PUB CRAWLS – Page 2

February 28, 2014 by: Sunny London

St Albans Market, Sun and Stinking Bishop Cheese

On Wednesday, Mr. Sunny and I ventured to the St Albans Market to enjoy sun and fun in this beautiful Hertfordshire town. To save money and to enjoy the pubs responsibly, we caught the 84 bus outside our flat and rode it to St Albans.

Aside from High Street shops and restaurants, like Sweaty Betty, Reiss and Bill’s, there’s the traditional St Albans Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is open from early morning until 4:30pm. It’s a great way to spend a sunny day!

With over 160 stalls, you can buy just about anything, including my favorite…. glorious, glorious, CHEESE!

In fact, Mr. Sunny introduced me to a new one that day. Have you ever had this?

I haven’t either. He purchased it, under the condition that he would keep it tightly wrapped on the bus ride home, so as not to bother or embarrass me. I still haven’t tried it. It’s quarantined in my in-laws refrigerator.

You can also purchase fish at the St Albans Market. Just as I snapped the above picture for you, the vendor asked the woman purchasing her fish if she wanted it “with the head on or off”. You would think this Florida girl could handle that. NOPE! I took off running! Luckily there was a luxurious spa just around the corner.

23 Market Pl, St Albans AL3 5DP

Once I had inhaled a proper dose of calming ingredients, I ventured back outside to meet Mr. Sunny. Since it was nearly 1pm, we decided to hit our first pub, The White Swan.

Don’t you just love their philosophy above the door? “Life is too important to be taken seriously.”

1 Upper Dagnall St, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 5EA

We ordered our standards, one beer and one red wine and enjoyed this traditional Irish pub.

Next, we ventured up the street and debated between these two pubs.

23 Market Pl, St Albans AL3 5DP

Since Mr Sunny is the beer connoisseur, he chose to strut his stuff in The Cock Inn, much to my chagrin.

I was pretty mortified about this experience, but I managed to cope by having another glass of red wine.

Next we spent a few minutes walking around the St Albans Cathedral, which had its beginnings around 1077. You can enter for free, but a small donation is suggested. They also offer guided tours.

Finally, we feasted at a highly recommended gastropub, the Peahen.

14 London Rd, St Albans, Herts AL1 1NG

We shared 3 starters.

Sticky Sausages (glazed in honey, mustard and rosemary, served with a mustard mayo dip), Homemade Scotch Egg with pork and herb brown sauce, Pate Kilner (chicken liver pate and clarified butter with tomato chutney and toast)

And, we enjoyed these entrees…

Salmon and Smoked Haddock Fishcake with parsley potatoes, wilted spinach and salsa verde

Sirloin Steak, 8oz sirloin steak with a grilled tomato, mushroom and fries

Mr. Sunny’s friend who lives in St. Albans also informed us that the Peahen does a fabulous brunch.

Visiting, the St. Albans Market is an excellent activity for a Sunny in London day. It started back in the 9^th century and according to their website, 60%of the traders have been there for 20 years or more.

Also, in St. Albans, you can visit Butterfly World, the Verulamium Museum, and the Roman Theatre. I’d love to hear about them if you go. And, if you’re a fan of Sinking Bishop cheese, I have some you can pick up… FOR FREE! HA!

If you’re looking for other fun pubs to visit, we highly recommend The Good Pub Guide 2015 , which my husband and his father purchase each year.
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January 30, 2014 by: Sunny London

The Woodman Pub- for those who have GAME

I have quite a treat today for my Sunny friends who are interested in rich English culture. It’s an adventure to the Woodman Pub, and unlike previous posts (the Nicholson’s and Covent Garden Pub Crawls), today we’re taking a rustic, hearty pub journey. So, roll up your sleeves and throw on your Wellington boots, mates!

After travelling down a tiny, windy road in Wild Hill, Hertfordshire you’ll reach the Woodman Freehouse. For my google map obsessed friends, it’s The Woodman Pub, Wild Hill Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 6EA

This pub, which has been an eight time winner of the South Hertfordshire “Pub of the Year”, is located on one of Henry XIII’s hunting lodges.

