The Big Smoke

Early March saw a trip down to the capital to watch The Blades at Brentford. I do love a London awayday, there's so many boozers to choose from that with a bit of planning you can get to a load of new ones every time. We arrived just in time for what we thought would be opening time at The Lamb only to find it shut. After hanging around for a few minutes and banging on the door we were told that they'd be opening at 12 instead of 11. Sound. Back on the tube then and down to Leicester Square where we finally managed to get started in The Harp.

This is a real gem, it won CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 2010 and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Just tucked away from the hustle bustle round the corner from the Garrick, it was a fine place to get over our false start. I went for the ever reliable Darkstar Hophead, although they have a constantly changing selection of ales on (as evidenced by the amount of pump clips above the bar in the picture below).

Definitely the sort of place you could while away a few hours just watching the world pass. We, however, had no time to waste, so it was off round the corner to try to find The Lamb and Flag. After locating it we found it was closed for a refurb (can you see a pattern emerging here?), so we settled for one in The Round House.

A fairly standard Fuller's effort, it served a purpose with a pint of Hook Norton Hooky Gold after the second setback of the morning. With time getting on we started to head west, breaking up the journey out to Brentford at Earls Court with a refresher in The Courtfield.

Ideally located opposite the tube station, with a classic London corner pub style, it provided light relief in the form of St Austell's splendid Tribute. With it being a sunny afternoon we opted for some pavement drinking, watching some Stokies on their way to Stamford Bridge. We were befriended by some middle-aged bevvy merchant who put to the world to rights before offering us some tips on how to be successful with the opposite sex. Enlightened, we hopped back on the tube out to Brentford. With Griffin Park being famous for having a pub on every corner of the ground the original plan had been to visit each one. Due to time constraints and meeting up with some fellow Blades we had to settle for visiting just one: The New Inn.

The handpull on offer was the ubiquitous Doom Bar from Sharp's, washed down with a Jager for good measure. Former player Alan Quinn was enjoying a few outside here, occasionally being interrupted for photo requests by people who really should be old enough to know better (Remi). A brace from Ched and a sold out away terrace ensured spirits were high as we headed back into the centre post-match, with Soho the destination. Our first port of call was The Old Coffee House.

An inner city Brodies haven, I opted for their marvellous London Fields Pale Ale. Hoppy with plenty of citrus in there, this was my favourite of the day.

The pub itself was a great find, just across the road from the Stone Island / CP store on Beak Street (which I think has now moved). Maybe it's because it's called The Old Coffee House or something to do with the frontage, but it had a bit of a continental / Amsterdam feel to it, definitely worth seeking out if you're looking for a pint in that area. With time closing in we had time for a couple more - The Ship and The Dog and Duck.

I went for the fairly hefty Bengal Lancer IPA in this Fuller's pub, although the excitement got too much for Remi as chucked his all over the floor / himself. After the barman had very kindly replaced it gratis we supped up and headed to the last alehouse before home: The Dog and Duck.

We walked in to be greeted by Tim the Postman stood at the end of the bar, always nice to go all the way down to London and bump into someone from your local. Moor Beer Company's Somerland Gold provided a fine end to the day, dispensed from a lovely wooden serving hatch, which was just one part of a beautifully preserved interior.

With time running out all that was left was for the customary dash for the final train whilst trying to carry a load of ale and a Maccy's. After a slightly slow start a cracking day was had by all, London really does have some great watering holes to offer. Next up, a Norwich / Nottingham double header.