Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Lambeth, London, United Kingdom

BFI Bar South Bank - Sun chasing fun... by damo1977

damo1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:59:23 +0000

Review by damo1977

Rating: 3.00

A small bar hidden under Waterloo Bridge. The entrance is from the Southbank.

The British Film Institute (BFI) bar on the Southbank is a little odd. The have one of the best range of beers of any pub along the southbank, but the location is wrong.

The area outside the bar is bustling, but the bar is always quiet, probably due to having the sit under the shadow of the huge Waterloo Bridge.

Sitting outside is nice on a warm day, but you have to have your wits about you to try a grab a part of the bench outside that doesn't lose sunlight as it passes overhead.

Still good beer, OK prices and somewhere to stop between the Fesi Hall and Doggetts.A small bar hidden under Waterloo Bridge. The entrance is from the Southbank.

The British Film Institute (BFI) bar on the Southbank is a little odd. The have one of the best range of beers of any pub along the southbank, but the location is wrong.

The area outside the bar is bustling, but the bar is always quiet, probably due to having the sit under the shadow of the huge Waterloo Bridge.

Sitting outside is nice on a warm day, but you have to have your wits about you to try a grab a part of the bench outside that doesn't lose sunlight as it passes overhead.

Still good beer, OK prices and somewhere to stop between the Fesi Hall and Doggetts.

The Wellington - If you're really stuck for a place to go... by rich42uk

rich42uk — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:55:18 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7928 6083

Website: http://www.wizardinns.co.uk

Tags: food, sport pub, standard pub food

...then that would possibly be the main reason to head here. Whilst not an awful place to visit for a pint, there are a couple of factors that keep it from reaching the giddying heights of other nearby drinking holes such as The Windmill or even The Camel & Artichoke on Lower March.

The main one is that it's on a busy main road and is more or less the first place you see when emerging out of the Undergound street entrance to Waterloo. With that in mind, it gets uncomfortably busy and is filled with all manner of bad-tempered suits grabbing a quick one before heading home so at times it is standing-room only.

The drinks on choice are bog-standard and the wine list somewhat limited. Food seems to be quite middle of the road cook-chill stuff whilst again, not bad, is a bit unremarkable.

On the bright side though, it does have quite a nice layout with a good mixture of comfy tables, seats and bar tables (when you can get them). Bar staff are efficient if a little icy at times and the live sports can be a bit oppressive.

Whilst there's much to detract from, there's a lot that could be improved quite easily given a bit of effort. The question is whether you can be bothered with that when there are other, better, places within a short distance?...then that would possibly be the main reason to head here. Whilst not an awful place to visit for a pint, there are a couple of factors that keep it from reaching the giddying heights of other nearby drinking holes such as The Windmill or even The Camel & Artichoke on Lower March.

The main one is that it's on a busy main road and is more or less the first place you see when emerging out of the Undergound street entrance to Waterloo. With that in mind, it gets uncomfortably busy and is filled with all manner of bad-tempered suits grabbing a quick one before heading home so at times it is standing-room only.

The drinks on choice are bog-standard and the wine list somewhat limited. Food seems to be quite middle of the road cook-chill stuff whilst again, not bad, is a bit unremarkable.

On the bright side though, it does have quite a nice layout with a good mixture of comfy tables, seats and bar tables (when you can get them). Bar staff are efficient if a little icy at times and the live sports can be a bit oppressive.

Whilst there's much to detract from, there's a lot that could be improved quite easily given a bit of effort. The question is whether you can be bothered with that when there are other, better, places within a short distance?

The Prince Of Wales - Lovely, unpretentious pub in a beautiful setting by rich42uk

rich42uk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:01:04 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7735 9916

Website: http://www.shepherd-neame.co.uk

Tags: posh, food, relaxed

The Prince of Wales, whilst compact, is still goshdarnit, a lovely place to while away the hours in an unexpected and attractive part of Kennington; Cleaver Square.

The pub itself is a strictly orthodox affair; a small pub grub menu, a couple of decent cask-conditioned ales and lagers on tap (with an interesting choice of Oranjeboom and Holsten on tap) with limited seating inside and a couple of outside tables on the pavement by the square. Whilst I'm sure it's not strictly legal, it's also good for summer drinks in Cleaver Square itself, and it's not uncommon to see folks clutching a pint whilst playing boules in the square.

