The 30th Annual Doss AC and Herne Hill Harriers Christmas Pub Crawl in association with Manchester Alehouse will take place on 21 December 2009 in the Notting Hill/Paddington area.
The itinerary, chosen after careful consideration of candidate venues's amber nectar and ambiance, in consultation with Herne Hill's and sport of athletics's finest connoiseurs, is below. Click on the links relating to each pub for further information about it via the websites www.fancyapint.com, www.beerintheevening.com and www.pubs.com.
Click here to download the all important map of the route.
This is an event that has taken place annually in different parts of London for very nearly 3 decades and always attracts a very sociable group of runners and friends. Last year's edition in the London Bridge area was graced by a truly excellent attendance. With another new and interesting location for 2009 a repeat of this sort of turnout of Xmas revellers is expected, so don't miss it - please free up this date in your calendar if you have not already done so.....
Remember:
“Work is the scourge of the drinking classes."
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
1. 5.30 - 7.00 C*ck & Bottle, 17 Needham Road, W11 2RP
Harvey's Sussex Best, Hogsback TEA, Fuller's London Pride.
This is a hidden gem - to the extent that you won't find Needham Road on the London A-Z! The pub is on the corner of Artesian Road and Needham Road, almost opposite Moorhouse Road. The nearest tubes are Westbourne Park (640m), Notting Hill Gate (690m), Bayswater (720m) or Royal Oak (750m), ie not near any of them!
No food available. No cards accepted. This is a locals' pub with a welcoming reputation. There is a large fireplace and dated decor. The large, modern, television screen above the door looks a bit out of place.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/25/25227/Cock_and_Bottle/Notting_Hill
2. 7.10 - 8.00 King's Head, 33 Moscow Road, W2 4AH
St Austell's Tribute, Fuller's London Pride, Adnams Broadside, Newman's Brewery Wolvers Ale and Wychwood Brewery Dog's B*llocks!
Don't get sidetracked by the gaming tables near the front door. Burger meals range from £6.99 to £8.55. Fish and Chips is £6.95. This is a warm and comfortable pub already decked out in Christmas decorations in mid-November. Check out the TV screen surrounded by a picture frame.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/40/4018/Kings_Head/Bayswater
3. 8.10 - 9.00 Leinster Arms, Leinster Terrace, W2 3EU
Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Fuller's London Pride, Greene King IPA, plus a guest.
There is a single drinking area on three sides of the bar. Should just about be big enough. Traditional Pie and Ale House. Pies range from £5.95 to £7.95. The food is microwaved in full view of the bar. There is nothing pretentious about this pub.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/15/15246/Leinster_Arms/Bayswater
4. 9.10 - 10.00 Mitre, 24 Craven Terrace, W2 3QH
Young's Bitter, Charles Wells Bombardier, Titanic Iceberg.
A traditional, wedge-shaped, Youngs pub, with wood panelling and central bar. Food is more expensive here, eg Venison Meat Balls £8.95, Venison Burger £9.25, Fish and Chips £9.95 and Rump Steak £14.25. Check out the olde worlde dining area on the way to the toilets.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/23/2395/Mitre/Paddington
5. 10.00 - close Sussex Arms, 21 London Street, W2 1HL
Greene King IPA (£3.10), Charles Wells Bombardier and Fuller's London Pride.
Three TV screens were showing ESPN football on the recce. Seats for over 50 people on mainly four person tables. Wooden decor. Check out the old sporting photos on the walls. Close to Paddington BR and Underground stations to hopefully help sort the homeward journey. Like you will be caring too much by then...
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/36/3628/Sussex_Arms/Paddington
