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Waterloo's most famous gastropub remains a good place for a drink, though dining is certainly the main event, and it can become impossibly busy. Nibbles such as polish sausage (delicious, £3) arrive with gherkins and pickled cabbage, to complement a fine variety of Old World wines, including on our visit an Austrian blaufränkisch (£22 a bottle) and a Rioja Alta (£44). Five whites and six reds come by the glass. In the maroon-painted drinking area, a profusion of little stools are scattered around small tables on bare wooden boards, while tall chairs line the bar. Young's and Bombardier are the real ales, along with a fortnightly guest such as Bread of Heaven. A set Sunday lunch is now bookable, perhaps the best way to get the full flavour of this very popular pub.
Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9
I was born in London and have travelled the world a little, but not enough as I would like. Living in Sydney for a year was a definite highlight...
We went for the sunday lunch special, table of 4. Was second visit, and was unhappy with the food. On my first visit the beef stew was amazing, and in vast quantities too, so I was expecting similar standards this time. Unfortunately the starter was poor (salt cod) and was not finished by our table. The main course was a roast chicken, but not large enough to satisfy four people with a lone companion of a plate of whole carrots (a weird idea). The meal is £30 per head, which is not cheap - and this time the standard did not deserve this price tag at all.
We had the sad experience of being told that we couldn't be served wine in normal wine glasses just because we ordered one of the house wine. In other words if you don't spend more than £20 for a bottle (ours was £19), you are given chunky little glasses like the one I use to drink from at the school canteen... So much pretension made me sick. It is a shame because the food was great but nothing can forgive such terrible arrogance. Please boycott.
Still fantastic, with friendly and accommodating service. I had the freshest crab on toast, fried puff-ball mushroom and a delicious john dory with excellent lentils washed down with a delicious spanish albarino on our latest visit.