As pubs go, there's no one element that makes it special, just a happy combination of factors that make it a relaxed and cosy place to hang out; just go early if you want to get a seat!The Prince of Wales, whilst compact, is still goshdarnit, a lovely place to while away the hours in an unexpected and attractive part of Kennington; Cleaver Square.

The pub itself is a strictly orthodox affair; a small pub grub menu, a couple of decent cask-conditioned ales and lagers on tap (with an interesting choice of Oranjeboom and Holsten on tap) with limited seating inside and a couple of outside tables on the pavement by the square. Whilst I'm sure it's not strictly legal, it's also good for summer drinks in Cleaver Square itself, and it's not uncommon to see folks clutching a pint whilst playing boules in the square.

As pubs go, there's no one element that makes it special, just a happy combination of factors that make it a relaxed and cosy place to hang out; just go early if you want to get a seat!

The Dog House - Somewhat maligned, but always worth a look by rich42uk

rich42uk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:45:47 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7820 9310

Tags: live music, posh, cool

Whilst Kennington probably has better pubs in the Prince of Wales, few have the character or the atmosphere that the Dog House has.

Yes, the service can be downright diabolical at times, but in my own experience it tends to be a hit and miss affair erring more towards hit; it's just a busy pub at a busy crossroads and are just as applicable at The White Hart across the road or even the PoW.

That said, the food is always excellent with a wide menu and a decent Sunday roast. There's also a good if unremarkable selection of beers on tap. It also attracts a young and relaxed crowd thrown in the odd minor celebrity (Keith from The Office, anyone?). Add to this the fact that it has bags of character and a quiet upstairs section with really comfy seats then it's not hard to realise you can do much worse in Kennington. The problems it has are easily solved (more staff at busy times and maybe a more adventurous choice of draught booze?) but haven't been yet, hence the 3 stars...Whilst Kennington probably has better pubs in the Prince of Wales, few have the character or the atmosphere that the Dog House has.

Yes, the service can be downright diabolical at times, but in my own experience it tends to be a hit and miss affair erring more towards hit; it's just a busy pub at a busy crossroads and are just as applicable at The White Hart across the road or even the PoW.

That said, the food is always excellent with a wide menu and a decent Sunday roast. There's also a good if unremarkable selection of beers on tap. It also attracts a young and relaxed crowd thrown in the odd minor celebrity (Keith from The Office, anyone?). Add to this the fact that it has bags of character and a quiet upstairs section with really comfy seats then it's not hard to realise you can do much worse in Kennington. The problems it has are easily solved (more staff at busy times and maybe a more adventurous choice of draught booze?) but haven't been yet, hence the 3 stars...

The Jolly Gardeners - German Food in the Heart of Lambeth by nopstar

nopstar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:04:29 +0000

Review by nopstar

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7582 3814

Website: http://zeitgeist-london.com/?page_id=3

Tags: live music, independent pub, dj

This is my Friday lunch spot. The pub is run by a German Couple kicking out hearty, satisfying, sleep inducing German food. The menu is fantastic, and a good value. Schnitzel, and roast potatoes and a drink for about Â£5.

The only thing Iâ¬"ve stumbled across that I didnâ¬"t like was the roast in beer sauce? The above picture is the Jager Schnitzel, mushroom gravy and chips.
Simple and Satisfying.
This is my Friday lunch spot. The pub is run by a German Couple kicking out hearty, satisfying, sleep inducing German food. The menu is fantastic, and a good value. Schnitzel, and roast potatoes and a drink for about Â£5.

The only thing Iâ¬"ve stumbled across that I didnâ¬"t like was the roast in beer sauce? The above picture is the Jager Schnitzel, mushroom gravy and chips.
Simple and Satisfying.

Miller Of Mansfield - Not bad by qwghlm

qwghlm — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:56:21 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7407 2690

Website: http://www.laurelpubco.com

Tags: live music, food, relaxed

Has a big screen, reasonable selection of Thai food and a good upstairs room with bands and live music. Has a big screen, reasonable selection of Thai food and a good upstairs room with bands and live music.

The Royal Oak - Royal Oak Rage by gourmand

gourmand — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:02:47 +0000

Review by gourmand

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7357 7173

Tags: food, traditional english, vegetarian dishes

Oh Dear! What in Harveyâ¬"s name has happened to this pub? Has it changed hands? It has always been a pleasure to visit this pub and receive a warm welcome from the hospitable landlord, Frank, and swap the occasional story and beer with him.

