London Apprentice

Rottenpunky

A pub built for conversation 20th September 2008

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I have to agree with the last reviewer (Throwa) the Apprentice has come a long way since the change of management. The kitchen is open when it is supposed to be and the food is now edible, though still quite pricey for nothing out of the ordinary. The last few times I have been, there has been a reasonable selection of wines and real ales. Guest ales are naturally popular in summer but they do seem to have Tim Taylor Landlord as a resident pint. There is however only one draught cider but this is the S.O.P in most places.
Many hours can be spent with a good choice of beers on a bench at the river side, and for exactly that reason, there is always competition for a table. Prepare to be patient. And play fair! Only the tables on the patio can be served food, not the ones on the bank, they have to make do with a rather limited selection of bar-nuts.
Parking is limited and for my mind, at least until me and the Mrs choose to Sprog, this is a blessing. People have a misguided habit of bringing their children to a pub that has made absolutely no effort to encourage this. There is no play area and little space for prams.
As the management have no issue with the use of the railings outside, a bicycle is unquestionably the transport of choice. That said the pub is well served by the nearby H37 bus route.
In short, this a traditional riverside pub, sheltered from the breeze by the ait. Perfect for rambling conversations with friends it is let down only by the food tariff. Keep an eye on the tide though, if you’ve seen two highs or lows, you are probably drunk.

throwa

28th August 2008

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Lovely surroundings, good range of beer with special guest ales throughout the summer. Good 'garden' to sit in next to the river where on a sunny day you can watch the rowers and canoeists from the safety of dry land. Menu is fairly standard, good prices, with specials which change each day. Big screens are craftily concealed behind the menu / beer boards so that they can be pulled out when big matches are on, but when there isn't much happening they can be hidden away and you don't feel as though you are sat in a big sports pub. Recently changed management and it's definately been a good move.