Brixton pub recommendations

[lighterthief]

So I found myself in Brixton on Saturday afternoon, thirsting for pint. As I don't know Brixton that well, I thought I'd pop into the Albert, seeing as it is right there on CHL and pops up in many a thread on these here boards.

In we went and found...




















...a resolutely average pub. No real ale, though staff were friendly and drinks seemed reasonably priced. Not much atmosphere either - the interior seems quite modern and resembles a bar as much as a pub.

Are there any proper, decent pubs tucked away in Brixton?

[Crispy]

The Effra on Kellet Road is a bit more pubby - and has live jazz on several nights a week.

The albert comes into its own on an evening - it's all about the people and the atmosphere - otherwise it's pretty average yes :)

[Mrs Magpie]

No real ale? It has Greene King IPA and Abbott's.....very well kept too.

[lighterthief]

...The albert comes into its own on an evening - it's all about the people and the atmosphere...I did wonder if it was because it was late Saturday afternoon.

[lighterthief]

No real ale? It has Greene King IPA and Abbott's.....very well kept too.Both off.

[twisted]

The Trinity on Trinity Gardens...Youngs pub

[Crispy]

The Trinity on Trinity Gardens...Youngs pub
Incredibly polite barstaff. A bit steep. Nice garden.

[goldman]

I went to the Duke of Edinburgh on Ferndale Road on Saturday night and the place was totally deserted. It used to be quite good- lively atmosphere, late lock-ins etc, but now it seems like a graveyard. Trinity is probably the best boozer.

[gabi]

Brixton is indeed sadly lacking in the pub stakes... theres not one decent really - the east end wins hands down. The albert is very cliquey, and yeh does lack atmosphere... the trinity's a bit toff-ish in many ways. I think a lot of the local council drink there when they're not busy doing sweet fuck all over at the town hall..

I've started drinking in the prince now - seems to be the best of a bad bunch at present.

[Orang Utan]

Brixton is indeed sadly lacking in the pub stakes... theres not one decent really - the east end wins hands down. The albert is very cliquey, and yeh does lack atmosphere... the trinity's a bit toff-ish in many ways. I think a lot of the local council drink there when they're not busy doing sweet fuck all over at the town hall..

I agree with all that - Bethnal Green has some proper boozers - none like that in Brixton

[Pie 1]

the trinity's a bit toff-ish in many ways.


I do wish people would stop being so lazy when rolling out this summerization of the Trinity.

It isn't 'toff-ish' or 'rugger bugger', IMHO, that's an inacurate discription.
It is a quiet, well kept, gentle boozer that has quite a diverse range of regulars, (and the odd braying fool from the council) a fair share of whom are middle aged and probably not badly off. Doesn't make them 'toffs' or 'rugger buggers'


Stick your head in the East Hill on Alma Rd in Wandsworth on a weekend to see what constitutes toff's & rugger buggers! <shivers>

<as you were ;) >

[Dubversion]

I do wish people would stop being so lazy when rolling out this summerization of the Trinity.

It isn't 'toff-ish' or 'rugger bugger', IMHO, that's an inacurate discription.
It is a quiet, well kept, gentle boozer that has quite a diverse range of regulars, (and the odd braying fool from the council) a fair share of whom are middle aged and probably not badly off. Doesn't make them 'toffs' or 'rugger buggers'


Stick your head in the East Hill on Alma Rd in Wandsworth on a weekend to see what constitutes toff's & rugger buggers! <shivers>

<as you were ;) >

quite. or any number of 'orrible pubs that make The Trinity look like a fucking shebeen.

and to say brixton has no decent pubs is ridiculous - the Albert IS a great pub, as is the Effra. And The Trinity

[Orang Utan]

I think the above pubs are decent but not GREAT

[Dubversion]

well gabi's claiming there isn't even a decent one.

which is absurd.

[Andy the Don]

Just to let you locals know..

It appears the Sultan on New Park Road has closed down (or been closed down) for good..:(

[Orang Utan]

well gabi's claiming there isn't even a decent one.

which is absurd.

Probably just an offhanded exaggeration like many BB posts are

[gabi]

Yeh an exaggeration - the pubs in brixton are ok, but everythings relative. i guess i was just comparing them to what i remember in east london. for some reason they do boozers better out there.

we could definitely use a bigger selection here anyway.

[tarannau]

I think the above pubs are decent but not GREAT

What do you consider makes a great pub Orang? I like many of the pubs in Bethnell Green, but I wouldn't say they were great either, but I'm trying to get to grips with the essential 'pubiness' that you're looking for.

I think Brixton perhaps lacks that traditional "English' salt and sawdust boozer in the centre, particularly with all the style bar type places around. The Trinity - sorry Pie - is a little rugby shirted and polite compared to the diversity of the area and the Albert's a bit too bright and narrow to feel like the traditional comforting boozer of yesteryear for me. Bizarrely the Hobgoblin and and Beehive are perhaps the most mixed pubs in the area, although at times the cantakerous old shit and care in the community types can outweigh the positives there. Doesn't help that - for all the loyalty of its regulars - the Hob's being maintained very badly as well.

I can't fault the Effra really though. It's definitely got that traditional local feel for me, with a good set of regulars, a wonderful building and even the classic saloon/public bar set up. It's got everything old school boozer should have ... only with dominos and reggae added in for good measure. It's a perfect Brixton interpretation of a classic boozer in my book

[Mr Retro]

I'm sitting here looking out my East End office window and thinking there aren't more really good boozers than in Brixton.

Pubs (as opposed bars) are homes from home and my ideal pub is anothers hell on earth.

I hate the effra, but I love the hob. Lots of peeps here will have it the other way around.

The Canterbury is my favorite in Brixton. Good owners and staff, friendly regulars, sport on good TV's, duke box. All round good atmosphere.

[gabi]

I dont think the canterburys bought a license to show premiership games this season tho unfortunately. I kinda liked watching the footy there (its a united pub which suits me!)

[gaijingirl]

How come's nobody's mentioned the poor old Two Woodcocks yet? :D

[Orang Utan]

What do you consider makes a great pub Orang?
I dunno. I'm an awkward bastard cos I could tell you what would NOT make a good pub. :p


The pub I really like(d) in Bethan Green was The Hope, though it's shut now :(

[Dubversion]

I dont think the canterburys bought a license to show premiership games this season tho unfortunately. I kinda liked watching the footy there (its a united pub which suits me!)


last time i was there the projector was fucked anyway

[Orang Utan]

I'm sitting here looking out my East End office window and thinking there aren't more really good boozers than in Brixton.

Pubs (as opposed bars) are homes from home and my ideal pub is anothers hell on earth.

I hate the effra, but I love the hob. Lots of peeps here will have it the other way around.

The Canterbury is my favorite in Brixton. Good owners and staff, friendly regulars, sport on good TV's, duke box. All round good atmosphere.

Where's that?

[Orang Utan]

How come's nobody's mentioned the poor old Two Woodcocks yet? :D
And that?

[Winot]

I can't fault the Effra really though. It's definitely got that traditional local feel for me, with a good set of regulars, a wonderful building and even the classic saloon/public bar set up. It's got everything old school boozer should have ... only with dominos and reggae added in for good measure. It's a perfect Brixton interpretation of a classic boozer in my book

Agreed, but the beer's shite. If only the Trinity's beer could be magically transported to the Effra...

The Priory in Stockwell. Now there's a good pub.

[Orang Utan]

The Priory in Stockwell. Now there's a good pub.
You're not wrong. Now that's a proper pub

[Orang Utan]

I can't fault the Effra really though. It's definitely got that traditional local feel for me, with a good set of regulars, a wonderful building and even the classic saloon/public bar set up. It's got everything old school boozer should have ... only with dominos and reggae added in for good measure. It's a perfect Brixton interpretation of a classic boozer in my book
Yeah, but too many jazz nights and they don't like you talking over them

[jugularvein]

Agreed, but the beer's shite. If only the Trinity's beer could be magically transported to the Effra...

The Priory in Stockwell. Now there's a good pub.


good name for a pub as well.

[Dubversion]

Where's that?


where's the canterbury?

where do you think PROD is, you gimp :D :D

[Mr Retro]

The Canterbury is showing Priemiership football this year. It got 2 new large flat screen TV's in the front about Christmas last year and is the best place I know for watching sport in Brixton.

The back room with the projector is only opened for the bigger games and this was also replaced with 2 new large screen TV's several months ago.

The Two Woodcocks is closed down. The Canterbury is proudly sporting some of it's furniture.

OU - The Canterbury in in Canterbury Cresent beside the Police Station off Brixton Road.

[gaijingirl]

I was just at The Two Woodcocks and thought it looked a bit closed.. :D I kept meaning to go in but somehow never did.

Do you happen to know what the buyer is going to do with it by any chance?

I did think my neighbours (who were regulars) looked a bit morose... :(

[gabi]

The Canterbury is showing Priemiership football this year. It got 2 new large flat screen TV's in the front about Christmas last year and is the best place I know for watching sport in Brixton.

Are u sure? i went in two weeks ago on a sat, and mary told me they dont have prem footy - maybe they just didnt have it set up yet.

[tarannau]

I like the Hob too - it's my local and I've (sadly) a Norm-like seat by the bar after drinking in there for too many years now. It's the one place I can go into, either with or without LQ, and end up yattering to a big table of people, some that I remember from school 30 years ago. It's probably the only pub in Brixton where that'd be the case.