However shock and horror upon my return here with my wife yesterday (Sunday afternoon at 5pm) for another anticipated pleasurable visit only to be confronted by a surly foul-mouthed man across the bar professing to be the Licensee and repeatedly shouting at us to â¬Sfâ¬¦.off, and get outâ¬

Camel & Artichoke - Nice friendly space by sizemore

sizemore — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:30:07 +0000

Review by sizemore

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7633 0270

Tags: food, events, pub

Lower Marsh is tucked away near Waterloo and full of interesting places that never seem to be open when I'm passing. Although I'd walked past this pub many time I'd never been in - so perhaps its old name, The Elusive Camel' was appropriate. It's now under new management and I got the chance to pop along as part of a London Bloggers Meetup group.

There's a nice size bar downstairs and then extra seating available upstairs. With events such as the one this evening the first floor is either half or fully booked depending on the expected numbers. So basically if you can get together 20 or 40 people you can have a large slice of the pub all to yourselves and with no silly booking fee.

The atmosphere downstairs in the regular bar seemed really nice and the staff were certainly helpful. After a quick chat while ordering drinks, myself and a friend were invited to look at the newly renovated beer garden. A little while back it was overgrown and not used, but now they've created a great little space for another 20 to 40 people to hang out once the weather improves. The barbecue is an added bonus. Expect this place to be packed in the summer.

Pretty standard selection of beer, but a nice little place that I'll be going to again. Lower Marsh is tucked away near Waterloo and full of interesting places that never seem to be open when I'm passing. Although I'd walked past this pub many time I'd never been in - so perhaps its old name, The Elusive Camel' was appropriate. It's now under new management and I got the chance to pop along as part of a London Bloggers Meetup group.

There's a nice size bar downstairs and then extra seating available upstairs. With events such as the one this evening the first floor is either half or fully booked depending on the expected numbers. So basically if you can get together 20 or 40 people you can have a large slice of the pub all to yourselves and with no silly booking fee.

The atmosphere downstairs in the regular bar seemed really nice and the staff were certainly helpful. After a quick chat while ordering drinks, myself and a friend were invited to look at the newly renovated beer garden. A little while back it was overgrown and not used, but now they've created a great little space for another 20 to 40 people to hang out once the weather improves. The barbecue is an added bonus. Expect this place to be packed in the summer.

Pretty standard selection of beer, but a nice little place that I'll be going to again.

The Kings Arms - Always a Great Atmosphere and Great Food by Liss

Liss — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:17:56 +0000

Review by Liss

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7207 0784

Tags: food, dj, friendly

I have been to the Kings Arms a number of times now and keep going back - it is so easy to get to, only a few minutes from waterloo station

They serve great value tasty Thai dishes. It is always busy so you may find yourself waiting a few minutes at the bar or for a table if you are eating but it is always well worth the wait.I have been to the Kings Arms a number of times now and keep going back - it is so easy to get to, only a few minutes from waterloo station

They serve great value tasty Thai dishes. It is always busy so you may find yourself waiting a few minutes at the bar or for a table if you are eating but it is always well worth the wait.

Black Sheep - Baa Baa by Cazz

Cazz — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:51:16 +0000

Review by Cazz

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7735 9990

Website: http://www.barbarblacksheep.com/

Tags: friendly, relaxed, lively

This really is a fabulous place to come on a Sunday afternoon. I can't say I've tried the tuna melt just yet, but the burgers here are out of this world. My friend had the Sunday Roast here the other week and it was all we could do to stop her chewing the bones.

There's a lovely, laid-back atmosphere here, and even better - there's table-service. There are an assortment of games available - Pictionary, Cluedo and so on.

My friends and I decided to join in the pub quiz. This was a rather spur of the moment decision. My friends and I are all profoundly deaf, so doing things like this can often be an inconvenience. However, after speaking to the bar manager he happily went off to print out an additional copy of the questions so we could all play.

So not only a brilliant pub, but also disability-aware/deaf-friendly to boot!This really is a fabulous place to come on a Sunday afternoon. I can't say I've tried the tuna melt just yet, but the burgers here are out of this world. My friend had the Sunday Roast here the other week and it was all we could do to stop her chewing the bones.

There's a lovely, laid-back atmosphere here, and even better - there's table-service. There are an assortment of games available - Pictionary, Cluedo and so on.

