March 14, 2004 [ Updated June 22, 2005 ]
Nearly always crowded (been there only 3 times, but I understand it is). Not very charming, but the beer selection is very good, many fine bottled beers too, which is not common in a British pub. Bottled Belgians served ice cold is not comme-il-faut, though. Food was tasty but quite simple, and a bit pricey for a pub. The duck is recommended.

February 18, 2004
Big pub with a nice selection of beer but unfortunatley the staff is not very good. Asking for special bottled beers they didn't even know what I was talking about and they served beer serveral times in the wrong glasses. The Restrooms for women was kind of offending. Otherwise nice and the beers are worth the journey.

January 21, 2004
Hardly different from a Wetherspoon's pub, except the food is better and everything is more expensive. The beer is served too cold, and the bottle list is very dull and pricey for what it is. Famous for dry hopping the Bass, but there are plenty of much better pubs around. Any Wetherspoon's would give a better beer selection for far less money.

January 20, 2004
I was referred to this place by a staffer at Michael Jackson's office and wouldn't you know Garrett Oliver was there. They sold me some A. Le Coq as well as some JW Lees Harvest Ale. Great selection and right off of the Underground.

January 20, 2004
Busy but airy pub in a posh neighbourhood across from a pretty green. Most of the "punters" are drinking boring beers, but the selection overall is decent. I would think that for Londoners the global beer list is more interesting than for visitors, as many of the brands are quite common in the US. Food is decent, though pricey, service no worry on my visits.

January 20, 2004
Crowded pub with a beautiful terrace. Decent selection of beers, but the rare beers make it special. Beers are in excellent condition, but there is a lack in proper glassware. The staff is friendly, but very busy, so good service can be a problem. All n all a great place to spend some time in London.

January 20, 2004 [ Updated January 21, 2004 ]
Legendary London place for beer. Off the beaten path, famous for pioneering great beer when it wasn't fashionable. This place is now very fashionable, packed in the summer with yuppies spilling on the patio. Beer always kept in excellent condition. Trappists always kept in stock, six regular taps are interesting but not mind-blowing, other import selections can be rewarding. I remember now, on a visit with SilkTork, agreeing that the beer was way too cold. Noise and smoke detract--as typical in the UK. Food is very upscale for a pub, somewhat expensive. Perhaps "essential" to some people--and maybe more true 10 years ago--but if you're a tourist short on time, it doesn't necessarily outshine the beer hunting that can be found closer to central London.