I don't think I can recommend it honestly as a good boozer atm though. It's not maintained well, no investment's going in, the toilets are a disgrace, Mo the chef's disappeared and a catalogue of other 'it ain't what it used to be' complaints. I'd still be there propping up the bar mind.

I'd like the Effra a lot more if they didn't play Jazz if I'm honest. But it's a fine pub with lively regulars - I can't fault it.

The Canterbury's a good one as well too.

[Orang Utan]

OU - The Canterbury in in Canterbury Cresent beside the Police Station off Brixton Road.
Oh yeah - where PROD is - d'oh :o
There's nowhere I've discovered yet that sells a good range of what my friends like to drink - that horrible flat brown stuff that WoW likes to drink.

[Mr Retro]

Are u sure? i went in two weeks ago on a sat, and mary told me they dont have prem footy - maybe they just didnt have it set up yet.

100% positive. They don't have it on a Saturday from a satelite for the 3pm kick off time like some pubs do. Maybe thats what M thought you meant?

[gabi]

I reckon she just didnt want my sort in there ;)

[tarannau]

How come's nobody's mentioned the poor old Two Woodcocks yet? :D

I actually miss that place. We went in for a few weeks before it closed and took on all comers at arrows. I'd come to like it by the time of its grand closing night a few weeks back. It's still theoretically reopening as a pub, but I'll believe it when I see the doors open (and no sign for luxury apartments outside)

[tarannau]

Oh yeah - where PROD is - d'oh :o
There's nowhere I've discovered yet that sells a good range of what my friends like to drink - that horrible flat brown stuff that WoW likes to drink.

To be fair, this is Brixton and the real ale tradition ain't exactly strong amongst many immigrant communities. There's a better selection of rums and export stouts though.

You have to go the posher areas to get cask conditioned ale in many parts of London now. There's always Herne Hill I guess, with the Commercial and the Regent

[Ms T]

I know this is sacrilege, but I'm not that fond of the Albert either. I only go there for the company - it's too smoky and loud for my liking. (old woman mode)

[Orang Utan]

I know this is sacrilege, but I'm not that fond of the Albert either. I only go there for the company - it's too smoky and loud for my liking. (old woman mode)
I'm with you there!

[gaijingirl]

I'm with you there!

You're an old woman too? :confused:

[Orang Utan]

You're an old woman too? :confused:
It appears so

[tarannau]

Aye. Orang's just sour that he can't get a decent glass of dubonnet, or a nice refreshing Babycham, in many of Brixton's pubs.

(((((((Orang)))))))))
:(

[gaijingirl]

I have to admit (another old woman here) that I tend not to enjoy pubs very much these days because of the smokiness. It was fine when I smoked (of course)... but so many seem to be very badly ventilated. I wonder if I'll be more keen next year when they become smoke free?

[LDR]

..a resolutely average pub. No real ale, though staff were friendly and drinks seemed reasonably priced. Not much atmosphere either - the interior seems quite modern and resembles a bar as much as a pub.The Albert comes into its own because of the crowd that goes there IMHO; otherwise, I find it average. The punters make it. I think I may have posted this before but when I've taken a couple of non-urban friends there, they though it was a gay pub. :D

It's one of the few things I don't like about Brixton. The pubs are all a bit of a letdown. The Albert is still one of my favourites despite being pricier than what I’m used to. Nevertheless, I prefer an old Eastend pub anyway so I'm more than a little biased.

[LDR]

I'd like the Effra a lot more if they didn't play Jazz if I'm honest. But it's a fine pub with lively regulars - I can't fault it.I'd agree with that. I really like the Effra but I can only take jazz once in a while.

[Dubversion]

I can only take jazz once in a while.


I can't even put up with him that much to be honest. :(

[LDR]

I can't even put up with him that much to be honest. :(
:D :D

[OpalFruit]

Where's that?
The Canterbury is on the corner behind the Rec and at the side of the Police station - by the Car Park.

[Orang Utan]

The Canterbury is on the corner behind the Rec and at the side of the Police station - by the Car Park.
Yes, I know. I've been there a number of times.

[linerider]

I love the Albert,but it's my local,even when I lived at the Oval the Albert was still my local.A good local makes you feel welcome and has people who are your Friends or will be your friends if you make an effort the Albert does this for me,it also trys to put things back into the community.it hosts benefits,puts on poetry nights,was a major part of the Brixton splash and also hosts an Offline once a month.

[ianw]

I'm not a fan of sport at all, but I popped into the Canterbury yesterday and there was a really great atmosphere with everyone watching the football. Almost made me wish I was a football fan - it looked like a very civilised way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

My usual vote for the Elm Park Tavern here. Off the beaten track for some central Brixtonites, but a lovely old pub with a great character to it. And my vote for closed pub I'd like to see reopen is the King Of Sardinia. I walked past the other day as someone was coming out, and the bar's still there, still covered in Christmas decorations...!

I'm adding it to my list of things to buy when I win the lottery!

[Dubversion]

i'd still drink in the Elm Park - it was my local for about 7 years - but i think my ex might still drink in there and it's too nice a pub to start smashing chairs and putting windows through :(

[Mr Retro]

I wonder if I'll be more keen next year when they become smoke free?

If the places I've been recently that have banned smoking are anything to go by I reckon the answer will be yes. I love the smoking ban, I can't wait for it to be in force.

I went in the (previously passable) Hope and Anchor on Sunday for a drink in the garden while we still had some summer left. A bit of a refit has taken away any bit of character it had.

Not to mention the lazy fucking bar staff (the norm in London I've found) who left uncollected glasses all over the place and didn't bother to give the floor a sweep despite it being filthy after the big crowds in for the 2 football games.

[Mrs Magpie]

You're right about the Albert being too loud in the evenings....but I have problems with any sort of loud, which is why I rarely go to Offline, PROD etc...I actually find it physically uncomfortable and actually painful if it's a sudden noise, have done since I was a child...

[jpm]

Just to let you locals know..

It appears the Sultan on New Park Road has closed down (or been closed down) for good..:(

Really? I thought it had opened up under new owners. Has it closed since then? (in the last week or so)

[twisted]

I'd agree with that. I really like the Effra but I can only take jazz once in a while.

I've never ever been in there because i have a jazz allergy. Should go during the day I suppose.

[fortyplus]

I went in the (previously passable) Hope and Anchor on Sunday for a drink in the garden while we still had some summer left. A bit of a refit has taken away any bit of character it had.

The Hope hasn't been passable for a good many years, at least since the refit before last. Whoever choses the paint job must be colour blind.

It used to have carpets and curtains; now it's got hard surfaces which ruin the acoustics and destroy any chance of a sensible conversation.

The garden is still OK though.

[shakespearegirl]

Really? I thought it had opened up under new owners. Has it closed since then? (in the last week or so)


It was open the weekend before last with new management signs. I walked past at 7pm to see loads of absolutely shitfaced people being (quite nicely) pushed out the door

[bluestreak]

i love the effra, it's one of my favourite pubs in london. i really like the albert too, there's something about the sheer atmosphere that is unlike almost any boozer i've ever been a regular in. i visited the mango place on water lane last night and found that i loved it. i imagined it to be a ghastly theme bar but it's not really, its a friendly drinking hole with tatted sofas, a selection of board games for whiling away the hours, good soundsystem and a mixed crowd.

[tarannau]

I love the Albert,but it's my local,even when I lived at the Oval the Albert was still my local.A good local makes you feel welcome and has people who are your Friends or will be your friends if you make an effort the Albert does this for me,it also trys to put things back into the community.it hosts benefits,puts on poetry nights,was a major part of the Brixton splash and also hosts an Offline once a month.

That's what I really like about the Albert. It may be a bit too orange and narrow in my book - I always feel a little in the way there unless in a small group - but I think Pat Mk2's done a fantastic job in managing and keeping a great feel to the place. It's far from just another bland corporate pub.

I'd urge anyone to go down to the Effra on their non-Jazz night, which always seems a much better time to go to me. That said, as much as I don't like the sound of saxophones parping at me during a quiet bevvie, it's an amazing asset - LQ remembers talking to a French girl and father who had stumbled in there and couldn't believe their luck. They had eyes of wonderment that there could be a little local playing music like that - they were far more impressed there than Ronnie Scott's for example.

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

I'd urge anyone to go down to the Effra on their non-Jazz night, which always seems a much better time to go to me. That said, as much as I don't like the sound of saxophones parping at me during a quiet bevvie, it's an amazing asset - LQ remembers talking to a French girl and father who had stumbled in there and couldn't believe their luck. They had eyes of wonderment that there could be a little local playing music like that - they were far more impressed there than Ronnie Scott's for example.

Good point. The one time I went in there it was way too noodly for me, I got very bored very quickly, but it still seems to me that it's a very good thing that it should be there doing that. A pub with something unique like that is a rare and special thing, even if it's not to my taste.:)

[Andy the Don]

Really? I thought it had opened up under new owners. Has it closed since then? (in the last week or so)

When I last went for a drink there was about 3 Fridays ago it had just shut down 48 hours previously. So it may have reopenned since then (hurrah..:) ) so will have to investigate tomorrow. I was told that Eddie was hoping to re-open it, but the previous landlord (Norman) has disappeared.

[Donna Ferentes]

In the time (thirty months) I lived in Brixton I don't think I went to the Albert as often as ten times, and I had to have my arm twisted even to achieve the score that I did. Reasons, in no particular order:

beer not good
too loud
too much smoke
too many people too fond of themselves.