My friends and I decided to join in the pub quiz. This was a rather spur of the moment decision. My friends and I are all profoundly deaf, so doing things like this can often be an inconvenience. However, after speaking to the bar manager he happily went off to print out an additional copy of the questions so we could all play.

So not only a brilliant pub, but also disability-aware/deaf-friendly to boot!

The Roebuck - Great Pub by wmunsi20

wmunsi20 — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:13:58 +0000

Review by wmunsi20

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7820 9793

Tags: live music, food, traditional

Just been renovated (last week) much nicer now the old smokers walls have been washed down and painted. New carpets and furniture.
The Sunday Roast is the best in South London by a long way, and at only 7.95, you can't go wrong. Drinks are very reasonable (cheap for London).
Friday night Karoke run by the manager is a total laugh with the same locals turning up week after week (generally singing the same songs).
Highly recommend if you are in the area!Just been renovated (last week) much nicer now the old smokers walls have been washed down and painted. New carpets and furniture.
The Sunday Roast is the best in South London by a long way, and at only 7.95, you can't go wrong. Drinks are very reasonable (cheap for London).
Friday night Karoke run by the manager is a total laugh with the same locals turning up week after week (generally singing the same songs).
Highly recommend if you are in the area!

Horse - Good looking pub ruined by incompetent bar staff by janie_lou

janie_lou — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:26:35 +0000

Review by janie_lou

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7928 6277

Tags: food, pool tables, modern pub

Apologies in advance - I'm not sure whether this counts as a review or a rant!

I visited the Horse for after-work drinks on a Friday. I thought it looked alright - high ceilings, nice wallpaper, neutral tones, mixed seating.

I was told by two of my friends that they'd got down there when it was pretty much empty and had had a pint of Guinness. They finished that and approached the bar for another. The girl was already pouring a pint of the black stuff. Great service, they thought. She then stood to one side and started drinking it. She looked at them, standing at an empty bar with their empty glasses, but said nothing. Strike one.

By the time I arrived it was a bit busier but not rammed by any means. We waited a while to get served, and I asked this same girl for small white wine spritzer using soda in a long glass. I got it in a large wine glass, but couldn't be bothered splitting hairs. It didn't taste too wine-heavy as it turned out, I figured it was a very tame house white number! The next time I clearly said "in a long glass" and watched what she was doing. She took a half pint tumbler, filled it half with ice, took a pre-filled 250ml glass of wine and slopped what looked to me like about a quarter of it into this tumbler, which then needed to be topped up with soda from the middle.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw this. When she put it in front of me I asked her whether it had a full 175ml measure in it, to which she replied with a torrent of absolute twaddle! The highlight was: "In the clubs you get cocktails and they do free-pour, a spritzer is like a cocktail so we do free-pour, see?" I told her that this was not a club it was a pub and she was legally obliged to give me the 175ml measure which I had paid for. Spritzers are not sold as cocktails. (If they'd thought about that they would've charged me a hell of a lot more than £2.60 for it!)

She saw I wasn't budging from the bar and got the manager. She asked me what the problem was with my drink and started up with similar excuses to the barmaid but with the added extra of prodding my hand which was on the bar. Twice I told her to stop touching me, and explained that I knew the legality of the situation but she just wouldn't listen. Eventually my friend boomed out "Look, she wasn't given the full measure!". She tipped away the drink and poured me a new one right in front of me. Not other word, and certainly not an apology.

I'm sure this place is fine if you want after-work beers (I would be evil if I didn't admit that their potato wedges were divine!) but for christ's sake keep a stern eye on their measures. Apologies in advance - I'm not sure whether this counts as a review or a rant!

I visited the Horse for after-work drinks on a Friday. I thought it looked alright - high ceilings, nice wallpaper, neutral tones, mixed seating.

I was told by two of my friends that they'd got down there when it was pretty much empty and had had a pint of Guinness. They finished that and approached the bar for another. The girl was already pouring a pint of the black stuff. Great service, they thought. She then stood to one side and started drinking it. She looked at them, standing at an empty bar with their empty glasses, but said nothing. Strike one.

