pin drop and it was so loud it was actually really extremely unpleasant. There was a landlord who was a bit of a wanker but he didn't last long apparently. I do have sympathy for pubs that have been going for years who then get hassle from new residents. The Bull's Head in Barnes being a notable example. It's been a Jazz Pub since the 1950s and a couple of years ago a woman moved nearby and tried to get their music licence revoked. I did not have one iota of sympathy with her. On the other other hand I know someone who lived near the Effra and she suffered when people were pissed and noisy. Sometimes pubs change from a bit of acoustic music or a quiet jukebox to something louder and locals who didn't have any hassle before, found the goalposts had moved.

tarannau

15-08-2005, 17:18

Overpriced? It was a tenner for two courses.
I don't remember any descriptions on the menu - just a list of dishes.
I had some lovely red mullet in there.

Roast dinner (with horseradish jus, vegetable timbale and other nonsense) came upto about a tenner. Which ain't terrible I suppose, but I'd prefer more of a mouthful on my plate than on the menu. Good place though.
:)

Ms Magpie's got a real point though - the Effra's perhaps the consistently noisiest pub that I know in Brixton, slap bang in the middle of a densely-packed residential area. Horrendously noisy at times - even from the other end of the street and to folks who generally like Jazz. I can honestly see why folks may want to complain, but it's also a pub I'd hate to see change - it's got such a good reputation for live music, built up over many years. It's difficult to see where you can draw the line.

IntoStella

15-08-2005, 17:19

I'm missing the Albert now. Could do with a quicky after work, even if it is only Monday.

In the Albert you know someone will always turn up before long. Elsewhere I feel a bit of a dick. They give me funny looks in the Trinity. :(

IntoStella

15-08-2005, 17:20

Roast dinner (with horseradish jus
You mean watered down horseradish? :confused:

tarannau

15-08-2005, 17:34

Did it used to be a Fridge bar? The sign on it used to be the Fridge Gallery - I've seen the piano and thought 'oh no' - Brixton doesn't really need a piano bar does it?

Sorry - got me bars and galleries mixed up. It was indeed called the Fridge Gallery, although the link between the two always seemed tenuous. I think I've only been in there 3 times over a good few years and it was far removed from the clean, piano-toting bar it appears to be changing into now...

Mr Retro

15-08-2005, 20:17

Edited to add: not sure why you're rolling your eyes at choc though Mr R - seems a fair enough comment to me. Surely you were more than aware of the pub when you moved there - it's not really a surprise to hear noise from a pub with a generous garden like that is it?

Not trying to be bloody minded, but we've got to cut existing businesses some slack. It's hardly an Imperial Garden type situation perhaps, but I'm always wary of comparatively recent residents complaining about long existing hostelries.

If you read my posts you'll see I'm not complaining about the beer garden but behaviour outside the pub. And you are correct, if the beer garden bothered me I wouldn't have moved in. Or at least I would have moved out after the 6 month break clause.

I'm rolling my eyes because to say a beer garden has the right to stay where it is far too simplistic. What about when management sneakily change it's use by various measures? Piped music, bands, open air restaurants, unofficial extensions to the premises etc etc?

You can be as fucking wary as you like, but wheather they live in an area for 40 days or 40 years, a resident can complain about long existing hostileries if the hostilery is preventing them from enjoying where they live.

Should anybody have to put with the list I put up earlier in the thread? And in fact it doesn't really bother me, but it does really bother some of my neighbours and I intend to stand together with them.

<edit:for clarity>

editor

15-08-2005, 20:31

I'm rolling my eyes because to say a beer garden has the right to stay where it is far too simplistic. What about when management sneakily change it's use by various measures? Piped music, bands, open air restaurants, unofficial extensions to the premises etc etc?
Sure. But the reverse seems to have happened to the DoE. By all accounts it's much quieter than it used to be - the lack of music and evening garden activities has certainly stopped me going recently.