Which is not to say the place is a Bad Thing, but it's not to my taste and there's too much of an in-crowd.

[tarannau]

too many people too fond of themselves.


How do you identify those sorts then? Do you catch them caressing their own thighs, patting themselves on the back or checking themselves in the mirror repeatedly? Is there like a scale you can appraise them on?

I rarely go into the Albert FWIW, but I hardly associate it with the 'in-crowd', whoever they might be. There's a fair few regulars mind and Pat knows a hefty number of folks - a good sign afaic - but there's hardly Norm and Cilfford propped up by the bar in the same stools every time I go in, nor a permanently stationed group of foppish fashionable dandies intimidating me at the bar.

Not too sure what you're getting at with that one.

:confused:

[Orang Utan]

You have to have a pretty high and haughty regard for yourself to think that other people are 'too fond of themselves', especially in somewhere as normal as the Albert.

[Donna Ferentes]

Oh, no! It's the Albert Self-Defence Organisation!

Not sure what qualifies the Albert as "normal", incidentally. If it were "normal" it would be somewhat strange for so many people to go on about it.

[Orang Utan]

It's just a common-or-garden pub - nothing special about it at all, which is why I prefer to drink elsewhere.

[tarannau]

It's 'normal' in Brixton terms because there aren't many traditional style pubs left in the centre, where style bars and clubs have become the norm. It has rare continuity and consistency compared to the other pubs in that area.

I think I've been to the Albert twice in the last 3 months or so. I'm hardly to be one of the most likely people to jump to to defend that pub's 'honour.' It's hardly my preferred local (too smoky, small and a little bland) but I can't fault the way Pat & Co run it as a community boozer.

It's strange that when someone asks you to further explain your puzzling view of the Albert as populated by the 'in-crowd' and people 'too fond of themselves,' you see fit to act defensively with more sneery and reductive 'Albert Self-Defence Organisation' nonsense. Nice...

:rolleyes:

[Donna Ferentes]

If you follow, the sneering was from Mr Utan ("haughty" etc). I merely gave some reasons why I never much felt drawn to going in there. I guess that sort of in-crowd reaction partly explains why I didn't much like it.

[Crispy]

It's just the pub where my friends drink, nothing more.

[Orang Utan]

I think the reason you don't like the Albert is the reason you don't like most things - the problem's with you, not everyone else. You are the Eeyore of U75.

[Donna Ferentes]

It's just the pub where my friends drink, nothing more.
And I guess that's true for most of the people who go there.

[Donna Ferentes]

I think the reason you don't like the Albert is the reason you don't like most things - the problem's with you, not everyone else. You are the Eeyore of U75.Of course. Nobody can have any good reasons for not liking the things you like.

[gabi]

I actually had a nice drink in the trinity the other day after slating it earlier on this thread.. i can kinda see its charms now.... nice place just to chill in peace and read the paper.

and i can also kinda relate to what donna's saying on the albert - i get a cliquey vibe in there, but as someone else said, thats actually probably coz we're weird, not the other way..

[Orang Utan]

I don't especially like it, I just took umbrage at your bitter depiction of the people in there. It's not exactly a style bar full of preening Hoxtonites.

[Donna Ferentes]

I actually had a nice drink in the trinity the other day after slating it earlier on this thread.. i can kinda see its charms now.... nice place just to chill in peace and read the paper.

and i can also kinda relate to what donna's saying on the albert - i get a cliquey vibe in there, but as someone else said, thats actually probably coz we're weird, not the other way..Yeah, it's no more than that - though I wish it'd be cliquey a bit more quietly, you know. Not that it matters from where I am.

The Trinity was always my favourite town centre pub, 11.01 lights-off time notwithstanding.

[tarannau]

I don't especially like it, I just took umbrage at your bitter depiction of the people in there. It's not exactly a style bar full of preening Hoxtonites.

Much the same here. There are undoubtedly some gobshites in the Albert, as always not helped by the proximity of alcohol, but there's surely meant to be some noise in a busy town centre local. Just because they're not the folk-singing Irish drinker stereotype doesn't mean that they're some kind of 'in-crowd' trendies.

The low ceilings, narrow bar area and thin layout of the place doesn't perhaps help mind. Which is perhaps why I tend to go to bigger places (eg Hob) where folks are generally freer to make more noise without being noticed as much.

I find the Trinity pleasant, but it's a bit of dull and monotone pub. It's a nice place for a quiet drink rather than a proper 'centre of the community' local if you know what I mean.

[Andy the Don]

When I last went for a drink there was about 3 Fridays ago it had just shut down 48 hours previously. So it may have reopenned since then (hurrah..:) ) so will have to investigate tomorrow. I was told that Eddie was hoping to re-open it, but the previous landlord (Norman) has disappeared.

Went to the Sultan on Friday. Its been reopened by a stand in landlady, whose first act was to allow back in all the "wingnuts" who had previously been banned. So is now like the "OK Corral". All the regulars are now at the Hand in Hand just up the road. Which I have always found to be a very pleasant pub, with a better jukebox, pool & table football.

[Kanda]

Hand in Hand is my new local, I like it there :)

[Donna Ferentes]

I never went there although I believe my old chess club used to meet there (not at the Priory Arms in Stockwell). I used to like the Crown and Sceptre although I could never understand why the lighting was dso dim.

[Orang Utan]

I never went there although I believe my old chess club used to meet there (not at the Priory Arms in Stockwell). I used to like the Crown and Sceptre although I could never understand why the lighting was dso dim.
It's to protect you from the Picasso faces of the local drunks

I like the C&S - it's cheap. You can buy a round for less than a tenner.

[tarannau]

When I briefly ran the C&S I was glad for that dim lighting. It aids staff retention.

;)

[Dubversion]

In the time (thirty months) I lived in Brixton I don't think I went to the Albert as often as ten times, and I had to have my arm twisted even to achieve the score that I did. Reasons, in no particular order:

beer not good
too loud
too much smoke
too many people too fond of themselves.

Which is not to say the place is a Bad Thing, but it's not to my taste and there's too much of an in-crowd.


what specious nonsense. Quelle surprise

[Donna Ferentes]

Perhaps, good sir, you can't hear the other loud voices over your own?

[Dubversion]

Thing is, Donna, you're a total hypocrite. The things you criticise in the Albert you would applaud in another pub if it contained 'your sort' of people. Although a more joyless and dessicated location is hard to imagine

[Orang Utan]

What's wrong with loud voices in a pub anyway?

[tarannau]

Hey. there's always Wetherspoons for that library style drinking experience.

(Apart from the Beehive of course. Group standards have slipped there)

:p

I've just realised that Donna, fresh from dubbing me part of the "Albert Self Defence' crew, also thinks I form an 'in-crowd' with Orang, pointing to one of the reasons he doesn't visit the Albert.

Considering that neither of us really visit the Albert that much, nor have Orang and I ever been introduced, that's quite an achievement. I must be good at this in-crowd stuff.

:D

[Dubversion]

I must be good at this in-crowd stuff.

:D

In crowds are mysterious things ;)

[fanta]

Come on, there is little doubt that the Albert is a little bit cliquey. I think the clientele is generally more likely to be made up of middle class young, white, left-leaning, artists/students/squatters when compared to most other local boozers. It is Brixton’s hip pub.

Doesn't stop me going there sometimes.

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

Come on, there is little doubt that the Albert is a little bit cliquey. I think the clientele is generally more likely to be made up of middle class young, white, left-leaning, artists/students/squatters when compared to most other local boozers. It is Brixton’s hip pub.

Doesn't stop me going there sometimes.

Having that type of crowd doesn't make it cliquey particularly, though.

I don't really see what cliquey even means in the context of a pub beyond having people in there who know each other, which applies to practically any pub going.

[Dubversion]

Having that type of crowd doesn't make it cliquey particularly, though.

I don't really see what cliquey even means in the context of a pub beyond having people in there who know each other, which applies to practically any pub going.

and is regarded as a good thing when people bang on about 'locals'. It seems that the problem isn't the alleged clique, but the people assumed to make it up.

[Donna Ferentes]

Thing is, Donna, you're a total hypocrite. The things you criticise in the Albert you would applaud in another pub if it contained 'your sort' of people. Although a more joyless and dessicated location is hard to imagine"If something happened that has not happened you would hold an opinion which you have not expressed. Therefore you are a hypocrite."

[Donna Ferentes]

In fact, it's normal, nigh on inevitable, for any reasonably busy social scene, or location for same, to generate an in-crowd of a sort: it would be extremely surprising if this were not the case. However, one of the peculiarities of this social phenomenon is that people who are either or it, or like it, wish at the same time to deny that it exists. A paradox, one might say, albeit not a particularly ingenious one.

[Crispy]

tbf, any well-used community pub is going to feel a bit 'cliquey' - I'm not caribean and I don't play dominoes, so I feel a bit excluded from the front bar at the effra. I'm not a middle aged / very aged wino whiling away the hours, so I feel a bit excluded from the beehive. I'm not a braying clapham twat, so I feel a bit excluded from the Living. and so on*

The trinity doesn't feel cliquey - it just feels dead. It's nobody's first choice of pub, and the largest groups you ever see are 4-6, not the big mobs of mates you get at the more 'cliquey' pubs. It entirely depends on what you want out of a pub wether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

*stereotypes used to make a point. don't take offence unless you enjoy that sort of thing.

