Bob Steel sets the route
I've certainly got my money's worth from Edition 1 of CAMRA London Pub Walks. The first walk I used for reference was way back in June 2006. 18 years later and I've got 6 of Bob's routes to complete. Before I start on the book's 2nd Edition.
City of London this time - so not much walking at all and a chance to see if the bankers really are keeping to a TWAT working week. It appears so - Monday and the streets are deserted. Whereas I would have expected pavements thronged and hushed deals over copper topped tables in a quiet corner, I have most pubs more or less to myself.
The Bell in Bush Street, a case in point.
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| A leaning ledge with no-one in a suit leaning |
Not actually in Bob's guide, but I am always looking to maximise an evening. A couple of Good Beer Guide Ticks before I get in the route properly.
A former Courage pub with a fine bar back, things got off to a great start. A decision to be made between TT Landlord (ubiquitous), Doom Bar (formerly ubiquitous) and the winner - Harvey's Sussex Best. Like choosing between your two favourite children and the one that followed 9 months later, after a quiet night on TV.
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| Euro fever at the Bell |
Whilst in the Canon Street area, I included the tricky to tick Pelt Trader. Only open on a weekday, when I am usually in the smoke on a Saturday. A modern craft bar, with all the trappings you would expect. Not what I would go for in the area - where I demand history and tradition - but a fine choice of craft and yet another go at trying to understand the Kernel hype. I've enjoyed their cask bitter but the IPAs don't seem wildly different to any other.
I do learn that Big D Dry roasted are B-Tec nuts.
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| Modern Craft in the City |
Bob now takes charge - leading me to the only dead pub since publication. The horror - The Red Lion in Lombard Court is now an exercise bike gym.
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| Never catch on. Hopefully. |
They come thick and fast in this part of the world and somehow, Ship's Tavern Passageway has a pub called The Swan. A small but perfectly formed Fullers house. I hatch a cunning plan to avoid bankruptcy by moving to halves.
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| A Small ESB Please |
The Counting House is another Fullers. A former Nat West Bank, with an opulent domed ceiling reminding me of its brother in Birmingham. I could be in the Old Joint Stock.
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| Look Up.... |
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| ...or down. |
That's it for Fullers houses and I have two weeks to find another. France's win getting me a free pint of Asahi in the in-pub promotion. Would have been two if Belgium could have stayed onside.
Onto Shepherd's Neame next, so one for the wine drinkers. Jamaica Wine House has a history going back to 1652 as London's first coffee shops. Loads of info on-line, but I will give you my individual take.
They had run out of pies.
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| Unusual Sandstone |
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| What a near 400 year old doorstep looks like |
But you can always rely on Tim to save your tea. The Crosse Keys the perfect dining place for the solo traveller on a budget. The Spoon's app allowing you to protect your table at all times.
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| And into the sunset,after a fine evening of ticking |
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