The Anglesea Arms

This one isn't in our neighbourhood, but is a favourite. It's a Free House in the depths of South Kensington.
Whilst the Anglesea Arms may have the occasional antipodean barman, it is a bit of a trek from the traditional antipodean watering holes.  Originally selected by a homesick Neil in the late 80's because the name reminded him of a favourite beach in Victoria, it has had a long association with Neil and his London mates and many a plot has been hatched within its walls.  He is happy to report that since he first laid eyes on the the place, nothing has changed for better or for worse other than the fact that the pub now sells Fosters on tap.  Draw your our conclusion about that.

We usually try to arrive before 5:30 and get a table as it rapidly fills up with suits just finished work, so there's no room to swing a dog.  There are conveniently sized trestle tables inside and outside and the odd upholstered chair and church pew thrown in.  It's not child friendly and dogs would be lost underfoot or amongst the furniture. The patrons often spill out onto the sidewalk especially in summer and if it's not raining. The waist high perimeter wall provides a convenient place for resting beverages or bums.  It's a great place to meet up with friends and/or cousins and has a very cosy atmosphere.

There didn't seem to be any Aussie wines on the wine list; mainly European and the occasional NZ and Chilean.  Larger -Ciders - non-bitters are Foster, Simons, Strongbow, Amstel, 1664 and Guiness. The bitters are Dragonsfire, Horizons, Flashflood, Southwold Bitter and Shineon.  We have eaten here in the past and while the food is very good it's not the cheapest.  We recommend just drinking here and then going around to the Bosphorus Kebabs on Old Brompton Rd (cheap and very good).

The Marlow Donkey

This pub is about a 2 mile scenic walk from our house, walking along the river. It's a very short train ride home if you don't want to stumble into the river on the way back. If you time it right the train ride is free (but not officially - and we do not condone that sort of behaviour).

The pub offers a 2 for 10 quid meal deal which we always do although the other menu is fairly reasonable and has a large choice of standard pub fare. There are also daily chefs specials. I had Roast Beef Yorkshire pudding wrap (with chips and peas and gravy... mmm gravy) and Neil had spinach and ricotta canelloni which came with salad and garlic bread.

Lots of beers available. Lagers: Stella, Becks, Fosters, San Miguel and Peroni.  Bitters: Old Speckled Hen, Aspinall Cider, Abbot Ale, Belhaven Bitter and Guinness. The wine list is varied: choices from Oz, NZ, Chile, Spain and France.

A kid friendly area is available. It's also dog friendly. They have a real log fire and an outside beer garden. Occasional live music including a blues band and Robbie Williams and George Michael impersonators....!

It's a well kept up Victorian era building with a publike ambience. The service was a little slow but generally friendly.  They have an Autumn drinks menu which includes a number of rums but sadly for Neil, no Bundaberg.  There is a convenient rum compass on the drinks list to choose your tipple: spiced vs delicate  and light vs rich.  Mt Gay is close to the centre which according to Neil, defines its mediocrity. No comment on those who drink it.  Thursday night is curry night - curry and a drink for 8.55 pounds and is also quiz night.  There is no wifi so no cheating.

Overall we like the walk to this pub because it's pretty and you feel like you've earned a drink when you get there.  Plus it's so easy to find the train home because it's right next door to the Pub.  Has to be well timed though because the train, a two carriage railcar on a single track, only goes hourly; a bonus if you just miss it.

Some photos from the trail to the Marlow Donkey.