[Donna Ferentes]

The trinity doesn't feel cliquey - it just feels dead. It's nobody's first choice of pubDepends whether you mean "first choice in the world" or "first choice in Brixton town centre".

[tarannau]

Come on, there is little doubt that the Albert is a little bit cliquey. I think the clientele is generally more likely to be made up of middle class young, white, left-leaning, artists/students/squatters when compared to most other local boozers. It is Brixton’s hip pub.

Doesn't stop me going there sometimes.

Oh come on, the Albert's not 'hip.' It's orange and full of oldies for christsakes.

;)

Still, I'm always intrigued by what people mean by 'cliquey.' It's got some regulars for sure and I know there are some gobshites in the Albert who tend to loudly hold court by the bar, but they're generally easy enough to avoid. If you're only going for a quiet drink alone or with mates, what real difference does it make?

Surely it's only cliquey if you want to interact and they make you feel unwelcome. For all the Albert's flaws, the people always have been friendly to me in there. Judging from at least one of the regulars in there, it's perfectly easy to find yourself a chair and sit with a book quietly.

[William of Walworth]

I can't fault the Effra really though. It's definitely got that traditional local feel for me, with a good set of regulars, a wonderful building and even the classic saloon/public bar set up. It's got everything old school boozer should have ... only with dominos and reggae added in for good measure. It's a perfect Brixton interpretation of a classic boozer in my book

Agreed, but the beer's shite. If only the Trinity's beer could be magically transported to the Effra...


New to this thread, but I completely endorse Winot's wish here! :eek:

Don't mind the jazz in the Effra too much, but the lack of beer is a pain ... :(

[gabi]

I think the alleged 'clique' i mentioned is pretty well summed up by a certain local poet's piece 'im more brixton than u' ;)

i say alleged because i think this clique really does just exist in certain paranoid brains such as mine..

(may have the title wrong, but im sure most will recognise it)

[Pie 1]

too many people too fond of themselves.


Hahaha!

Says the man who blatantly considers himself to be intellectually superior to entire membership of U75.

Oh Donna, you're a card :D

[bluestreak]

yeah, fanta's dscription doesn't really match the albert i know. however, it does match the prince regent, which i visited for the first time the other day.

ye gods, talk about a monoculture of haircuts and shouting. it was like being in clapham.

[Orang Utan]

I was in Mango Landin' on Saturday - Donna would hate it cos it was stuffed full of 'cliques' (groups of friends, families with babies etc) and people having fun. Had a great evening, though was perturbed by their certificate on the bar - they were awarded Best Pub In Lambeth & Southwark For Breast Feeding. I was disappointed cos I didn't get a feed all night.

[Donna Ferentes]

Ah ,'tis the attribution of opinions again. As I often say, that's one of the great things about the free market in ideas: you can not only choose your own opinions, but those of your disputant too!

[Donna Ferentes]

As it happens, I went to Mango Landin' a few times (not hard if you live in Appach Road). Perfectly pleasant. Not many people talking themselves up in there. But expensive and not a great place for a pint.

[tarannau]

I still don't get this cliquey thing though. Do the regulars blackball you as you walk in and then spit in your pint if your clothes don't fit in? Does the music stop and then everyone gives you the Paddington Bear hard stare?

FWIW, I've played dominos with the old boys in the Effra, watched football with the poetry clique in the Albert, bantered with the Man City crew in Ganleys, taken on all comers at darts in the Woodcocks. And in the Hobgoblin I can't stop most of the care in the community and 'scum of the earth' types (my friends mostly) from joining our table outside. Am I jack of all cliques and master of none?

Or is the perception of cliques more to do with personal confidence and the way you expect to interact with others? I'm genuinely puzzled, perhaps because I've drunk into too many pubs over the years and none of the pubs in Brixton are really that menacing or cliquey/exclusive in my experience. It's not exactly Union Jacks and shaven heads New Cross territory for one.

[Donna Ferentes]

You had a phrase yourself about people with loud voices holding court in the bar: that's pretty much the size of it.

[Donna Ferentes]

Or at the bar, perhaps. I think it's a little wider than that, but it matters not.

It can just get a little on the nerves sometimes and if what you want is a quiet drink somewhere unhectic, the Albert's not the place.

[Skim]

While a woman should be able to breastfeed anywhere she pleases, I just can't work out why a nursing mum would want to sit in a smoky pub for a feed :confused:

[Orang Utan]

bantered with the Man City crew in Ganleys.
Is that the Irish place in Herne Hill? I always wandered what it was called cos the signs are so obscure - Tanley, Fanleys, now Ganleys.

[tarannau]

You had a phrase yourself about people with loud voices holding court in the bar: that's pretty much the size of it.

Jesus. Is that the root of cliqueness then? Just buy your drink and walk away from the bar - I suspect that you never wanted to talk to them in the first place Donna. I certainly don't if it's the one particular bloke I've thinking of.

They're not the 'in-crowd,' they're more representative of the loud drunkards you get in every decent sociable pub. I'm beginning to think you don't actually want a lively community boozer in the city, rather a quiet place for a pint. Cliqueness shouldn't have to come into it.

[tarannau]

Is that the Irish place in Herne Hill? I always wandered what it was called cos the signs are so obscure - Tanley, Fanleys, now Ganleys.

Yep, for all the horrible signs and faux Irish nonsense it's actually quite a good pub too. The landlord's a good sort and they've built up a mass of regulars, with an excellent spirit for sporting games

They've perhaps benefited from the decline of many of the pubs in Herne Hill. Many of the old pubs have been ponicified out of all existence (Commercial, Regent, Escape), with many locals priced out of and discouraged from their replacements. It's all a bit sad, especially when some folks who have drunk in the same stretch for over 30 years now find themselves sat on a stool in horrendous Emerald green theme pub.

[Kanda]

Or is the perception of cliques more to do with personal confidence and the way you expect to interact with others?

Nail
on
Head?

[fanta]

I still don't get this cliquey thing though.

Don't you tarannau? It is a mystery innit? :D

[Donna Ferentes]

I'm beginning to think you don't actually want a lively community boozer in the city, rather a quiet place for a pint. Ah, yet another posting which decides my reasons and opinions are other than those I've given.

[Orang Utan]

Well yours are so fucking oblique that we have to interpret them, oh Nostrodamus

[Donna Ferentes]

Jesus. Is that the root of cliqueness then? Just buy your drink and walk away from the bar Of course, and one has to do this is many a good pub - think of any good country pub with the jerks at the bar. But on the other hand there's more to it in the Albert, there's a bit more "this is the scene" to it, and I don't much like that scene.

(Of course I'd a thousand times rather spend time in that scene than with aforesaid jerks in country pub, but it was still enough to make me prefer to have a quiet drink down the Trinity with a book and a pocket chess set.)

[Donna Ferentes]

Well yours are so fucking oblique that we have to interpret them, oh NostrodamusWatch your step then or you'll get them in verse again.

[ianw]

While a woman should be able to breastfeed anywhere she pleases, I just can't work out why a nursing mum would want to sit in a smoky pub for a feed :confused:

I guess the feeds go on in the beer garden.
I like Mango Landin' too.
:)

[tarannau]

Don't you tarannau? It is a mystery innit? :D

Cheers for that Fanta. You really have become captain of the pointless team lately. Have a small silver teaspoon for your lamentable stirring efforts

:)

I still don't see how this cliqueness really manifests itself. When Donna talks about 'the scene' I don't really see it myself - they're just another bunch of gobshites by the bar to ignore for me.

Indeed, if it's the same folks I'm thinking of, they certainly don't define the 'scene' at the Albert. A fair few, myself included, think they're tossers.

[fanta]

Some reviews.

’ Despite this pub being in a part of London you certainly don't wanna be in alone, this place is fantastic!

Went with a few friends earlier in the year and had a great time, showing that you can't judge a book by it's cover.

Bar staff were efficient and there was a really friendly vibe in there.

I actually think Brixton is the place to go on a London night out if you want a great time!
CheekyShepherd - 20 Jun 2006 11:44
’

Innit CheekShepherd? The Albert is where it’s at fo sho!

’ Went to opening night on Friday. The refurbishment is to be congratulated. They haven't changed the place too radically @ all-given a place a good make over. Clean. Nice touches to front rear doors-widening the place; the pub looks much more spacious. Well designed as it goes. Garden is a gem. Even the raised patio @ the front is OK too. All in all-well done The Albert! Full marks!! Good to see the regulars back-a right motley mix across the age/class/race boundaries. Nice barmaids too. Many beers consumed by yours truly. Ended up there again for live music/rapping on Sat 'til v late. Bladdered again. Need a break from the place already! I might be wrong-the price of the ale is unchanged! Amazing!
Skanky - 22 Aug 2005 13:36
’

Skanky is dead right! I’m always struck the way Albert’s clientele mirrors the divers racial complexity of Brixton.

’ still quite a good pub amongst a lot of mediocre ikea flat pack pubs, but its not the same since most of the cooler customers started drinking in the railway in tulse hill
richy - 1 Aug 2005 22:41
’

Gee, that’s too bad richy. Maybe you’ll be cool yourself one day!