Mr Retro

16-08-2005, 09:12

Ya, I stopped going there when they refurbed the garden with a theme of "cut back trees and squash as many tables and therefore punters in as possible". This robbed all it's charm.

It's funny - I could practically shout an order to the barstaff of DoE from my house. But if a fancy for a pint comes on in the evening and we discuss where to go, it's always the canturbury or the trinity or Cantinho de Portugal or Landor. 2 nearer pubs DoE and the Queen don't even register on the radar.

Choc

16-08-2005, 15:50

yes it has gotten quieter there if anything (if i qualify to say that with only 7 years of experience) and shamefully there is no cheap bbq burgers anymore and the beergarden closing time is at 10.30 which is a shame if the weather is nice.... :rolleyes:

as for inside the pup, it is not as nice as outside although in a way the rooms are alright....it is those new tap (sp?) instalations and the big screen with football on that i didn't like...and to be chased out of the garden of course... :mad:

still always a good choice to go to if you fancy a bit of outside..also like the trekk there as well. ferndale road is a nice street a bit out of the way of the usual hassle and buzzle..

the hope and anchor has a great garden but is too much for me in the inside and it is on acre lane which is boring to walk down...great garden for kids though..

Choc

16-08-2005, 15:55

another thing which i haven't mentioned in a while is that the albert is not my favourite pub at all...i find it a bit scruffy and loud and smokey and chl'ny but then again i am not so particular about pups really and i go to anywhere where i like the company... :)

my list of fav pups in and around brixton is:

the trinity/ the effra
duke of Edinburgh
the pullens in herne hill
the albert

editor

16-08-2005, 16:16

the trinity/ the effra
duke of Edinburgh
the pullens in herne hill
the albertI fear the novelty of the Trinity is fast waning.

Sure the beer's lovely, but the fast-track boot-out at closing times sure grates and the tumbleweed quietness of Friday night there made me feel like I was in an out-of-season seaside town.

rennie

16-08-2005, 16:23

i like the hob. but only outside. it's loud and it's close.

tarannau

16-08-2005, 16:32

i like the hob. but only outside. it's loud and it's close.

Same here. The Hob's still my favoured local in summer - its very much in your face and full of Brixton characters, but it's also a huge melting pot of a place at times. It's not the kind of place you can have a quiet pint - you're almost guaranteed to bump into someone - but it's got a surprisingly relaxed and settled atmosphere at the moment.

I like the Albert but I'm looking forward to seeing if the refurb succeeds in 'opening' the pub up a bit. It often felt a bit too crowded and smoky in its old design previously, as if everyone was 'lined up' from front door to beer garden.

Choc

17-08-2005, 11:51

trinity: true on a friday it is too quiet....it is more a midweek place i guess..

Orang Utan

17-08-2005, 12:06

Too quiet?
Maybe I'm getting old, but I prefer somewhere where I can get a seat and don't have to shout.

Donna Ferentes

17-08-2005, 12:11

And does a pint of brown and bitter and a pickled egg.

Orang Utan

17-08-2005, 12:12

Pickled eggs, mmmm.

Donna Ferentes

17-08-2005, 12:15

Copy of the Daily Herald.

tarannau

17-08-2005, 12:17

Too quiet?
Maybe I'm getting old, but I prefer somewhere where I can get a seat and don't have to shout.

Eh. Aren't you the one who keeps going on about rammedplace, I mean bangface...
:confused: ;)

Point taken about The Trinity though. It's a little too quiet and anodyne for me to consider it a destination pub I guess, whilst it's also a bit off the beaten track for me to pop in quickly. But I can totally understand why it'd be a good place to have a good pint and some quiet time with the paper.

Orang Utan

17-08-2005, 12:19

Eh. Aren't you the one who keeps going on about rammedplace, I mean bangface...
:confused: ;)

Different kind of socialising, innit?
I like a dance in a sweaty box, but I like a chat in a quiet pub. I'm not a fan of bars that try to cater for both crowds, the dancing ain't fun and the chatting is almost impossible.