Currently, it belongs to Lady Salisbury, who fancies a bitter here on occasion. And if you’d like a glimpse in to the English hunting tradition, this is where you should be!

This round of drinks with my husband, his father and myself included a half dozen free range chicken eggs. The total was barely over £10. (~$15)

Let’s be clear- the eggs aren’t part of a “giveaway” for a round of adult beverages. My father-in-law said it was important to buy them because they were so fresh they had probably been laid that morning. My husband indicated they also had goose and duck eggs for purchase. Sometimes, the pub asks customers to bring the carton back if they find they’re running low in their carton supply, They can leave them in the entrance, and guess who’s on watching…

We ordered our lunches, which consisted of my fish finger sandwich, my husband’s toasted cheese/ ham/onion, and my father-in-law’s bacon roll. The bread was so pillowy fresh it dissolved in my mouth faster than cotton-candy.

Like any English pub, there was a dart board, and of course…. atleast one canine.

I thought my new doggie friend Cato was posing for my camera, but I learned later that he was most likely focused on the sandwich I had in my other hand.

Unlike the atmosphere of Central London, there were also a few equestrians and their horses that pranced past the pub.

The Woodman holds traditional hours, which means it closes at “half two” and reopens at 5:30pm. Let me tell you, at 1:40pm on a Monday afternoon, the place was packed with estate and farm workers, as well as gamekeepers, all fresh from the outdoors.

I hear that most local people venture there mainly for the bitter, but they also specialize in real ale. Usually, there’s 6-7 real ales from micro-breweries on draft, where most pubs feature four. Lagers aren’t very popular. One special on tap this particular day was “Henry Weston, Old Rose cider”, which clocks in at 7.3% alcohol. They change the sign each time they receive a delivery, and while we were there…

So, within minutes…

You guessed it- SIGN CHANGE!

It’s also known for rearing pheasants for pheasant hunts, which also are sold by the pub if they are left over.

If you can only make one trip to the Woodman Pub, perhaps you might want to consider going for one of the two beer festivals they have during summer months. During this time, it’s popular for people to camp in the fields behind the pub so they don’t have to travel in the evening and can return early the next morning.

Sunny friends, if you’re looking for a genuine sport bar with a real macho, outdoors feel, I can’t imagine there’s any place finer than the Woodman Pub.

To find other interesting pubs, my husband and his father highly recommend The Good Pub Guide. American readers can find it here.

January 26, 2014 by: Sunny London

Covent Garden PUB CRAWL and Street Performers

If you’re new to the pub culture in London, this Covent Garden Pub Crawl is a safe start. I’ve been to each of them several times. In fact, I can say the first one has held its popularity for a looooong time because it was just as busy when I went during my university years as an NBC News- London Bureau intern. (Way to make yourself sound young there, Sunny!)

PUNCH and JUDY– 40 The Market, Covent Garden Piazza

Although this Taylor Walker pub sits smack in the middle of one of London’s biggest tourist areas, Punch and Judy has a relatively mixed crowd of tourists and locals. The pub is said to have received its name in recognition of the puppet shows which featured short scenes between two characters.

Crowds gather in the piazza and the Apple Market to enjoy the ongoing street performers that make up the essence of this area.

At times, the balcony can be extremely packed.

This may be because it has such excellent views of the piazza.

Keep in mind, the balcony is closed week nights during the the winter months, so the ground floor and cellar bar are where you’ll find the energy.

On occasion, I’ve found it a bit difficult to get order drinks due to the crowds. But, I can say that every time I’ve been there, the crowd’s been attractive and upbeat.

Punch and Judy offers a traditional British pub menu.

THE MAPLE LEAF- 41 Maiden Lane

Since I lived in Buffalo, New York for 10 years, I have learned quite a bit about Canadian life, as it was just a short drive to Niagara Falls and Toronto. Therefore, grabbing a pint or two with my husband at The Maple Leaf had to be a part of our Covent Garden Pub Crawl.

