The Gregorian, Bermondsey, SE16

The latest addition to the Antic brand sees The Gregorian (an original pub) converted to the sort of pub for which Antic is notorious. Another view is that they've injected some life into this one. Anyway, all floor coverings have been removed, revealing the original bare boards that have clearly seen much wear over the years - particularly the back room with herringbone parquet that has suffered considerable mistreatment over time. There are four distinct rooms. The room as you enter has the bar counter and little else in the way of furnishings; there are separate rooms to the right and left; and to the back is the large room with parquet flooring. There's a fairly large seating area at the front, which is set back a fair way from the main road. As usual Antic have gone for the cheap look - actually not just a cheap look - it really is cheap, with mainly formica topped tables and cheap looking chairs. There's the usual array of odd decor, including framed display cases containing butterflies, various bookshelves, a stuffed bird (albatross?) about to take flight, and some mounted skulls of some small antelope like creatures. Typically bizarre. I didn't see a menu, but the ale selection was "OK", with Adnam's Fat Sprat, Tribute, Caledonian Lipsmacker Lemon Ale, and Butcombe Bitter (£1.70 a half) on. There were at least a couple of handpumps not in use. The ale prices are always competetive in Antic pubs - the £1.70 for a half of Butcombe Bitter in here compares very favourably with the £2.40 I paid for a half of Landlord earlier in the day. And I have hopes that the ale selection might improve. This is another worthy, and interesting, addition to the Antic stable.