19/11/18
197. The Holborn Whippet, Bloomsbury Square.
197. The Holborn Whippet, Bloomsbury Square.
This one was poised precariously between trendy bar and pub. Benefit of the doubt was granted due to the array of exceedingly interesting craft beers on tap. It was spacious, dusky and friendly and the beers were well presented behind a square bar. Old frosted window doors separated rooms and an excellent beer chart gave essence to their offerings.
Beers:
Lost and Grounded Running with Sceptres - light amber, quite fizzy up front, citrus to the nose, an assault on the senses but trails off quickly, clear, bitter.
Tailgate Brewery Peanut Butter Milk Stout - darker than a particularly dark place at night, smells like a melted snickers, starts with a nice tickle on the tongue, not a lasting flavour, medium bodied, pleasant, possibly couldn't drink too much as is very strong flavoured.
196. The Old Crown, New Oxford Street.
Not the stellar public house previously mentioned but some minor quirks were present such as the organ pipes behind the bar. Couldn't find the organ though sadly so had to make do with "pop" music. Framed wallpaper on the walls. Ok. The bar quickly emptied out after our entrance as though they had heard about our notoriety and quickness on the draw.
Beers:
McMullen Country bitter - amber, head minimal, smells somewhat of beer, light and smooth, bit of an after linger but no real impression.
McMullen AK - no aroma, a bit pissy, watery, not a winner on anyone's books.
195. The Princess Louise, High Holborn.
A pub that sparked much glee on arrival. Andy lad reckoned this is the best combo of pub and beer in the tour so far. Matt lad only disagreeing on the basis of the lack of guest beers, a problem in the Samuel Smith chain of pubs. Wrangling aside, this was a tremendous pub in the old style of bar segmentation by use of snob screens. There are huge windows and mirrors surrounding the central bar which was vibrant, friendly and featured your classic central clock and bell. A must visit.
Beers:
Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout - frickin Nora, darker than the mood of the Tongan dressing room, smells like a Terry's chocolate orange, mealy, sensational, syrupy, medium bodied, goes down with a real fizzle, a big smooth sweet chocolate hit, a real contender for beer of the year.
Samuel Smith's Organic Pale Ale - frothy, dark side of amber, not too aromatic, background tingle, medium bodied, settles nicely on the tummy, wheaty.
