DECOR *** (eccentric mess) DRINK **** (lager, ale, something for everyone) PRICE ** (not a place for the cash-strapped) ATMOSPHERE **** (fun and fancy free) STAFF ***** (exceptionally helpful and friendly)

RUMOUR has it the citizens of Dartford were so incensed by my review of The Court House, they are forming a small lynch mob and there’s a noose with my name on it.

After receiving more hate mail than Simon Cowell, Heather Mills and Hitler combined, I decided I should lay low in leafy Forest Hill.

The area is apparently the next best thing since neighbouring East Dulwich exploded into the trendy haunt of yummy mummies and City traders looking to rub their public-funded bonuses in the faces of the poor in nearby Peckham and Camberwell.

But while this up-and-coming suburb has its fair share of flash yuppies it still retains a hint of arty cool about it — an element which is reflected in the eccentric but charming mess which is The Hob.

Inside, young, tattooed students in skinny jeans rub shoulders with suited professionals, posing with their laptops and taking advantage of the pub’s free wi-fi.

With its slightly gothic black and white wallpaper, kitsch neon coloured light shades and a Grim Reaper waving an England flag over the bar, the decor was like a surreal Tim Burton movie.

However, the welcoming, but slightly unhinged, barman did a good enough impression of Edward Scissorhands to convince me I had indeed fallen down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.

What Alice never told you was the Mad Hatter’s tea party doesn’t come cheap.

A pint of Kronenbourg is an over-priced £3.60, while its guest ales (Spitfire and Tribute) are only marginally more reasonable at £3.25 a pint.

But if you’re worried about spending your hard earned wonga on a drink which might leave you wretching, staff will pour you a taster first — how is that for good service?

Located on the corner of a busy main road, the tables by the window are a perfect place to sup your favourite tipple while judging passers-by.

Just watch out for the prickly cacti which are placed randomly on tables around the pub, waiting menacingly for a careless drunk to fall on.

With live comedy at the weekend, a quiz night, poker and a film club, The Hob is more a venue than a sleepy local pub.

Perhaps the most anticipated event coming up is the Edinburgh previews.

It is mainly a chance for stand-ups to try out new material before taking their final, polished shows to the Scottish capital’s world famous Fringe festival next month.

With top acts including Phil Nichol, Andrew Lawrence and Loretta Maine, The Hob will no doubt be shaking with belly laughs this summer.

Perhaps some of my angry readers would like to make the trip here and experience the healing power of laughter? Just a thought.

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