’ Identity crisis alert! The décor, external and internal, has all the lurid qualities of a Polish sailor's vomit. But when we walked in the Smiths were on the stereo (a good thing we say, but hardly in keeping with the design). It's a reasonably comfy place but it looks like the pub is trying to attract the trendy young things who flock to Brixton. We have heard the place was a bohemian hangout and, sure enough, there were several ageing and raffish types who couldn't quite accept what had happened to their pub. Not bad, trying too hard to be edgy and urban.
Reviewed, sokolov:
24/8/2002
’

Just fancy that, sokolov!

’ Yes it's yellow and yes it's proud… flying in the face of the unspoken Brixton commandment 'Thou shalt make your bar space dingy', The Prince Albert is a sunny haven from the other darkly packed venues you'll find down this way. We always feel rather smug sitting in here with a few pints watching the green-faced drunks stagger past to less salubrious places, but once we tire of that there's always the primary-coloured leafy backyard to relax in. Who needs leather sofas and fairy lights anyway?
t: 02072743771
‘

Smug is good t, we like smug!


S, nothing cliquey there. :(

[tarannau]

Well, you've got us there Fanta. It's always best to get a feel for a place based on a few cherrypicked comments from nameless bods on an unknown bulletin board.

Innit CheekShepherd? The Albert is where it’s at fo sho!


I like that though. Makes me think of my dad dancing for some reason.

:)

[Donna Ferentes]

The décor, external and internal, has all the lurid qualities of a Polish sailor's vomit. Was that written by a pop journalist?

[Pie 1]

Was that written by a pop journalist?

Oh, my sides! My sides!

[fanta]

Well, you've got us there Fanta. It's always best to get a feel for a place based on a few cherrypicked comments from nameless bods on an unknown bulletin board


You can find them easy enoug on beerintheevening. Do please feel free to do your own cherry picking to even things up.

[fanta]

Was that written by a pop journalist?


Dunno. Sounds like it was somebody very trendy and 'with it' though. Probably quite artistic. And chilled.

[Crispy]

Dunno. Sounds like it was somebody very trendy and 'with it' though. Probably quite artistic. And chilled.
Ooh, ooh that sound just like me!
Do you want a go on my scooter?

[editor]

Come on, there is little doubt that the Albert is a little bit cliquey. Sorry fella, but that's the biggest load of bollocks I've read for some time.

Far from being 'cliquey' I've found the Albert to be just about the warmest, liveliest, friendliest pub in London with a real sense of community. I've met loads of new chums there, from all backgrounds.

It was one of the reasons I moved to Brixton after drinking in so many shit, unfriendly pubs around London.

I've not run a study on the demographics and class background of the drinkers there, but you'd be daft to dismiss the pub as some sort of middle class enclave.

[Orang Utan]

Far from being 'cliquey' I've found the Albert to be just about the warmest, liveliest, friendliest pub in London with a real sense of community.

I wouldn't go that far!

[editor]

I wouldn't go that far!
Nah, really. When I moved to Brixton things were a bit shitty for me, and the Albert was just the tonic.

It may not be the same for everyone else, but I've had some fantastic nights there and met people who have become good friends.

As for the community claim, (the old landlady) Pat's funeral had over 500 people - many of them drinkers from the pub - turn up to pay their respects,

[Dubversion]

i've lived in South London for about 16 years. Apart from a brief early spell where i drank in the Prince of Wales because i hadn't made it any further down Coldharbour Lane, i've considered the Albert my 'local' for that entire period. I've lived from Kennington to Streatham, Brixton Hill to Stockwell, Tulse Hill To The Oval and i've never found a pub i liked as much, made me feel as welcome, has had such a good atmosphere and i just plain enjoyed as much

[gabi]

It may not be the same for everyone else, but I've had some fantastic nights there and met people who have become good friends.


Given that theres a mounted cartoon of yourself and some of the other U75 crew in there you might not be the most objective of observers though... ;) (actually that might not still be in there, havent been in since the last refurb)

The albert's your local, cool - I just wish brixton had more choice, I'd love to see a coupla new pubs open up.

[editor]

I'd love to see a coupla new pubs open up.The Angel's deffo reopening again soon - I had a chat with the landlord's brother a few weeks back - and I really want to pop into My Father's Place which has quietly turned into what looks like a holiday bar - it looks great fun!

[tarannau]

The albert's your local, cool - I just wish brixton had more choice, I'd love to see a coupla new pubs open up.

Blimey, and I always thought Brixton was doing fairly well for pubs. It may not be a haven for traditional boozers, but there's plenty of variation.

Glad the Angel's opening up again, but many of the pubs on the outskirts are struggling to hang on. I miss the Hamilton, Woodcocks, Sardinia, Queens and many others.

[Donna Ferentes]

WoodcocksThe Two Woodlice? Tell me you're joking.

[tarannau]

The Two Woodlice? Tell me you're joking.

Best place for a game of arrows anywhere in Brixton.

It was not as though you ever had to wait for a game. I miss the Sunday night sessions of darts in there.

[twisted]

I really want to pop into My Father's Place which has quietly turned into what looks like a holiday bar - it looks great fun!


wow....where's that??

[fanta]

Sorry fella, but that's the biggest load of bollocks I've read for some time.

Far from being 'cliquey' I've found the Albert to be just about the warmest, liveliest, friendliest pub in London with a real sense of community. I've met loads of new chums there, from all backgrounds.

It was one of the reasons I moved to Brixton after drinking in so many shit, unfriendly pubs around London.

I've not run a study on the demographics and class background of the drinkers there, but you'd be daft to dismiss the pub as some sort of middle class enclave.

I'm not saying it is unpleasant. I do think it tries a little too hard to be 'street' or 'hip' and that comes across a little pretentious.

[phildwyer]

The Albert's fine, but I used to like the Hamilton better. *Real* poets used to drink in there for a start. And I liked Mingles too, before it changed its name.

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

The Albert's fine, but I used to like the Hamilton better. *Real* poets used to drink in there for a start. And I liked Mingles too, before it changed its name.

The Hamilton was great.:cool:

A big shame that it shut down.:(

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

I'm not saying it is unpleasant. I do think it tries a little too hard to be 'street' or 'hip' and that comes across a little pretentious.

I don't think anybody tries to be 'street' or 'hip' do they? Or if they do I'm sure they've failed as soon as they start.:p

[phildwyer]

The Hamilton was great.:cool:

A big shame that it shut down.:(

Yep. There was always a lock-in, which was useful back in ye olde days of earlie closinge..

[editor]

I'm not saying it is unpleasant. I do think it tries a little too hard to be 'street' or 'hip' and that comes across a little pretentious.You really believe that the colour scheme, brash lighting and the usual 'individual' choice of music marks the pub out as one trying to be "hip" and "street"?!!!!

:confused:

What decade are you working from here, fella? 1985?

Now, the Living Bah, Brixton Bar & Grill and the Dogstar are bars that try to be hip. They play trendy music and have burly doorman and dealers hovering in the vicinity. Even the Prince of Wales presents a groovier pitch - and it's got Wi-Fi too!

The Albert, on the other hand, looks barely different to any other regular 'locals' boozer.

In fact, it's also got a lot less 'lifestyle' sofas than most, there's no DJ booth, no poncy cocktail menus and - crucially - a somewhat less-than-glamorous set of regulars who are unlikely to ever trouble the style supplement of ID magazine.

[editor]

The Albert's fine, but I used to like the Hamilton better. *Real* poets used to drink in there for a start. What's a "real" poet, please.

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

Apparently Linton Kwesi Johnson used to drink there, or so I heard.

[phildwyer]

What's a "real" poet, please.

I was referring to Linton Kwesi Johnson, a real poet. As opposed to the self-styled but conspicuously unpublished "poets" that one sometimes encounters in other Brixton pubs.

[fanta]

You really believe that the colour scheme, brash lighting and the usual 'individual' choice of music marks the pub out as one trying to be "hip" and "street"?!!!!

:confused:

What decade are you working from here, fella? 1985?

Now, the Living Bah, Brixton Bar & Grill and the Dogstar are bars that try to be hip. They play trendy music and have burly doorman and dealers hovering in the vicinity. Even the Prince of Wales presents a groovier pitch - and it's got Wi-Fi too!

The Albert, on the other hand, looks barely different to any other regular 'locals' boozer.

In fact, it's also got a lot less 'lifestyle' sofas than most, there's no DJ booth, no poncy cocktail menus and - crucially - a somewhat less-than-glamorous set of regulars who are unlikely to ever trouble the style supplement of ID magazine.

I haven't got an opinion about the colour scheme. I just think the several reviews I posted earlier amply illustrate what I'm saying about the place and most of it's clientele.

[Pie 1]

As opposed to the self-styled but conspicuously unpublished "poets" that one sometimes encounters in other Brixton pubs.

You mean Donna?


<gets coat>

[Donna Ferentes]

But only unpublished as a poet. Which as I haven't written any, is not necessarily to my discredit.

[tarannau]

The Hamilton was great.:cool:

A big shame that it shut down.:(


It's been said before, but D from the Hamilton's now running the Hobgoblin, which has absorbed a fair few of the old pub's regulars too. Blue Beat Special's transferred over, with (Brother) Culture and crew taking over some Saturdays.

Sadly the old wooden DJ console didn't make it over

[editor]

I haven't got an opinion about the colour scheme. I just think the several reviews I posted earlier amply illustrate what I'm saying about the place and most of it's clientele.Oh come on: why on earth should you take the opinion of those odd, anonymous souls who can be bothered to post up their opinions on a beardy pub site over those who live and work in the area and have been using the pub for years?

