With the Rugby World Cup imminent, I decided to head to the home of rugby.
Not Twickenham - that Johnny-come-lately – but where the first England v Wales international was held, Blackheath.
So as the two nations prepare to do battle again, I visited the historic changing room from that match 130-odd years ago for a pint and a bite to eat.
Happily, it’s not sterile room with coat hooks all around and an ice bath in the corner – and there were no century-old sweaty shirts stuffed under a bench - but a recently rejuvenated and rather grand pub.
These days, as it would have been then, The Princess of Wales is delightfully positioned for a visit either before or after an afternoon on the heath.
It has a large bar area, plus seating in booths on one side, restaurant-style seating the other side, a conservatory and a pleasant garden. Even on a busy day (such as the Sunday lunchtime I visited), you should be able to find somewhere nice to sit.
Being lunchtime, I was obviously in the mood for food. The menu was pretty sizeable and virtually everything on it exciting. Opting for the half roast chicken, I can’t say I was disappointed, but neither was it mind-blowing.
Arguably the meat was a little dry and the potatoes a touch soft. And it was a decent price at £12.95 too.
When it came to drinks, things were much better. On tap was an impressive selection of beers including Meantime and Camden Hells.
The Princess of Wales, Montpelier Row, Blackheath
How it rated:
Decor ***** Attractive but not fussy
Atmosphere *** Friendly
Food *** Good but not great
Drink **** Lovely range
Price *** Around £4-5 a pint is OK given its location
Staff *** Attentive enough
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