Bars & Pubs

It's a while since we've heard such compelling bar banter as here, where the Friday lunch barflies - some suited, some in high-visibility vests - kept up an effortlessly cheery running commentary on all the comings and goings. The Speaker does all the important things right - four real ales (Spitfire, Young's Bitter and excellent rare guests), racks of wine, jacket spuds or £2.50 sarnies - and defiantly ignores pretty much anything else, including the anticipated House of Commons schtick (instead, there's a case of quarrying dynamite) and any entertainment except conversation. As they say themselves: this is a real pub. We're glad.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9