And why do you need their words to voice your opinion anyway?

Tell me why you think the pub tries to be "hip" and "street" because I haven't a clue what you're on about.

[editor]

Sadly the old wooden DJ console didn't make it overAs seen here!

http://www.urban75.org/brixton/history/images/hamilton3.jpg

http://www.urban75.org/brixton/bars/hamilton.html

[tarannau]

Blimey. I'm sure it used to look more impressive close up.

Brings back some happy memories that place. I remember turning up horrendously wazzcocked in there some time on New Year Eve/Day and squeezing myself into that very dancefloor just there.

[Crispy]

Blimey. I'm sure it used to look more impressive close up.

Brings back some happy memories that place. I remember turning up horrendously wazzcocked in there some time on New Year Eve/Day and squeezing myself into that very dancefloor just there.
You must know my old housemate, Soph - nobody else in the world has ever used the word "wazzcocked"

[Orang Utan]

Is fanta Anna Key?

[Donna Ferentes]

That's a very strange question. It would be interesting to hear the line of reasoning behind it.

[tarannau]

You must know my old housemate, Soph - nobody else in the world has ever used the word "wazzcocked"

One word for you: Badger.

Yep, I know S, although there's a whole crew of immigrants (West Country and assorted yokels mainly) who use that word around Brixton. It's spread like a countrified virus via the 'stirling efforts' of folks like S and Brixton Hatter. In return we've exported 'bumbaclaat' to Truro and 'bare chupsty' to StIves. Somewhere in Exwick a little girl is sucking her teeth right now...

I didn't realise you guys were housemates though, but I've long lost track of how everyone's interconnected in Brixton.

:)

[Orang Utan]

That's a very strange question. It would be interesting to hear the line of reasoning behind it.
He keeps banging on about 'cool' pubs - one of his many obsessions

[Donna Ferentes]

Mmmm. Conceivably there may be more than one individual in the world who possesses an interest in that topic?

[fanta]

Oh come on: why on earth should you take the opinion of those odd, anonymous souls who can be bothered to post up their opinions on a beardy pub site over those who live and work in the area and have been using the pub for years?

And why do you need their words to voice your opinion anyway?

Tell me why you think the pub tries to be "hip" and "street" because I haven't a clue what you're on about.

Well I don't take their opinion, I just think what they're saying about the place reinforces what I think about it.

I don't think richie, who complains about the 'cooler customers' drinking elsewhere is a beardy anyway, tho he might be.

The Albert tries to be 'hip' and 'with the scene' rather successfully I think. You only have to regard the clientele to see that.

As for why it does this, the answer is probably because there is a big enough market for it in Brixton. I think Brixton is regarded as a cool or fashionable place to live by many young middle class people. Don't the past gentrification threads show that?

An influx of comparatively wealthy/tertiary educated/artistic/alternative/often idealistic younger people, is bound to make it's mark on the area, and I think the Albert fulfills a demand for that style of pub.

[editor]

Conceivably there may be more than one individual in the world who possesses an interest in that topic?Quite possibly, but there's definitely no one on this entire planet more obsessed with urban75/me/combat pants/DJs/Brixton pubs than the lurking toff, AK.

<waves at the weirdo>

[editor]

An influx of comparatively wealthy/tertiary educated/artistic/alternative/often idealistic younger people, is bound to make it's mark on the area, and I think the Albert fulfills a demand for that style of pub.Hang on. You were saying it tries to be "street" and "hip."

Could you explain how the boozer manifests those aspirations and perhaps highlight the landlord's hands-on contributions to his supposed aim of being "street"?

[Orang Utan]

Mmmm. Conceivably there may be more than one individual in the world who possesses an interest in that topic?
You're right - he hasn't mentioned combat trousers or deejays yet

[Crispy]

Yeah - those types (hell I'm one of them) may frequent the place, but it's got nothing to do with the actual pub. Except maybe because they don't have the TV on and the music's ok. It seems to me (and correct me if I'm wrong) that your problem is with the clientelle, not the actual pub (who have little to no control over the former)

[tarannau]

Nice try Fanta, but it's not very convincing. I grew up around Brixton, as you know, and I can testify that there are plenty of non-university attending local boys drinking in the Albert - from folks as diverse as Michael Groce and Del to drivers from the Acre Lane building supplies shops.

That's not to deny that there are a fair few 'immigrant' middle class youthful types attracted to the area - it's a Zone 2 location with appeal to the young after all. But the Albert's far from the worst offender, nor does Pat (that trendy youthful landlord) make particular efforts to attract a 'trendy' crowd - if you think fresh uni postgrads are going to come flooding down for Poetry nights and the Alabama's sets then you're fooling yourself. It's not a bad mix down in the Albert all things considered, and everyone has always been made to feel welcome. It's hardly Plan B, Living or The Far Side is it?

What pub's different mind? Perhaps the Goose, the Hob and some of the further out pubs. Even the Beehive's full of left-leaning well-educated public school and university types from outside the area, or at least it was when I ran it. The difference is that they're at a different (often more bitter) life stage and now resent youthful 'newcomers' to the area. The hypocrisy wasn't (and still isn't) exactly lost on me.

[Dubversion]

to be honest, i can't believe anyone's bothering to argue the toss with fanta. Haven't we been through this a million times with him, over and over, ad nauseam? He probably doesn't even believe a word of it, he's just being a tit, as ever.

[Donna Ferentes]

Yeah - those types (hell I'm one of them) may frequent the place, but it's got nothing to do with the actual pub. Except maybe because they don't have the TV on and the music's ok. It seems to me (and correct me if I'm wrong) that your problem is with the clientelle, not the actual pub (who have little to no control over the former)From the point of view of the potential attendee, that's a nice distinction, though.

[fanta]

Hang on. You were saying it tries to be "street" and "hip."

Could you explain how the boozer manifests those aspirations and perhaps highlight the landlord's hands-on contributions to his supposed aim of being "street"?

Yes I did, and it does so very well in my opinion.

I think how it does so and how it is manifested is obvious:

At the heart of vibrant Brixton, the 'Albert' offers everything you look for in a good pub

Fantastic drink selection, with some of the lowest prices in Brixton

Friendly, experienced barstaff

Cool, lively and mixed clientele

Eclectic & surprising music selection

Regular events - live bands, poetry nights and more

Small, attractive, leafy beer garden

Outdoor heating

http://www.theprincealbertpub.co.uk/Albert%20About%20Us.html

[fanta]

Yeah - those types (hell I'm one of them) may frequent the place, but it's got nothing to do with the actual pub. Except maybe because they don't have the TV on and the music's ok. It seems to me (and correct me if I'm wrong) that your problem is with the clientelle, not the actual pub (who have little to no control over the former)

Hey, I count myself as one of the clientele, albeit an unfashionbably old farty one

[tarannau]

Yes I did, and it does so very well in my opinion.

I think how it does so and how it is manifested is obvious:
http://www.theprincealbertpub.co.uk/Albert%20About%20Us.html


Erm, what the hell is 'hip' about boasting about low drinks prices and experienced barstaff?

How dare they say they have a 'mixed' clientele and an 'eclectic' music selection eh Fanta, anyone would think they're trying to appeal to a varied customer base rather than one particular group of Nathan Barleys.

If this is your idea of 'hip' or 'street' marketing then more fool you. Check out that brand-leading font on the home page - it's virtually RayGun or Wallpaper isn't it? You do know that Wetherspoon's continually boasts of its 'groovy toilets' and its 'culture' on its calculated website and corporate PR - and they're the hippest chain of the lot ain't they?

Jeez, this is desperation from you Fanta. Feck knows I'm bothering.

[Donna Ferentes]

How dare they say they have a 'mixed' clienteleAnd is that clientele "cool"?

[editor]

to be honest, i can't believe anyone's bothering to argue the toss with fanta. Haven't we been through this a million times with him, over and over, ad nauseam? He probably doesn't even believe a word of it, he's just being a tit, as ever.Yeah, you're right. His argument is too laughably piss weak to even bother with anymore.

[Kanda]

Cool is ones take on it, to some, Chinawhites is cool, to many it's a cuntfest....

Opinion not fact etc, pointless argument...

[tarannau]

And is that clientele "cool"?

In the same way that Wetherspoons loos are 'groovy' perhaps.

Trying to use some marketing spiel on a (hastily produced) website as proof of the management's intent is a little weak to say the least.

[editor]

This is what the edgy, hip and trendy kids looking for 'street' cool want!

http://www.theprincealbertpub.co.uk/images/egig3_jpg.jpg

Proof indeed of the landlord's intentions to make the pub '"street" and "hip"!

[Donna Ferentes]

Trying to use some marketing spiel on a (hastily produced) website as proof of the management's intent is a little weak to say the least.Well, not all that weak. I mean if a place advertises itself as being for "cool" people then :

(a) I for one would be inclined to stay away ;
(b) it's not, in fact, presenting itself (by definition) as the "normal" place hitherto claimed, is it?

[editor]

Well, not all that weak. I mean if a place advertises itself as being for "cool" people then :

(a) I for one would be inclined to stay away ;
(b) it's not, in fact, presenting itself (by definition) as the "normal" place hitherto claimed, is it?Do you often make a decision to go to a pub based on an outdated website then?