It’s a fun sports bar that isn’t just for Canadian expats and visitors. The menu features nachos, wings, traditional pub favourites, fish and chips, steak, burgers, sandwiches and wonderful sides! Oh CANADA!

Buffalo friends, I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the wings if you make it to the Maple Leaf!

THE PORTERHOUSE BREWING COMPANY- 21-22 Maiden Lane

This pub is just down the street from the Maple Leaf and originated in Ireland and as you can tell by the title, also functions as a brewery.

According to the website, their main ingredient is malted barley from Athy. If you have a few minutes, I really suggest reviewing their menu which features: stouts, ales, lagers, specialty and seasonal beers.

For my New York City mates, you can enjoy their selections without travelling across the pond, because the Porterhouse also has a location in the Financial District. Stouts and ales are brewed in Ireland and shipped to the City. Other locations include Dublin, Wicklow and Cork.

I have eaten at Porterhouse many times. Their bangers and mash are some of my favourite in London.

So, Sunny friends, which pubs do you recommend? If you’re looking for more fabulous pubs to visit, we highly recommend The Good Pub Guide. American readers can find it here.

January 18, 2014 by: Sunny London

Nicholson’s Pub Crawl London: Exchanging a Shoe for a Kwak?

BEER. How many of you would give up a shoe for a great glass of beer? Last night I watched, completely mystified, as my husband proudly handed over his shoe to a bartender so he could gulp a Kwak. Yep. A Kwak. And it was all in the name of the first official Sunny in London pub crawl!

We purposely started my own Nicholson’s Pub Crawl London at The Porcupine because I frequented this pub often during the semester I interned at NBC News- London Bureau. It was just steps away from my flat and the bureau.

My husband ordered a San Miguel, and I enjoyed a small Rioja. Ok, I’ll confess right now that I don’t fancy beer. But, it’s hardly acceptable to live in London and not partake in the pub culture.

The pub is located just outside the Leicester Square tube station on Charing Cross Road and Great Newport Street at the edge of Chinatown.

We also ordered some nibbles, a Scotch egg and fried calamari. The menu at the pub is fairly standard: Fish and Chips, Burgers, Homemade Chicken Kiev, Shepherd’s Pie for Two, Steak and Kidney pie, etc.

The next stop on our Nicholson’s Pub Crawl London involved a quick trip through Chinatown to De Hems Dutch Café Bar on Macclesfield Street.

This delicious spot is a favourite of my husband and his mates. It dates back to the 17^th century, and according to its website, it takes its name from a Dutch seaman who bought the pub in 1890.

De Hems features an intense specialty Belgium and Continental beer menu. Pay attention to the picture below. It doesn’t list prices- it’s alcohol percent level…

I stuck with my Rioja, and my husband decided to give a “kwak” at something different. He asked the bartender if it still held true that you had to surrender a shoe for the special brew. Once it was confirmed, he handed over both his right Merrell and his money in exchange for this stunning replacement slipper and his drink.

It is served in a wooden glass holder specifically designed with a rounded bottom, which enhances the flavour of the beer. The shoe serves as collateral for the pub to guarantee that customers won’t run off with, or as the British say “nick”, the glass and holder.

De Hems not only features the standard British Nicholson’s menu but also features Dutch food, heavily influenced by Indonesian cuisine due to the Dutch colonization of Indonesia. Such food items include chicken sate and spring rolls.

Once my husband finished his Kwak, he made the shoe/holder exchange and we were off to our third Nicholson’s pub, Marquis of Granby on Rathbone Street. I continued my evening’s date with Rioja, and Mr. Sunny switched back to San Miguel.

The Marquis of Granby was a popular hangout for the NBC crew members and local postal workers because it’s located near the old bureau and a local postal sorting location.

