Well, it’s been a while. After months of laying off the booze and being no happier for it, I’ve reunited with my one true love – the great British pub.
And I couldn’t have picked a better setting to rekindle my love affair; at the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, on the River Thames, at sunset.
Mind you, it was a bit harder to enjoy the setting as I wrestled to lift my pint glass off the sticky table, but I digress.
I ended up switching tables halfway through my visit because a group of tipsy customers were having far too much fun on the table next to me. I always say: The best way to enjoy a pint is alone, preferably in a quiet corner.
If you were wondering, my pint glass stuck to the second table too - consistency is key.
The staff didn't grumble when I got up to move and they were perfectly friendly. Largely they left me alone to enjoy my pint in peace, which is exactly how I like it.
All in all, there’s no arguing with the beautiful décor. It’s been jazzed up a bit in a recent makeover but keeps its original features and paintings.
The light pink painted walls brightened the place up a bit and the loos are pretty swanky, which I didn’t expect.
I was impressed by the draught selection too – not necessarily enormous but a bit different to what you’d normally expect.
I was tempted by the Pilsner on offer, as well as an IPA I had never heard of (and couldn’t pronounce) but in the end I went for a good old Staropramen.
At just under a fiver, I dealt with the price. Not exceptionally cheap, but with a view like the one I had, I couldn’t complain.
Having said that, they were also expecting customers to shell out £6.50 for a pint of Rekorderlig, which is daylight robbery – or sunset robbery, as the case may have been.
I realised after a short while why the rowdy group of people enjoying themselves had felt so intrusive – at 7 o’clock in the evening, there was no music. None. Just me alone with my thoughts.
I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about that.
After ordering a burger to soak up the Czech lager (trying to drink responsibly these days) I waited for some time to be a bit disappointed. But it did the job.
Would I go back to the Tavern? Probably. It’s hard to say no to that location, but I think next time I’ll sit outside and opt for a kebab on the way home.
Décor: ***
They’ve done it up nicely
Drink: *****
You cannot go wrong with a Czech beer
Price: ***
For heaven’s sake, don’t be the person that pays £6.50 for a Rekorderlig
Atmosphere:
***
I fail to understand why they couldn't stick on a Phil Collins LP at the very least
Staff:
****
Quiet but friendly
Food:
**
Burger was a bit tough. That's all I'll say.
Overall:
***
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