[Dubversion]

Well, not all that weak. I mean if a place advertises itself as being for "cool" people then :

(a) I for one would be inclined to stay away ;
(b) it's not, in fact, presenting itself (by definition) as the "normal" place hitherto claimed, is it?


so if you had a pub you liked that - for corporate reasons, or out of a sense of obligation or whatever - decided it needed to have a website promoting it, and did so using such terms, you'd stop drinking there?

[fanta]

to be honest, i can't believe anyone's bothering to argue the toss with fanta. Haven't we been through this a million times with him, over and over, ad nauseam? He probably doesn't even believe a word of it, he's just being a tit, as ever.

Ah, is this the coolest of the cool, Brixton's own personification of the in crowd, the high priest of chilled?

Yes, it is Dub - 'death can fuck off' - version.

[Dubversion]

Ah, is this the coolest of the cool, Brixton's own personification of the in crowd, the high priest of chilled?


yes, that's me, fanta. I was the model for Nathan Barley you know, with my wi-fi pants and my mp3 trainers.

[tarannau]

Well, not all that weak. I mean if a place advertises itself as being for "cool" people then :

(a) I for one would be inclined to stay away ;
(b) it's not, in fact, presenting itself (by definition) as the "normal" place hitherto claimed, is it?

For gawd's sake, it's hardly as though 'cool' is a hugely discriminatory description these days. It's not likely to conjure images of glacially trendy Gaulloise smoking roll-necked aesthetes these days. It's such a devalued and overused word really - 'cool' can be virtually applied to anything from fridges to pencil cases and dads by now. It's virtually a synonym for 'good' now. In marketing terms, cool is pretty much default for 'normal' or 'easy going.'

If you're going to quibble about words in marketing pieces, particularly ones on amateurish websites (sorry Pat and co) then you're really getting a little over-anal. I strongly suspect that The Albert's webmaster hasn't paused long and hard over the associations of one word, nor employed a brand tracking focus group to settle upon the 'cool.' It's one word on a hasty website, not a fucking mission statement.

[Donna Ferentes]

so if you had a pub you liked that - for corporate reasons, or out of a sense of obligation or whatever - decided it needed to have a website promoting it, and did so using such terms, you'd stop drinking there?I don't know Dub, it's never happened. I very much doubt that any pub which I often frequented would be allowed by law to describe itself as cool.

[Donna Ferentes]

For gawd's sake, it's hardly as though 'cool' is a hugely discriminatory description these days. It's not likely to conjure images of glacially trendy Gaulloise smoking roll-necked aesthetes these days.Mmmm, but this is a bit of a common manoeuvre in this discussion, isn't it? Referring to Nathan Barleys or Hoxtonites as if this was the claim that had been made, or as if there were no sort of would-be-cool in-crowd other than that. A bit of a straw man, to my mind.

[editor]

yes, that's me, fanta. I was the model for Nathan Barley you know, with my wi-fi pants and my mp3 trainers.Wi-Fi pants are soooooooooooo '04 Hoxton, dear.

The in crowd are all wearing Skype cock-socks with scrotal antennae powered by erections.

[gabi]

this 'conversation' is ironically exactly the sorta shit u're likely to overhear in the albert at times...

[editor]

I don't know Dub, it's never happened. I very much doubt that any pub which I often frequented would be allowed by law to describe itself as cool.I bet some people who frequent your pubs might describe it as a cool boozer.

[Orang Utan]

DF, surely posing as the Anticool is just as pretentious as the 'cool' people you so resent?

[editor]

this 'conversation' is ironically exactly the sorta shit u're likely to overhear in the albert at times...If you mean the tech-talk, then you're likely to hear similar stuff from the playground upwards.

I had a discussion about enabling a router with a 12 year old kid recently.

[fanta]

I say I think that the Albert presents itself as a 'cool' pub.

I post numerous reviews implying the same thing, including one from the pub's own site

I mention that, I still like to go there occasionally anyway and iclude myself as part of the clientele.

Result?

Several posters take issue dismissing the notion angrily and resorting to petty abuse.

What a load of bollocks!

[tarannau]

I don't know Dub, it's never happened. I very much doubt that any pub which I often frequented would be allowed by law to describe itself as cool.

I almost guarantee that some (misguidedly) advertise themselves that way though.

I remember the giggles when Wetherspoons used to call themselves 'classy' on their releases to managers, or (as you can still see on their website) they're still fond of calling their toilets 'groovy.' It's not a description I've ever heard in reality, nor are the aged regulars leaving in their droves because of advertising misrepresentation, replaced by groovy young Austin Powers-a-likes.

If a pub really wanted to appeal to the 'trendy' or 'hip' the descriptors would be a world away from bland old 'cool'

[Crispy]

I've just ordered a van full of prostitutes to go and give everybody on this thread a blowjob. Hopefully, with energy spent, and a warm fuzzy glow about the person, civility will return. If that fails, then it'll be tears and bin before bedtime, mark my words :)

[Donna Ferentes]

Well, first Mr Utan, it seems to me that "posing as the Anticool" may be precisely what some of the Albert clientele are doing (note reference to Hoxtonites and how they're not like them). Secondly, if it is I to whom you make reference, it's not evident to me how I'm "posing". For a start, it would be odd to pose by seeking out quiet establishments with few people in them. A bit like holding a fashion shoot in the dark. With no photographers.

[editor]

I say I think that the Albert presents itself as a 'cool' pub.

I post numerous reviews implying the same thing, including one from the pub's own siteActually, you claimed that it tried to present itself as "street" and "hip."

I'm still waiting for you to explain how this desire is manifested by the management, but let's start with your definition of "street."

[gabi]

If you mean the tech-talk, then you're likely to hear similar stuff from the playground upwards.

I had a discussion about enabling a router with a 12 year old kid recently.

Nah, I meant the circular debate on what/where/who is more 'real'

[Dubversion]

Well, first Mr Utan, it seems to me that "posing as the Anticool" may be precisely what some of the Albert clientele are doing (note reference to Hoxtonites and how they're not like them).


Donna, i was in the Albert last night. As far as i could see, it was the same mixture of older blokes, scruffy drinkers, a smattering of youth and a couple of people reading the paper.

I'm not sure any of them were losing any sleep over their battle to be 'Anti-Cool'.

I feel that you're the only one constructing strawmen round here.

[Dubversion]

Nah, I meant the circular debate on what/where/who is more 'real'


I don't think the people saying they like the albert are even having that argument. I don't give a fuck if the Albert is 'real' or 'street' or 'anti-cool'. It's only people criticising the place that seem to care about such shite.

[Orang Utan]

Well, first Mr Utan, it seems to me that "posing as the Anticool" may be precisely what some of the Albert clientele are doing (note reference to Hoxtonites and how they're not like them). Secondly, if it is I to whom you make reference, it's not evident to me how I'm "posing". For a start, it would be odd to pose by seeking out quiet establishments with few people in them. A bit like holding a fashion shoot in the dark. With no photographers.
Precisely - v. cool, v. Barley.

[editor]

If a pub really wanted to appeal to the 'trendy' or 'hip' the descriptors would be a world away from bland old 'cool'How to make the Albert trendy:

1 Rebrand!
2 Completely change the music policy
3 Change the 'Stalag 14' lighting and get some flashing things going down
4 Put in a monster soundsystem
5 Discourage all old boy daytime drinkers - in fact don't even bother opening till 4pm
6 Get rid of the poetry nights
7 Start putting up groovy posters
8 Get rid of the boring old duffers on the decks and get in some name DJs who won't get so excited by Ye Olde unhip punk, ska, 80s indie and 40s big band
9 Put bouncers on the door
10 Get rid of the real ale, In fact, make it bottles only.

Have I missed anything?

[tarannau]

I say I think that the Albert presents itself as a 'cool' pub.


You went way beyond that Fanta, alleging cliqueness and suggesting that 'it is Brixton's hip pub.'

[Orang Utan]

What is cool anyway?
To me, it's just another word for good really.
It's only when it's framed by inverted commas that alarm bells ring.

[fanta]

Actually, you claimed that it tried to present itself as "street" and "hip."

I'm still waiting for you to explain how this desire is manifested by the management, but let's start with your definition of "street."

And indeed it does. And you can see how it is manifested in my previous post quoting from it's own website. Try reading it.

'Street' is slang for being 'hip', 'with it', the 'in crowd', 'where its at', 'edgy', 'chilled'.

You must know: the place I mean, a: reasonably comfy place that looks like it is trying to attract the trendy young things who flock to Brixton...aka the fucking Albert!

[fanta]

You went way beyond that Fanta, alleging cliqueness and suggesting that 'it is Brixton's hip pub.'

Yes, I did. It is. And?

[fanta]

How to make the Albert trendy:

1 Rebrand!
2 Completely change the music policy
3 Change the 'Stalag 14' lighting and get some flashing things going down
4 Put in a monster soundsystem
5 Discourage all old boy daytime drinkers - in fact don't even bother opening till 4pm
6 Get rid of the poetry nights
7 Start putting up groovy posters
8 Get rid of the boring old duffers on the decks and get in some name DJs who won't get so excited by Ye Olde unhip punk, ska, 80s indie and 40s big band
9 Put bouncers on the door
10 Get rid of the real ale, In fact, make it bottles only.

Have I missed anything?

Yes you have missed something!

Angrily deny it is trendy and cool! Be emphatic and a bit obssessed about this!

Call anyone who has the audacity to have a contrary opinion a tit.

If that doesn't work then find an excuse to bin the thread.