I thoroughly enjoyed my mini Nicholson’s Pub Crawl London. If you visit their website, they offer “Ale Trails” in Soho and Oxford Street, Theatreland, Piccadilly to Westminster, Historic to Blackfriars, The Financial District, and London Bridge to Tower Bridge. You also can get a free Ale Trail T-shirt by using their collector’s leaflet and getting six different stamps from six different pubs. If you visit the site, you can also download their Autumn Ales Tasting Guide.

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the Shoe-Kwak exchange and what ideas/suggestions you have for future Sunny in London pub crawls!

For more on amazing pubs in London, we highly recommend this book that we purchase each year…
The Good Pub Guide 2016

December 19, 2013 by: Sunny London

GUEST POST: London Winter Pub Guide!

London has some of the best pubs in the world, perfect for enjoying a pint and keeping warm this Christmas. Why not spend a Sunday relaxing with friends, over a glass of mulled wine and a roast lunch; or just venture down and stretch out in front of the fire with the day’s papers?

Craft Beer Company, Clerkenwell

This amazing specialist boutique pub serves a range of real ales and specialist lagers, spread over two floors. Ornate mirrors decorate the walls, with stained glass windows and a sparkling central chandelier providing a really intimate, Christmassy feel.

While the food is basic, you can find delightful British snacks like pork pies and scotch eggs. The beers are undoubtedly the main attraction, providing one of the largest selections in London.

A total of 37 beers, with 16 sourced solely from domestic artisan ale makers, provide the freshest and tastiest brews in London.

The Craft Beer Co: 82 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TR

Auld Shillelagh, Stamford Hill

For jolly old evenings with Irish music, played by a boozy orchestra of banjos, flutes and piccolos, Auld Shillelagh is a real joy, particularly after a few glasses of red wine.

You can soak up the joyful, unaffected atmosphere with friends, enjoying the company of gregarious bar staff who do their best to make your evening a pleasure.

For the best evening, catch a pub quiz over a few Guinesses; their menu is unfussy and simplistic, which is often the best way.

Auld Shillelagh: 105 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0UD

Southampton Arms, Highgate Road

A sign outside reads ‘Ales, cider, meat’ and it couldn’t be any simpler at the Southampton Arms. You can buy a roast pork bap with crackling and apple sauce for £3.90, served with a pint of cloudy cider. There’s a thick coal fire, old white tiled walls and period decor, giving this boozer a real wartime feel.

Venture outside for a cigar on their intimate brick floor garden, with your jacket on of course; this boozer is unfussy and full of character, just as English pubs should be.

Southampton Arms: 139 Highgate Rd, London NW5 1LE

The Zeitgeist, Lambeth

Many Brits will be hard-pushed to admit it, but the Germans really do make the best beers, so it’s only fair that you stop by at their best boozer for a ‘wunder-bar’ time. This pub is so authentic it could have been dropped here from Berlin, with highly-efficient Deutsche staff, steely German football and strong, heavyweight beers aplenty.

Their selection of 16 draught and 32 bottled German beers is extensive, with some only requiring a half pint, full of Deutsche punch and flavour. The kitchen also serves the German classics like schnitzel and currywurst, which are both delicious.

The Zeitgeist: 49-51 Black Prince Rd, London SE11 6AB

Princess Louise, Holborn

The Princess Louise of Holborn is a great little boozer, a maze of nooks and crannies, etched glass, old wooden bar stools and eighteenth century lamps. You can sit in a cosy corner and no-one would know you were there; it’s a real warren of warmth and joy, particularly after a couple of lagers.

Being a Sam Smith’s pub, the beers are really cheap too, so you can enjoy an afternoon here without it costing the earth; it’s rather like going back in time!

Wherever you go in London this Christmas, you will be sure to find some really good pubs – seek out some of these gems or spend an afternoon in one particular area, like Clerkenwell, Richmond or Fulham; you’ll never get bored, or cold!

Princess Louise: 208 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EP

‘London winter pub guide’ is written by Chris Jerome at Refresh Accommodation. If you are hoping to stay in London this Christmas, why not have a look at their range of fully-serviced apartments?

Thank you for reading, Sunny friends. Best wishes for the remainder of 2013, where ever you chose to spend it!