Round Forty Six

28/08/18

189. The Tiger's Head, Watt's Lane, Chislehurst.

Tidy village pub in a green triangle of great pubs. Restaurant catering available but a good bar to greet you just inside the door too. Spacious, warm and pleasant to sit in, and retains old wooden beam structures from the olden days.

Beers:

Greene King IPA - dark walnutty colour, clearish, not much on the nose, sharp spike at the start, on the bitter side with whiskey notes.

Greene King Abbot Ale - translucent and red tinted amber, creamy and smoother than a smooth criminal, gentle wave of hoppiness but overridingly sensual to the tongue.

188. The Bull's Head Inn, Royal Parade, Chislehurst.

A real beaut of an establishment. Approaching from the front you have the beautifully ivy adorned facade with hanging baskets, immediately drawing you in. A large spacious and varied bar sits on the right as you enter, and the quieter cosier lounge with fireplace sits to the left. To the rear is the restaurant and tea room serving posh pub nosh. A large beer garden is capable of hosting events. Throughout, the atmosphere is grand, it's clean and tidy, and is ripe for middle class boozing. Tally-ho.

Beers:

Young's Light Ale - dark amber, fizzy looking, frothy creamy head, no real aroma, smooth, tickly at the start but lacking real flavour, lightly hoppy.

Young's Ram Rod - light amber, a little cloudy, full bodied, fairly hoppy, fruity edge, if it were a cheese it would be mature cheddar.

187. The Prince of Wales, Mottingham Road.

Could have been deceived into not entering this one, as the front windows suggest a lager filled den of drunken karaoke. Gladly, we did enter to the surprise of a nicely furnished and friendly interior with pool table and dart board. Even an ale on tap! (albeit it had run out...) Much appreciated sports memorabilia on the walls. Could see this being quite active on better days.

Beers:

2 × Guinness original - Creamy and lovely as ever.

Round Forty Five

07/08/18

186. The Good Samaritan, Turner Street.

A fine establishment on a quieter side-road opposite a very old hospital. A good range of ales although unfortunately none we hadn't tried already. Lovely well kept hanging baskets and a clean and tidy feel. A good mix of tradition and modern comforts. Sport on the big screen and a good general vibe.

Beers:

St Austell Brewery Tribute - clear, amber, sweet smelling, lives up to previous expectations, light, smooth, palma violets texture, bit nutty.

Goose Island Goose IPA - slightly bitter, delicate fizz, amber, pleasant.

185. Archers, Old Montague Street.

A corner pub just on the side of Brick Lane. The pub itself is not hot on displaying bricks but more tiles. Lots of green tiles. An ok bar but we needed to resort to bottles. The pub itself was a nice and relaxing vibe, generally simple plan and not too busy. 

Beers:

Brixton Brewery Low Voltage Session IPA - medium bodied, smith, bitter at the end, pretty standard, lovely brown bottle.

Lagunitas Brewing IPA - a little fizzy, bitter from the beginning, mellow, sharp, not outstanding.

184. The Bar Locks, Manningtree Street.

Popped in here en-route to see what it's all about. Very much has the feel of a pub in need of a new life. For now successful at what it does, you can see it falling by the wayside in the future. Greasy spoon food on offer. Couple of reliable (but very warm) ales. Sport on TV and friendly regulars inside.

Beers:

Fuller's London Pride - yet again, still lovely.

Fuller's London Pride - as above...

183. The Dog and Truck, Back Church Lane.

The favourite for the evening. The most vibrant and well attended pub. Looks nice on the outside. Nifty beer garden and board games a plenty at the ready. Good ale selection on a fine looking bar. Sport on TV at either end. Would recommend!

Beers:

Twickenham Brewery Summer Sun - clear, medium amber, bit of fizz, grapey on the nose, medium to full bodied, smooth, grassy, bitter, unsure of it's summery qualities.

Lagunitas Brewing Company 12th of Never Ale - large head, sweet and smooth, grassy yellow appearance, rather cloudy, sweet melon flavours, quite tasty.

182. The Castle, Commercial Road.

A lovely looking pub perched on a corner in the middle of two roads. Wooden panelled, mahogany finish, tall with broad windows. A cosy sitting area at the back around the fire place. However, strangely quiet. 

Beers:

London's Shipping Container Brewery 40 Ft - very bitter, orange and cloudy like that scene in Blade Runner 2049, glows slightly, slightly smokey and zesty on the tongue.

Krusovice lager - dark lager, bit more complex perhaps than a mainstream lager.