Hope that helps.

[Blagsta]

'Street' is slang for being 'hip', 'with it', the 'in crowd', 'where its at', 'edgy', 'chilled'.

Can you be edgy and chilled at the same time? :confused:

Oh and The Albert is not "street" - "street" has connotations of hip hop, The Bronx etc. Not very Albert.

[Crispy]

I see what fanta is getting at - "we're so uncool, we're cool" - "we're so non-image obsessed, that we go to, like a normal pub, cos that just shows how we don't care about all that poncy 'cool' stuff"

and?

rather that than the fucking Living.

[Dubversion]

i don't know quite why i'm bothering fanta, because you're just a trolling prick BUT.

how does one distinguish between someone who's genuinely not image-obsessed or anti-cool and someone who is?

You seem to be able to do it, so let us in on the secret.

[Donna Ferentes]

i don't know quite why i'm bothering fanta, because you're just a trolling prick "He disagrees with me and likes different things."

[Dubversion]

"He disagrees with me and likes different things."


No, Donna. That's not the case at all. Fanta's a proven - and i believe self-acknowledged - troll. You know that as well as I do. Is he to be your new pet cause, to defend against all those howwid people who know what he is and why he's here? :D

[Donna Ferentes]

I imagine I will be dealing with the usual self-appointed Lords of Intolerance, yes.

[Dubversion]

I imagine I will be dealing with the usual self-appointed Lords of Intolerance, yes.


well, not with me, because I don't intend to see another thread erected as a monument to your piety.

[Blagsta]

I imagine I will be dealing with the usual self-appointed Lords of Intolerance, yes.

Oh the irony of it.

[bluestreak]

hahahaha

[Donna Ferentes]

Curiously, the last time I saw Blagsta in the Albert was one evening after a day which he had spent repeatedly calling me "cunt" on here. I let it pass though. I must be cool.

[Kanda]

Curiously, the last time I saw Blagsta in the Albert was one evening after a day which he had spent repeatedly calling me "cunt" on here. I let it pass though. I must be cool.

Or just resigned to the fact.... ;)

[editor]

Yes you have missed something!

Angrily deny it is trendy and cool! Be emphatic and a bit obssessed about this!

Call anyone who has the audacity to have a contrary opinion a tit.

If that doesn't work then find an excuse to bin the thread.Oh dear. Is this a, "I'm not winning the argument with people who actually use the pub so I'll have a hissy fit instead," outburst?

Sure looks like one to me.

[editor]

I imagine I will be dealing with the usual self-appointed Lords of Intolerance, yes.I reckon you should take a peek through fanta's recent posting history and then reconsider any 'intolerance' claims.

[Blagsta]

Curiously, the last time I saw Blagsta in the Albert was one evening after a day which he had spent repeatedly calling me "cunt" on here. I let it pass though. I must be cool.

Oh, I thought you were the ineffectual freak who shouted something unintelligble at me as you left, leaving me a bit puzzled. Sorry, must have mistook you for someone else.

[Donna Ferentes]

I reckon you should take a peek through fanta's recent posting history and then reconsider any 'intolerance' claims.Of course I'll do no such thing, since I don't accept that it's OK for people to engage in repeated abuse because they don't like another poster or their tactics.

I believe the board rules make a similar point.

[Donna Ferentes]

Oh, I thought you were the ineffectual freak who shouted something unintelligble at me as you left, leaving me a bit puzzled. Sorry, must have mistook you for someone else.No, that was me. Unintelligible, but clearly memorable.

[Blagsta]

Oh, and if I recall correctly, you were the one that started that particular little spat. Something to do with my car getting towed illegally and you whining on about priviledge drivers. Intolerant, moi?

[Blagsta]

No, that was me. Unintelligible, but clearly memorable.

I thought that was you. Next time, instead of shouting something completely puzzling at me, come and speak to me face to face eh?

Don't construe this as a threat btw - it isn't. I just think that if you have a problem with someone on the boards, speaking to them face to face often solves it - you get to realise that what comes across on the boards is merely a part of someones persona. For instance, I'm sure you're not the insufferable snob irl that you come across as on here

[Blagsta]

Curiously, the last time I saw Blagsta in the Albert was one evening after a day which he had spent repeatedly calling me "cunt" on here. I let it pass though. I must be cool.

So in fact, you didn't "let it pass" did you?

[Donna Ferentes]

Well I didn't exactly demand satisfaction on the heath at daybreak, did I?

[phildwyer]

The new signage outside the Albert is a bit naff, but other than that I fully endorse the place. But within Brixton my vote would still go to Harmony. My favorite London pubs were always Biddy Mulligans in Kilburn and the now-defunct Mr. Pepys in Hackney, where I used to work. I also quite like the Hobgoblin.

[Donna Ferentes]

Next time, instead of shouting something completely puzzling at me, come and speak to me face to face eh?"Man proposes polite conversation to chap he's repeatedly called a cunt".

[Blagsta]

Well I didn't exactly demand satisfaction on the heath at daybreak, did I?

No, but you shouted something at me. That's far worse than I ever done to you. Next time, come and have a proper chat eh?

[Blagsta]

"Man proposes polite conversation to chap he's repeatedly called a cunt".

Yes, donna, cos thats exactly what happened isn't it?


Does playing the victim ever get boring for you btw?

[phildwyer]

No, but you shouted something at me. That's far worse than I ever done to you. Next time, come and have a proper chat eh?

Oh alright, let's settle this here. Donna, what did you shout at Blagsta?

[Donna Ferentes]

Gawd, I dunno. Nothing complimentary, I imagine.

[gaijingirl]

It's like kindergarten in here! :(

[Sweaty Betty]

Its everywhere..........

[gabi]

It's like kindergarten in here! :(

Nope, its like the Albert in here..

[phildwyer]

Gawd, I dunno. Nothing complimentary, I imagine.

Well that doesn't sound too bad. Now Blagsta, is it true that you called Donna a cunt?

[Kanda]

It's like kindergarten in here! :(

Usual common denominator too....

[Blagsta]

Personally, spats on the boards stay on the boards. There's at least one person I've had a nasty row with on here who, when I met them irl, were fine, we got on fine and had the maturity to leave any board stuff where it belongs. But hey, that's just me (and most others as far as I can see).

[editor]

Of course I'll do no such thing, since I don't accept that it's OK for people to engage in repeated abuse because they don't like another poster or their tactics.Err, you mean the kind of thing that fanta is quite well known for, yes?

[Donna Ferentes]

Personally, spats on the boards stay on the boards. There's at least one person I've had a nasty row with on here who, when I met them irl, were fine, we got on fine and had the maturity to leave any board stuff where it belongs. But hey, that's just me (and most others as far as I can see).In principle this is a fine idea: in practice you don't really want to scream "cunt" at people who you're going to meet in real life and then say they're two different worlds.

Because they're not, see. Especially not in the Albert.

[editor]

The new signage outside the Albert is a bit naff, but other than that I fully endorse the place. True, but that came about as a result of a design competition from locals. Maybe I should have had a go.But within Brixton my vote would still go to Harmony. Really? So when was the last time you were there then, Phil?

[Donna Ferentes]

Err, you mean the kind of thing that fanta is quite well known for, yes?Not by me: and if he were, my point would not be affected, would it?

[Crispy]

Oh - gabi, for the record, I have never once taken part in, or overheard, a conversation in the albert where the particiapnts were discussing who was the most real or street. Doesn't happen. Would be ludicrous if it did, and I would take the piss quite rightly.

[editor]

In principle this is a fine idea: in practice you don't really want to scream "cunt" at people who you're going to meet in real life and then say they're two different worlds.

Because they're not, see. Especially not in the Albert.I *never* take grudges from online u75 spats into the real world, especially not the Albert.

Sure, I may be a bit wary of the person at first, but I always give them a chance.

Happily, there's only ever been one perspective-challenged twat who was unable to work out the difference between the real world and bulletin boards and he wont be posting here ever again as a result (despite trying every other week).

[Blagsta]

In principle this is a fine idea: in practice you don't really want to scream "cunt" at people who you're going to meet in real life and then say they're two different worlds.

Because they're not, see. Especially not in the Albert.

So you thought you'd shout at me in The Albert instead? Good thinking there DF. Lucky I'm not the violent type eh?

[Donna Ferentes]

So you thought you'd shout at me in The Albert instead? Good thinking there DF. Lucky I'm not the violent type eh?Or vice versa. Sooner or later, if you're in the habit of screaming abuse at people on here, they'll be sombody who meet in "real life" and they'll be bigger than you.

[phildwyer]

Really? So when was the last time you were there then, Phil?

Its been a while. I used to go there when it was Mingles really, it was next door to the place I used to stay when in Brixton. Why do you ask?

[editor]

Its been a while. I used to go there when it was Mingles really, it was next door to the place I used to stay when in Brixton. Why do you ask?Because it's changed quite a bit and a lot of people find the airport-style metal detectors a little less than welcoming these days.

[Blagsta]

Or vice versa. Sooner or later, if you're in the habit of screaming abuse at people on here, they'll be sombody who meet in "real life" and they'll be bigger than you.

Yes, donna, cos that's exactly what happened isn't it?

Once you start taking responsibility for your part of the rows you get involved in on here, you'll be a lot happier and that chip on your shoulder will be a lot lighter.

Oh and one day, you'll shout at someone in the pub and they'll put you in hospital. Think