Morpeth Arms, Pimlico, SW1

How to ruin a perfectly good pub in three easy lessons or one hard one! At least the beers are OK but, with completely disinterested staff and over-expensive food, it simply means I'll have to go further afield when visiting the Tate from now on.

Pleasant wedge-shaped pub on the north bank of the Thames, facing MI6 over the water. Apparently built in 1845 to serve the wardens of Millbank Prison, where prisoners were held before being transported to the Colonies. The inside has clearly been made over recently – so I can only comment on what I encountered on my visit last week. The interior is open and airy, with a half-hexagonal bar, the top of which is illuminated by lampshades that look like they were liberated from Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen’s garage. Furnishing has a few too many tall tables and high stools for my liking. Apparently there’s a lounge upstairs called The Spying Room though I didn’t notice a way to get to it. Five ales were on – Youngs Ordinary, Special, Kew Gold, Bombardier and a welcome sighting of Rudgate Ruby Mild. The beer quality was good and the prices average for the area. It was quiet inside, though we were there on a Saturday afternoon when most of the nearby trade has retreated back up the Metropolitan line for the weekend. Food was advertised – quite expensive and I baulked at the prices. One of my companions decided to order fresh crackling though, and was pleased with it. All in all, not a bad stop if you happen to be nearby.

Randomness Guide to London - Morpeth Arms entry

Randomness Guide to London - Morpeth Arms entry