By the time I arrived it was a bit busier but not rammed by any means. We waited a while to get served, and I asked this same girl for small white wine spritzer using soda in a long glass. I got it in a large wine glass, but couldn't be bothered splitting hairs. It didn't taste too wine-heavy as it turned out, I figured it was a very tame house white number! The next time I clearly said "in a long glass" and watched what she was doing. She took a half pint tumbler, filled it half with ice, took a pre-filled 250ml glass of wine and slopped what looked to me like about a quarter of it into this tumbler, which then needed to be topped up with soda from the middle.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw this. When she put it in front of me I asked her whether it had a full 175ml measure in it, to which she replied with a torrent of absolute twaddle! The highlight was: "In the clubs you get cocktails and they do free-pour, a spritzer is like a cocktail so we do free-pour, see?" I told her that this was not a club it was a pub and she was legally obliged to give me the 175ml measure which I had paid for. Spritzers are not sold as cocktails. (If they'd thought about that they would've charged me a hell of a lot more than £2.60 for it!)

She saw I wasn't budging from the bar and got the manager. She asked me what the problem was with my drink and started up with similar excuses to the barmaid but with the added extra of prodding my hand which was on the bar. Twice I told her to stop touching me, and explained that I knew the legality of the situation but she just wouldn't listen. Eventually my friend boomed out "Look, she wasn't given the full measure!". She tipped away the drink and poured me a new one right in front of me. Not other word, and certainly not an apology.

I'm sure this place is fine if you want after-work beers (I would be evil if I didn't admit that their potato wedges were divine!) but for christ's sake keep a stern eye on their measures.

Fentiman Arms - by elliemoff

elliemoff — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:26:00 +0000

Review by elliemoff

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7793 0126

Website: http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk

Tags: food, beer garden, pub

Lovely hidden pub in the heart of Oval - we used to go here when we lived in Oval and once you are in the garden, you escape all of the noise - feels more like a country pub!

The drinks are reasonable and food is good - they do an open BBQ in the summer months and will do your steaks/ swordfish etc outside which is a novelty :)Lovely hidden pub in the heart of Oval - we used to go here when we lived in Oval and once you are in the garden, you escape all of the noise - feels more like a country pub!

The drinks are reasonable and food is good - they do an open BBQ in the summer months and will do your steaks/ swordfish etc outside which is a novelty :)

Ruse Too - by lou1982

lou1982 — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:04:54 +0000

Review by lou1982

Rating: 3.00

Tags: good food, good value, friendly

This is a nice size pub for a party! We had my Dad's 50th birthday here, about 50/60 people in the pub and it never felt cramped. We made our own food but there was a menu on offer which looked nice and reasonably priced. The owners are very flexible and are willing to help out to make your night special. The only down fall is the loo's as there is only 2 ladies so there can be some waiting..!

We also visited this pub during the world cup last year, pub was busy but we revered a seat near the TV as we was having something to eat. Food in this pub is nice and reasonably priced would recommendThis is a nice size pub for a party! We had my Dad's 50th birthday here, about 50/60 people in the pub and it never felt cramped. We made our own food but there was a menu on offer which looked nice and reasonably priced. The owners are very flexible and are willing to help out to make your night special. The only down fall is the loo's as there is only 2 ladies so there can be some waiting..!

We also visited this pub during the world cup last year, pub was busy but we revered a seat near the TV as we was having something to eat. Food in this pub is nice and reasonably priced would recommend

The Roebuck - by chickerino

chickerino — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 10:09:10 +0000

Review by chickerino

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7403 4817

Website: http://www.theroebuck.net

Tags: cosy, sunday brunch, food

nice, friendly pub, good food, nice atmosphere. love it... and my local! :)nice, friendly pub, good food, nice atmosphere. love it... and my local! :)

The Walrus Social - by keif

keif — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:47:39 +0000

Review by keif

Rating: 3.00

Tags: pub, bar food, waterloo

It's not bad... can be a bit smokey now I've quit, but roll on june =)It's not bad... can be a bit smokey now I've quit, but roll on june =)

The Hanover Arms - by Pete

Pete — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:04:28 +0000

Review by Pete

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7735 1576

Tags: busy, tv for sporting events, sports pub

good place - busy on cricket days but still a good placegood place - busy on cricket days but still a good place

Duchy Arms - kenningtons best kept secret by Pete

Pete — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:21:38 +0000

Review by Pete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7735 6065

Tags: live music, pool, food

Top quality boozer. nothing fancy but has 2 projectors, excellent jukebox, pool, good bar staff, decent prices - everything!

couldn't recommend travelling from too far a field but should be included on a crawl of kenny.

Top quality boozer. nothing fancy but has 2 projectors, excellent jukebox, pool, good bar staff, decent prices - everything!

couldn't recommend travelling from too far a field but should be included on a crawl of kenny.